camel back drill
 

This antique drill press I spotted in an old local garage . After investigation I discovered that these are generically known as ' camel back ' drills . Made by many firms from the 1880's until the 1960's . This particular one is a McPherson, made in Melbourne in the 1930's to 40's , it has power feed to the down feed . These drills were still listed in the 1966 McPherson catalogue .

Why did they last so long in production ? Amazing torque and strength . Slow turning , they will happily drill 30mm holes in just about anything .

When modern safety and health rules , these are not allowed in factories today . They require constant oiling ..another time factor thing..hence many were junked .

pics
 

The 4 speed power drive is taken from the main horizontal shaft .

cattle dog
 

This is the link to the 1966 McPherson catalogue . McPhersons also manufactured lathes and they sold as the MACSON brand . The main factory was in Kensington , near Nth. Melbourne . Their foundry was at Tottenham apparently .

http://www.titaniumstudios.com/toolj...6-Drilling.pdf