Braces and bits

[Branson]

This one is Fray brace with Spofford's pat of Mar 23,1880. He is 6 inch throw also.
 Enjoy the pewter rings ?

Yes I enjoy the pewter rings!  I'm wondering, though, what the patent covers.  The split chuck dates back to the late 1850's.  I think '59, but it's been ten years since I had to document the thing.  We have one in the artificers' stores and tools for the Civil War.  All metal, like the one I found a couple of weeks ago.

[jimwrench]

 This particular patent of Spoffords had to do with casting end with slot included so that welding one arm on or milling slot was not required. His claim was that increased strength was result.

[scottg]

A 6" Spofford, cool!
 I have a nice 14" and have been looking for a 16" Spofford forever.

 The pewter rings are a little tricky to do on a brace.
 Well not tricky to pour at all really, just that finishing them is harder because you can't turn them on a lathe afterward.
Handles like chisels and screwdrivers that you can remount in the lathe, are easier to clean up.
 
   In case you ever need to make a whole new center brace handle, or just re-pour some Spofford rings (often missing)
  the story of how-to-do-it is here.
 
  http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/Brace11.htm

  I had to figure all this out, nobody anywhere was offering any advise at the time. 
 In fact, its still the only way I know how to do it. If you have made some and found an easier way, please tell!!

 Here was my project but go back to the link and read the whole story.
 
 
     
   yours Scott

[Branson]

I don't suppose you need to be told that is one gorgeous brace, but it's really wonderful!

[scottg]

Thanks for the kind words Branson!!
  Its also the toolbox handle for the box I haven't built yet.
The head snaps off and a peg installs in the chuck, to connect to brass brackets. 
   
  Its about a 1/2 size brace (4.5" throw), meant to go on my 1/2 size Studley........................... someday.
yours Scott

[Branson]

Thanks for the kind words Branson!!
  Its also the toolbox handle for the box I haven't built yet.
The head snaps off and a peg installs in the chuck, to connect to brass brackets. 
   
  Its about a 1/2 size brace (4.5" throw), meant to go on my 1/2 size Studley........................... someday.
yours Scott

All I can say is, "Wow!"