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Prentiss vise need info

RAYJAY

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UNION DALE PA
Hi picked up this Prentiss vise, non replaceable jaws rear jaw is movable no swivel

have not seen jaws like this on to many vices ?? can read the prentiss name but not the number




any ideas ???? :headscrat



DSCF5807%20%28Small%29.JPG



DSCF5809%20%28Small%29.jpg
 
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cmandp

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It's a sheet metal vise and is used just as the name implies. Also it goes without saying, not for heavy duty use.
 

woody 73

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My memory is somewhat fuzzy but several months ago someone posted a chart listing all the prentiss vises and their cost at the time of manufacture. That is indeed a sheet metal vise; maybe someone remembers that old post on the GJ and they can locate that vise information for the op.
 

WWIIjeep

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It's a sheet metal vise and is used just as the name implies.

It's not a sheet metal vise. Sheet metal vises generally had taller, thinner, jaws than that, and didn't need to have a swivel jaw, because sheet metal is flat.

It's a woodworkers' vise, also called a carriage makers' or coachmakers' vise back in the day.

1904 Prentiss vise catalog listing:

MVC-021F_zps39f6004d.jpg


If the jaws are 4-1/2" wide, it's a Prentiss No. 10 as bigcaddy said.

If the jaws are 3-1/2" wide, it's a Prentiss No. 12.
 

cmandp

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New Jersey
It's not a sheet metal vise. Sheet metal vises generally had taller, thinner, jaws than that, and didn't need to have a swivel jaw, because sheet metal is flat.

It's a woodworkers' vise, also called a carriage makers' or coachmakers' vise back in the day.
My mistake. :eek: If I learned anything today this is it. Putting this one in the mental library. Thanks for the gained knowledge.
 

EOC_Jason

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Bentonville, AR
That sure is a beauty... please don't abuse it, those are a little more rare than the average machinist / mechanics vises....
 
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RAYJAY

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May 29, 2006
Messages
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Location
UNION DALE PA
It's not a sheet metal vise. Sheet metal vises generally had taller, thinner, jaws than that, and didn't need to have a swivel jaw, because sheet metal is flat.

It's a woodworkers' vise, also called a carriage makers' or coachmakers' vise back in the day.

1904 Prentiss vise catalog listing:

MVC-021F_zps39f6004d.jpg


If the jaws are 4-1/2" wide, it's a Prentiss No. 10 as bigcaddy said.

If the jaws are 3-1/2" wide, it's a Prentiss No. 12.


#10 it is..... might be selling it i really don't do wood working :headscrat

if i do a restore on it what would be the original color ??
 
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RAYJAY

Well-known member
Joined
May 29, 2006
Messages
2,638
Location
UNION DALE PA
My memory is somewhat fuzzy but several months ago someone posted a chart listing all the prentiss vises and their cost at the time of manufacture. That is indeed a sheet metal vise; maybe someone remembers that old post on the GJ and they can locate that vise information for the op.

thanks for the pm


here is the link that vise is not even listed on there

http://dayid.org/mediawiki/index.php/Prentiss_Vise
 

Bluplanet

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Mar 28, 2013
Messages
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I have an almost identical vise. Except mine has a swivel base as well.
Details:
67.8 lbs.
No markings on the castings, but based on the information from the old catalog posted above, its a Prentiss No. 26
Same high/thin 4 1/2" jaws.
Swivel base with spring-loaded plunger position lock that locks at discrete positions.
Swivel rear jaw (If I could get the pin free)
Jaws open at 10" when the end of the slide is flush with the rear of the base.
Screw disengages at 11".
 
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