what is it?

What is it?

Perhaps a "jig" for taking "cutoff" rear wheel centers and lining them up to be welded to their new rims, used to convert steel wheels to rubber tires.

definitely a centering jig of some sort but can't determine what for

a jig for lacing wire motorcycle wheels to assure they run true-----maybe....

I second what Bob said. I remember seeing them being used when they cut down large wooden wagon wheels to put on rims for rubber tires. My Dad had a wagon done like that and it worked fine.

I can not tell by the size, but I have one that is on legs, it is definatly used for taking steel wheels, and making cut offs for tractor rears.

If it is for tractors, you adjust the (fender to rim width) using the three --this on has one missing) little redi rod ordeals to keep the exact spacing.

They had a rod with a washer on the end that could be adjusted with a screw. You put the tip of the cutting torch in the washer, and it made a perfect circle. This would be the same size as your new cut off rubber tire rims.

I was told that when welding the spokes, you always welded everyone except the last one. You were then supposed to drink one adult beverage, and then weld the last one. Other wise the welds could break from stress.

I purchased mine for twenty five dollars, and everyone wanted to know what it was.

If you watch alot of tractors run down the road with cut offs, the rear wheels go from side to side. Not when you use this unit properly.

Years ago when used tires were needed for wagons, 16 inch tires had to be purchased new, as car tires were not usualy of that size. With this you could redo any wheel to the most popular size and use used car tires for your wagons.

Some people put a small kink in the last spoke and welded it right now.

It is a wheel jig. They where first used on wagon wheels and later used to put rims on steel spoke wheels. I have the one my Great Grandfather bought new in 1939. He was a black smith. He changed over a lot of steel wheels.
This one is complete as it has the pointer that you use to center the rim with. I use it for many different things.