Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: coolford on April 08, 2021, 03:05:01 PM

Title: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: coolford on April 08, 2021, 03:05:01 PM

Picked this up last weekend at a garage sale.  The owner didn't know what it is and neither do I.  Looks expensive, but was not.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: oldgoaly on April 08, 2021, 06:00:00 PM

can you take a pic or two of the lever in and out so we can see what it does? Looks like it would grab or hold something?

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: Yadda on April 08, 2021, 06:08:53 PM

Looks similar to carpet stretchers or maybe a clamp for hardwood flooring.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: lptools on April 09, 2021, 05:03:23 AM

Might be a hinge mortising tool.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: coolford on April 09, 2021, 08:32:09 AM

Iptools---you got me going in the right direction, it is a Waller Tool Co. butt mortiser.  Now, if anyone needs their butt mortised this tool might do the job.  Looking closely at it I suppose it might be used on hinges, the old square type.  Depending on the length of the hinge you would have to move it for a second mortise.  So, what do you think it was mainly made to do?  It appears to be fairly rare.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: Bill Houghton on April 09, 2021, 10:11:29 AM

You'd sure have to be doing a lot of hinges to justify that tool.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: lptools on April 09, 2021, 01:08:16 PM

Never used one, but I had a similar tool by Stanley. The Patent Number on yours 1603652. Stanley pretty much copied the design.The Stanley Tool Number is 280. That is quite the mechanical marvel, IMHO.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: coolford on April 09, 2021, 02:56:29 PM

I tried it on a ash board, as set up it cut a section 1 5/8" wide about 1/4" deep and 1 1/2' into the edge of the board while scoring the edge of the cut, and then you push down on a palm lever and it cuts off the piece with a different blade.  Pain in the butt to use and doesn't seem that it could be used on a door, only on the casing.  Well, at least I know about it now.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: Yadda on April 09, 2021, 05:30:37 PM

A lot of gizmotic action going on in that tool.

Title: Re: What is it and what is its purpose
Post by: wvtools on April 09, 2021, 09:22:35 PM

Quote from: lptools on April 09, 2021, 01:08:16 PM

Never used one, but I had a similar tool by Stanley. The Patent Number on yours 1603652. Stanley pretty much copied the design.The Stanley Tool Number is 280. That is quite the mechanical marvel, IMHO.

I think Stanley bought Waller Tool Co. out.  That is how they acquired a lot of new tools for their line.