Old Tool Question

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I found this at my parents house. I think it's a Breast/Cam Drill, this is as much as I can find. The handle has Ashcroft Mfg Co. NY, Pat July 12 1910. It was siezed up but some WD-40 fixed that, it seems to be working fine. It's about 18"-24" long, I didn't measure it. Any one have information on it? What would be the best way to get the rust off of it? The rust appears to be surface and it has some grease build up on it.Thanks
Reply:Hi, flydrifter.                 Think you have hit it right on the head, In the U.K. these were always known as a belly brace' might be able to clean it by the electrolisis method, sure someone will advise you, It' been covered in another thread by Swells not long ago.  Good luck  Gordon.
Reply:SWells, and others have had good luck with electrolysis.  Somebody should be able to put up a link to those threads.That thing looks painful to use.  I can't imagine leaning my chest into that thing all day."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Well if you want it as a collector's piece or to sell at an auction its best not to clean it up.Did you try doing a keyword search of the company?Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:It should be easy to get a copy of the patent since you have a date for it and know both the company and what the tool is. I've done that at a Patent  Office but now there are various sites online you can use; since I don't know which is better/best, I won't recommend one.
Reply:breast drill ?insert thoughtful quote from someone else2000 Thermal Arc 300GTSW 3.5 hours1946 Monarch 20 x 54 Lathe1998 Supermax 10x54 Mill2004 Haco Atlantic 1/2" Capacity Lasernot mine but i get to play with it
Reply:36. A RATCHET CAM DRIVE BREAST DRILL by the Ashcroft Manufacturing Company, New York, New York. The body of this uncommon tool is marked "Pat. Appl'd for". This company was apparently in business from 1876 to 1909, but it is not likely that they made many of these drills. $30 - $60   found this on an auction siteCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Id take my slugger over that thing any day! haha
Reply:Originally Posted by chenrybreast drill ?
Reply:Thanks for all of the info and comments.Specter...I did a search but I didn't get that information, thanks.
Reply:I'd recommend you try media blasting - use walnut shell.  I have a small cabinet type that works quite well for removing rust, tarnish and other corrosion without damaging or pitting the metal.  If the handle (or any other part) is wood just wrap masking tape around it a couple of times.  Fine glass beads work as well but it takes a little more care.  Leaves a nice finish.