I got this today....
...I can't find any tool makers name on it, only a number.
Any more information would be appreciated.
What 'number' did you find?
I believe there were at least 2 versions of the early distrib tool made by Waco, -maybe more.
If I recall there was the model X-140 and model X-12127. Don't recall what the difference was though.
The X-12127 model number was designated by Ford under Ford's parts numbering system hence the familiar 12127 (distributor) designation.
The X-140 designation may have been Waco's official part number but that is just a guess.
I don't know if much info is available on the web or not,
Perhaps a search of Waco x-140 or Waco X-12127 would lead a person somewhere.......
I have the same unit that is shown above as well as it is properly referenced in the Ford of Canada Service Bulletins (circa 1940's).
If anyone is interested I can post up the pages which show both a description and proper use of the tool, (I will need to scan them first).
I believe it is for two bolt distributors only.
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FWIW, most people that have Waco timing fixtures are missing the adapter plates and/or other do-dads that came with it (that includes me).
Your Distributor fixture (like mine) works with both 2 and 3 bolt distribs but you might be missing the other adapter plate? I think the plates were used in certain combinations and/or singularly depending on whether you needed to set a 2 bolt, 3 bolt or 4 cylinder distributor.
As far as the light bulb goes, It's easy enough to fasten a simple power source (battery or adapter) and light bulb up to help you adjust your distributor. I think the principle involves rocking the distributor shaft back and forth to open and close the points which cause the light to blink off/on (open/closed).
Honestly I've never used the distributor fixture as It's easy enough to time early distributors on the bench using a straight edge and your trusty service bulletins.
I also seem to recall getting a photocopy of an original one page info sheet about 20 years ago from a local flatlander but not sure were the heel I would have put that? Alzheimer's is a wonderful thing isn't it?
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