Mystery Part Identication

[sgs236]

Went to an afternoon auction, and this part was in one of the box lots that I bought and I can't figure out what it is. The guy had a one man machine shop with Enco mill and I suspect that it might have went with it, but the color is all wrong. It weighs 37 lbs. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[sgs236]

Bumping one time to see if anyone has an idea.

 

[Swegner99]

Christmas Tree stand!

 

[neophyte]

The square socket sort of looks like it could have been made to hold the post from a post anvil or hammering stake though I'm not sure whether its deep enough.

The bolts and groove on the backside then could have been used to secure it on top of a 6" post or beam to make a hammering station.

This is a guess since I've never seen one before.

 

[nine4gmc]

The square socket sort of looks like it could have been made to hold the post from a post anvil or hammering stake though I'm not sure whether its deep enough.

The bolts and groove on the backside then could have been used to secure it on top of a 6" post or beam to make a hammering station.

This is a guess since I've never seen one before.

That was my thoughts but I didn't want to post and look like an idiot if I was wrong. Now at least I won't be alone.

 

[PBCampbell]

The angled bolts with the cross drilled heads are interesting and the socket looks to be at least 3". Was this an auction with lots of farm equipment?

 

[wingnut_1]

Christmas Tree stand!

You beat me to it '99'!

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Could it be some kind of beam clamp? It looks as though it could clamp on and then allow the insertion of something specific in the square hole. It doesn't look deep enough to hold it securely though.

 

[sgs236]

Thanks for all the replies. The hole is 3" deep (all the way though). It is 2 1/2" square on the round end and tapers to a 2" square on the flat end. It was a one man machine shop estate sale. I didn't notice any blacksmithing equipment or any anvils up for auction.

 

[454ragtop]

Doesn't seem precision enough for a machine shop. I wonder if it for attaching something to the fork of a forklift? Might post it over on OWWM in the "Swarf" forum, bound to get a couple humorous replies if nothing else.
Jim

 

[Outlawmws]

I would guess that is for rigging in some way, so you can temporally tie a support post to an overhead cross beam without any fear of it shifting.

 

[Provincial]

Because the four bolts are drilled for safety wire, I believe that it was intended to be a permanent installation on something that was subject to vibration or where the location was critical.

I have no idea what it was used for.

 

[Cadillac fan]

Looks like a doomsday device!

 

[wirickpiao]

It doesn't look deep enough to hold it securely though.

 

[ClineWrench]

That appears to be a thingamajigger but could be a whatchamacallit.

In all seriousness, it looks like the flat section is designed to slide onto a steel I beam them tighten the screws until it's in place. Then do the wire safety ties to make sure they don't back out.

What the tapered square post is for I'm not sure.

 

[Outlawmws]

Because the four bolts are drilled for safety wire, I believe that it was intended to be a permanent installation on something that was subject to vibration or where the location was critical.

I have no idea what it was used for.

Prov; Safety wire doesn't mean permanent, just high vibration use. Lets say for supporting where it's in or near a roadway. Lots of vibrations from passing vehicles, and the wire is easily cut to remove when the temp support job is done.

 

[fasteddie313]

taper attatchment slide?

bolts to take out backlash like tightenting ways, or locking it for work at a specific location..

square drive to attach the arm to the lathe carriage?