Images(2)

Bit Auger

Date1780-1840

OriginAmerica

MediumIron, steel, wood, leather

DimensionsOverall: 1 1/2 × 17 1/8 × 25 13/16 in (3.8 × 43.5 × 65.5cm)

Credit LineGift of Robert E. Bernard

Object number2006-79

DescriptionLarge size bit auger for cutting 3 1/2 diameter holes. The shaft changes from round to octagonal in section as it approaches the cutting surfaces.Label TextWith a centering bit to start the work, a vertical blade to cut the hole’s edge and a horizontal blade to shave out its center, this large auger bored 3 1/2” wide holes. In addition to twisting the tool with some muscle, the user would have had to put their weight into it.