Stanley No. 77 Doweling Machine Rebuild

[lptools]

This has finally come together, the best part being the alloy steel handle machined by my b'in-law to exact specs of an original wood handle!!! I fabricated the short handle for the bolt that holds the faceplate, the faceplate is a casting from an original part, and I found an original crank arm on ebay!!

[mikeswrenches]

Very nice Lou! You both do nice work.

Mike

[lptools]

Hello, Mike. Thanks it has been a fun project. I have 2 of the cutters, and I had a friend make up some card stock boxes. I will post later!!

[Papaw]

I had one of those in really good condition. In a time when I needed money, I sold it on Ebay.  Buyer in Brazil, I beleive. I got over $200 for it.

Clean Stanley 77 by Noel Hankamer, on Flickr

[lptools]

You did well Papaw!! At least yours was all the same color!! I believe the black finish was earlier than the blue!!

[Jim C.]

Nice job restoring that machine.  I’ve always had my eye out for one of those, but no luck so far.  I have zero experience using one.  How does it work?  Does it make accurately sized dowels? 

Jim C. (Who freely admits being envious). 

[lptools]

Hello, Jim. Thanks, I have never used one. The faceplate has square holes that are approximate dowel size. The square stock is fed into the cutter through the faceplate, while cranking by hand. I would imagine the tool would be clamped to the bench, or bolted, there are holes in the casting base. The cutters are adjustable, so that the dowel diameter can be adjusted. I have seen a few of these for sale with a pulley attached!! I posted a couple pics of what the cutter looks like.

[Jim C.]

You know, I’ve seen the cutters for sale at swap meets and auctions.  They’re not cheap!!  There were several sizes.  Do you have them all?  Are some more rare than others?  I’m always interested in the backstory.  How did you come across the machine?

Jim C.

[lptools]

Hello, Jim. If you search the site, " Stanley No. 77" you will find a post from me on  December 04 2017. Thanks, Lou