The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Timber Framing/Log construction => Topic started by: JanPaul on March 09, 2009, 09:08:21 PM

Title: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: JanPaul on March 09, 2009, 09:08:21 PM
Just joined this forum and, first off, want to thank everyone for the goldmine of timberframing information posted over the years. Plenty of reading to catch up on!

Does anyone have a line on where I can find boring machine bits? Picked up a James Swan boring machine in a flea market recently up here in Ontario. The machine is in great shape, but I'm looking for a 2" and a 1 1/2 bit for it. Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Dave Shepard on March 09, 2009, 09:31:29 PM
Member Jim_Rogers has many boring machine bits for sale. I've gotten several from him, and they are all good working bits. He also has chisels, slicks, and other timber framing tools for sale.


Welcome to the Forum.
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: JanPaul on March 09, 2009, 09:41:36 PM
That's great, Dave. I'll follow up with Jim Rogers.
This forum is remarkable  --  I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Thanks,

Jan
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Piston on March 10, 2009, 02:00:08 AM
here is his link in case your looking.....
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,3531.0.html
many of us on here have bought tools from Jim and i have only heard great things.....i had him and his partner restore a couple old chisels my elderly neighbor gave me....they came out amazing! 
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Jim_Rogers on March 10, 2009, 08:47:52 AM
Jan-Paul:
I sent you an email to begin discussing your purchase.

Piston:
Thanks for the link.

To everyone, thanks your kind comments about our tools.....
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: jander3 on March 10, 2009, 10:20:07 AM
I purchased a boring machine and bits from Jim and his partner.  I was very pleased with the quality of the machine.  
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: moonhill on March 11, 2009, 07:04:52 AM
Same here.    A Boss, it is now one of my top two machines.  And for the 1-1/2" bits try a new one in most wood working tool supply outfits.   The only problem is adapting it to the 1/2" chuck.  Be creative.  The nice thing with the old ones is the slip right in and around it goes.  The newer ones do cut a cleaner hole, they have a different cutters.  I have not seen any new 2'" bits, it is a shame.

Tim
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Jim_Rogers on March 11, 2009, 11:36:52 AM
I have a new 1 1/2" bit and extension for sale, it is listed on the for sale list and there should be pictures of it in the gallery.

I went to the place that sells these bits and took a boring machine (a Millers Falls machine) to test the bit and extension to see if it would "chuck up" and spin true and it did.

Here are some pictures of this:

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/DSCF3647.JPG)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/DSCF3648.JPG)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/DSCF3649.JPG)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/DSCF3650.JPG)

Now, I can't promise you that these will work in every boring machine, but they worked just great in this machine.

The triple spur bit cut the dry white pine timber like it was butter, no effort to bore the holes at all.

My partner, Tom, tried it in some hardwood and say it cut ok, but not great.

I have this set for sale, and I can get others if anyone is interested.

Jim Rogers
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: moonhill on March 11, 2009, 06:39:12 PM
Jim,  how long is that bit, the auger part?   And what do the cutters look like?

Tim
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Jim_Rogers on March 11, 2009, 10:40:54 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/DSCF3744.JPG)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/DSCF3743.JPG)

I'll have to measure it to be sure....

Jim Rogers
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Raphael on March 12, 2009, 12:48:14 AM
I can see why it's less than ideal for hardwoods.
Do they manufacture it in 2"?
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: moonhill on March 12, 2009, 06:40:44 AM
Looks like a rugged bit.  I am wondering how easily it sharpens.  2"?

Tim
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: Jim_Rogers on March 12, 2009, 08:29:06 AM
 >:( Sorry 2" is not available....

I asked him about sharpening, and of course he being a salesman, said that after you've bored a thousand holes or so, you would just buy another bit......

Jim Rogers
Title: Re: Bits for a James Swan boring machine
Post by: moonhill on March 12, 2009, 01:01:53 PM
Jim I don't use these much but this is the result of the last post,  :o :D :D :D.  I really laughed, a good chuckle.

Tim