Twinner Multi-Jigset (what is this tool for?)

[AJAXParticipant @ajax]

I bought a pair or matching clamps from a local car boot sale. 50p each. Three of the jaws are missing (easily replaced) and I don't have an immediate use for them, but they have an excellent clamping action and appear well made.

Before I consider re-purposing or modifying them, does anyone recognise them or their original use? They are marked Twinner Multi-Jigset and 2195.

The only "information" I can find via the Internet is a number of sellers on eBay trying to sell them without any apparent knowledge of what they are for.

[AJAXParticipant @ajax]

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi I have used similar clamps as part of a holding jig to hold larger pieces for drilling and milling.

David

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

IF it sells, or you could get another one, on sbay. Good bargain for a couple of clamps for a quid

**LINK**

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

John Smith 47 should be impressed … it’s nearly what he was wanting.

MichaelG.

[Mike HurleyParticipant @mikehurley60381]

to me these look like adjustable tools to set things over a certain amount. I would think that a range of different jaws would have been available to suit the job in hand, the screw thread is fine adjustment for amount of ' throw ' and the lever actually closes the jaw and provides the set.

I'm thinking here typically of the tooth set on either hand saws or circular saw blades. I have a similar ( but more compact type ) for just this purpose – called a saw set and made by Eclipse. The types in the photos would possibly just be more versatile versions of this?

regards Mike

[AJAXParticipant @ajax]

Posted by not done it yet on 25/08/2021 07:29:16:

IF it sells, or you could get another one, on sbay. Good bargain for a couple of clamps for a quid

**LINK**

I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to pay so much for these clamps. Of course, if anyone happens to know such a fool then feel free to put them in touch!

[AJAXParticipant @ajax]

Posted by Mike Hurley on 25/08/2021 09:03:10:

to me these look like adjustable tools to set things over a certain amount. I would think that a range of different jaws would have been available to suit the job in hand, the screw thread is fine adjustment for amount of ' throw ' and the lever actually closes the jaw and provides the set.

I'm thinking here typically of the tooth set on either hand saws or circular saw blades. I have a similar ( but more compact type ) for just this purpose – called a saw set and made by Eclipse. The types in the photos would possibly just be more versatile versions of this?

regards Mike

Thanks Mike. I assumed it was some type of mechanics tool but you may well be right.

[AJAXParticipant @ajax]

This may help. I found the clamps sold as a complete set with other parts. I'm still unsure about its purpose.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Twinner-7-Piece-Multi-Jigset-N0-1-Original-Case-Ross-Ptners-London-/203483106221?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

Seeing the full kit complete with base suggests that its fundamentally a more robust version of those "helping hands" devices having croc-clips on pivoting mounts / arms primarily intended for holdin electronics stuff in mid air for soldering.

I'd think that this, more robust, device was either more in the brazing together line of work or for holding up one or two things in line so another part can be screwed on.

Clive

[Robert DoddsParticipant @robertdodds43397]

From the E bay photos they look like early forerunners of today's toggle clamps.
Graces Guide throws up some pictures of big positioners and welding fixtures for the welding trade made by Donald Ross and Partners under the name Twinner. from the phone number I guess the company dates from the 50's 60's era

Bob D

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks to Robert’s discovery … I have just found this:

Improved Welding Technique. — A new 

development to be included in the 1952 
British Industries Fair, to be held in 
London and Birmingham from May 5 
to May 16, is an improved method of 
welding known as the "Twinner Tech- 
nique''. The basic idea is that universal 
holding tools are set up on the top plate 
of a welding positioner to receive the 
workpieces to be welded. The holding 
tool acts as a jig, and being mounted 
on the welding positioner, the work- 
piece can be positioned to suit the weld- 
ing procedure. Complicated weldments 
can thus be built up rapidly from a 
series of sub-assemblies with special jigs, 
the sub-assemlies being brought together 
as a final assembly on the welding posi- 
tioner. 

This method is claimed both to econ- 
omize considerably in production time 
and to eliminate the cost of special jigs. 
The ''Twinner Technique" is made by 
Donald Ross and Partners. Limited. 1-3 
Arlington Road, London, N.W.I. 

Ref. **LINK**

https://archive.org/stream/transactionsofen35engi/transactionsofen35engi_djvu.txt

and also another address [in 1964] , at Twinner Works, Gatwick Road, Crawley

Keep digging !

MichaelG.

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