Bill Noble wrote:
"Dan" wrote in message
...
Bill Noble wrote:
"Flash" wrote in message
...
"Bill Noble" wrote in message
...
I originally posted this in the metal working newsgroup, some folks
there thought the part might be recobnized by somone here - so,
it's worth a try - any clues?
thanks:
I think this is probably quite old, but so far I have no idea what
it is (or
was part of) - there is another like it that has been sharpened to
use as a
boring bar - clearly that was not its original purpose. the one
pictured in
the drop box appears to be original - but orignal what, is the
question.
here are the links to the drop box:
http://metalworking.com/Dropbox/P-W-1.JPG
http://metalworking.com/Dropbox/P-W-2.JPG
http://metalworking.com/Dropbox/P-W-1.txt
Anyone got any clues about this item?
The text file from the drop box is reproduced below:
Mystery Pratt & Whitney tool - the cylindrical shank is exactly
.500 inches,
it says on the
shank, the following:
NO. 32
HS.-36
E-12
P&W
MFD CT
Made in USA
it is NOT a drill bit. The part that extends beyond the 1/2 inch
diameter
shows a wear line
like it was riding in a keyway. The point seems to be lathe
turned, the 1/2
inch shank
appears to be ground
Bill -
www.wbnoble.com
--
Bill -
www.wbnoble.com
My first guess would be some sort of gagueing equipment. I have run
across quite a few truly odd P&W gages and accessories for gage
sets. They were willing to make some very specialized gages for a
lot of unique applications.
Flash
Yes, I would agree, though I think it is not a specialty item - maybe
part of something to measure camshafts and the like? I'd love to
find someone who could say for sure what it was
Specialized boring bar? The 1/2" round end reminds me of my boring
bars, but I have never seen a cutting end like this thing has. I
suppose it could be installed in a boring head and used to cut a
groove beyond the reach of standard lathe tools. I'm probably way off,
but I can't think of anything else.
Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired
plausible, barely - but this thing is NOT sharp, I don't think it's
intended to cut anything -
It was the best I could come up with

I hope you find out what it
is and tell us.
Over the years I have seen many specialized tools that no one
outside the trade could guess what they are for. Somewhere in my
scrounge I have a tool for shaping the points on the end of wagon
spokes. It's good for nothing else.
Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired