Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: HeelSpur on January 05, 2013, 06:30:21 PM

Title: Whats it for?
Post by: HeelSpur on January 05, 2013, 06:30:21 PM

This looks like something for re-threading bolts I guess.
Got a travel company when I googled Butterfield.

Butterfield & Co.
Derbyline, VT
Rock Island PO

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j368/wvabe/009-2.jpg?t=1357430007)
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j368/wvabe/010-2.jpg?t=1357430092)

Title: Re: Whats it for?
Post by: john k on January 05, 2013, 06:40:46 PM

Have heard them called an adjustable screwplate.   I have some with 3 different dies, in that slot.  One is marked Rock Island, F.A., which I believe stood for the Federal Arsenal at Rock Island Illinois. 

Title: Re: Whats it for?
Post by: WiebeLC on January 05, 2013, 07:05:53 PM

I found this site that explains a bit about Butterfield's history
http://townshipsheritage.com/article/butterfields-important-invention-leads-international-factory (http://townshipsheritage.com/article/butterfields-important-invention-leads-international-factory)

Title: Re: Whats it for?
Post by: Branson on January 05, 2013, 08:48:35 PM

Quote from: john k on January 05, 2013, 06:40:46 PM

Have heard them called an adjustable screwplate.   I have some with 3 different dies, in that slot.  One is marked Rock Island, F.A., which I believe stood for the Federal Arsenal at Rock Island Illinois.

I'd like to see a picture of your RI tool!

It's a typical 19th Century die stock.

Title: Re: Whats it for?
Post by: Aunt Phil on January 06, 2013, 02:34:14 AM

It's a thread restorer.
Used a bit differently from a die. 
For want of a better wird you mount the tool with appropriate thread count onto the good part of the thread and screw it onto and over the bunged threads.  Most times you make 2 passes.  Grainger sold a similar restorer into the 80s that had a single flight tooth so it was universal.

Many times the restorer will save a lot of work that a die won't. 

Title: Re: Whats it for?
Post by: Branson on January 06, 2013, 08:02:34 AM

Found a little information on Butterfield and Co.

"Butterfield & Co., Derby Line, Vermont, U.S.A., Rock Island, Province Quebec, Canada:
Manufacturers of Taps, Stocks and Dies, Reece's and Derby Screw Plates, Reamers. Taps and Dies for All Uses, Young's Axle Cutter, Tools for Engineer's and Steamfitters' Use"

These could be used for chasing, but the design is for a tap and die for cutting threads.  The photo is of a Butterfield tap and die set made for bicycles.
Similar designs of dies and die stocks have been around since around 1800.