Machinist Tools Auction Find

[SDIceMan]

Hi all. I usually frequent the garage sale/thrift store forums, but I thought I'd reach out to see if I could get some help identifying these items. I picked up two wooden storage boxes from an auction house that contain what I believe are some kind of machinist tools. One end of each piece is threaded and many are still coated in a protective film. My auction invoice is of no help - it says 'collet set x 2', and I don't believe these are collets. I could be wrong though. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Looks like the slits go down through the threads so I would say "collets" is just what you have.

As to whet they might fit - that is another question.

Are all the spindles the same size on the non-threaded ends?

 

[SDIceMan]

Thank you for the info. The spindles are different sizes. Some are quite narrow in diameter and others are a little bigger around.

 

[SusanMN]

Wondering if they could possibly be part of router bits, the different sizes would make senses.

 

[Peyton Manning]

collets probably for a cnc machine since there are so many

 

[Engineer in MD]

Hi all. I usually frequent the garage sale/thrift store forums, but I thought I'd reach out to see if I could get some help identifying these items. I picked up two wooden storage boxes from an auction house that contain what I believe are some kind of machinist tools. One end of each piece is threaded and many are still coated in a protective film. My auction invoice is of no help - it says 'collet set x 2', and I don't believe these are collets. I could be wrong though. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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They look like thread gages to me. Note it is the thread that is protected under the gunk. They would come in lots of different sizes. They are used to check if a machined or tapped thread meets a standard. They should be marked with thread sizes such as #6-32 2B or 1/2"-13 2B as examples. If they are not marked, then they are something else.

Andy

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[SDIceMan]

Yes, they are each marked. For example, one says '7/16-14 UNC' and 'SG CO.' Would thread gages still be split down the sides like Charlie P. pointed out? Thank you.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Very possibly thread gauges. I didn't spot the markings on the original image. If checking freshly machined threads the slits would allow filings to fall through.

The light knurling around the rings would also make sense for finger turned gauges.

 

[Engineer in MD]

Yes, they are each marked. For example, one says '7/16-14 UNC' and 'SG CO.' Would thread gages still be split down the sides like Charlie P. pointed out? Thank you.

Yes, they would be split so they can flex if they were forced into a threaded hole that was too tight. It preserves the gage. They can be expensive purchased new at $40 to $100 each depending on thread. What you mentioned is a 7/16 inch diameter thread with 14 threads per inch. UNC is Unified National Course. There is also UNF for fine threads.

SG Co is probably the manufacturer. Try googling it along with "thread gage".

EBay would be your best bet to sell them.

Andy

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[SDIceMan]

Thank you all very much for pointing me in the right direction. I appreciate your help. Happy hunting!

 

[Tony in SC]

Some type of specialty collet. Not your everyday setup. Contact a machine tool dealer in your area.

 

[kcm]

I'm kinda leaning towards thread insert bits, probably for softer material.

 

[SDIceMan]

With your collective guidance to direct my search, I have found a website run by a self-professed "gage guy". The site identifies 'SG Co' as the former Southern Gage, now Glastonbury Southern Gage. I have sent Gage Guy an email with the photographs. I'll update if I receive a response. Thanks again.

 

[SDIceMan]

Heard back from the 'gage guy'. What I have are Flexible Threaded Hole Centerline Location Gages. Here is a link he sent me:

http://www.ring-plug-thread-gages.com/ti-hole-location-flexible.htm

In addition, the gentleman sent me a price list. This will be a useful reference if I decide to go the EBay route as Engineer in MD recommended.

Thank you again for all the educated guesses and suggestions.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Neat.... One of my grandfathers worked as a machinist making and repairing tools at a Caterpillar plant long ago and had a pretty impressive collection of machinists tools. I saw these and kept thinking I had seen something similar to these in one of his tool sets, but I honestly had no idea what they were.