In the 1890s machinist Thomas Hall manufactured the "Ideal" twist-drill grinder; an improved version was introduced in 1898. Decades earlier he had patented a quick-grip vise that was manufactured by Charles Parker Co., and sold by by Parker and by Hall.
Thomas is better remembered as having patented and manufactured one of the very first typewriters. He manufactured these for some years and also manufactured a mechanical adding machine. Typewriters and calculating machines are outside of the scope of this Vintage Machinery website.
Information Sources
- 1891-12-31 American Machinist page 3, article on a new drill grinder from Thomas Hall, the "Ideal".
- 1893-03-25 Scientific American page 188, Business and Personal column. "Steel fingers hold and quickly grind drills true. 'Ideal' Drill Grinder. T. Hall, 853 Broadway, New York."
- 1898 Trow's Business Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and The Bronx, page 686: "Hall Thomas 853 Bway, Ideal drill grinder, wet or dry, small drills as well as large".