"Martin Whybrow" wrote in message
...
Spotted this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...7320 786&rd=1
No relation to seller, just curious if anyone can identify it.
Martin
--
martindot herewhybrowat herentlworlddot herecom



I belive it to be a hand operated drill press with automatic down
feed - a few bits are missing including the pawl for the downfeed. As
the big wheel is turned, and with it the main shaft, the rachet wheel
is clicked down turning the acme down feed shaft - if you look at the
top of the smaller handwheel on the acme shaft it has the rachet
notches.

I saw one very similar (but in working condition) in a disused
blacksmiths shop in the west country 40 years ago when my parents were
looking to buy the building.

It was made by Alfred Herbert of Loughborough, England

AWEM