Hand cranked pillar drills

[slowworm]

I picked up a fully working hand cranked bench pillar drill today, a Bradson No 1. I've got a couple of other different ones but this one seems to be the most useful.

Most of it I can work out, i.e. raising and lowering the chuck and drilling etc. However, there's a ratchet attached to a cam on the handle I don't understand the use for. It stops the drill going backwards but I don;t know what use it would be.

Does anyone know much about these drills or know of anywhere where I might get some instructions or guidance?

 

[grip]

The cam activates a lever with a pawl that engages with the teeth on the wheel at the top of the spindle and that is what advances the drill into the workpiece when the handle is turned.
These drills are superb and so useful i have a union model and a large millers falls blacksmiths drill both used from time to time. ..........Hope thats some help

 

[slowworm]

It engages as you say but the drill lowers regardless of the fact it's engaged. When drilling if it engages the drill can rotate anti-clockwise and clear swarf without raising. Or perhaps the drill needs a good clean, it's in a very good condition but a bit oily.