I’m trying to find out if William Ridgway and Sons Ltd. of Sheffield, England is still in business – they make (or made) the best shell augers for my intended purpose (musical instrument making). Failing the above, I’m looking for a source of shell augers in large diameters (up to 1.5″) and LONG lengths (up to 36″). Any suggestions? Thanks.
Kevin
Replies
Kevin,
Ridgeway no longer exists but their products were absorbed by Record and I don't believe the shell augers you're looking for are made anymore. You might be able to locate some through antique tool dealers but they're unusual, collectable and expensive. All I can come up with is Fred Emhof who makes spoon bits and similar products. Michael Dunbar recommends Emhof bits for chair making. You can check with Emhof and see what it'll take to make what you need.
Fred Emhof, R.D. #1 Box 124, Burlington Flats, NY 13315 (607)965-8420
I've been researching deep hole drilling and have found a number of instrument makers have been using gun drills from the metal working industry. They use a slightly modified tip and it's supposed to work quite well. My file info is at work so I can't give you more specifics but my application is too drill 7' foot holes for metal rods in timbers but my contact has folks using gun drills for making flutes and bagpipes.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled