John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Ok ladies and gentlemen, we now have our October what's it live and ready! So far we are 0 for 4! We just can't figure out what these wonderful examples of tools are! The image(s) below is the current MWTCA "What's It" image for you to research, and tell us all here in this topic post, just what the heck is it! Remember, the first accurate answer wins a one year membership to the awesome organization MWTCA! For a run down on this project and the rules, please see this page at "The Patriot Woodworker and MWTCA "What's It" project" So without further Adieu, "What's It!" Submit your answers (and fun commentary) in the reply box. And win a one year membership for MWTCA for your correct answer! Keep in mind, the MWTCA does not know what this item is either, the image was submitted by one of its members for us to research. Lets help MWTCA find an answer. Chips N Dust 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Looks like a early version of a caliper John Morris 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 2 minutes ago, Gerald said: Looks like a early version of a caliper And so it begins! Great suggestion Gerald! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Altier Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 So you want to draw a circle and .....................someone made a deluxe version. It is a draftsman tool. I used something similar in shop class about 55 years ago. John Morris and steven newman 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Altier Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 By the way, has anyone correctly identified the first ones posted? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 4 minutes ago, Ron Altier said: So you want to draw a circle and .....................someone made a deluxe version. It is a draftsman tool. I used something similar in shop class about 55 years ago. Ok Ron, time to put on the detectives coat, can you search it out and find a pedigree or proof of what you believe it is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chips N Dust Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Looks like a pair of pararell scales like you use on a ship's chart for navigation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven newman Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Looks more like there are a few pieces missing..... I have seen this before, trying to remember what the other parts were like. More like a depth setter on the side of an early drill press...needs the rest of the parts, though.. Might also be on other machines in a shop doing mill work. Molders and planers...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Altier Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 THIS EXPLAINS IT PRECISELY https://people.eecs.berkeley.edu/~wkahan/Trisect.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 3 minutes ago, Ron Altier said: THIS EXPLAINS IT PRECISELY https://people.eecs.berkeley.edu/~wkahan/Trisect.pdf That is compelling Ron, but I don't see any compass style pin apertures or tips for drawing or centering on the work. All the ends are squared off, with no apparent way to attach a drawing implement or point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 28 minutes ago, Chips N Dust said: Looks like a pair of pararell scales like you use on a ship's chart for navigation Could be a ships instrument indeed, it's made of solid brass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 This is the closest I could come to @Ron Altier suggestion. Patent US717871 It looks close, but really look at it, it just does not do what the above tool does, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 8 hours ago, Ron Altier said: By the way, has anyone correctly identified the first ones posted? Not yet Ron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRAGON1 Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 The brass guage at left side is set for 1 1/2 inches. The right for 6 3/4 from that. There's another guage for the other side. I'd say it's an old multitool for setting up door jambs with stops and hinges. Old, old walls were thick, not 4 1/2 like today. steven newman and John Morris 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steamshovel Posted October 3, 2016 Report Share Posted October 3, 2016 Is it a layout device? Preston Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2016 57 minutes ago, steamshovel said: Is it a layout device? Preston Could be Preston, it looks like some kind of layout device, but for what? Tis the question now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steamshovel Posted October 3, 2016 Report Share Posted October 3, 2016 Sorry about the small letters on my other post. Could it be for parallel work of some kind? Preston Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HandyDan Posted October 3, 2016 Report Share Posted October 3, 2016 I thought it might be a tile setters measuring/marking tool. The raised hook would act as a stop for undercut door jambs or other. Can't find proof so just an idea. John Morris 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Altier Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 I went to their web site and I did get another clue, its probable origin "Attached is a photo of a solid brass, 12-inch gauge I recently found. It has a scale that is divided into tenths of an inch and is adjusted using a gear rack drive. There are no markings that would help to identify the gauge’s origin and the numbers are hand-stamped. Anyone have any ideas as to the intended use of this item? It probably originated in New England, since that is where it was found." John Morris 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Morris Posted October 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 1 hour ago, Ron Altier said: I went to their web site and I did get another clue, its probable origin "Attached is a photo of a solid brass, 12-inch gauge I recently found. It has a scale that is divided into tenths of an inch and is adjusted using a gear rack drive. There are no markings that would help to identify the gauge’s origin and the numbers are hand-stamped. Anyone have any ideas as to the intended use of this item? It probably originated in New England, since that is where it was found." No photo Ron! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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