What is it?

[t4runner]

I picked up a Kennedy tool box that had a lot of tooling in it. I know what everything in the box was for but this one item. I know I have seen it before but for the life of me I cant remember what it is or who made it . There are no numbers or trade marks or name on it. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[zkling]

Rev counter / speed indicator / tachometer.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

It looks like a tachometer.

WoD

 

[JMLangford]

^ ^ ^ ^ What they said ^ ^ ^ ^

t4runner you have two PM's from me.......?

 

[t4runner]

Its a speed indicator for sure. I was using the wrong phrase in my search as soon as I put in machine speed indicator I got this.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

To clarify, that sort counts revolutions but does not directly indicate speed...you supply the time from a watch or clock. Hold the thing against turning device for 30 seconds or one minute or whatever makes the math simple, calculate speed with the number of turns made in your measured time.
There are others (I've seen Delco and Stewart Warner) made in more recent times that indicate speed directly...the spinning tip drives a magnetically coupled pointer just like a pre-computer automobile speedometer.

 

[larry_g]

To clarify, that sort counts revolutions but does not directly indicate speed...you supply the time from a watch or clock. Hold the thing against turning device for 30 seconds or one minute or whatever makes the math simple, calculate speed with the number of turns made in your measured time.

Rev counter, not tachometer or speed indicator. Bruce has it correct.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[RiverRider]

As ornate as it is, I'm thinking it is an accessory to an old clock so you don't overwind it. Can't think of any other device it might be useful for.

 

[Maui]

You would use it on a lathe to determine rotational speed.

Maui

 

[zkling]

Rev counter, not tachometer or speed indicator. Bruce has it correct.

lg
no neat sig line

My Starrett 104, states in writing on the box that it is indeed a speed indicator. I'll get you a picture this evening if you don't believe me.

As ornate as it is, I'm thinking it is an accessory to an old clock so you don't overwind it. Can't think of any other device it might be useful for.

You can use it on anything rotating, they were a machinist tool for lathes, mills, etc. Back before spindle RPM readout or charts were common and all you had was belts and pulleys.

 

[2oolhound]

The starretts are quite common but I've never seen one so ornate or with the gears exposed. Is there a maker's name on it? They come with various tips i.e.: wheels and points, does that one have some kind of chuck or connector at the tip? (can't make it out in the shadows)

 

[LordPsychon]

How old is this tool, it looks at least 40yo. It's definitely a rev-counter as many others have said, not sure what the use for one would be today (digital versus analog and whatnot).

 

[bczygan]

 

[2oolhound]

My guess is it's from the 30's….1930's that is. These tools are still handy today. If you're turning a 7" A36 steel cylinder in your lathe you can do the math and figure the speed at the cutting bit (if you're a friggin mathematician) or you can whip one of those out and read the speed at the circumference to make an educated estimate on chuck speed and depth of cut etc. Wise machinists want to know these details. Or how accurate is the chart on your drill press? Ever checked it? This is the tool. There are many uses for such a tool.

I'm happy with my modern sealed starrett but that is a cool find. You should probably put a drop of oil at the spindle and on the gears before each use and FOR GOD'S SAKE, KEEP THOSE HANG NAILS AWAY FROM THOSE OPEN GEARS!

 

[larry_g]

My Starrett 104, states in writing on the box that it is indeed a speed indicator. I'll get you a picture this evening if you don't believe me.

No need to prove, I have a couple in the tool box. The fact is though that tool can do nothing more than count revolutions.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[RiverRider]

I see it now. I thought it looked like a key of some kind that counted the number of times it is turned. Obviously (now) not!

 

[zkling]

No need to prove, I have a couple in the tool box. The fact is though that tool can do nothing more than count revolutions.

lg
no neat sig line

Just like how a telescoping gauge is useless without a mic or other reference? Or how a punch is useless without a hammer? It's the intended use that matters. The fact is that is what the manufacturer and industry standard calls it.