The VISES of Garage Journal

[derkafer]

I figure I did okay on these two...

My free (with purchase) 3 1/2" Craftsman

My $5 3 1/2" Wilton

 

[mjozefow]

I figure I did okay on these two...

My free (with purchase) 3 1/2" Craftsman

My $5 3 1/2" Wilton

$5 for two nice medium duty vises? You did great!

 

[autopts]

I remember that one. IMO thats crazy but eBay is eBay. I paid $150 for my Reed 108 in very good shape. I'd love to see pics of this big ol parker.

I had a chance at a 436 about 6 months ago and lost out to a higher $150 bid. It was missing the front collar. I guess we could talk Reeds and Parkers all day long. Each of those vises are special in their own way. Parkers throat depth vs. Reeds overall density and so on..Both beauties.

 

[mjozefow]

I had a chance at a 436 about 6 months ago and lost out to a higher $150 bid. It was missing the front collar. I guess we could talk Reeds and Parkers all day long. Each of those vises are special in their own way. Parkers throat depth vs. Reeds overall density and so on..Both beauties.

Nick you knew me 6 months ago and you didn't say anything?

I could definitely talk for a long time about them. Parkers still take the cake for me though. I think they are the finest vises ever made to this point.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

I could definitely talk for a long time about them. Reeds still take the cake for me though. I think they are the finest vises ever made to this point.

Mwahahaha

 

[autopts]

Nick you knew me 6 months ago and you didn't say anything?

I could definitely talk for a long time about them. Parkers still take the cake for me though. I think they are the finest vises ever made to this point.

Yes, shoulda coulda, Trying to find a big Parker collar would have been a neetle in a haystack thing. That, to me, that collar that says PARKER, was not worth getting that vise. Yes, I did lose out beacuse the top jaws were perfect. This was the auction photo

 

[mjozefow]

Yes, shoulda coulda, Trying to find a big Parker collar would have been a neetle in a haystack thing. That, to me, that collar that says PARKER, was not worth getting that vise. Yes, I did lose out beacuse the top jaws were perfect. This was the auction photo

I could whip up a collar on the mill in a few hours! You're killing me man!

 

[autopts]

I could whip up a collar on the mill in a few hours! You're killing me man!

Actually, it looked like the animals were using it to tighten things without that collar and they were down to the knurl on the spindle that the collar fit into. It just didn't feel right and who knows what his bid was up to. It was just the two of us bidding.
I called the auction house and told them that vise was broken and they said they would correct it in the listing. They never did.

 

[jsokoly]

Long time viewer, first time posting...I've been following the acquisition of some beautiful vises on this thread and I finally snagged one of my own. It's a Parker 985. Not the biggest out there (102#) but a respectable chunk of iron. It's in the electrolysis bath now in hopes that my restoration will be half as good as some of those I've seen on here! Here's the CL ad pics that will serve as the "before" and hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be able to post the "after" pics.

thanks for the challenge!
Jeff

 

[mjozefow]

Long time viewer, first time posting...I've been following the acquisition of some beautiful vises on this thread and I finally snagged one of my own. It's a Parker 985. Not the biggest out there (102#) but a respectable chunk of iron. It's in the electrolysis bath now in hopes that my restoration will be half as good as some of those I've seen on here! Here's the CL ad pics that will serve as the "before" and hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be able to post the "after" pics.

thanks for the challenge!
Jeff

Welcome and VERY cool vise!

 

[autopts]

Yes, that anvil kinda sets it apart. Very nice!!

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

Yes, that anvil kinda sets it apart. Very nice!!

It actually looks like it was meant to be used!

 

[blue dog]

Some where on this site i saw a stand for a vise made from a big rig wheel, with a 4x4 steel post. I can't seem to find it, does anyone remember this pic? Where can i find it?

 

[rsieracki]

just won a DESMOND 5" in the SK auction, pics to follow in the next few days

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Some where on this site i saw a stand for a vise made from a big rig wheel, with a 4x4 steel post. I can't seem to find it, does anyone remember this pic? Where can i find it?

This is the only thing close to that description that I remember.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1091708&postcount=864

 

[blue dog]

Diesel mech, that was it, thanks. It must take a gradall to move it.

 

[jsokoly]

It actually looks like it was meant to be used!

I think it really was used. The flat part of the anvil portion of the vise is slightly dished so it was obviously beat on for a while. The edges aren't mushroomed so whatever they were doing concentrated on the center of the anvil. The rest of the anvil is very clean and tight. The threads on the screw are square and sharp, no wobble anywhere. Still soaking in the electrolysis bath...

 

[243]

I brought my Grandfather's Columbian 04M2 vise home after he died in 1995 and rarely used it. Mostly it sat in a file cabinet or in my welding tote until I built a welding table a few years ago. I never mounted it correctly and when I needed it I just used c-clamps. I moved and it sat in storage a few years and then it sat a few more years on the base of my drill press.

Once again I needed it for something so I c-clamped it to my welding table and it served the purpose. Then I realized just how much I could use it but I noticed the base was cracked so I started looking for a new vise. The HF monsters looked like a good deal but made in China and the new Wilton's were really expensive so I procrastinated.

I started searching Garage Journal and after reading a few threads I decided to look for a decent, older, made in the USA vise and found this Littlestown on Craiglist. I didn't realize how small the Columbian was until I put it beside the Littlestown, and it is small

About the time I committed to the Littlestown I also bid on and won this American Scale vise and it should arrive next week. The shipping weight is 43 lbs so it should be a little larger than the Littlestown. I will mount one on the wood bench in the garage and one on my welding table. The first vise is mine, the other vise is similar in appearance and I hope mine has the same American Scale casting visible on the other vise.

I will probably clean and lube the Littlestown but I plan on sandblasting, priming and painting the American Scale vise.


.

 

[Bill Vise]

This is a story about vises and coincidence. For some time, I have thought about the perfect vises to put on my 2 steel work tables. Not just as tools, but part of my collection. After a lot of reading lately on the Internet and this group page, I thought it would be great to find a couple Reeds or Parkers someday. My hopes of finding them soon and in good condition were slim. I have a pretty good 5" Columbian T-jaw now, so just last night I decided that was going to work fine until the day comes when I find the Reeds or Parkers in great shape. Today I went to a guys house to buy a couple items. I looked over some other things he had for sale and told him I was looking for vises. He pointed out a 4 1/2" vise on the shelf and said "here is a Columbian I will sell". I knew at first glance it was a Parker before ever seeing the name. We came to a price and I was very happy to find it. Could not believe I found one of these in good shape!!! As I continued to look around, I found another one just like it stuck away in the corner and ended up buying it too. They are identical and both in very good condition. He wasn't really a "vise guy", so it was also a coincidence that he would have 2 Parkers just alike in very similar good condition. He bought them on 2 different occasions from 2 different places. To make the day even better, I also found a Wilton mini bullet buried in the junk and bought it from him. Good day!!!!! I will attach photos. Are these Parkers I bought (974 1/2B's) considered to be one of their good models?

 

[pfbz]

Those Parkers are a great score! And those Wilton mini-bullets go for serious money on eBay... Easy $200+

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

This is a story about vises and coincidence. For some time, I have thought about the perfect vises to put on my 2 steel work tables. Not just as tools, but part of my collection. After a lot of reading lately on the Internet and this group page, I thought it would be great to find a couple Reeds or Parkers someday. My hopes of finding them soon and in good condition were slim. I have a pretty good 5" Columbian T-jaw now, so just last night I decided that was going to work fine until the day comes when I find the Reeds or Parkers in great shape. Today I went to a guys house to buy a couple items. I looked over some other things he had for sale and told him I was looking for vises. He pointed out a 4 1/2" vise on the shelf and said "here is a Columbian I will sell". I knew at first glance it was a Parker before ever seeing the name. We came to a price and I was very happy to find it. Could not believe I found one of these in good shape!!! As I continued to look around, I found another one just like it stuck away in the corner and ended up buying it too. They are identical and both in very good condition. He wasn't really a "vise guy", so it was also a coincidence that he would have 2 Parkers just alike in very similar good condition. He bought them on 2 different occasions from 2 different places. To make the day even better, I also found a Wilton mini bullet buried in the junk and bought it from him. Good day!!!!! I will attach photos. Are these Parkers I bought (974 1/2B's) considered to be one of their good models?

My my you did good today! It's nice to have a cool story to go along with any tool.

 

[Amitygravel]

Wow , talk about being in the right place at the right time ! Nice score!

 

[autopts]

This is a story about vises and coincidence. For some time, I have thought about the perfect vises to put on my 2 steel work tables. Not just as tools, but part of my collection. After a lot of reading lately on the Internet and this group page, I thought it would be great to find a couple Reeds or Parkers someday. My hopes of finding them soon and in good condition were slim. I have a pretty good 5" Columbian T-jaw now, so just last night I decided that was going to work fine until the day comes when I find the Reeds or Parkers in great shape. Today I went to a guys house to buy a couple items. I looked over some other things he had for sale and told him I was looking for vises. He pointed out a 4 1/2" vise on the shelf and said "here is a Columbian I will sell". I knew at first glance it was a Parker before ever seeing the name. We came to a price and I was very happy to find it. Could not believe I found one of these in good shape!!! As I continued to look around, I found another one just like it stuck away in the corner and ended up buying it too. They are identical and both in very good condition. He wasn't really a "vise guy", so it was also a coincidence that he would have 2 Parkers just alike in very similar good condition. He bought them on 2 different occasions from 2 different places. To make the day even better, I also found a Wilton mini bullet buried in the junk and bought it from him. Good day!!!!! I will attach photos. Are these Parkers I bought (974 1/2B's) considered to be one of their good models?

First! YOU ****!!! Second, those very nice Parkers were made (and I'm just guessing) By Union MFG Co. who bought the Parker name and their tooling when they went out in the 50's. One very nice find. Its all about timing.

 

[Bill Vise]

You are right. I looked on the side and its said Parker Vise Div, Union Mfg Co.

 

[autopts]

You are right. I looked on the side and its said Parker Vise Div, Union Mfg Co.

Are your jaws on those Parkers held in with solid taper pins or roll pins that are hallow inside? I've had 3 Parker Unions and they all had roll pins.

 

[Bill Vise]

They are roll pins. I figured these vises were not too old because the model label (974 1/2B) on the side looks fairly modern. You can see in the photo in my first post. They look like good vises.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

I have been actively but quietly working on my vise fleet alot lately. I will be adding my progress on here as I find time. Here are two recent aquisitions that are pretty cool.

First off is an Athol hand vise. There are a few hand vises in this thread already but no other Athols that I know of. The fit of all the pieces together is absolutely incredible. Every piece is machined to perfection. Does anyone know what these are even used for? I knew full well that I'd never use it, but had to have it nonetheless.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152253660/" title="IMG_6121 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5152253660_50bc02ce5f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6121" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152252206/" title="IMG_6117 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/5152252206_42497f8354.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6117" /></a>

Second is quite possibly my new favorite vise, an Athol 677. I paid too much for it probably, but once it got here I have not had a single regret. The jaws are 2" wide! The only problem is that it used to have a swivel base but it is missing. Normally that would be a deal breaker for me, but this thing is just too cool even without a base.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5151649077/" title="IMG_6108 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5151649077_85f7a20126.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6108" /></a>

It's a perfect little copy of the bigger ones.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152263966/" title="IMG_6115 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/5152263966_d3ec6d738e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6115" /></a>

Just admit it... it's so darn cute!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5151650737/" title="IMG_6109 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/5151650737_27a77c6a46.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6109" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5151647055/" title="IMG_6104 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/5151647055_2b62e52a0b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6104" /></a>

Tiny on the workbench.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152262410/" title="IMG_6111 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/5152262410_501756a290.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6111" /></a>

 

[JASTECH]

Very nice additions all of you. Here is my Record, dirty but works great.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[senlow]

I have been actively but quietly working on my vise fleet alot lately. I will be adding my progress on here as I find time. Here are two recent aquisitions that are pretty cool.

First off is an Athol hand vise. There are a few hand vises in this thread already but no other Athols that I know of. The fit of all the pieces together is absolutely incredible. Every piece is machined to perfection. Does anyone know what these are even used for? I knew full well that I'd never use it, but had to have it nonetheless.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152253660/" title="IMG_6121 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5152253660_50bc02ce5f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6121" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152252206/" title="IMG_6117 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/5152252206_42497f8354.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6117" /></a>

That's a cool little vise. I have the L.S. Starrett version of the same vise. Mine doesn't have the handle, but it has the bench clamp.

Starrett's catalog states:
The Starrett No. 86 Combination Hand and Bench Visehas a wide range of uses for all toolmakers, mechanics, hobbyists, and do-it yourselfers. Whwn a vise is needed at different locations for convenience, this tool is indispensable. By removing the handle and substituting the clamp, the tool may be fastened to benches, shelves, etc., approximately 1/2-2 1/8" (13-54mm) in thickness, and can be adjusted to different positions according to the user's preference.
When used as a hand vise, the leverage obtainable with the ball end lever will be appreciated in comparison with a wing nut commonly employed for this purpose. The jaws are made from forgings and are properly tempered.

 

[blue dog]

Scored a vice from CL today. It has 5" jaws, opens up 5" has a pipe vise on the bottom, the base can rotate as well as the jaws. I have no idea of the weight, but i would guess in the 40 lb range. It is a columbian, but that is all it says, no dates that i can see.
I gave it a good spray of pb 50 and will try to clean it up with out taking it apart.
So vise experts of the garagejournal, what do i have? I got it for $30, was listed at $50.

 

[Nightshift]

Looks like the Chinese knock-off on my welding pedistal, but with the Columbian name cast into it. I wouldn't hit anything too hard with it! Can't beat the price though.

 

[blue dog]

I found the number 32 cast into the body directly under the columbian casting.

 

[autopts]

I don't think its a knockoff beacuse that style vise was never made here to begin with. Its a useful piece and would probably service the average user well. I had one come my way a few years ago and the owner is still using it.

 

[autopts]

I have been actively but quietly working on my vise fleet alot lately. I will be adding my progress on here as I find time. Here are two recent aquisitions that are pretty cool.

First off is an Athol hand vise. There are a few hand vises in this thread already but no other Athols that I know of. The fit of all the pieces together is absolutely incredible. Every piece is machined to perfection. Does anyone know what these are even used for? I knew full well that I'd never use it, but had to have it nonetheless.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152253660/" title="IMG_6121 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5152253660_50bc02ce5f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6121" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152252206/" title="IMG_6117 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/5152252206_42497f8354.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6117" /></a>

Second is quite possibly my new favorite vise, an Athol 677. I paid too much for it probably, but once it got here I have not had a single regret. The jaws are 2" wide! The only problem is that it used to have a swivel base but it is missing. Normally that would be a deal breaker for me, but this thing is just too cool even without a base.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5151649077/" title="IMG_6108 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5151649077_85f7a20126.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6108" /></a>

It's a perfect little copy of the bigger ones.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152263966/" title="IMG_6115 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/5152263966_d3ec6d738e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6115" /></a>

Just admit it... it's so darn cute!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5151650737/" title="IMG_6109 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/5151650737_27a77c6a46.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6109" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5151647055/" title="IMG_6104 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/5151647055_2b62e52a0b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6104" /></a>

Tiny on the workbench.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/5152262410/" title="IMG_6111 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/5152262410_501756a290.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6111" /></a>

That's a cool little vise. I have the L.S. Starrett version of the same vise. Mine doesn't have the handle, but it has the bench clamp.

Starrett's catalog states:
The Starrett No. 86 Combination Hand and Bench Visehas a wide range of uses for all toolmakers, mechanics, hobbyists, and do-it yourselfers. Whwn a vise is needed at different locations for convenience, this tool is indispensable. By removing the handle and substituting the clamp, the tool may be fastened to benches, shelves, etc., approximately 1/2-2 1/8" (13-54mm) in thickness, and can be adjusted to different positions according to the user's preference.
When used as a hand vise, the leverage obtainable with the ball end lever will be appreciated in comparison with a wing nut commonly employed for this purpose. The jaws are made from forgings and are properly tempered.

Guys thats some of the best looking steel I've seen in a good while. That Starrett is perfect as well as those two Athols. This might be the worlds #1 vise thread.

 

[blue dog]

I think i got my answer on the 3rd page of this thread. I shall make this the new user in the shop and continue to scour the earth for a big old USA vise.

 

[bobbleheadhillbilly]

Here are a couple of mine. The 5" Craftsman was a gift from my uncle when I bought my house. The green 4" job I picked up the yesterday. No name on it, just V20 & V21 cast into the jaws and V22 under the base. Never seen one like it before. Works smooth and doesn't seem to have been abused.

 

[old salvage]

Wow, I havent seen a "Brim " coffee can in years ! "Fill it to the rim, with Brim"
Also, nice 70's era Craftsman.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

That's a cool little vise. I have the L.S. Starrett version of the same vise. Mine doesn't have the handle, but it has the bench clamp.

Nice! Yours appears to be in immaculate condition. That's another one I've never seen before, especially with that style handle.

Guys thats some of the best looking steel I've seen in a good while. That Starrett is perfect as well as those two Athols. This might be the worlds #1 vise thread.

Thanks! And I agree that this is the best vise thread!!

 

[autopts]

Nice! Yours appears to be in immaculate condition. That's another one I've never seen before, especially with that style handle.



Thanks! And I agree that this is the best vise thread!!

I sold a 600S this week and its heading to Chesapeake VA. This big Wilton has some massive jaw towers

 

[demographic]

Scored a vice from CL today. It has 5" jaws, opens up 5" has a pipe vise on the bottom, the base can rotate as well as the jaws. I have no idea of the weight, but i would guess in the 40 lb range. It is a columbian, but that is all it says, no dates that i can see.
I gave it a good spray of pb 50 and will try to clean it up with out taking it apart.
So vise experts of the garagejournal, what do i have? I got it for $30, was listed at $50.

Looks a lot like the one I bought a year or so ago from Machine Mart, mine says Clarke on it and I'm pretty sure its Chinese but its still quite handy all the same.
I even put it onto the section of wenge worktop I got for my roll cab.

I do have other vices (I'm English so before anyone gets to berating me on my spelling of vice, its correct over this side of the pond) but that's quite a handy item to have on the rollcab.

I have a Record number 6 which is way too big to go on there and a Record number 74 Auto Vice which won't mount on there either cos the mounting bolt/spindle is way too long and its better suited to a stronger bench.
Plus I need to blast the 74 to strip the paint before re-painting it.