Photo Index - R. Ball & Co. - Hand Boring Machine

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
R. Ball & Co.
Worcester, MA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Mortising Machine
Machine Size:	32" L x 24"H
Submitted By:	Ray Harbaugh

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Hand Boring Machine
Date of Manufacturer:	1868
Serial Number:	101
Last Updated	5/15/2025 2:21:46 PM

Comments:

I purchased this mortise machine at a local PA auction for restoration and addition to my collection. The machine was in excellent mechanical condition just needing cleaned and refreshed to display condition.
This mortiser is unique with a single cast iron standard and gear headstock assembly. The drill location adjustment, angular orientation and a slide movement on rack and pinion system, were Patent No. 79640.
The sophistication of the castings and machining for this tool is a wonder for the era of production.

Photo 1:

Comments: Recovered condition side view with rack and pinion slide adjustment shown on far base frame.
Source: Ray Harbaugh

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Photo 2:

Comments: Top of hollow cast iron standard, release lever and gear headstock
Source: Ray Harbaugh

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Photo 3:

Comments: Pivoting angle adjusting standard with manufacturer name and patent date
Source: Ray Harbaugh

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Photo 4:

Comments: Restored machine showing the adjustable crank handles for increased leverage with larger augers or harder woods. The paint pattern was discovered in the cleaning process.
Source: Ray Harbaugh

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Photo 5:

Comments: R. Ball badge and detail of the patented angle pivot and rack and pinion slide adjustment system.
Source: Ray Harbaugh

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Photo 6:

Comments: The serial No. 101 is hand stamped on the machine 6 times, on the standard, slide assembly, crankshaft, headstock, cog wheel and crank handles. Bit drive gear on right, the sliding cog engages the center pinion on standard rack for auger withdrawal.
Source: Ray Harbaugh

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