Hey everyone, this week we would like to give a big thank you to Armand for donating this weeks Antique Showcase item and the newest addition to the future FantomWorks Museum. Armand was gracious enough to donate his antique reboring tool from the 1920’s and Dan was very excited to get one of these wonderful examples of mechanics’ tools. Armand’s donation looks pretty much complete and is in such good shape that the instructions for it are still attached to the lid of the box. This large set would have been a workout to use as well as carry around. The smaller companion box is what we believe to be the special tool designed for Ford engines. These two items have found a home within our future museum and the aged smell of engine oil has grabbed our heartstrings with fond memories of a bygone era. So here we will share what we have found out about our newest addition.
This is an Improved Universal Reboring Tool produced the Universal Tool company out of Detroit, MI probably in 1920. The one we have seems to have been produced at the main production factory in Garwood, NJ. “This improved type of reboring tool consisted of a pilot head with six cutter surfaces which are universally adjustable. A bevel expansion ring is fitted into the cylinder which is to be rebored and the bevel pilot head acts as a centralizing device. There is also an over-sized ring which follows in the new cut thus insuring an absolutely rigid tool and perfect centering device. This new model will rebore practically all makes of automobile, marine or airplane cylinders of either the open or closed end types. A special tool is designed for Ford engines.” – The Horseless Age Magazine, Vol 43 – January 1, 1918 This tool was originally hand cranked and seemed to be designed so that the engine did not need to be removed in order to rebore a cylinder. In the early 1920’s Universal tool company came out with the Universal power drive for the reboring tool that could be operated by a 1/2 hp portable electric or air drill and by a bench drill or floor type drill press.
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- This one still has a readable copy of the instructions.
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- Looks pretty much complete.
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- Pilot Head
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- Cutter heads and rings
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- Special tool for Ford engines.
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- Tool boxes from days gone by…
So thanks for Armand for sharing this wonderful example of Mechanical history and for a good reminder of how tough automobile work was before the days of power tools. So if you are ever in Norfolk, Va on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday around 3pm, stop by for our tour and you might get to see this item on display. If we can get it out of Dan’s office, this thing is heavy.
Love the auto industry’s contributions to our history as a society.. I was born in Detroit, my father received his 1st pay check personally from Henry Ford as a newly hired engineer..Seeing that this boring machine was made by a company in Detroit makes me wish (sometimes) that I was born earlier so that I could’ve been around at the dawn of the Industrial Age..Just think of all the inventions that came about back then..Wow!!
I have this same kit in the original box in great condition if anyone would like to buy one.
Did u get rid of your kit and how did u go about it if so? I have one from 1917
We still have our kit.
I too have one of these Universal Cylinder Reboring kits. The instructions are also slightly damaged and I was wondering if You could email me a picture of the section of the instructions directly below Figure No. 4
I would very much be thankful.
Do you still have it? I have one that’s almost complete but missing a few things. Let me know how much you’re asking if you still have it. I’m from Ontario Canada.
Hello I have lucky come across one of these fine pieces of our important history is an astate sale . One of many collectable items from our past. I am interested in selling this to maybe someone whom may appreciate it more so than I. I would be willing to negotiate price to see it off to a deserving home.
Found one when cleaning out our family farm- and I about busted a gut getting it loaded.
Anyone interest I have a full set I believe that I’m looking to sell.