This machine can be used to switch enchantments and stats from one item to the other. In game uses are limited to aesthetic value. One could transmute a powerful unenchantable weapon with a cool looking, but weak weapon. Examples are many of the unique Daedric enchantments or weapons from questmods. So when Dawnbreaker is inserted in the source and a Elven Sword is inserted in the subject, a Elven Sword with the Dawnbreaker damage, weight, value and enchantment will be the result.