The VISES of Garage Journal

[garthg]

I gave away a vise today. A little Parker 974. It was the second one I restored. I don't have a need for it, and a buddy who did work on my house can use it. I'm glad it's going to a good home, but I feel like I have given up one of my kids for someone else to raise.

Gives you space to work on another one.

 

[entasisor]

a while back I was looking for a swivel jaw for a job I was doing that required a ton of odd fixturing, needed it asap and ended up buying the only one I could find right away, a refurbished parker 272 on ebay, nicer than I needed - a cream puff by the way and if anybody here sold it to me, thanks, it has served me well

so anyway, I wanted to add a vise or two for the tool room in the shop I'm building and in researching anything to do with good quality old vises any search sends the searcher to this site, apparently the definitive authority, and obviously this has been stated before - thanks much for the info

I've got maybe $600 invested in vises, think I'm done......(chuckle) - I do a lot of large industrial auctions and I picked up the big parker at the old sparrows pt steel mill in baltimore, and though I live in nh, was serendipitously in DC on business and picked it up on the way home, am fixin' it up - for $126 I "needed" it for ...........uh...........hey I just needed it alright............chuckle - on the bench at sparrows pt were two old prentiss, a 22 and 19 maybe, and 3 wilton C2's

the dandy bronze collar on the 272 was supplied to me by member btrnuthatch

regards, gerry

 

[bigcaddy]

a while back I was looking for a swivel jaw for a job I was doing that required a ton of odd fixturing, needed it asap and ended up buying the only one I could find right away, a refurbished parker 272 on ebay, nicer than I needed - a cream puff by the way and if anybody here sold it to me, thanks, it has served me well

so anyway, I wanted to add a vise or two for the tool room in the shop I'm building and in researching anything to do with good quality old vises any search sends the searcher to this site, apparently the definitive authority, and obviously this has been stated before - thanks much for the info

I've got maybe $600 invested in vises, think I'm done......(chuckle) - I do a lot of large industrial auctions and I picked up the big parker at the old sparrows pt steel mill in baltimore, and though I live in nh, was serendipitously in DC on business and picked it up on the way home, am fixin' it up - for $126 I "needed" it for ...........uh...........hey I just needed it alright............chuckle - on the bench at sparrows pt were two old prentiss, a 22 and 19 maybe, and 3 wilton C2's

the dandy bronze collar on the 272 was supplied to me by member btrnuthatch

regards, gerry

That Craftsman next to the Wilton was made by Rock Island and looks to be in great shape. When the jaws are fully closed, look right behind the stationary jaw casting (where the slide exits), on the top of the slide. There should be a date of manufacture stamped there.

 

[Gabriel J]

I've been looking at CL for months trying to find a nice American-Made vise to replace an older Craftsman that I sent to it's grave with years of abuse. Today was finally my lucky day, as I picked up a 4" Yost machinist vise for $75. Got home, mounted her on the bench and she's ready for operation. I like the "seasoned" look of the vise, so no repainting for this one!

-Gabe

 

[balane]

Picked up a nice, older 3" Craftsman vise manufactured by Reed at an estate sale. The patent date number returns a document from 1938. 846 is stamped into the slide so I'm guessing that puts production at Aug, 1946. This little vise weighs 30 pounds! It's in fantastic mechanical condition and completely original, no paint is going on this one. This is really a nice vise.

.

 

[entasisor]

That Craftsman next to the Wilton was made by Rock Island and looks to be in great shape. When the jaws are fully closed, look right behind the stationary jaw casting (where the slide exits), on the top of the slide. There should be a date of manufacture stamped there.

thanks bigcaddy, again I learn from this site - this craftsman/rock island 5162 does indeed have the date stamped where you directed, although I never would have seen it without your help and it's fun to know it's vintage, 9/46

although its had a lot of use and got a half assed paint job at some point, it could not have moved any smoother or lined up any better when new

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I've been looking at CL for months trying to find a nice American-Made vise to replace an older Craftsman that I sent to it's grave with years of abuse. Today was finally my lucky day, as I picked up a 4" Yost machinist vise for $75. Got home, mounted her on the bench and she's ready for operation. I like the "seasoned" look of the vise, so no repainting for this one!

-Gabe

Gabe - I think your $75 Yost find deserves a "you ****" nomination. Great find!

 

[strawbale]

Here is a Wilton corner-mount vise. The jaws are 7" on each side, with a maximum opening of 9 1/16"

Weight is 26 pounds.

The turnbuckle casting is marked 161072-10

I'd be interested to know any information about this model, including the proper name for this style of vise, the Wilton model number, dates of production and original cost.

One great feature: the vise may be mounted to any corner of a table top or bench. The bench stop is movable (note the second set of drilled/tapped holes).

My first posting on this forum after searching for information on the same vise that has been in the corner of my shop and would do good to have a new home. I used different vises on the woodworker's bench I built. Does anyone have more information on this vise? I'm also wondering about current value. There is 161068 on the main body of the vise. Any help would be appreciated.

Strawbale

 

[Mark in Indiana]

My first posting on this forum after searching for information on the same vise that has been in the corner of my shop and would do good to have a new home. I used different vises on the woodworker's bench I built. Does anyone have more information on this vise? I'm also wondering about current value. There is 161068 on the main body of the vise. Any help would be appreciated.

Strawbale

Welcome to our little family. Please post some pictures of your vise.

 

[strawbale]

Since you asked--

Strawbale

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Since you asked--

Strawbale

I'm impressed with that configuration! I have a Morgan 10A with the spindle & guides at the bottom of the vise lined at the bottom of the jaws. Sorry I don't know much about yours.

 

[thundermug]

Picked up a nice, older 3" Craftsman vise manufactured by Reed at an estate sale..

I have the stationary version of that same vise. Mine is missing the Craftsman badge. Damn good vise.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Because there were so many great looking Craftsman vise restorations lately, I felt that this was a good time to include my latest restoration that I just finished. This is a Harley themed vise that I made a gift for a buddy of mine that has a Harley. It's also my first try at a 3 tone paint job. Attached are before & after pictures:

 

[nine4gmc]

Excellent resto Mark!!

 

[fury9]

I have a pair Desmond Stephan vises now, I think. Been out of the hunt staying with my dad in the hospital for the last three weeks. I think he will get released Saturday finally. Stopped by an estate sale today and picked up my second Desmond Stephan vise, but the other one is so small its hiding from me.

This 61S Simplex is going to be pretty hard to hide. Few battle scars but it is going to clean up real nice. Can any of you experienced vise guys give me any back ground on these?

The previous owner moved down to to Bigcaddy's neighborhood and couldn't get this in their motor home That 61s is a hundred sixty five pounds!!

Good hunting guys!

wow, Very nice! I have a 43s

 

[75dixie]

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Heres my newest vise, bought it earlier in the week Reed 108

Here another Ive had a couple months, Prentiss 7" with swivel base

 

[fullthrottle24]

Nice resto, Mark. I like using these smaller vises that can be found cheap as a platform to experiment with non traditional paint jobs.

 

[bl00]

Heres my newest vise, bought it earlier in the week Reed 108
Here another Ive had a couple months, Prentiss 7" with swivel base

I think you have the big vise market locked up in your area. Can you post a pic with the Reed, Prentiss, and Rock Island lined up next to each other? Also, how about a pic of your hammer rack.

 

[PECVD2]

My latest addition.
Parker 205 next to my Columbian.

View media item 30536

 

[Saiga]

Athol 324 1/2 with swivel base and pipe jaws. CL find.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Is there such thing as a Wilton Vise Model #N1?

 

[aluminum13]

What is the model # on this one? Where did you pick up replacement jaw inserts? Nice job.

It is marked 8135 in small print near the jaw on the static side. I'd assume the "35" refers to the 3.5" jaws, but I'm no expert.

They are original jaws! Just needed some wire wheeling and polishing. Apparently layered duck tape and spilled varnish is effective jaw protection.

 

[wrenchguy]

Picked these Parkers this week. The 85 lb. 955, (left) opens 7.5" with 5" jaws, 10.5" tall. The 975B Parker-Union (right) comes in at 115 lb. opens 9" with 5" jaws 12" tall. Can someone comment about the age of the 975B? I think Union took over parker in the 50's sometime. Also anyone know the reason 4 the roll pin in the swivel lock bolt? It don't go thru lengthwise the bolt. Factory? What might the 975 sell 4 new? Thanks 4 looking.

 

[entasisor]

in my continuing effort to pay back GJ for being the knowledge base I used to help me find some good old vises to put to work I submit a couple pictures of a vise I saw today while doing other business

its a prentiss 185 that is at a welding/fab shop near me - the owner is uncertain whether to use it or sell it - I don't want anymore vises...............chuckle

probably a 200 pounder or so, very straight and together looking, gobbed with paint, big rangy thing with massive pipe jaws - never seen anything like it - anyone know why prentiss made the slide open at the side instead of the bottom?

 

[oldldh]

Mysterioso...

(Made on Friday afternoon.....late Friday afternoon.....)

 

[WhiteLightning]

Is there such thing as a Wilton Vise Model #N1?

Anyone?!?!?

 

[bigcaddy]

in my continuing effort to pay back GJ for being the knowledge base I used to help me find some good old vises to put to work I submit a couple pictures of a vise I saw today while doing other business

its a prentiss 185 that is at a welding/fab shop near me - the owner is uncertain whether to use it or sell it - I don't want anymore vises...............chuckle

probably a 200 pounder or so, very straight and together looking, gobbed with paint, big rangy thing with massive pipe jaws - never seen anything like it - anyone know why prentiss made the slide open at the side instead of the bottom?

I've seen them before and it was just them experimenting with different designs and styles.

 

[bigcaddy]

Anyone?!?!?

I believe the N1 you are referring to is a casting mark on all Wilton vises. There should be another number on your vise.

If not, give us some dimensions of the thing and we can tell you what you have.

 

[wrenchguy]

Will my posting of a few hours ago show up? it had photos and was about some parkers i picked last week.

I'm kicking myself for not getting a vice last year that was about 2' wide and 3-4' front to back. I think it was a huge mill or railroad vise.

Anyway thanks for some help about my parker posting.

 

[flying2275]

It is marked 8135 in small print near the jaw on the static side. I'd assume the "35" refers to the 3.5" jaws, but I'm no expert.

They are original jaws! Just needed some wire wheeling and polishing. Apparently layered duck tape and spilled varnish is effective jaw protection.

Very nice job on that vise. How long did it take to clean out the jaws?

 

[va.grouseman]

Will my posting of a few hours ago show up? it had photos and was about some parkers i picked last week.

I'm kicking myself for not getting a vice last year that was about 2' wide and 3-4' front to back. I think it was a huge mill or railroad vise.

Anyway thanks for some help about my parker posting.

Big jump from 36" to 48". And 24" jaws, I'd pay good money to see that. Sounds like a ship anchor.

 

[wrenchguy]

Big jump from 36" to 48". And 24" jaws, I'd pay good money to see that. Sounds like a ship anchor.

Yes it was huge, i only saw it 4 a second, i was with a friend previewing a auction at pete zacks marina in portage indiana. I couldn't make it back sale day. i heard it sold 4 200.00. I may be exaggerating, maybe it was only 18" wide by 2-3' front to back. NW indiana is steel and forging country from the late 1800's. i think it was mounted on what was left of a tree stump. Ships anchor is correct.

 

[454ragtop]

Picked up this old timer to add to the collection over the weekend at a swap meet. 4" wide jaws, opens to 9". Has the swivel jaw, and a quick set opening. You simply lift up on the sliding jaw and set it to the desired width, then tighten the screw. Works excellent, even has a stop to prevent pulling the jaw out of the vise.
Jim

 

[bigcaddy]

Picked up this old timer to add to the collection over the weekend at a swap meet. 4" wide jaws, opens to 9". Has the swivel jaw, and a quick set opening. You simply lift up on the sliding jaw and set it to the desired width, then tighten the screw. Works excellent, even has a stop to prevent pulling the jaw out of the vise.
Jim

Thats quite the oldie and in great shape!

Are you going to leave it as is? It would look nice given a fresh coat of dark machine grey

 

[454ragtop]

Thats quite the oldie and in great shape!

Are you going to leave it as is? It would look nice given a fresh coat of dark machine grey

Thanks, haven't decided yet if I'll restore it or not. It's missing the pin to lock the swivel jaw, so I'll have to make one on the lathe. The handle is a little bent, could easily straighten it, but it seems awful loose in the hole. Pretty sure it's original, by the way it's made, but seems a slightly larger dia handle would be better.
Jum

 

[454ragtop]

Also shot some pics of one of my Rock Islands, has 3 1/2" jaws. Don't be fooled by the cosmetics, this one is in near perfect shape, no wear, straight handles, excellent jaws , etc.
Jim

 

[bluebolt]

Picked up this old timer to add to the collection over the weekend at a swap meet. 4" wide jaws, opens to 9". Has the swivel jaw, and a quick set opening. You simply lift up on the sliding jaw and set it to the desired width, then tighten the screw. Works excellent, even has a stop to prevent pulling the jaw out of the vise.
Jim

Nice find! I picked up it's brother at Pate swap meet two weeks ago, swivel base fixed jaw Athol with that same quick release feature and smooth jaws, post 8300. It has that same AMCO name on it and the 1871 patent date.

 

[_vin_]

It is marked 8135 in small print near the jaw on the static side. I'd assume the "35" refers to the 3.5" jaws, but I'm no expert.

They are original jaws! Just needed some wire wheeling and polishing. Apparently layered duck tape and spilled varnish is effective jaw protection.

I picked up the same vise a week ago. I wonder if my jaws will clean up as good. Nice work.

 

[wrenchguy]

Here's my Wilton Tradesman 1755 that I got off of Craigslist for $45

a vise just given to me today, Parker Vise Division, Union Manufacturing Co., New Brittain, Ct. 4" jaw width, opens to 6-1/2", about 17" long when closed, 360 degree swivel, and weighs a good bit....

I realize this is a old post, I believe ur Parker is convertible from a swivel to fixed base. My 975b is, with that bored hole at the rear of the upper half of the swivel.

 

[sloppy]

A couple of vise's I have picked up.
Polish drill press/mill vise.

decent size drill press vise. I have no Idea who made no manufacture markings

the little wilton and the parker are a little ruff, the parker has had some "repairs" done and not real well, the wilton has the dynamic jaw kinda tweaked and its pretty much a boat anchor I wanted the polish vise and the other 2 basically were to cheap to pass up even with issue's..