Old Tool :Has me stumped:

[Lafitte Deux]

Trying to ID this for a friend who found it an old garage.

It's approx. 14" wide by 10" tall.
It has 3 clamps at the base which move in or out.
The center rod can be turned by the handle at the top.
Appears to be home-made because of the welds.

We're just curious about what it's purpose is.
Thanks for any help or ideas!

Laf

 

[pepperj]

Looks like a jig for metal sheet, and it kinds of reminds me of a spot welder set up.

 

[Rasputin]

Jig to align two ends of a bandsaw blade for brazing.

 

[tamrock]

Looks like a one off something Some kind of a special purpose press. I'm guessing the outer clamps are to hold the center of what ever piece you'd be working on .

 

[cudamark]

I'm thinking pin press or riveter.

 

[motohed]

Maybe an off shoot to an arbor press

 

[maxpower]

looks like an old pop rivet tool, i have a similar one for the rivets on my tractor brake shoes

 

[Lafitte Deux]

It could be for pop rivets, but the handle rod isn't threaded.

 

[maxpower]

 

[Lafitte Deux]

Oh I see, thanks!