formariz 11,987 #1 Posted January 24, 2022 Here is something seldom seen from the archives here. Care to state its functions? 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,065 #2 Posted January 24, 2022 Industrial strength drafting square? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,491 #3 Posted January 24, 2022 Knowing your background, it must have something to do with woodworking. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,544 #4 Posted January 24, 2022 Interesting piece. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,756 #5 Posted January 24, 2022 Hi Cas It would obviously trace circles and might be used to find the center...diameter of a circle and vortex. The point of origin. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,586 #6 Posted January 24, 2022 Jig for cutting out felt Jester hats… 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #7 Posted January 25, 2022 (edited) It is also the predecessor to a very common version available today. Invented and patented in 1902 right here in NJ. One of my favorite tools to use at bench. Edited January 25, 2022 by formariz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #8 Posted January 25, 2022 1 hour ago, SylvanLakeWH said: Jig for cutting out felt Jester hats… Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #9 Posted January 25, 2022 Speed square, for rafters of common pitch? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,011 #10 Posted January 25, 2022 Looks too big to be a dovetail layout tool - unless you are doing some post & beam construction. The guide edge and diamonds on the left edge could be used to draw or scribe layout lines parallel to an edge. Both edges of the titled 90 degree edges appear to be marked off in 1/4" increments. It is a layout tool of some sort. For what, I don't know, though. The approximate 30 degree angle suggests maybe used for making hexagonal items. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,131 #11 Posted January 25, 2022 Pizza cutter and pasta press! ( I have no idea on this stuff. I say the first thing that pops into my head. Usually food related!) 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,267 #12 Posted January 25, 2022 This is a very versatile device that can be used to lay out parallel lines equidistance from an edge, use as a compass and lay out various common roof pitches such as 4/12, 6/12 and 12/12. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildman 205 #13 Posted January 25, 2022 Remains of a Nija star Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sodaking27 777 #14 Posted January 25, 2022 Muffler bearing removal tool. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #15 Posted January 25, 2022 Good answers by many of you starting with @stevasaurus and @Pullstart. This tool is indeed in many ways the predecessor to the speed square. @8ntruck had some very good answers but finally @953 nut sort of nailed since he seems to also own one. This is one of my favorite layout tools. It is a universal square and was invented here in NJ by Joseph Duby in 1903. This particular model along with the one Richard has, is a later improved version from about 1915. This model was actually copper plated as @953 nut shows. On mine the plating it is virtually all gone. It is essentially a square that can be used amongst other functions, as a try, pitch, hip and miter square, octagonal cuts, drawing circles and as a marking gauge. Its is dead accurate and its design and construction allows it to stand on its own securely making it a valuable reference tool for square and plumb such as when boring with a brace. The slim profile makes it also very easy to use. Every single edge and perforation of it has at least one intended function. Interestingly enough Richard's still has the dovetail knockout used to keep the two metal blades aligned. It was intended to be removed if needed since it is the 3" vertical pencil slot point. Stampings on them are always weak but they are all marked on edges and pencil slots with the corresponding scales. A relatively rare and long forgotten tool which has not lost its usefulness even after 119 years. Many times we look at what is available today and think what ingenious persons their creators are.No credit is deserved there. They are just products that evolved from an original such as this one with no credit given to them. 1 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #16 Posted January 25, 2022 Wow, I didn’t even take the time to realize that Richard posted his own photo! Thank you for the tools history lesson today fellas! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,544 #17 Posted January 25, 2022 Interesting stuff folks. Thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #18 Posted January 25, 2022 On a side note, those of you that had the more humorous answers are also appreciated. I found the Jester hat one particularly clever @SylvanLakeWH. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,544 #19 Posted January 25, 2022 4 minutes ago, formariz said: On a side note, those of you that had the more humorous answers are also appreciated. I found the Jester hat one particularly clever @SylvanLakeWH. Understandable he'd come up with that. Being certified Redsquare court jester 'n all... 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,586 #20 Posted January 25, 2022 36 minutes ago, formariz said: I found the Jester hat one particularly clever @SylvanLakeWH. Thanks! I do always enjoy your whatzit posts…! Never get the right answer but always learn!!! 31 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Understandable he'd come up with that. Being certified Redsquare court jester 'n all... It is a heavy burden… Picture from when the Red Square mods and admin gave me my Certification diploma: 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
