What is this device?

[AdeV]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150812846169

Looks almost like an artistic headstock with built-in chuck, but surely it has a specific use?

[Bluechip]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150812846169

Looks almost like an artistic headstock with built-in chuck, but surely it has a specific use?

Dunno. But if it's an advert for Scotchbrite, it's not very convincing ... 

BC

[Divided he ad]

   If I had such a thing I'd assume it would be screwed down to a fixed bench and then used to hold and twist bars in conjunction with a fixed vice.

Well, that's what I'd try to do with it! 

I suppose it could be an early form of 4th axis MNC (Manual Numbery Machinering!). ? 



Still looks cool



Ralph.

[John Hill]

It looks like the chuck does not turn?  But it has a handle on the end?

Maybe if you take the handle out there is a fitting in there to hold a threading die.  You put a round piece in the chuck then turn the handle to form a thread on the end?  Maybe it uses a tap and puts an internal thread in the end of the workpiece.