ok here is the next one. found this at an estate sale..very interesting piece.

sorry heres a better picture.

I don't know what it's called but it us used to cast a line of light kind of like a laser level.

does not cast any kind of light or laser..very prehistoric. it has a sighting piece and a viewer.

something to do with the stars

no not that far up. has something to do with what you say everyday when you say this"hello"

MATTHEWS CORP TELEHEIGHT SURVEY TOOL

Vintage W. N. Matthews Corp. Teleheight Survey Tool. This is a vintage surveying tool. The tool was produced by the W. N. Matthews Corp. of St. Louis, U.S.A. which is written on the plaque that is applied to one side of the tool. The tool is a teleheight with a type CW and Pat Pend. which is also stated on the plaque. The teleheight is a black metal case with brass adornments and a brass encased level glass tube. T is a small mirror on the interior that reflects the bubble within the level at the top. The teleheight was used to measure the height of trees, telephone poles and such. The teleheight measures 5 inches in length and 2 inches in height.

Buy one on ebay!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140921573144

So  what is this? And how do you use it? (HOW is more important than WHAT)

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Dunno what it is but it looks like a brake pad?

Grab by the hand, form fist around it, raise clenched fist, bring down hard onto muggers head. 

It also looks like something you would use to score/ruff up the back of something before applying glue/mortar before setting. eg Tiles

Wrong and wrong.

I still recon its a brake pad

No. Nope. Wrong. Ain't a brake pad. El wrongo.

Is it some sort of holy stone? For grinding concrete?

I know I have seen that before somewhere but cannot for the life of me remember? Bunnings maybe?

is it used to clean off your shoes before you come in the house?

paint file, like for removing runs or bumps in paint?

Isn't that what sandpaper is for?

Paint Nib File — Fine Tooth
High-quality mini file makes removing runs and dirt nibs a breeze
Honed tips of teeth shave without digging in