Posted 7 years ago
docbob
(1 item)
These two items are similar, although different sizes. they are made of iron, with various moving parts, and probably were attached to a pipe (note cutout area on lower surface). My guess is that they were used in some way to measure something.
They are 'marking gauges', as would be used by a machinist. Not so much for actual "measuring", they are generally used to create a parallel line (or series of lines, etc) to a reference edge or surface, for further cutting or drilling operations.
I saw these used about 60 years ago. That was before modern front end alignment machines. They used them to put a scribe mark with the pointer on the center of the tire to check toe in. I couldn't remember the name (I am to old) but I did find a picture of a modern one in use. I will post the link below. The old ones didn't have a cross bar like in the picture, they used a tape measure and measured between the scribe lines. I never did totally understand the full operation but I hung around the garage to learn and get free work done on my bicycle.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalopyjournal.com%2Fforum%2Fproxy.php%3Fimage%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fi101.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fm79%252Fkiwikevinp%252Fshop%252520tools%252FIMG_2947.jpg%26hash%3Db16b0a3e870cde79e53fdeb2297f45e9&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalopyjournal.com%2Fforum%2Fthreads%2Fgot-pics-of-your-homemade-front-end-alignment-gauges.267287%2F&docid=KJQLyLG144BwaM&tbnid=6IvT9_wAc5614M%3A&vet=1&w=800&h=600&client=firefox-b-1-ab&bih=947&biw=1704&ved=0ahUKEwiV742Si6PYAhUl0IMKHfYNCEcQMwiaASgbMBs&iact=c&ictx=1
Thanks. Lots of online info and pix for TOOLMAKER'S SURFACE GAUGE.