The VISES of Garage Journal

[jusridin]

closer pic

 

[metalman bryan]

one of mine

 

[jusridin]

So how do I figure this old girl out, I keep coming up deuces. Someone has to know how to identify her and possibly know where to find a mount?

 

[Outlawmws]

The mounting plate I'm talking about is on the bench not the post.

and http://forsale.oodle.com/view/antique-blacksmiths-post-leg-bench-vise/2848357869-rehoboth-ma/

And i don't think you are likely to find a part, or are likely to find a manufacturer short of finding a catalog that has pictures and you can mach that to your vise. Mine is complete and has a "35" on one jaw, and a "36" on the other (probably forging die numbers)

 

[Outlawmws]

here is a better shot of one similar to yours: I'm betting the plate through the "U" is bolted or riveted to the larger flange that goes on the bench.

 

[Outlawmws]

Here is a decent historical perspective on post vises:

http://www.anvilfire.com/FAQs/blacksmith-vise.php

 

[jusridin]

Thanks again outlaw, I will spend some time going through that site

 

[jusridin]

Due to the site you refered me to I was able to get a good look at what I was missing thanks again, I went ahead and made this today with the info I had. It turns out to be a 65 pound english solid box vise. no nuts, bolts or rivets. The pivot pin is even wedged in. She is now my oldest tool.

 

[balane]

Wow, you fabricated that? Looks great. Nice job!

 

[zoomieport]

Due to the site you refered me to I was able to get a good look at what I was missing thanks again, I went ahead and made this today with the info I had. It turns out to be a 65 pound english solid box vise. no nuts, bolts or rivets. The pivot pin is even wedged in. She is now my oldest tool.

Holy ****! I need one of those too!!! Nice job, and QUICK TOO!

 

[jusridin]

Thanks for the comments, the rusted look is going to take a few days lol

 

[Outlawmws]

Very nice job! Give it a rough uneven sand blast job, and get it wet and leave it out hanging by a wire over night (so it rusts evenly( and keep it damp at night; it won't take that long...

 

[bams50]

Amazing. This is the first forum I've been to that cares about vises! They're an important tool that gets lots of use but is seldom thought about... except here

I didn't go through all the pages, but being a newbie I thought I should add mine

First is a Prentiss vise inherited from my Dad. He had it before I was born, and I'm 50. I can't tell you how many times I have used this vise:

Just got this Columbian. Other side say "Made in USA". Paid $150 including the super-heavy steel bench:

 

[bigcaddy]

Just got this Columbian. Other side say "Made in USA". Paid $150 including the super-heavy steel bench:

[/QUOTE]

I have that identical Columbian and table near our outside weld racks at my office. I'm about to rip the vise off and throw the whole damn thing away since it has been abused by previous employees. I grow tired of straightening the screw since they decided the only way to clamp something is with a 6 Ft cheater bar.


Nice Prentiss, btw. They are my favorite kind of bench vise.

 

[jusridin]

Those are some great vises, I just finished re-finishing my columbian, in fact I got it off a bench very similar, I wasn't so lucky to get the bench though

 

[bams50]

Those are some great vises, I just finished re-finishing my columbian, in fact I got it off a bench very similar, I wasn't so lucky to get the bench though

Funny story. I got that bench at an auction of a closed Chevy dealer a couple weeks ago. They had maybe 40 benches all in a row. They were auctioned with the high bidder getting choice of which and how many benches they wanted at the winning bid.

I wanted this bench but could see the high bidder had auction fever; so I gave up at $140. He won for $150. So what's he take? Two battered benches with no vise for $150 each Auctioneer says "Anyone else want any of the rest for $150, pick 'em out!" So in a flash I grab this one. It was kind of chaotic. As others got in they all pointed to this bench; the auctioneer probably had to say "that one's already claimed" about a dozen times

I bought a few other things for the new shop, but this bench is my favorite

 

[Grabit]

Pretty good looking vise if ya ask me, nice Fab too. Just needs a couple days in a steam room.

Due to the site you refered me to I was able to get a good look at what I was missing thanks again, I went ahead and made this today with the info I had. It turns out to be a 65 pound english solid box vise. no nuts, bolts or rivets. The pivot pin is even wedged in. She is now my oldest tool.

 

[bigcaddy]

I just finished up the smaller of the 2 Athol's i've had sitting around my workbench lately.

I only have a "before" shot with its 4 1/2" jaw big brother and he will be an exact clone of the smaller 4" vise

The color is "Wrought Iron" with a tinted primer from my local paint shop. It about as close as i could get to the original dark machine grey they were painted from the factory.

Considering the age of the vise, this thing was hardly used judging by the shape of the jaws. The serrated teeth have lots of bite and feel fairly new.

Thanks for the paint advise/tips, Gatewaysysop and ZRX71

 

[Low Friction]

Scooped up this nearly perfect Prentiss 19-1/2 off of Ebay a few days ago. It's one of the early versions with the button swivel release knob. It has virtually no corrosion. All it needs is the rear jaw taper pin. The original pin from my Prentiss 20 is the perfect size and taper fit. I have a buddy with a lathe so I can get one turned. Now my model 20 has a 19.5 little sister.

What am I going to do with all these vises I'm stockpiling

 

[SweetD]

Scooped up this nearly perfect Prentiss 19-1/2 off of Ebay a few days ago. It's one of the early versions with the button swivel release knob. It has virtually no corrosion. All it needs is the rear jaw taper pin. The original pin from my Prentiss 20 is the perfect size and taper fit. I have a buddy with a lathe so I can get one turned. Now my model 20 has a 19.5 little sister.

What am I going to do with all these vises I'm stockpiling

Really nice Prentiss...I'm a big Prentiss fan myself.

I didn't see this one on eBay - hope you got a good deal!

Are you going to do any restoration, or just a clean-up?

Dave

 

[Low Friction]

Paid $99+shipping. Good price for such a clean example. Not really anything to restore on it so I'll probably just clean it up and paint it to look like my model 20 here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2149266#post2149266

I used a brass wire wheel on my angle grinder to remove the paint and light surface rust on my #20, it worked great. Unlike a steel wire brush the brass brush leaves most of the original seasoning on the steel handle, spindle, and cast iron parts. The #20 received a coat of RustOleum reformer and then their hammered rattle can paint. The #19-1/2 will probably get the same treatment.

The original Prentiss paint is I'm guessing lead based so I'll be sure to wear a mask and wire wheel it outdoors.

I have an automated search on ebay so I get notification when something I like pops-up. He had a buy now option so I was able to grab it about 10 min after it was listed.

 

[Outlawmws]

I just finished up the smaller of the 2 Athol's i've had sitting around my workbench lately.

I only have a "before" shot with its 4 1/2" jaw big brother and he will be an exact clone of the smaller 4" vise

The color is "Wrought Iron" with a tinted primer from my local paint shop. It about as close as i could get to the original dark machine grey they were painted from the factory.

Considering the age of the vise, this thing was hardly used judging by the shape of the jaws. The serrated teeth have lots of bite and feel fairly new.

Thanks for the paint advise/tips, Gatewaysysop and ZRX71

That one came out amazing. Looks hardly used, an incredible find for something that old...

 

[Rideless]

Well here's my first post of probably many within these forums, but I thought I'd post up some vise I've found around my Dad's properties.

There's an RAE #45 vise I just pulled out of a shed tonight, but it looks like someone tried to use it to spread something and broke the pin (underside) for the piece that holds the thread holder (excuse the lack of jargon, I'll catch up).
It's got 4 1/2" Jaw with all screws intact and about a 6" jaw opening.

There's a 'Phoenix' 2/0 with swivel base, no corrosion and works properly, jaws are in rough shape though. Pulled out of a shed on a property that had probably sat there since at least 1985 when the property was purchase. Jaw is 4" and about a 4" opening, works fantastic with NO broken parts or pieces. fully enclosed screw too.

Then the pipe wrench from the same shed as the phoenix. A Reed Mfg Co pipe wrench in fully functioning condition.

All these will require a good cleaning and I will semi-restore them but they will more than likely be used a fair bit. I have so many sheds and holes to go through. Found an 80 gallon compressor I need to go check out as well soon.

Hopefully someone has some info on the Phoenix and RAE vise's as there seems to be little out there. The Reed seems to have a lot more info available.
I also have bigger pictures if anyone wants to see them or I can take more
Thanks everyone!

 

[ZRX61]

The RAE looks EXACTLY like a UK Record/Paramo. You may be able to get Record jaws to fit...

 

[PCO6]

The RAE looks EXACTLY like a UK Record/Paramo. You may be able to get Record jaws to fit...

It sure does. Record produced vices under various names. That's the second one I've seen pictures of that has "Canada" cast into it and it was red too. I couldn't see "RAE" on the other one and that's the first time I have heard of that name.

There's an RAE #45 vise I just pulled out of a shed tonight, but it looks like someone tried to use it to spread something and broke the pin (underside) for the piece that holds the thread holder (excuse the lack of jargon, I'll catch up).
It's got 4 1/2" Jaw with all screws intact and about a 6" jaw opening.

If it has 4 1/2" jaws I would try jaws for a Record No. 4 vice. Sets with screws included are available from Acklands-Grainger in Canada for about $35. If it helps some other specs for a Record No. 4 vice are ...
- Jaw Width - 4.563"
- Jaw Height - 1.0"
- Jaw Thickness - 0.5"
- Jaw Opening - 5.75"
- Length Closed - 15.5"
- Overall Height - 7.375"
- Weight - 42 lbs.

BTW - Are you from Canada? Neat vice. Welcome to GJ.

 

[Catalyze]

Low Friction - very nice Prentiss, I saw it also on Ebay but I have one exactly like it so I passed over it. Mine has the same Gorilla Lift Knob which they should have patented as a Joe Weider body building tool. That model was my first Prentiss and started me down the path of shame......it's a shame I didn't start collecting them earlier. LOL
Craig
View media item 9353

 

[autopts]

View media item 9353[/QUOTE]


Gee, as long as you showed that beauty I have a question. Is it a Prentiss characteristic to have that small gap behind the jaw in the center? I thought mine had replacement jaws that didn't fit properly.

 

[Low Friction]

I think what you're referring to is just a notch in the casting near the edge of the jaw. The jaw insert makes pretty much full contact with the casting along the majority of the length of the jaw insert. The notch makes it easier to remove the insert so this might be the reason for it.

Update:

After looking closely at my Prentiss 20 the rear jaw insert does have a gap under the center running it's full width. Looks like the the other 3 inserts on my 2 Prentiss vises make full contact.

 

[autopts]

I just finished up the smaller of the 2 Athol's i've had sitting around my workbench lately.

Considering the age of the vise, this thing was hardly used judging by the shape of the jaws. The serrated teeth have lots of bite and feel fairly new.

Thanks for the paint advise/tips, Gatewaysysop and ZRX71

Thats nice bigcaddy. The imperfections from Foundry forms 100 years ago actually give that vise character. I'm afraid to say that Athol will probably outlive the both of us. A national disaster is about the only thing to cut short the life of that vise. You don't live on a slope do you?

 

[wxm]

I just finished up the smaller of the 2 Athol's i've had sitting around my workbench lately.

I only have a "before" shot with its 4 1/2" jaw big brother and he will be an exact clone of the smaller 4" vise

The color is "Wrought Iron" with a tinted primer from my local paint shop. It about as close as i could get to the original dark machine grey they were painted from the factory.

Considering the age of the vise, this thing was hardly used judging by the shape of the jaws. The serrated teeth have lots of bite and feel fairly new.

Thanks for the paint advise/tips, Gatewaysysop and ZRX71

Interesting... I coincidentally picked up a Athol 614 this morning. Though, the one I got is slightly different in style as the one you got here. It has a lip along the bottom front....

 

[ZRX61]

Interesting... I coincidentally picked up a Athol 614 this morning. Though, the one I got is slightly different in style as the one you got here. It has a lip along the bottom front....

There's a bright green one of those in my Vise photo album on my profile..

 

[bigcaddy]

Interesting... I coincidentally picked up a Athol 614 this morning. Though, the one I got is slightly different in style as the one you got here. It has a lip along the bottom front....

Here is the larger of the 2 Athols i just started restoring. This is a 4 1/2" jaw but has the hump in the front. The 4" can be seen just poking it nose out in the lower right corner of the picture. I don't know why the smaller one doesn't have it but it sure makes it light. These vises are incredibly heavy for their size.

 

[Steroblan]

I love this thread. I don't know why but a good vise is a good vice. Here's mine.

I used this Rock Island 94 and the tool box its mounted on years ago in the trade.

Here's my daily driver 4.5" Wilton.


A 500 series Wilton waiting for a refurb.

My heavy hitter 500 series Wilton on a stand I fabbed from a heavy bus wheel.

And the little Wilton copy Duracraft my Dad gave me over 30 years ago.

 

[Rideless]

The RAE looks EXACTLY like a UK Record/Paramo. You may be able to get Record jaws to fit...

Nice to hear, from what I've gathered, it was manu'd in Hamilton, Ontario, as I've been able to find some RAE's with 'Hamilton, Ontario' stamped across the side, and reference to the company.

It sure does. Record produced vices under various names. That's the second one I've seen pictures of that has "Canada" cast into it and it was red too. I couldn't see "RAE" on the other one and that's the first time I have heard of that name.

If it has 4 1/2" jaws I would try jaws for a Record No. 4 vice. Sets with screws included are available from Acklands-Grainger in Canada for about $35. If it helps some other specs for a Record No. 4 vice are ...
- Jaw Width - 4.563"
- Jaw Height - 1.0"
- Jaw Thickness - 0.5"
- Jaw Opening - 5.75"
- Length Closed - 15.5"
- Overall Height - 7.375"
- Weight - 42 lbs.

BTW - Are you from Canada? Neat vice. Welcome to GJ.

I really like the Red that's used, I'm going to try and find a match to get it done up well.
Thanks for the specs on the Record No. 4 - The jaw's on that guy are actually quite good, and I'll probably clean em up more than anything. It's the Phoenix that has some terrible jaws on it that I'd like to find.

I certainly am from Canada, out west in the Okanagan Valley

Picture 1 and 2 have the damage I was talking about on the RAE, 3rd is the jaws on the RAE, and pictures 4 and 5 show the terrible jaws on the Phoenix.

 

[zuk123]

I'm catching up on this thread, I'm 140 pages into it, and had to skip to the end to get some help with my vise...

It is a Ridgid, made in Elyria, by the Ridge Tool Co. The side has a cast in No. 41, and a stamp that looks like 5N. BTW, it finally makes sense to me how "Ridgid" is spelled! Man I've been learning a lot on here.

I didn't measure the jaws or opening.

My problem is, there is something missing from the nose. I used a heavy duty washer to get some function back, and I don't use the vise for any thing heavy at the moment. I thought I'd have to leave it like this, but now I know that there is an active community fixing up vises! Until recently (when I found this thread), it never really occurred to me that vises were collectible! And I know it will sound silly, but I never really thought of a vise as a machine that could be fixed. They have always just 'been there.'

I apologize for the blur in the side view. The pink paint is how I ID all my personal tools. I was in a shared shop space when I bought this vise. Any thoughts on a more appropriate color?

(Totally an aside, but when I bought this at a machine shop that was going out of business, I couldn't understand why the blue cabinets with all the drawers were selling for so much $. I thought the contents must have been worth a lot. Little did I know it was the cabinets themselves!)

Thanks for your help and for posting all these great vises!

zuk

 

[asadsack]

Hello to all. I've been away for awhile. Here's a vise I picked up recently--it's a Yost 34. It was a real rust bucket when I found it--not surprising since I was told it lived it's long life in a boat yard. It's an old Yost. Meadville, PA address, jaw inserts that are cast into the vise, a large door knob-style end cap for the screw, and pipe jaws that are held in place with set screws--not pinned.

I called Yost to get some info on this vise. Was told that it was at least fifty or sixty years old. Only piece missing? The front pipe jaw. If anyone has an extra laying around, or perhaps, could provide the dimensions, I would be most appreciative.

All in all, I think this resto turned out OK.

http://photobucket.com/myyost34

 

[gatewaysysop]

Adding this one here for posterity since my other thread will eventually be lost to the ages.

Paramo #6, 6" jaws, weighs in around 95 pounds or so. I believe this is the original paint (and lettering), too. Condition could not be better and everything works great. No quick release, and I believe this one is cast steel as opposed to cast iron, but would like to know if anyone can confirm.

Paid more than I should have, but who wouldn't for this blue beast from across the pond?

Enjoy the pics!

 

[Blacktop]

Hello I picked this vise up and it appears to be really old. It is a Parker Vise and it appears to be a No. 25. I haven't been able to find that model number on any other vise Parker made. I am undecided if I want to restore it or leave it in its current state. I have not been able to find any info on it, so I would hate to ruin the nostalgia of it. It has 5.5" jaws, opens 8" wide, measures 19.5" long and 10.5" high. It weighs 85lbs. It has the single underside post mount with the original nut and washer. The jaws appear to be removable with pins. The keeper in the front appears slightly damaged but I have never seen a Parker device like that before. Also the handle has a lot of movement in it. I am not sure if that is normal for this vise since it looks very old. Any help would be great.
Also, my Parker 4 3 3-1/2 is next to it for comparison. Thanks

 

[bluebolt]

Hello to all. I've been away for awhile. Here's a vise I picked up recently--it's a Yost 34. It was a real rust bucket when I found it--not surprising since I was told it lived it's long life in a boat yard. It's an old Yost. Meadville, PA address, jaw inserts that are cast into the vise, a large door knob-style end cap for the screw, and pipe jaws that are held in place with set screws--not pinned.

I called Yost to get some info on this vise. Was told that it was at least fifty or sixty years old. Only piece missing? The front pipe jaw. If anyone has an extra laying around, or perhaps, could provide the dimensions, I would be most appreciative.

All in all, I think this resto turned out OK.

http://photobucket.com/myyost34

Nice resto!

 

[bluebolt]

I'm catching up on this thread, I'm 140 pages into it, and had to skip to the end to get some help with my vise...

It is a Ridgid, made in Elyria, by the Ridge Tool Co. The side has a cast in No. 41, and a stamp that looks like 5N. BTW, it finally makes sense to me how "Ridgid" is spelled! Man I've been learning a lot on here.

I didn't measure the jaws or opening.

My problem is, there is something missing from the nose. I used a heavy duty washer to get some function back, and I don't use the vise for any thing heavy at the moment. I thought I'd have to leave it like this, but now I know that there is an active community fixing up vises! Until recently (when I found this thread), it never really occurred to me that vises were collectible! And I know it will sound silly, but I never really thought of a vise as a machine that could be fixed. They have always just 'been there.'

I apologize for the blur in the side view. The pink paint is how I ID all my personal tools. I was in a shared shop space when I bought this vise. Any thoughts on a more appropriate color?

(Totally an aside, but when I bought this at a machine shop that was going out of business, I couldn't understand why the blue cabinets with all the drawers were selling for so much $. I thought the contents must have been worth a lot. Little did I know it was the cabinets themselves!)

Thanks for your help and for posting all these great vises!

zuk

Nice vise. There should be a u shaped plate where that washer is, look at the black vise in post 3966 below. You could make your own of some thick steel.