Masonry Tool Identification

[MrJeep]

I recently bought an old metal PARK carpenters tool box full of masonry tools. This trowel / float was in the box that I cannot identify. It's 6" by 12", has spring clamps and an air hose chuck on the base of the handle. The bottom has five tiny holes that line up under the center. Any ideas what it is and the age? Thanks

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Air supply through the holes so it rides on a cushion of air? Valve at the top front controls the flow.

Thumb screws adjust the spring tension for variable rigidity.

Hole at the front, seems a bit of an odd place to put a hole if it's solely for hanging for storage.

For what, no idea.

 

[HalfTonTom]

It looks like it would be really handy to make grilled cheese sandwiches with it..

 

[BTL-A4]

Google AI insists it's a leather-splitting tool. I told it that it is not and uploaded another view, but it insisted. So much for AI.

Could it be a power trowel for plaster? https://www.thelaststraw.org/birth-of-the-power-trowel-pumping-without-spraying-tls-42/
Probably not, since you state it's got an air hose fitting, but maybe that will lead us to the answer. Does it have any residue on it?

 

[MrJeep]

Google AI insists it's a lather-splitting tool. I told it that it is not and uploaded another view, but it insisted. So much for AI.

Could it be a power trowel for plaster? https://www.thelaststraw.org/birth-of-the-power-trowel-pumping-without-spraying-tls-42/
Probably not, since you state it's got an air hose fitting, but maybe that will lead us to the answer. Does it have any residue on it?

Yeah, that tool kind of confuses google.A I. One time, it even said it was a Stanley plane.

 

[PCustoms]

Why are there 2 threads for this?

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Why are there 2 threads for this?

There were two because the OP started two.

I posted on the 2nd one highlighting this, but still some folks replied to that one.

Now the 2nd one has been deleted, and this original one remains.

 

[PCustoms]

That's cool that some of us had responded on the other thread that got deleted...

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I recall removing wallpaper many years ago using a steamer that was similar.

 

[dscheidt]

I suspect it is not an air hitting, but for a hose. Plaster is sometimes given a final trowel with a wet trowel. You either dip the trowel in a bucket or dash some on the wall with a brush (or realize it is the 21st century and use a spray bottle). The hose could provide water at a measured rate. This is how you get glass smoth lime plaster walls. (The original plaster in my house is so flat I've scraped paint off it with a razor blade).

 

[MrJeep]

There were two because the OP started two.

I posted on the 2nd one highlighting this, but still some folks replied to that one.

Now the 2nd one has been deleted, and this original one remains.

Sorry I didn't know the first one was published.

 

[MrJeep]

I suspect it is not an air hitting, but for a hose. Plaster is sometimes given a final trowel with a wet trowel. You either dip the trowel in a bucket or dash some on the wall with a brush (or realize it is the 21st century and use a spray bottle). The hose could provide water at a measured rate. This is how you get glass smoth lime plaster walls. (The original plaster in my house is so flat I've scraped paint off it with a razor blade).

I agree, the fitting is for water. Where the base of the handle mounts there's a fairly thick gasket.

 

[RTM]

I agree, the fitting is for water. Where the base of the handle mounts there's a fairly thick gasket.

Then maybe a wallpaper steamer, though less likely IMO.

 

[NightSky]

I haven't seen any comments on the utility of the four spring clamps. Maybe for holding sanding sheets or screens? But hard to reconcile this with the water/steam/air hose connection.

I like the wallpaper steamer idea.

 

[RTM]

Poking thru old masonry catalogs, they had a few tools with spring clips, which the catalog said were for holding carpets, for a sand finish.

Goldblatt Tools for the Trowel Trades : 1956 Catalog : Goldblatt Tool Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

92 p., illus., 28.6 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

@ CARPET-HOLDING “SAND FINISHING” FLOAT—Practically self-cleaning. Adjustable aluminum end clamps lock carpet or felt securely into place. A few turns of thumb screws release worn pieces easily, quickly. Handle is permanently screwed into the strong, lightweight, aluminum base. Carpet or felt is firmly supported. 9-in. x 4-in. Carpeting is priced separately below

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

That the base would be covered with "carpet" would explain why having imperfections in the base (screw heads, hanging hole) would not matter.

Sanding discs have holes for airflow, I believe for heat dissipation and dust extraction (if mounted on a machine with that capability). Perhaps the holes blew air through the carpet/sheet for the same purpose.

Holes seem too small for wallpaper steaming. If it was for plastering then I wouldn't expect it to be so clean.