Does anyone know what this is

I came across this but haven't a clue what it is.

With that spring loaded plunger and the gear, it looks like a specialised indexing tool. Some of these tools are specially made for a particular manufacturers requirement and unless somebody has actually used one, the purpose will never be known.

Looks like a simple indexing device

pipped at the post

Edited By Dennis R on 21/03/2023 20:35:45

Yes, I agree. Given construction, I'd say an amateur made item. Given the relatively small range that the plunger looks to be adjustable, probably just indended for the installed the indexing disc or gear. So, possibly for a specific (repeated) job.

Bill

I agree with what's been suggested, but I would add it looks like it's designed to fit a lathe toolpost and hold a gear blank above the spindle height so a gear cutter can be held in the spindle. The part projecting down under the two hex headed bolts at the top looks toolholder sized.

With you stating that, It was attached to a tool holder.

As others have said, a simple dividing head. By changing the gear wheel a different division is generated. Often uses change wheel gears from a lathe. I have a similar tool but with 2 other spindles to use up to 3 gears for compound trains. Noel.

Thanks everyone for the information given, well appreciated.

As well as a home-made general purpose divider my guess is that it would be handy as a quick, home-made way of cloning any given gear that could fit on the left hand side - guessing that the precision wouldn't be wonderful - it looks like that pin is spring loaded rather than being threaded to lock in place - but might have been enough for some things.

Could well have been made for a specific lathe, using that machine's own change-wheels.