Folks,
I am new to the forum. I have been doing timber frame restoration as part of my restoration business for a number of years. I recently picked up a James Swan boring machine with a 2" bit. I am looking to use this on a building my company was hired to build. I checked Jim Rogers' list and am not seeing the bits I am looking for. I am looking for 3/4", 1" and 1-1/2" bits. Is there a company that makes round bits that fit these machines? I modified a Bosch hex shaft bit by welding it and rounding it out, save one side. It works, but is time consuming to make. where can I get new bits without spending a fortune? Thanks,

I don't know of any place that is making new boring machine bits. I am not saying that no one is, just that I don't know of any.
We have some 2" bits on hand, as well as some off sizes, see list.
I have some bits that I haven't listed yet, just came in a while ago.
No 3/4" but I may have two not listed 1 1/2". We've had good luck with the new Bosch bits without modifying the shank. They chuck up and spin true. I made a youtube video showing one spinning.
Search for it by using my name. We have some of those for sale as well.
We're out of 1" bits right now as you noticed. And we've started a waiting list for those. I can add your name to it if you wish.

Just let me know.

Jim Rogers

A 3/8" hex is about 1/2" across the points. It should chuck up and not spin in the chuck nicely.

An advantage for having a bit with a hex shank changed to a round one that fits the chuck is the adaptor allows for a longer shank. Most of these newer bits are shorter, at least the ones that I have found, I had a machine shop turn out adaptors and I welded them to the original shank. I think it was worth the effort.