Mystery Woodworking Tool

[sgb45504]

Here is one for the group...

I recently purchased a carpenter's toolbox from a local sale.  Inside were a variety of tools and a couple of them stumped me.  The first one of the "unknown tools" is this wooden piece.  Looking at it, I thought it might be a finger joint guide or a spacer of some sorts.  However, both of those were just south of an educated guess. 

Any help on this item would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[1930]

Looks like a push stick to me

[OilyRascal]

I agree with push stick; used to push material through the saw so you don't get your fingers.  I'm guessing if you'd measure those notches on the ends, you'd find them being offset 3/8",1/2", 5/8", and 3/4" (or something along those lines).

[Papaw]

I agree. Looks like a good and well made one at that.

[sgb45504]

I think you might be right.  I measured it and while it wasn't exactly that it was 1/2", 1/4", 5/8" and 3/16".  A push stick would be the only thing that makes sense. 

Thanks everyone!!!

[Branson]

Not like any push-stick I've ever seen.  It will push, but it won't really bear down, and it doesn't look long enough to keep your hand sufficiently away from the saw blade.  I can't think of anything else, but that looks like rosewood, and I just can't see a rosewood push stick, something that's eventually come in contact with a moving saw blade.

[Branson]

Looks more like something for rubbing veneered edges.

[sgb45504]

Wow!  Now I am getting really curious.  A few push sticks, one veneer edge rubbing tool and one that thinks it is rosewood.  I love it!   At least I am not the only one not sure!

[Billman49]

First impression is a cobblers tool for polishing the welt of a shoe - but I'd go with a veneer rubber - definitely NOT a push stick

[scottg]

Definitely not a push stick and definitely a tropical hardwood, too precious to use as a push stick.
I like the leather rubbing (many times tools you can't identify end up being leather tools). Bone was often used for rubbing down leather but rosewood would work too.
  Veneer edge rubbing is also possible.
 
I make push sticks from the nearest thin scrap on its way to the stove!   I don't even bother to keep track of them most times.  I kind of have my "pattern" in my mind, and just cut one whenever I need.
  yours Scott 

[RWalters]

I agree it wouldn't make much of a pushstick, but what about a gauge for setting up a table saw?  If you think about those measurements (1/2", 1/4", 5/8" and 3/16") being blade height above the table, that would be a handy thing to have, particularly when cutting dadoes. I've seen a similar tool made of plastic. You just lay it on the (unplugged) saw and run the blade up until it touches the gauge. Consistent height every time with no measuring.

[sgb45504]

Ok...  That would make perfect sense.   The piece does not seem to have any marks on it like it ever came in contact with a spinning blade.  I would expect a push stick to have some impact marks on it.   

Thanks for all the help so far!

Steven

[OilyRascal]

EDIT:  I'm standing my guns on the push stick. On second thought I tend to agree with Branson it would not bear down well.  I'll dig mine out of the garage.  Contrary to what's noted, its not a throw away from scrap and it has some class.  I made it from hickory - waiting on planer blades to be delivered to a job one day.  Stays in my "jig bag"......and I do not just throw my jigs to the ground.

I agree it wouldn't make much of a pushstick, but what about a gauge for setting up a table saw?  If you think about those measurements (1/2", 1/4", 5/8" and 3/16") being blade height above the table, that would be a handy thing to have, particularly when cutting dadoes. I've seen a similar tool made of plastic. You just lay it on the (unplugged) saw and run the blade up until it touches the gauge. Consistent height every time with no measuring.

I have one made of metal....problem is, if you rule it out as a push stick on ascetics; you really need to do the same for a blade gauge IMHO.  I promise you it'll hit that blade if you're setting it correctly.

[Branson]

First impression is a cobblers tool for polishing the welt of a shoe - but I'd go with a veneer rubber - definitely NOT a push stick

I'm hanging with Billman's angle.  Whatever trade it's specific to, it's made for rubbing -- like polishing the welt of a shoe.  The business ends actually look something like a saddle maker's creaser.  More to the point, they are curved lightly like a burnisher.  Come to think of it, bone and hardwood are used in burnishing and working leather book binding.  I think more and more it's a tool for working leather, maybe leather veneers applied to various wood surfaces even.

But it ain't no push stick, unless you enjoy the prospect of a narrow piece of wood coming over the top of it, spinning end over end right back at you.  Don't ask me how I know this...

[BruceS]

If the ends measure exactly opposite.   If maybe a gauge to measure window sash molding while hand planing a cope and stick joint.