Steve, Gerald, Herb, I'm glad the bits have inspired  some interest. The tapered rectangular shape of the bit stems must have been for  use in an old drill press. The bits are actually in  good condition ,and appear to be pretty sharp. Hopefully, I'll be able to get to the local boat shop museum to see if they can provide more information about them. Who knows, they may use them in the museum.

2 minutes ago, It Was Al B said:

Steve, Gerald, Herb, I'm glad the bits have inspired  some interest. The tapered rectangular shape of the bit stems must have been for  use in an old drill press. The bits are actually in  good condition ,and appear to be pretty sharp. Hopefully, I'll be able to get to the local boat shop museum to see if they can provide more information about them. Who knows, they may use them in the museum.

Take a picture of the Whatisit hammer too maybe they can shed some light on it.

Herb

I had the opportunity to visit the local boat building museum today.  When they saw the bits, they  knew what they were used for. Looking at the design of the bit , he explained how they are used to drill countersink holes with a flat bottom. The pointed tip provided a center for drilling the thru hole after countersinking. The explanation made a lot sense .  The bits are used in a hand auger.  After listening to the explanation, and their enthusiasm about the condition of the bits,  I decided to give them to the museum. They  were very happy to have them.

I also brought a photo of the whatisit  on the forums. No one  there knew what the tool was used for, so we still have a mystery  there.

The museum has 8 boats under construction. One is being built by a group of high schooler from Biddeford, Maine, and another by local High School apprentices. Six others ranging in size from 16' to 32' are being built for museum customers. The shop has been building boats since 1793.

 

 

What a great kindness. Good on ya!

You can sleep well tonight Al, you gave them a good home and did a great deed , my hats off to you,

Herb

I forgot to mention that they were taken by the tray that held the bits. . Each bit was placed in a hand carved slot that the bits fit into.They appreciated what the owner did to store his tools. The tray went with the bits

 

 

5 hours ago, It Was Al B said:

I had the opportunity to visit the local boat building museum today.  When they saw the bits, they  knew what they were used for. Looking at the design of the bit , he explained how they are used to drill countersink holes with a flat bottom. The pointed tip provided a center for drilling the thru hole after countersinking. The explanation made a lot sense .  The bits are used in a hand auger.  After listening to the explanation, and their enthusiasm about the condition of the bits,  I decided to give them to the museum. They  were very happy to have them.

I also brought a photo of the whatisit  on the forums. No one  there knew what the tool was used for, so we still have a mystery  there.

The museum has 8 boats under construction. One is being built by a group of high schooler from Biddeford, Maine, and another by local High School apprentices. Six others ranging in size from 16' to 32' are being built for museum customers. The shop has been building boats since 1793.

 

 

AWESOME Al. I just had a feeling all along those tools belonged and were used by an early tradesman or apprentice in the boat building business.

Your generosity and kindness just continues to bless people in so many ways. You did good...no you did GREAT!

These tools have landed in their rightful home and no doubt will serve generations to come as a continual reminder of the heritage and craftsman involved in building our nation.

I appreciate you taking the time and initiative to make a great story even more grand. Bless you friend!