- Archived -

Millers Falls 226 drill press (11-008-003) - $475 SOLD

This is an outstanding example of a hand-cranked drill press. Millers Falls made some of the highest quality tools, and this drill is no exception. Featuring an automatic advance and two speeds, this one has seen little use. There is some rust staining on the column and handle, and a few spots on the main casting, but overall, this machine is in excellent condition.

Features include:

• 5" throat (from the center of the chuck to the column).
• 8" maximum opening (from the bottom of the chuck to the top of the drill press table).
• 37" overall height.
• Weighs about 40 pounds.
• Clamps to any board or bench that is less than 2 3/4" thick. There are also holes for two screws or bolts if additional rigididy is desired.
• Two speeds - low (1:1 ratio) and high (3:1 ratio).
• 0 - 1/2" chuck capacity. There is some runout (about 0.018" at the chuck). In practice, this hasn't presented a real problem in use, but do understand that this was never meant to be a highly precise machine.
• Approximately 90-95% of the original finish paint or japanning remains. It has not been touched up or refinished - just cleaned and waxed.

In use, the speed is easily changed by rotating the knurled sleeve. The bit is advanced automatically by a ratchet and pawl system (the ratchet looks like it was machined a little out of round, making it a little fussy in spots), or manually by turning the handwheel on top The quill or shaft runs in holes that are machined in the cast iron casting. There is very little play between the holes and shaft. With proper care and regular oiling, this drill press can provide many more years of useful service.

This would be a great addition to any hand tool workshop or Millers Falls collection. These drill presses are a little hard to find, and they simply don't show up in this condition very often. If you'd like to read more about this drill press, I have a little write-up that covers its disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. I think you'll appreciate the engineering and ingenuity that went into this tool.

Because of the size and fragility of this tool, it will be partially disassembled prior to packing. Rest assured that great care will be taken in packing to ensure that it arrives safely.