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Help reqd with identification of tooling

All, Given the collective wisdom on this list I am hopeful that someone might be able to help here..

I have been given a boxed set of equipment manufactured by the "Coventry Gauge & Tool Co" and marked "Matrix". I am aware of some company history and understand that "Matrix" was the name used after take-over.

The equipment consists of a base similar to that used on height gauges but this has no column - just a slot with a highly polished centre piece

- it is marked "1 inch". There are six columns all approximately one and quarter by five eighths section and varying in length from two and a half to fourteen inches. These columns are open frames made of steel section mounted onto end blocks.

The three shorter ones have an adjusting screw at one end giving around one and a half inches adjustment to a sliding block within the framework of the column. The three longer columns have the same adjustable block, but the adjusting screw is mounted in fixture that can slide and be locked along the length of the framework. The columns slot into the base but there appears to be no means of locking it into place.

There is also, in the box, a number of other items. Two of what looks like the "finger" of a height gauge - approx four inches long. One similar but a knife edged piece and only two inches long. There is also a number of items about three eighths section and one and a half inches long. Each item has a differently shaped end to it - half rounds, circular, pointed - and all very highly finished. I think the set is complete and comprises sixteen pieces in all in a fitted wooden box.

I think it might be some sort of adjustable measuring device - possibly similar to a height gauge - but cannot work out how it all goes together.. The chap that gave the box to me doesn't know either - beyond it used to be used within Vickers engineering.

If anyone has any ideas, or knows what it was used for (and how to use it) or has access to an older "Coventry" catalogue then any and all help will be appreciated.

Photos could be supplied if needed.

I am going to post this to the model engineering lists also.

Thanks in anticipation.

Regards,

Reply to
Pat Martindale
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Pat Martindale said

Since I served my time as a toolmaker at Coventry Gauge & Tool (1957 -

62) I can't avoid at least a comment!

"Matrix" was (is?) the trade mark of the company used throughout its checkered history and nothing to do with any 'take-over' - which never was, it was a buy out by a middle-eastern entrepreneur who then inveigled his way through Ministry of Trade export licencing, culminating in the 'Big Gun-barrel' affair which ultimately lead to the demise of the company.

A "Coventry" catalogue would not be any benefit - that would give you details of the Die-heads and Dies produced by Herbert Small Tools & Equipment (a company I later worked for) - part of the Alfred Herbert Group.

It is a long time since I have had my hands on the height comparator that you have and my memory has faded somewhat but essentially it is used to hold slip blocks (accurate reference pieces). The 'height' is built up to the reference measurement with the top piece (one of the 'finger' items) protruding so that a 'clock' could take a reading - either from the top or bottom - which reading would then be compared with the workpiece being measured. This is all done on an inspection surface plate of course.

The need for a 'framework' is really to make it easier to handle slip-blocks beyond about 6".

JG

Reply to
JG

"Coventry

gauges

eighths

inches.

framework

there

looks

possibly

Is it an accessory set for a set of gauge blocks? Used to make up gauges by clamping a stack of gauge blocks between fittings.

AWEM

Reply to
Andrew Mawson

In message , JG writes

JG, Thanks for putting the record straight..

I was told my version by the chap that gave me the equipment..

So that's what it is!

Thank you for the info - at least I have an idea of how to use it.

The chap didn't know what it was for.

The same person gave me a set of Coventry Matrix slip blocks..

Thanks once again.

Regards,

Reply to
Pat Martindale

In message , Andrew Mawson writes

Andrew, It would appear so - see the other post from JG.

Thanks for your interest.

Regards,

Reply to
Pat Martindale

Pat Martindale said

I well remember my time as an apprentice when I had about three months in the Final Inspection & Calibration Department where I had to measure each slip block and fill in the calibration table that went inside the lid of the box detailing how far each one was from the 'nominal' size in millionths of an inch!

JG

Reply to
JG

In message , JG writes

JG, My box of Coventry slip gauges - given to me by the same chap - has a printed chart in the lid as you describe..

Incidentally the item in question is similar to the one shown on ebay auction number 7570099692.

Thanks again.

Regards

Reply to
Pat Martindale

On Mon, 15 May 2006 10:17:50 +0100, Pat Martindale

Hmmm. I wonder why the vendor is asking new price for second hand goods.

Mark Rand RTFM

Reply to
Mark Rand

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