The VISES of Garage Journal

[bigcaddy]

can anyone help tell me about this wilton?

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It looks like a mid 1970s 9400 (4" jaw) with missing swivel base. Unscrew the dynamic jaw all the way out and there should be a date stamp on the underside, on the keyway. That should give you the exact month/year of mfg.

 

[jagleaso]

I thought you guys might like this:

Charles Parker 5x, Prentiss bulldog No.53, Desmon-Simplex 350.
Trying to figure out which one im going to give to my dad.

 

[jagleaso]

 

[kukko]

jagleaso, those look good. i really like the Desmond. what brand/type/color paint is the red? i am redoing a similar Desmond Simplex and am looking for color ideas.

 

[ZRX61]

It looks like a mid 1970s 9400 (4" jaw) with missing swivel base.

If it's a 400N (which it sure looks like) then it isn't missing the swivel base..

 

[bigcaddy]

The 5 I picked up yesterday...

Including this fine specimen in Battleship Grey

Did you take a wire wheel to the top rear portion of the dynamic jaw's slide yet to see if a date was stamped anywhere?

I just started to clean up a 574, complete with the Birtmen Electric tag and US Navy markings that happened to follow an old sailor home, and found a 3 digit date stamp on top of the slide. I'm wondering if yours has one.

 

[ZRX61]

I haven't yet.....

Edit: just looked, nada...altho there may be a VERY faint 7

I think there's going to be a large outbreak of Wilton 656's in this thread in the near future...

 

[mcmlvif100]

From ★★ Hot Deals ★★

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157363&page=13 Post #253

I'm going to be in Minneapolis this weekend so I've been checking out their classifieds. I'm no vise guru but I thought I'd post these in case they're good deals.

Starret Athol 926

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/tls/3576579941.html

Wilton Bullet

http://mankato.craigslist.org/tls/3587075749.html

Athol 926 looks interesting but too far from here.

 

[Coopduc]

Here's my columbian I bought used off a retired mechanic in 1978. No idea how old it is, but it still works great.

 

[pfbz]

can anyone help tell me about this wilton?
a friend of mine has it and is offering it for sale.
I see its a 2 bolt mount,not 4. what is this worth?

It's a nice Wilton machinists vice... What size are the jaws in width?

Refinish it and it will look like this circa 1970 Wilton 9450 (4.5" wide jaws) I refurbed a while back...

Many Wilton's came without rotating bases, and actually I kind of prefer them that way for daily use. For example, this slightly newer Wilton 400N.

Search eBay sold auctions for "wilton bullet vise", you might be shocked how much they sell for!

 

[codymfnt]

What the %(((&%^ is this thing...?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

What the %(((&%^ is this thing...?

Just a chicom vise...sell them at HF etc...Not super strong like USA made, but handy for holding stuff. I have one outside and it gets a lot of use. I'm not afraid to saw on/into it, weld, torch, etc...dime a dozen on CL.

But just b/c it's not USA Made, doesn't exactly make it worthless. And whilst were on the subject, I wish a USA company would copy this design, supplement it with some more strength etc...I, for one, really like the design.

EDIT: I want a Parker 474!!! My Fred C. Moran is a decoration.

 

[jagleaso]

jagleaso, those look good. i really like the Desmond. what brand/type/color paint is the red? i am redoing a similar Desmond Simplex and am looking for color ideas.

The desmond has 2 thin coverage coats of Rustoleum Candy Apple Red over one thin coat of rustoleum etching primer. Looks great but not so durable so I also covered it in 3 or 4 coats of urethane 2k automotive clear. I probably went overboard but I enjoy painting.

 

[Lump]

EDIT: I want a Parker 474!!! My Fred C. Moran is a decoration.

Mohawk...are you wantin' one o' deez?

I found it last summer in Massachusetts. You can find more pix on page 245 of this Vises thread.

 

[kukko]

I've looked through this thread and on google, but am coming up short.
Does anyone have pictures or catalog scans showing a Parker 272? Please post them here or send them to me in a PM. I saw Catalyze's restoration thread. I am hoping to see if there were changes throughout the production run.
Thanks.
Jon

 

[cclfn]

Prentiss Carriage/Pattern Makers Vise?

Where do these fit in popularity with a machinist vise. I don't have a Prentiss but really don't want my collection to get too big either (that's what I tell the wife) I haven't been able to find much on these and don't have any better photos yet. Is this a good find or not so good compared to a Prentiss Bull Dog machinists vise. I think its a #99 swivel supposedly in excellent condition.
Thoughts?

 

[bigcaddy]

Prentiss Carriage/Pattern Makers Vise?

Where do these fit in popularity with a machinist vise. I don't have a Prentiss but really don't want my collection to get too big either (that's what I tell the wife) I haven't been able to find much on these and don't have any better photos yet. Is this a good find or not so good compared to a Prentiss Bull Dog machinists vise. I think its a #99 swivel supposedly in excellent condition.
Thoughts?

I would buy it if i came across it but i collect Prentiss vises. The Bulldogs were very heavy and stout, like most true "machinist" vises. The patternmaker ones are more rare due to the thinner castings that were prone to breaking if used for something other then wood.

It looks like a No. 10 but the dynamic jaw looks a bit different. I think the jaw inserts have been replaced though. The things i'm seeing in the picture could be soft jaws that are overlapping the actual inserts so make sure to check that out. I have a few Prentiss No.10's and all of the jaw inserts just barely rise over the face of the jaw towers and by 1/8"

 

[cclfn]

bigcaddy,

Yes there is an attached insert that is much wider than the vise. What are the original jaw inserts made of.

Thanks

 

[bigcaddy]

bigcaddy,

Yes there is an attached insert that is much wider than the vise. What are the original jaw inserts made of.

Thanks

Some type of hardened steel. I don't know what was readily available 75 years ago but generally the jaw faces were smooth so they didn't mar the wooden pieces you had clamped in the vise.

 

[Catalyze]

Jagleaso - very nice Parker 5X......134 pounds....6" jaws......wonderful old vise from the very heavyweight branch of the family

Gregthor - don't fret...post some close ups of your crack....I have seen several of them cracked in that same spot but don't give up hope yet

kukko - the Parker references that I have start out in 1901...at that point the entire 270 series was swivel base and the 370 series was stationary....the 270 series never used a Parker wrench but used a more normal "T handle nut" affair and at least one end of the rod was threaded so you could unscrew the end off an remove the rod....by the 40's Parker had changed the series to the 380 series and these did use a Parker wrench and nut arrangement....these were swivel base models and I can't find anything for a stationary base
Craig

 

[Catalyze]

Bigcaddy.......a question about those Prentiss jaw inserts.....are yours removable or were they cast in place like early vises? they only photo that I have of a Prentiss like these looks like they were cast in place.....just curious is all...LOL
Craig

 

[kukko]

Back on page 351 I posted some pics of an unusual looking Parker that was on a Craigslist far from me (but not that far from a friend of mine). The price was a little up there, so I decided against it. And then I started thinking about it more and more, losing some sleep over it, thinking of how I could make it happen, etc. I gave the guy an offer I could live with, he agreed, my friend picked it up, and a few weeks later it arrived at my house.
It's a Parker 8W, 4 1/2" wide jaws. Sorry, I don't have the obligatory 'soda can' shot, I don't drink much soda. It needs a good cleaning, but is in very good condition and appears to have had a fairly easy life. No hammer marks, slide is not all beat up, pipe jaws are nice and "square", etc.
If anyone has any info about this and the reasoning behind all the "swoopiness" of it, please let me know. I have not been able to find anything online. I have found a couple vises that look very similar that are not Parkers that are just marked "No. 7", but they don't have the distinct, sharp points to the ends of the curves like the Parker does.
I'll post more pics as this one gets refurbished.

 

[kukko]

As a comparison, here's a No. 7 I saw online recently.

 

[bigcaddy]

Bigcaddy.......a question about those Prentiss jaw inserts.....are yours removable or were they cast in place like early vises? they only photo that I have of a Prentiss like these looks like they were cast in place.....just curious is all...LOL
Craig

My Prentiss No. 10's, with the more decorative (older) lettering,has removable jaw inserts.

I don't think i've seen a Prentiss with cast in place inserts, unless it was from a lower quality line of vises. I'm not saying they dont exist, i just haven't seen a bigger one with permanent jaw pads.

 

[RegalX]

As a comparison, here's a No. 7 I saw online recently.

That Vise is local for me.. whats it really worth?

 

[Catalyze]

Kukko - That is one crazy Parker! I thought that the strangest thing I ever saw was in WalMart......but that Parker is stranger. Grats on an old wild Parker combo vise. I may have to quit stealing things from bigcaddy and autopts and head over toward your home.
Craig

 

[Catalyze]

bigcaddy - here is a Prentiss vise that is a wood/sheet metal vise with a swivel jaw...I can't tell but it looks like it might have cast in jaw inserts. That is why I was curious about your vises since you actually can see them and all I have is a photo.
Craig
View media item 28518

 

[kukko]

That Vise is local for me.. whats it really worth?

I'd be curious as to what markings are on the other side. It looks like it is a pretty old vise, a bit rusty though. I like the $1 per pound idea, or maybe less in this instance because of condition. If it were more local to me, I would certainly at least check it out in person and make an offer.

Kukko - That is one crazy Parker! I thought that the strangest thing I ever saw was in WalMart......but that Parker is stranger. Grats on an old wild Parker combo vise. I may have to quit stealing things from bigcaddy and autopts and head over toward your home.
Craig

Thanks Craig. I think you are heading in my direction at some point, so stop on by!
Jon

 

[autopts]

Thanks Craig. I think you are heading in my direction at some point, so stop on by!
Jon

Jon, when Catalyst moves East, Big Caddy will be the Big Vise Honcho West of the Miss. with the most varied collection. Craig may have to ship his collection by RR because of the massive size and weight. And another thing, you better chain that beautiful Parker down once he arrives.

 

[bigcaddy]

Jon, when Catalyst moves East, Big Caddy will be the Big Vise Honcho West of the Miss. with the most varied collection. Craig may have to ship his collection by RR because of the massive size and weight. And another thing, you better chain that beautiful Parker down once he arrives.

Nick,

My ears are burning!!

I just finished up my recent Wilton and Rock Island 574 today. I just need to finish the detail paint on the 574 and it will be done. Here are some pics of the finished result. Both will be sold off so i can buy other "needed" items

The Rock Island came from a guy who spent 30 years in the Navy, as did his dad. THe last pic has a USN stamp on the rear casting and the vise is dated 8 - 1944 Pretty neat if you ask me.

 

[kukko]

Hey Nick,
No worries, I've got a 'vicious' guard dog that will sit on his lap and not let him leave with the vise.
I did put the 8W to work today. It was holding its new baby brother, and AM Co Athol No.0 .......
Jaws are slightly under 1 1/4". The screw holding the 'half nut' is incorrect, but that should be fairly easily replaceable. For such a small vise, the machining and casting seem to be pretty high quality.

 

[Catalyze]

Very nicely done bigcaddy!
That old Rock Island is a beauty.

Kukko - that little vise is perfect for a Valentines Day present...
good thinking on your part.

Craig

 

[kukko]

I also did some more cleaning and inspection of the 8-W. I wondered why the swivel did not lock securely even when the nut was tightened fully (I could still make it rotate somewhat easily even if it was tightened). I took the big nut off the bottom and removed the swivel base to see what it looked like and how it worked. I wire wheeled the faces of the tapered lock piece and the tapered faced of the locking ring, put some grease on those faces so they would slide easily, greased the threads of the locking nut (I guess it's a really a bolt?) and now it locks very securely.
The number "8 8" was cast into the swivel parts. That central nut is rather large! Here are some "before" pics.
There's also a pic of the top of the slide to show how little to no wear (no hammer marks, chisel marks, no signs of beating) there is to this thing.

Jon

 

[kruegdr]

I'll finally weigh in with my vise. I picked up this Yost 33C a few years ago from a guy that was getting rid of some surplus from the Anniston Army depot. I think the vise was never used based on the condition of the regular jaws and pipe jaws. I ended up making some aluminum jaws for it which turned out well. (It looks like it's been painted)

Just over the last 3 weeks I finally put together the stand. I opted to not use the swivel base since it's on a drum that I can move around the garage. The working jaws are elbow height, and the base is a brake drum from an 18 wheeler. I've got a plate to weld up the open end of the drum and fill with sand or whatever.

(For size reference, that's a 34" super swamper on the truck)

 

[autopts]

I'll finally weigh in with my vise. I picked up this Yost 33C a few years ago from a guy that was getting rid of some surplus from the Anniston Army depot. The working jaws are elbow height, and the base is a brake drum from an 18 wheeler. I've got a plate to weld up the open end of the drum and fill with sand or whatever.

(For size reference, that's a 34" super swamper on the truck)

I like that set up. Its so much easier working when its at elbow height.

 

[RivennHewn]

Threw my back out loading this one in the truck.

140 Lbs. of Reed 106.

25" long.

Been rode hard and put away wet.

Dynamic jaw insert must have come off, so the previous owner welded a new one on.

Other than that, it works as it should.

Now, where the heck do I put it.

 

[gregthor]

Hi Guys & Gals,
Well, regarding the Parker 271 1/2 vise GAME ON!! bigcaddy had the missing parts I need so now it will not become a lamp or book ends!!! Now I must focus on fixing the crack in the static jaw. Here are some more pictures of the crack. I painted the jaw with primer to help the picture be clearer. I was thinking about heating the jaw and then brazing it similar to sweating copper pipes but I am open to all ideas to repair this crack.
Thanks Greg

 

[Catalyze]

Greg - there is a good idea for a repair, you might check machine shops around your area for some place that could to that type of repair

Riven - best to save the back and send one of us that back breaking vise

Kruegdr - very sanitary vise mounting and a nice Yost
Craig

 

[Outlawmws]

Greg, is the crack showing on the bottom of the round boss?

The eutectic weld sounds interesting but may not be cost effective If it is attempted, they need a high nickle content powder.

If not that, I would be thinking of a good pre heat in an oven, and get some brazing rod filler down into the crack, and bury int in hot sand to cool slowly.

Then I'd drill, counter sink, tap, and counter bore (Slightly,just to where the crack should be) and add some Countersunk screws to help take the strain.

 

[Outlawmws]

Kruegdr, that is by far the cleanest truck drum stand I've ever seen. Nice job!