I recently bought a few machinist chests full of tools and other goodies. I’m not a machinist myself, but I’m familiar with a lot of the tools associated with the trade. This piece is a smooth solid steel cylinder with four equal spaced holes bored completely through it. It measures approximately 5.5" long and 2.25" diameter. Weighs almost 4-1/2 lbs. The end has stamped “Feb. 48 Eddie Champ.” The other end is identical minus the engraving.
I suspect it might be a cylindrical square, but I’ve not seen examples quite like this. It came with a plastic sleeve.
It’s a 4-barrel 10mm socket shooter.
Hahahahahahahaha.
At least that would explain where they all go!
I think it’s a cylindrical square. It can be set on one end on a surface plate to find 90°. Because it can be rotated, it can be checked for error. I think they’re often made by apprentice machinists, hence the name and date stamped in it.
Example commercial version: https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/06504302?item=06504302
Example use of one with a surface gauge as a squareness comparator: https://youtu.be/53q6kVX9gjM?t=1244
I’m pretty sure it is a cylindrical square and was someone’s shop project in tradeschool or as an apprentice, or just from a slow day.
There’s an “Ed Champ” here that sounds like he’s done part fabrication. Maybe try asking him? He’d probably get a kick out of it if he’s Eddie.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-champ-202022154
Automation Engineer
Hobart Brothers LLC
Oct 2023 - Present 1 yr 5 mos
Troy, Ohio, United States

Systems Integration Director
Navus, Inc.
Aug 2015 - Oct 2023 8 yrs 3 mos

Staff Engineer
Myers Spring Co., Inc
Jan 2014 - Aug 2015 1 yr 8 mos
- Designed, developed and programmed automated wire-forming equipment
- Engineered spring grinding and wire-form tooling
- Developed proficiency and trained operators on state-of-the-art spring end grinding equipment
- Updated plant-wide manually controlled processes to improve equipment power efficiency and create automated control solutions

Automation Engineer
A. Raymond Tinnerman Manufacturing, Inc.
Apr 1999 - Jan 2014 14 yrs 10 mos
- Engineered electrical control systems for automated assembly equipment and process control
- Developed PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation products
- Integrated machine vision inspection systems for high-speed sorting equipment
- Installed and programmed Fanuc 6-axis robotic welders and Epson SCARA robots
- Developed electrical schematics with AutoCAD
- Updated machinery to improve overall equipment efficiency and operator safety

Electrician
Whallon Machinery, Inc.
Apr 1996 - Apr 1999 3 yrs 1 mo
- Fabricated electrical control panels for automated material handling systems
- Installed conduit and wired systems per customer’s specifications
- Engaged in initial machine start-up and testing

Engineering Technician
Indiana Department of Transportation
Dec 1992 - Aug 1996 3 yrs 9 mos
- Operated and maintained mobile highway surface deflection testing equipment
- Analyzed test data and reported to engineering department
- Worked independently and coordinated support personnel
Education

Purdue University
Bachelor of Science - BS Aviation Technology
1987 - 1992