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THE ULTIMATE \"BARN FIND\" – TIME CAPSULE QUALITY
Up for sale is a rare, complete Whitman & Barnes (W&B) 29-Piece Fractional Drill Bit Index. This isn\'t just a used tool set; it is a New Old Stock (NOS) survivor from the golden age of American manufacturing.
The Story:
Recovered from long-term storage, this set features the iconic \"W&B\" diamond logo from their Plymouth, Michigan plant (operating since 1949). While the exterior metal case carries an authentic, heavy vintage patina and surface rust from decades in a barn, the interior is a different story entirely.
The Condition:
• UNSED & FACTORY SHARP: These bits have never been in a drill chuck. The cutting edges are original factory-ground, and the shanks are free of any score marks.
• PRESERVED IN OIL: The bits have been heavily lubricated/oiled for many, many years. This long-term coating has kept the high-speed steel in pristine condition, preventing the pitting typically found in vintage barn finds.
• COMPLETE 29-PIECE SET: Includes every size from 1/16\" to 1/2\". Most vintage sets are missing the small sizes—this one is 100% intact.
Technical Reference:
The internal folding panels include the original, easy-to-read Tap & Die charts (U.S.S. and S.A.E.) and decimal equivalents—an invaluable \"cheat sheet\" for any machinist or serious hobbyist.
Why W&B?
In the 1950s, Whitman & Barnes was a premier name in American industrial tooling. This high-speed steel is legendary for its durability and heat resistance, often outperforming modern \"big box\" store bits.
Whether you are a collector of \"Detroit Iron\" era tools or a machinist who wants the best vintage steel for your shop, this is the set.
