http://www.utahtrikes.com/ARTICLE-33.htmlI am not sure how this unit actually works but it is of interest, Schumpf High Speed Drive. It is expensive $5-600. It has three speeds. Set up a system with it as the transmission, the two final drive gears would not change.
A machine shop could make bits. With CNC technology is should not be a problem, we just have not asked in numbers. The cheap 1-1/2" bit I use is machined and it works great. It was mass produced somewhere, China probably.
One item I like on the Millers Falls machine is the round upright shafts. Even though these machine do not require exquisite machining and high technology would it be a bonus? I looked into bearings for the head, there is available a type of bearing which spirals up through the cylindric shaped bearing allowing the head to flex and not bind. I ruled these types of thing out because of longevity and simplicity. Crud will build up in the intricate parts. One of the reasons these machines are still useable is due to the simplicity of them. I would forgo this to sample the Schlumpf unit, though.
Tim
