In response to Dick McCarley’s question on page 4 of the June 2010 issue, “Recognize this piece?”: I believe it to be a tenon cutter, used for cutting tenons for spokes or chair rungs. I have several, but mine have screw adjustments, not just three adjustments. This was used after the spoke pointer, which had an angled and vertical blade that pointed the spoke before the tenon cutter.
Donald Koll, Ogilvie, Minn.
The tool in question on page 4 of the June 2010 issue is called a hollow auger. It is used to cut a round tenon on the spoke ends of wooden wagon or buggy wheels. These round tenons fit into the holes in the felloe (or rim) of the wheel. There are several different styles of hollow augers. This style fits into a hand brace or drill press. An excellent resource is Wheelwrighting: A Modern Introduction, by Bruce and Joyce Morrison.
Tom Nelson, Douglas, Okla.
On page 4 of the June 2010 issue, the tool in question is used to cut tenons on spokes of wooden wheels for different sizes. The tool pictured tapers the spoke down to a half-inch. The rod in the middle is adjustable to cut the right length.
I hope you can read this: I will be 90 years old July 12, 2010.
Franklin Blanton, Chapel Hill, Tenn.
Editor’s note: Happy birthday, Franklin!
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