The VISES of Garage Journal

[Adam McLaughlin]

Refinished an old Rock Island that I bought in a vise batch a couple of years ago

Sand blasted it, primed it, painted the body gloss black with some white enamel on the letters. Cleared the whole thing and added some 5/8" hose washers on the handle.
Added a BUNCH of anti-sieze to the threaded rod inside for super slick movement.

And yes... it gets used for transmission work. Holding pump bodies for PR valve spring changes, holding shafts for bearings, even 4L65 forward drum shafts for the clutch and steel loading steps.

Here are some snapshots

Adam

 

[andywander]

Nice vise!

Does anyone know why so many vises have the "overhang" in the casting of the dynamic jaw, that covers the top of the screw? I see it on this Rock Island vise, the 4" Fred C. Moran Double Swivel a few posts back, and also on my Trojan a page or 2 back.

 

[LostHSV]

This is a 1912 Athol Vise-No 681 I picked up from CL recently. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Nice vise!

Does anyone know why so many vises have the "overhang" in the casting of the dynamic jaw, that covers the top of the screw? I see it on this Rock Island vise, the 4" Fred C. Moran Double Swivel a few posts back, and also on my Trojan a page or 2 back.

Good question. From what I deduced, it does nothing structural, so it must be simply to protect and guard debris from falling into the mechanics of the screw. Anyone else?

 

[RivennHewn]

Added bearing surface for the dynamic jaw when extended.

Helps keep the jaw from dropping and binding.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Added bearing surface for the dynamic jaw when extended.

Helps keep the jaw from dropping and binding.

I believe you are talking about the support on the bottom. The Q was for the little overhang on top of the handle on the dynamic jaw...unless I'm confused and now confusing you guys too... If so, sorry...

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

This is a 1912 Athol Vise-No 681 I picked up from CL recently. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Very Sharp LostHSV
Now that is something to appreciate right there

Adam

 

[RivennHewn]

I believe you are talking about the support on the bottom. The Q was for the little overhang on top of the handle on the dynamic jaw...unless I'm confused and now confusing you guys too... If so, sorry...

My bad. I scan more than I actually read sometimes.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

My Fred C Moran 4" Double Swivel. Here's the link to the restoration. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2798178#post2798178

As of now...still need the adjustable handles...
<a href="http://imgur.com/FpyTi"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/FpyTi.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

Hey Outlaw, autopts, and all others,

I read through GJ on clear coating a rattle can vise, like mine above, but did not get a thorough pros/cons list on it. I have not clear coated this one, in thinking that touch up would be easier without it. Can you guys school me?

Thanks!

 

[bmwpower]

I personally like the non-gloss/clear look. Looks more original to me...

 

[LostHSV]

Very Sharp LostHSV
Now that is something to appreciate right there

Adam

Thanks Adam, it was the first vise I've restored. I have a 100 year old Reed that is next in line.

 

[C.BRAXMAIER]

Christ! Are big vises falling from the sky around you Chris? ........Guys, that's a C3 with the older 600 style jaws on it. Wilton does not make that jaw design anymore and its too bad. That's was a hell of a setup.. The Dynamic jaw is so heavy with the pipe jaw in, it can't support its own weight even when the base is properly positioned. It tilts forward. Also, that close up of the channel bar? That's a steel bar that actually pressed into the Dynamic jaw. If Chris takes that collar off, he will see the top of the dowel which sets and keeps that bar in place. That's a great find!!

here is the front.

 

[tocosta]

My Record no. 4

 

[Catalyze]

Adam - those Rock Island vises are just classic looking.....I like my old one too

Lost - very nice Athol restore! That company had some of the best machining on their vises including knurling on the swivel base locks

Mohawk - I don't use clear...it's just one more layer to chip and then you can't just rattle can touch up in one step

Craig

 

[87Pomona]

I like using a few coats of clear on my vises;easier to clean them!

 

[SteveL]

Anyone know what color an old Reed no. 404 was when new? I have one that it likely way older than I am that was painted a dark gold color sometime in its life and I would like to restore it one of these days.

I've restored a couple of wood bench vises but just used dark grey hammered paint and although they look good I'm sure they are nowhere close to original.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

i've restored a couple of wood bench vises but just used dark grey hammered paint and although they look good

oh hot damn!!! I like that color combo!

 

[autopts]

here is the front.

Thanks Chris. I call it a dowel but its whatever holds that steel slide bar into the Dynamic is at 1 o'clock. Earlier C 3's were one piece.

I got a deal on this 600S. It had been dropped. I had 2 guys help me put it on a press table and It straightened out under about 400 lbs

 

[Lump]

I got a deal on this 600S. It had been dropped. I had 2 guys help me put it on a press table and It straightened out under about 400 lbs

Wow, Autopts. That's impressive! Did you have to heat it to keep it from cracking under all that pressure? Amazing that you could straighten it out. By the way, is this photo a "before-the-400-LB-press," or an "after-straightening" shot?

 

[Outlawmws]

Anyone know what color an old Reed no. 404 was when new? I have one that it likely way older than I am that was painted a dark gold color sometime in its life and I would like to restore it one of these days.

Most Likely semi gloss black.

 

[autopts]

Wow, Autopts. That's impressive! Did you have to heat it to keep it from cracking under all that pressure? Amazing that you could straighten it out. By the way, is this photo a "before-the-400-LB-press," or an "after-straightening" shot?

Nope, I didn't even think about heat. It was straight aftewards Actually if I can remember, in the auction photo it was straight and on the floor. When I got there it was up on a steel bench like that. I got it for $80. The real prize was a gamble I took on a Keithley meter for $25 which netted me $1400. I had no clue what it was. I was on a roll that day. Maybe 3-4 years ago. I sold that 600 a few months after I bought it.

 

[Catalyze]

X2 on the Reeds being semi gloss (or semi flat) black. This is the stock color of my Reed 3C when I picked it up from the seller.
Craig
View media item 10029

 

[wxm]

Guys, some of you may not know how mammoth of this C 3. The swivel base assy. is the same one they put on their monster 800S. Almost 12" across.

That's a good one autopts. Personally I always prefer Parker over Wilton because those mounting holes/screws in front of the jaws for Wiltons. This is the first one I have seen that doesn't have those annoying holes.

 

[autopts]

That's a good one autopts. Personally I always prefer Parker over Wilton because those mounting holes/screws in front of the jaws for Wiltons. This is the first one I have seen that doesn't have those annoying holes.

I love Parker vises and don't read me wrong, but I do believe their jaw design is worse then any USA made vise with screws facing front. Replacement Parker jaws are not to be found and making a new set is very labor intensive. That's just my take on it. It amazes me Parker, at sometime didn't improve that jaw design after all those years to a conventional step that the jaw would sit on. If that was a Patented design by Parker, I doubt if any USA vise MFG's thru those decades would have used it. They are distinguishing but never the less a horse **** design. Most old Parkers jaws out there are worn smooth now with most owners scratching their head as to where to find a new, steel, heat treated, serrated replacements for their Parkers that probably have another decade or two left them.
I think if you commit to replacing your Parker jaws with KMSscott (GJ Member) and enough of you do, word has it he may start to make them later this year. Remember, Its a one time investment, buy 2 sets and break down labor costs.

 

[jzt]

Columbian 506M2.
The vise was free, sat outside for 10 years. Threw it in vinegar for a week and then painted it.

 

[wxm]

I love Parker vises and don't read me wrong, but I do believe their jaw design is worse then any USA made vise with screws facing front. Replacement Parker jaws are not to be found and making a new set is very labor intensive. That's just my take on it. It amazes me Parker, at sometime didn't improve that jaw design after all those years to a conventional step that the jaw would sit on. If that was a Patented design by Parker, I doubt if any USA vise MFG's thru those decades would have used it. They are distinguishing but never the less a horse **** design. Most old Parkers jaws out there are worn smooth now with most owners scratching their head as to where to find a new, steel, heat treated, serrated replacements for their Parkers that probably have another decade or two left them.
I think if you commit to replacing your Parker jaws with KMSscott (GJ Member) and enough of you do, word has it he may start to make them later this year. Remember, Its a one time investment, buy 2 sets and break down labor costs.

Not sure I'd agree with your view about the Parker's jaws. Those one piece wrap around from the top design allows much bigger contact area than the bottom support design used on Wilton. I believe most of the smooth jaws on Parkers were not from wear, they were made this way on purpose so that the jaws would mar the work piece. Anyway, I do agree that the jaws on Parker are a lot more expensive to manufacture, alone with difficulty to replace which, in my opinion are the reasons they are no longer seen on the modern vises...

 

[Catalyze]

I was drinking heavily the other night and channeled Mr. Parker himself. He told me that the design started out to provide a replaceable wear surface where most of the damage to a vise happens: on the jaw tops. He told me further that it also allowed them to advertise this design as being "improved" over other brands. In the old days when vise makers were plentiful, you needed something to distinguish your brand over others. Finally, just as I was opening up the can of Sterno to have a last cocktail, he whispered to me that every Parker made would have to get new jaws from his factory....guaranteed income due to a totally unique design. Once I drank the Sterno, I lost him and started arguing with Elvis again about banana sandwiches.
Craig

 

[paigej]

such great wisdom from a can of sterno....who knew? I like it!

 

[autopts]

I was drinking heavily the other night and channeled Mr. Parker himself. He told me that the design started out to provide a replaceable wear surface where most of the damage to a vise happens: on the jaw tops. He told me further that it also allowed them to advertise this design as being "improved" over other brands. In the old days when vise makers were plentiful, you needed something to distinguish your brand over others. Finally, just as I was opening up the can of Sterno to have a last cocktail, he whispered to me that every Parker made would have to get new jaws from his factory....guaranteed income due to a totally unique design. Once I drank the Sterno, I lost him and started arguing with Elvis again about banana sandwiches.
Craig

Isn't it amazing what a remote New Mexico climate can do to someone's thought process? Roasted and Toasted!!!

 

[bigcaddy]

Isn't it amazing what a remote New Mexico climate can do to someone's thought process? Roasted and Toasted!!!

We've gone over this before. Craigs brain was toasted by the New Mexico heat long ago. The only functioning part that remains is the ability to repair vises and talk to Elvis.

 

[Outlawmws]

So what happens when you toast the toast?

 

[Lump]

I've FINALLY decided which bench vises to keep and mount for my own use (been using c-clamps for too long, unwilling to make holes in my bench till I made up my mind. LOL.)
Anyway, I have now put 12 bench vises in the GJ classsifieds, if any of you are interested in checking them out.
I have not yet decided whether I will keep that antique twin-screw chain-drive vise, the giant Ridgid vise, or my rotating-slide Chas Parker vise. I will keep you posted on my decisions about them. (They are all featured in old posts in this thread.)

Right now I'm headed to my hunting cabin in southern Ohio for muzzle loader hunting today (Sat) and tomorrow. Wish me luck!

 

[bigcaddy]

Here is my completed Wilton 1645 that i picked up last weekend. It came out pretty nice considering how it looked when i bought it.

I've cleaned up quite a few of these and this one has some different features when compared to other medium duty Wilton vises.

it has dual lock downs on the base, which is a 4 hole mount instead of 3. Its also a much beefier casting then the typical light duty vises.

The front operating nut is held in place by a horseshoe shaped retaining ring in front of the jaw instead of an e-clip behind the jaw. Its similar to the heavy duty bullet style vises but has the bones of a light duty mechanics vise.

 

[BJ42LX]

I picked up this Wilton 1755 at auction today. Check out the jaws - . It's either a project or a parts vise. Either way for $9.81 it's a deal.

 

[autopts]

Here is my completed Wilton 1645 that i picked up last weekend. It came out pretty nice considering how it looked when i bought it.

Dawg!, Your getting vise restoration down to a science! Another beauty. Your vise collection is growing and from what I've seen, its very diversified and mostly all in very good condition. You are getting to be "Mr Big" on these vise threads no doubt.

 

[jagleaso]

Does anyone have any idea what the original color of a Parker 5X vise might be?

 

[RivennHewn]

American Scale No. 212A.

4.5 " jaws.

In the process of gett'n her clean and naked.






Wilton / Snap on 1750

No manufacturer's name, but had sticker residue on the sides.

I'm assuming it's a later model (AKA offshore)

Missing one of the pipe jaws, and all four insert screws are broken off. (previous post)

 

[jagleaso]

My latest resto:

Desmond Simplex 350, small and handy. Going to mount this to butcherblock top on HF 44box when I get around to it.

 

[bagsanthony]

I picked up this Wilton 1755 at auction today. Check out the jaws - . It's either a project or a parts vise. Either way for $9.81 it's a deal.

small world, I was at that auction today in Rochester

 

[Mohawk Dave]

My latest resto:

Desmond Simplex 350, small and handy. Going to mount this to butcherblock top on HF 44box when I get around to it.

That came out very nice! What paint did you use...it's real shiny and looks thick. Brush on?