Millers Falls "eggbeater" hand drills were highly regarded for their durability, excellent design and fine workmanship.
It was the No.2 model that secured the reputation of Millers Falls as the manufacturer of superbly designed and engineered hand drills produced in conformance with high quality standards. Many woodworking hand tool scholars -- and long time users -- maintain this hand drill is the finest ever designed and produced.
EARLY 1900s MILLERS FALLS No.2 HAND DRILL
Millers Falls No.2 hand drill manufactured c. 1903
with adjustable friction roll
Main Handle - rosewood, natural polish, hollow (containing six wood boring points) with a narrow waist, flared and flat screw-off top.
Side Handle - rosewood, natural polish, egg shaped, detachable.
Crank Handle - rosewood, natural polish, small mushroom.
Close-up detail of adjustable friction roll
Close-up detail of egg shaped detachable side handle
EARLY 1910s PRODUCTION MILLERS FALLS No.2 HAND DRILL
Millers Falls No.2 hand drill manufactured c. 1910
with adjustable friction roll
Main Handle - rosewood, natural polish, hollow (containing eight wood boring points) with thick waist, flared, flat screw-off top.
Side Handle - stained tropical hardwood, mushroom shaped, detachable.
Crank Handle - rosewood, natural polish, long with copper collar.
Close-up of markings on crank
EARLY 1920s PRODUCTION MILLERS FALLS No.2 HAND DRILL
Millers Falls No.2 hand drill manufactured c. 1921
with adjustable friction roll
Main Handle - cocobolo, natural polish, hollow (containing eight wood boring points) with thick waist, flared, flat screw-off top.
Side Handle - tropical hardwood, stained and lacquer finish, mushroom shaped, detachable.
Crank Handle - cocobolo, natural polish, long with copper collar.
Close-up of markings on crank
LATE 1930s PRODUCTION MILLERS FALLS No.2 HAND DRILL
Millers Falls No.2 hand drill manufactured circa. 1938 with double pinion gears - no adjustable friction roll
Main Handle - tropical hardwood, red/orange varnish finish, hollow (containing eight wood boring points) and stout with flared, flat screw-off top.
Side Handle - tropical hardwood, red/orange varnish finish, "chef's cap" shaped, detachable.
Crank Handle - tropical hardwood, red/orange varnish finish, long without collar.
Close-up of markings on crank
GENERAL NOTES
Adjustable friction roll to equalize bearings - this was the Millers Falls description in their catalogs.
All models: Frame was finished in black enamel paint, main gear wheel was finished in red enamel paint, bright metal parts were nickel plated.
