Massive drill bit

Jeff · Dec 18, 2017

I spotted this ship auger bit in a client's yard last week. 2" in diameter, something over 5' long. She found it at a garage sale for $5, thought it was cool, and so painted in gold and stuck it in her yard as art. Still has a perfect screw tip and cutting edges on it. She said if she ever decides to part ways with it, I can have it for $20, but I don't foresee that happening.

My biggest question: What do you use to spin something like this? Does it say Cummins or Deere on it??? I've turned some really big bits with the Milwaukee Hole Hawgs and Super Hawgs, but I can't imagine they could handle this 4' deep in a piece of white oak. And how many men would it take to counteract that amount of torque?

RopeShield · Dec 18, 2017

You start with smaller bit and work your way up. Or lots in and out.

Tom Dunlap · Dec 18, 2017

You wouldn't be able to use a pilot bit and then go
Bigger. If it were a typical twist drill you could though

My guess is that it was used with a hydraulic drill. Using hydraulics instead of electric would allow you do have lots of slow speed torque and clutching that would break arms or make for a carnival ride

flushcut · Dec 24, 2017

Use a brace, arms like Popeye!

ATH · Dec 24, 2017

I was thinking a brace and a LONG lever.

GregManning · Dec 24, 2017

Tom Dunlap said:
You wouldn't be able to use a pilot bit and then go
Bigger. If it were a typical twist drill you could though
My guess is that it was used with a hydraulic drill. Using hydraulics instead of electric would allow you do have lots of slow speed torque and clutching that would break arms or make for a carnival ride

Yep, the screw at the tip actually pulls the bit into the wood.
I seem to remember seeing (many, many years ago) a T-handle w/ a metal female square receptacle drive. Handle was ~6 ft long (3' on each side).
Can't see if the bit has a square drive end (ground end).
However, that metal looks NEW !