Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: coolford on March 31, 2018, 08:06:41 AM

Title: Sorby auger bits, what are they for?
Post by: coolford on March 31, 2018, 08:06:41 AM
These auger bits average 30 inches long with the cutter on the bottom which is flat except for the cutter.  There are 8 sizes, all Sorby except one which has a round shaft while the others are square.  The handle fits the tang and is made of oak with a heavy brass section around the middle.
Title: Re: Sorby auger bits, what are they for?
Post by: gibsontool on March 31, 2018, 10:30:41 AM
I have heard them refered to as doweling bits. I have a few kicking around some where but I don't recall ever trying one
Title: Re: Sorby auger bits, what are they for?
Post by: Lewill2 on March 31, 2018, 01:07:54 PM
Also called spoon bits from the shape.
Title: Re: Sorby auger bits, what are they for?
Post by: wvtools on March 31, 2018, 02:53:33 PM
Is there a cutting lip on the bottom?  I cannot tell from the photo.  They look like nose bits or nose augers to me, which have a cutting lip on the bottom.  They are used to cut very straight holes across grain.  They are typically used by shipwrights, carbuilders (rr), chairmakers, barn buildings, wherever you need a really straight hole across the grain.  Based on the single handle and the very long shanks, I would set that is a shipwright's auger set.  They are also called pod augers.  Anything like that is a variety of a shell auger, as are spoon bits.
Title: Re: Sorby auger bits, what are they for?
Post by: coolford on March 31, 2018, 03:28:00 PM
Yes, the cutting lip is on the bottom and the sides are not sharp.
Title: Re: Sorby auger bits, what are they for?
Post by: wvtools on March 31, 2018, 10:31:11 PM
The side that trails the nose should be sharp.  They are usually beveled on the inside of the shell.  I misspoke about the pod augers.  Those usually are auger sized and look like short, fat spoon bits.