The
Type K4 is the fourth of the LRRCW models. It also has provision for a
side handle, which has been lost in antiquity from this example but
which
was probably egg-shaped like that on the Type J. The thrust bearing is
still a simple cylinder adjustable from between the spokes of the main
gear wheel in order to control the end play in the spindle. The
adjusting
screw can barely be seen peeking out from behind a spoke in the image
at
far left. The main rosewood handle is in its slimmest form, but
there
is as yet no "breast pad" to aid in pushing on the handle, even though
the 1877 patent two-jaw chuck has now been replaced with a larger, 1/4
inch capacity three-jaw springless Millers Falls chuck marked "PAT
APPLIED FOR" (later patented September 20, 1890) that is reeded
like other early Millers Falls chucks. See my Millers Falls Types
1, 2 & 3 Type Study. The malleable-iron frame of the
Type
K4 is the wider version of the new model, but with the central boss
redesigned
to accommodate the tapped hole for the side handle's stud. The
crank
and its handle appear original and carry no identification
markings.
Only the chuck carries the "Millers Falls Co." name. This drill
is
in good condition for a 125-year-old tool. The very slim neck of
the main handle remains strong because the straight tubular brass
ferrule
did not succumb to season cracking as do nearly all the later,
deep-drawn
ferrules of the No.2 Milllers Falls drills, which ought to have been
stress
relieved but weren't.