Crazy Looking Tools That Are Surprisingly Effective

Today, we live in a world of digital everything! Computers, smartphones, CNCs, lasers, and, of course, AI. Don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to these technical advances; however, my mind often wonders, how did the tradesmen of long ago do certain techniques without the use of computers, and even electricity, for that matter?

Learning the Old Ways

Trades and crafts were once closely guarded secrets. Unlike today, when you can easily learn a skill through a YouTube video or by simply asking ChatGPT, the techniques of trades were protected and passed down through apprenticeships. Manufacturers had to employ skilled craftsmen to gain a deep understanding of these trades, which allowed them to develop tools specifically designed for tradesmen. This was a unique period in American history, characterized by a growing demand for goods as the nation expanded. Companies embraced the factory system to accelerate production, yet there remained a vital need for local craftsmen to create and repair products. Consequently, manufacturing tools for these local artisans became essential, enabling them to work more efficiently with the help of innovative tools. 

The Hollow Auger

One such tool is the hollow auger. At first glance, it may not even appear to be a tool; it resembles gears that have fallen out of a manual transmission. However, it is actually a brilliant and incredibly precise instrument. Let’s take a closer look at what this tool does and why it was vital not only in its time but also remains useful today.

The hollow auger produces a perfectly round tenon on a square piece of wood. It can make round tenons ranging in sizes of ½” -1 ¼” in diameter. Typically, this process would be performed on a lathe, where the wood is spun while the craftsman uses a gouge to shape it into a specific diameter. However, lathes are large, heavy, and cumbersome to transport, making them impractical for traveling craftsmen. The hollow auger emerged as a small, mobile solution, making it an essential tool.

Gold Rush

During the 1840s, significant migration occurred along the Oregon Trail as many settlers sought new opportunities. The California Gold Rush in 1849 attracted hundreds of thousands to the West. This westward movement necessitated the development of homes, hotels, stores, and towns. Savvy tradesmen recognized that there was more profit to be made in construction than in gold during this time. Without a permanent shop in these newly established towns, their tools needed to be compact and portable. Settlers required everything from wagon spokes to ladders, tables, and chairs. The hollow auger excelled in producing all of these essential items.

How It Works

Using the tool is straightforward. It features an iron blade that rests at an angle, along with gears that allow for diameter adjustments, making it larger or smaller as needed. Additionally, it includes a depth stop to determine the length of the tenon. The tool is attached to a hand brace, which provides the necessary power for operation.

Before using the hollow auger, it is important to remove the corners of the square edges. This can be accomplished with a knife, or you can opt to purchase a specialized tool known as a spoke trimmer bit for this task.

By cranking the brace, the hollow auger rotates, and the iron blade cuts the wood into a perfectly round tenon with a precise and consistent diameter. However, the finish may not be as smooth as that produced by a lathe. But in my opinion, since the tenon is designed to fit into a hole, the ‘smoothness’ of the finish is generally not a significant concern. 

A Change in the Air

Unfortunately, hollow augers began to decline in popularity after World War I, primarily due to the shift from wooden wheels to steel wheels, which reduced the demand for tools specifically designed for wooden construction. By the late 1940s, these tools had largely vanished from tool catalogs, signaling the end of their widespread manufacturing and use.

Today, however, some modern tools draw inspiration from the design of traditional adjustable hollow augers. While they may not be marketed under the same name, these tools are often referred to as round tenon cutters. They come in specific sizes and can be attached to power drills for enhanced functionality.

Final Thoughts

But for me, I love old hollow augers—their clunky, bulky shape, the gnarly steampunk look, and the awkward movement while in use. Despite their quirks, the speed and versatility of these tools cannot be denied. One of my favorite activities on a nice spring day is to sit outside my shop and craft small three-legged stools using my 1878 G.N. Stearns hollow auger, along with other vintage hand tools.

Back in 2018, I had the honor of appearing as a guest on the PBS TV show American Woodshop. If you’d like to see the little stool being made with the hollow auger and other traditional tools, you can check it out here: American Woodshop - Stanton.

I will also be posting a short video of the hollow auger in action on my YouTube channel, Wood Choppin' Time, and on my Instagram page, Old Time Tools. If you haven’t subscribed yet, I would greatly appreciate it. Until next time, let’s keep the old ways alive and be good stewards of the Old Time Tools.