Reader Question: The History Of Thor
By Sean O'Hara
From time to time, readers ask us interesting questions that we like to share. In this case reader Becky has got her hands on an old drill press — which is cool in and of itself — but this one’s got the name “Thor” written on it, which always makes something more interesting. Becky took the time to send us a few snapshots and some observations.
This drill stand looks to be made by the Independent Pneumatic Company, the manufacturer’s plate lists Chicago. The plate also reads “Thor No. DSUD, mod.# 759,ser.# 208803″. The plate is on the inside of the top of the cap. On the bottom cross brace it reads “Ind. pneu. tool.” This is hard to see from the pictures. The top cross brace reads “Thor” and “UDA”. Thor is written in script.
I have also taken some measurements: the post is 1-1/4″ OD and 30″ tall, press lever is 23-7/8″ from end to center point of connecting joint, bottom plate is 9″ OD and 1-1/4″ thick. The drill attached to it is another quest. It is an old Black and Decker 1/2 horse, type BB, 110 volt, 4 amp, 475 RPM and serial # 29391.
I found out from an engineer at Chicago Pneumatic that “Ind. Pneu Tool” is out of business and that there was Thor Power Tool Co. up until the 1980’s. This drill stand was my grandfather’s and handed down to us when my father passed away in Feb.
On a personal note, I’d love to see if it fires up and still works, but that’s beside the point. What we’re looking for here is a bit more info on this bruiser — if anyone has the low-down on “Thor” or can help fill out what Becky’s actually got here, please let us know in comments.
August 19th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I grew up in a home that had a Thor “Auto Magic”, a 40’s era semi-automatic washing machine. Fill, wash, spin & drain functions are manually controlled.
You can see one in operation here: http://tinyurl.com/5u93hm An optional dish rack was available!
They’re still in business! http://tinyurl.com/6m7urq
August 19th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I believe Thor is still in business having merged with ATP. I found this reference and from the looks of the logo, it is the same.
http://www.orderatp.com/index.cfm?area=shop&action=vendors&VID=23
August 19th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I have a portable kerosene shop heater by Thor, same logo and all. Around 125,000 btu and it looks like it’s 40 years old. It’s seen better days and I do have the manual for it somewhere…
With its sweet looking turbine-like flame shooting out about 14 inches….this thing screams danger but it sure knows how to heat a garage enough to make it the only one on the block without snow on the roof in the dead of winter.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Thor Power Tools was at the heart of a Supreme Court decision that changed the way book publishing worked. Kevin O’Donnel Jr. has an excellent article explaining how that happened. http://www.sfwa.org/bulletin/articles/thor.htm
September 14th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I actually have a Thor brand drill that was my Grandfathers and it still works last I checked. It only has a forward gear, no reverse. When my grandfather was alive he told me that they used it in a drill press years ago. I was online trying to find out how much it was worth when I read this article.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I have a Speedway drill (115 volt, 3 amp.) that’s 50 + years old - manufactured by Thor - in LaGrange Park, Illinois. I’m interested in history of the Speedway line and Thor. Anyone able to point me in the right direction?