SWEET'S BORING MACHINE

Here is a boring (or beam drilling) machine which I have not seen before:

Marked very faintly on the wooden deck is :

PAT'D APR 13, 1869

Using the new Patent Master CD by Jim Price (I purchased my copy from Tony Seo)  I was able to go to Patent Class Files/ Beam Drills. After about 2 minutes I found my target. Patent 88,821 was issued to Miles Sweet of Troy, New York. But further examination reveals a second patent, #289,170 on November 27th, 1883. This is an improved version of 88,821. The main difference is the shape of the angle pointing device. What sets this apart from other beam drills that I have is the construction of the angle setting mechanism. First, the curve of the adjustment frame is downward. . It has a graduated scale with an adjustable pointer. It has a star motif which I at first thought connected it to Millers Falls. But this was produced before their time. The angle setting assembly is nickel plated unlike most others that I have seen which are usually japanned all over. The upper frame is japanned and the catch device is similar to other brands.

This boring machine also has another feature which I have not seen on another. All of this type of machine have a provision for reversing the bit from the work. This is done by engaging a flat gear rack at the back inside of the wooden frame. On some machines there is a separate gear on the horizontal gear shaft. Sweet made his flat gear rack pivot into or out of position engaging the rear of the horizontal gear.

Patent #289,170 is assigned to Sweet and Clark Manufacturing Company.  His wife Sarah's maiden name was Clark. Miles Sweet was born April 23rd, 1827 in Granville, New York. He was the sixth of 11 children. He married Sarah Clark September 4th, 1849. They had three daughters; Amilia, Cordelia and Mary. Sweet passed away September 12th, 1888 in Troy, New York where he had spent most of his life. It appears that he was a farmer.