J HAV
Well-known member
NICE Dmw56!! Still waiting to find a Wilton of my own...
The VISES of Garage Journal
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
SSSshhhhhhh...... I'm currently bidding on the vise! Me WANT!!!! I saw it just moments after it was listed, I should of just done the BIN price but it seemed a little high so I put in a bid hoping to get it for less. With my luck it will probably shoot way past the original BIN price.
cowboy73
Well-known member
I picked up this Charles Parker No. 955 a month ago for $50 off of CL. 5" jaws. Weighs over 80 lbs.
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I picked up this pipe vise at a yard sale for $20.
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View media item 21861
I picked up this pipe vise at a yard sale for $20.
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Nice scores on the vises i cant seem to find any around here a record number 3 came up on cl for 50 two weeks ago but that's it
One tip for CL searches is to also search for vice, we all know that is incorrect but seems like 20% of the sellers do not
PCO6
Well-known member
We have the opposite in Canada. Vice is correct here but a lot of people spell it vise. I search for both spellings too.
Low Friction
Well-known member
I always search all for-sale items on CL. Don't limit to tools only. I've found vises/vices in the antiques and other sections on occasion.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Yeah, it's amazing how many people are category-impaired on CL... Or for that matter on eBay... Even with its category suggestion I've seen some items waaaay out on left field in the most random categories.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
I have a PDF of some desmond simplex models, but they are only with the swivel base, so I'm not really sure.
My 41 with the swivel base weighs a solid 57 lbs... The desmond is listed as only 46 lbs.
My 43 without a base weighs 55.2 lbs... The desmond WITH a base weighs 70 lbs...
I don't know what the huge discrepancy could be unless the Desmond's 41 had hollow castings (like a Columbian) then stepped up to solid castings with the 43 and up???
I think the Ridge Tool Works (and later Ridgid) cast their own, but just copied the same design and model numbers.
Like the vise FAQ says, if you get one with the "T" jaws, you can't go wrong.
I think I've found an old eBay auction pic that sheds some light on the Simplex vs. Ridgid-branded vise issue. It's listed as a 1964 catalog, #86 and here's the relevant page, this explains quite a bit!
For anyone that can't read it well enough, text says in part;
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EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Well, on my 41 it says:
Side One: No 41 / The Ridge Tool Co / Elyria Ohio USA
Side Two: RIDGID
On my 43 it says:
Side One: The Ridge Tool Co / Elyria Ohio USA / No 43
Side Two: SIMPLEX
I'm still at a loss... I would assume the one without the RIDGID logo would be older. But your catalog says the NEW name is Simplex?
The design of the two vises is near identical except for the size difference between models.
Side One: No 41 / The Ridge Tool Co / Elyria Ohio USA
Side Two: RIDGID
On my 43 it says:
Side One: The Ridge Tool Co / Elyria Ohio USA / No 43
Side Two: SIMPLEX
I'm still at a loss... I would assume the one without the RIDGID logo would be older. But your catalog says the NEW name is Simplex?
The design of the two vises is near identical except for the size difference between models.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
As far as I know, they all say Simplex up until the Ridge Tool Co. switch. Even my old Woon, RI model has Simplex - Gray on it.
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EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Bill in Texas
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2012
- Messages
- 46
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
While I have seen smaller vises on GJ, I have never seen one like this...picked it up today!
toomanytoyzz
Well-known member
While I have seen smaller vises on GJ, I have never seen one like this...picked it up today!
Is that a spring around the lead screw??? Never aseen one on a vise before
. Does it aid in opening it up?Outlawmws
Well-known member
Is that a spring around the lead screw??? Never aseen one on a vise before
On some small vises, a spring is used instead of a "keeper" to open the jaws when unscrewing and to eliminate backlash. Mostly I see this on hand held vises, or "Post vise" styles, and well under 2" jaws...
I think the Simplex/Ridgid markings went in this order:
Simplex Tool Company
Desmond Stephans Simplex
Ridge Tool Co/ Simplex (Around 1964)
Ridge Tool Co/ Ridgid
There are some new old stock USA made Ridgid Simplex drill press vises on Ebay right now.
bczygan
Well-known member
While I have seen smaller vises on GJ, I have never seen one like this...picked it up today!
Similar?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69355704/old-bench-vise
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jeffmoss26
Well-known member
That's pretty cool, Bill...perhaps the long list cousin to my vise haha
All I know is that it's a Rock Island, it's heavy, one of the mounts has been repaired, and it set me back 20 dollars.
I think I did alright, but I also think it's missing jaw inserts, after looking at a few others. Maybe I can get replacement ones or something.
Provincial
Well-known member
I went to a garage sale last week and bought this vise and stand. I had to give $50.00 for it, but the sellers helped load it into my pickup after I unbolted the vise. It was all the three of us could do to lift the stand by itself. The vise is a Parker 674 1/2, but it is pretty beat up. The front jaw insert is a little loose and is held in by cotter pins. The dynamic jaw has been broken off and brazed back on with the jaws a little off sideways, but they clamp up tight. The slide has been hammered on but not enough to cause problems. The inserts have smoothed off the checkering. There is some evidence of hammering, sawing, and welding on the top surfaces. The swivel lock handle is missing.
The good news is that the screw is tight both in the nut and the dynamic jaw. The retainer is in good shape and tight now that I replaced the flat head stove bolt with a better screw. The handle is perfectly straight - a wonder since the dynamic jaw had been broken. The jaw moves smoothly full travel. The swivel base is in perfect shape and works well.
The base is made from a piece of 16" diameter tubing with a 1/4" wall, and the top is a piece of 1/2" plate. It has hard rubber tires on the wheels and rolls easily. The vise doesn't hang over the edge of the base, so I will have to see if that is a problem, since I won't be able to hang something very far below the jaws. I might have to relocate the holes to bring the vise closer to the edge.
All in all, the vise is servicable and in bad enough shape that I won't feel bad using it for welding and beating. I think I'll put real pins in the front jaw and use JB weld to fill and slop when I pin the insert in for good. If it ever gives out again, there are enough good parts to make the investment worthwhile.
The good news is that the screw is tight both in the nut and the dynamic jaw. The retainer is in good shape and tight now that I replaced the flat head stove bolt with a better screw. The handle is perfectly straight - a wonder since the dynamic jaw had been broken. The jaw moves smoothly full travel. The swivel base is in perfect shape and works well.
The base is made from a piece of 16" diameter tubing with a 1/4" wall, and the top is a piece of 1/2" plate. It has hard rubber tires on the wheels and rolls easily. The vise doesn't hang over the edge of the base, so I will have to see if that is a problem, since I won't be able to hang something very far below the jaws. I might have to relocate the holes to bring the vise closer to the edge.
All in all, the vise is servicable and in bad enough shape that I won't feel bad using it for welding and beating. I think I'll put real pins in the front jaw and use JB weld to fill and slop when I pin the insert in for good. If it ever gives out again, there are enough good parts to make the investment worthwhile.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
Decent score there Provincial! Are the jaws 4-1/2" wide? They look wider compared to the size of the tube you mentioned.
I'm going to guess the vise may have been placed so it could still be tilted to move the whole assembly. I'd still move the vise to the edge if only so the handle is not so close to the front edge. Then I'd knock a hole in the front of the tube and weld in a pipe so another pipe/tube can be slid inside for a long handle to move it with if moving the vise over-center's it.
That opening in the tube; a heavy duty shelf? Hammer storage maybe? Or a lighter anvil?
I'm going to guess the vise may have been placed so it could still be tilted to move the whole assembly. I'd still move the vise to the edge if only so the handle is not so close to the front edge. Then I'd knock a hole in the front of the tube and weld in a pipe so another pipe/tube can be slid inside for a long handle to move it with if moving the vise over-center's it.
That opening in the tube; a heavy duty shelf? Hammer storage maybe? Or a lighter anvil?
Provincial
Well-known member
The jaws are 4 1/2" wide. the handle barely clears the front edge of the plate, and could be a real finger-pincher if you aren't careful!
You are right about the balance. The current setup tilts well and is in balance, so if I move the vise I'll have to get more leverage to counteract that. I think a folding or removable handle would be in order to not obstruct the working area.
There is a plywood shelf inside the opening. It appears to be storage for hammers and other things to abuse the vise with. I might change it to steel, which is less flammable.
You are right about the balance. The current setup tilts well and is in balance, so if I move the vise I'll have to get more leverage to counteract that. I think a folding or removable handle would be in order to not obstruct the working area.
There is a plywood shelf inside the opening. It appears to be storage for hammers and other things to abuse the vise with. I might change it to steel, which is less flammable.
Provincial
Well-known member
maddawg308
Banned
Photo above was taken with a Hotpoint toaster.
Provincial
Well-known member
Worse, a Nextel phone!
I really like that vise stand Provincial, be sure to post up if you put in a metal shelf!
Here is that Columbian 43 1/2 I picked up a while back at a garage sale. I agreed to buy it before I realized it was missing the base, may end up solid mounting it to one of my benches but I'd rather locate a base for it. The base on this is about 4-1/4" diameter if anyone has one laying around.
Here is that Columbian 43 1/2 I picked up a while back at a garage sale. I agreed to buy it before I realized it was missing the base, may end up solid mounting it to one of my benches but I'd rather locate a base for it. The base on this is about 4-1/4" diameter if anyone has one laying around.
knagy389us
Well-known member
Noted, though doesnt really matter to me, just that it was my Dad's and he had it as far back as I can remember, so it's from the late 50's or early 60's and I can still use it
The past couple weeks have been good to me. I drug home a 5" leg vise, a light duty Erie Tool Works, a 4" Holland 24, a 5: #115 Parker 435 AND a #185 Reed 4C! The leg vise layed out in the weather for years, but the crew and box are in fine shape, dried grease saved them. The Hollands was off a junkyard service truck. The Parker was passed down in the guys family. I think it came from a coal tipple or deep mine, since it has what I think is coal dist and grease layered on it. The 4C was an 85yr old mans grandfathers, that he got from a friend. It never left Erie, until I took her out of town a ways Saturday.
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130058.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130059.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130060.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130057.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130058.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130059.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130060.jpg
http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/Knifegirl16/P8130057.jpg
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Very nice! How much you pay for those?
Catamount
Well-known member
Here is one I picked up last summer at a yard sale for $25. You don't see these very often.
American Forge & Foundry.
American Forge & Foundry.
$12, 75, 60, 175.
New to the forum here, found a no 6 Paramo for $175 guy is set on price. And a restored Columbian 204 1/2 for $185 to my door. Not partial to any brand, although the big Athol's are great looking. Hell they all are really. So good deals or what guys?
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Compared to what I've seen on eBay, $185 for that Columbian 204-1/2 is a pretty decent deal assuming it's condition is really good. Others that pick up vises @ estates sales would probably pay about $25-$50 for them.... There is such a wide variation in prices, it just depends on how bad you want it, or how bad the seller wants to get rid of it...
bigcaddy
Well-known member
I don't know much about Paramos but there are a number of members on here that love and swear by them. I've never owned one so i can give you any input They are more common in Canada and across the pond since they are of English mfg.
Columbians are great quality vises and are always worth picking up. I have a few at my office and use them every day without ever having any problems. Most of the Columbians that i have are combo vises and those offer the most versatility.
Many members are collectors and are partial to one brand. I collect Prentiss and Wiltons but i don't look down on other brands because of that. If the Columbian or Paramo will suit your work needs, get them. You will soon find out that just one or two or three vises is never enough.....
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
I have a Paramo #6 and I would have gladly given that much for it. I paid more for mine and consider myself lucky to have gotten it. Of course, mine had the swivel base and was in flawless condition, at least by my standards. Here the link to the post. If it was rough, I might not have paid so much.
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Here is the Columbian
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Columbian-2...203?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c9da3453
Posted that in good faith hoping it doesn't get sniped!
The paramo is in good shape, aside from a little help needed in the paint area.
My dad likes wilton, I think they are a sleek and stout looking vice as well. I'd love to find a bigger Athol though! Decisions are tough. I know this wont be the last one I buy, but still...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Columbian-2...203?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c9da3453
Posted that in good faith hoping it doesn't get sniped!
The paramo is in good shape, aside from a little help needed in the paint area.
My dad likes wilton, I think they are a sleek and stout looking vice as well. I'd love to find a bigger Athol though! Decisions are tough. I know this wont be the last one I buy, but still...
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Naa, that one has been sitting a while. It was on regular auction once (or twice?) with no takers (obviously)....
If you want to see a really nice original one that sold not too long ago:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330763920146
I would of loved to have the one but the price just kept going up and up.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
If everything was there and no damage or issues, I'd be haunted for a while if I let that Paramo, with the swivel base especially, slip away for $175. Get it while you can.