The VISES of Garage Journal

[Dan5speight]

ive just bought 3 record vices for the grand total of £17 2 no6 vices with funnily 6" jaws and a no34 with 4 1/2" jaws couldnt be more happy with them. what I cannot get my head around is what they charge for these things new. will post some pics later when I take some.

 

[flashman]

Can I get some help please guys? A guy offered a trade for my Desmond Stephan vise for a Wilton bullet 845 and another smaller Wilton machinist vise plus $100 cash. It sounds really fair to me since I just enjoy restoring these guys. Any thoughts on the deal would be great. What I can find is the 845 model is not a bullet vise but I am not sure as I haven't seen this Wilton in person. I am going to make the trade as I am not losing out on the deal, just curious for more ideas on this Wilton before I pick it up.

My vise

His vise

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[methomas70]

There's a Prentiss SWIVEL vise in Geneva, IL (approx 45 miles west of Chicago) for $75 on Craigslist.
Looks to be in nice shape (except for crack in mounting hole).
Not mine, just saw it and passing the info along.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4010342782.html

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Can I get some help please guys? A guy offered a trade for my Desmond Stephan vise for a Wilton bullet 845 and another smaller Wilton machinist vise plus $100 cash. It sounds really fair to me since I just enjoy restoring these guys. Any thoughts on the deal would be great. What I can find is the 845 model is not a bullet vise but I am not sure as I haven't seen this Wilton in person. I am going to make the trade as I am not losing out on the deal, just curious for more ideas on this Wilton before I pick it up.

My vise

His vise

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If I had your situation, I would look up values of similar Wilton vises in Craigslists from your area and surrounding cities. You should get a couple of prices to help you make an informed decision.

 

[flashman]

If I had your situation, I would look up values of similar Wilton vises in Craigslists from your area and surrounding cities. You should get a couple of prices to help you make an informed decision.

Mark, I don't have any wilton vises around my area to compare.

 

[rusty65]

Can I get some help please guys? A guy offered a trade for my Desmond Stephan vise for a Wilton bullet 845 and another smaller Wilton machinist vise plus $100 cash. It sounds really fair to me since I just enjoy restoring these guys. Any thoughts on the deal would be great. What I can find is the 845 model is not a bullet vise but I am not sure as I haven't seen this Wilton in person. I am going to make the trade as I am not losing out on the deal, just curious for more ideas on this Wilton before I pick it up.

My vise

His vise

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Unless you are looking for another project vise I would keep the simplex. Because the simplex is more clean not just in looks but abuse wise and the simplex is heavier and a combo vise which I personally prefer because of the deeper throat.


Sent From Snap On Headquarters deep in China.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Mark, I don't have any wilton vises around my area to compare.

1. Are there any Wilton vises in surrounding cities? You may have to search a few hundred miles outside. EBay is also good, but as a guide only.

2. What is the local value of your Desmond? BTW, beautiful job. I wouldn't be quick to get rid of it. The reason I'm stating this is because I sold my Athol (of similar size & condition) for $200.00 about 6 months ago. I wish that I got more but I only had $60.00 + labor in it. That's why I try to buy as cheap as possible.

3. If this helps, I bought a Wilton 840 a week ago for $75.00. It's older than the one up for trade and in mechanically excellent condition. However, it looks like it's in the same condition. Thanks to the knowledge gained from this thread, I knew to take it apart and determine that before buying it.

Unfortunately, vintage vises don't go as high as they should, considering their
quality and cool looks.

I hope my advise helps.

 

[Outlawmws]

Flashman,

What jaw size in your Desmond vise?


Is the smaller Wilton a bullet? or one of the lower ranked Wilton branded vise?

 

[flashman]

Flashman,

What jaw size in your Desmond vise?


Is the smaller Wilton a bullet? or one of the lower ranked Wilton branded vise?

My Desmond is 5" and the Wilton bullet is 4.5".

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[flashman]

1. Are there any Wilton vises in surrounding cities? You may have to search a few hundred miles outside. EBay is also good, but as a guide only.

2. What is the local value of your Desmond? BTW, beautiful job. I wouldn't be quick to get rid of it. The reason I'm stating this is because I sold my Athol (of similar size & condition) for $200.00 about 6 months ago. I wish that I got more but I only had $60.00 + labor in it. That's why I try to buy as cheap as possible.

3. If this helps, I bought a Wilton 840 a week ago for $75.00. It's older than the one up for trade and in mechanically excellent condition. However, it looks like it's in the same condition. Thanks to the knowledge gained from this thread, I knew to take it apart and determine that before buying it.

Unfortunately, vintage vises don't go as high as they should, considering their
quality and cool looks.

I hope my advise helps.

Mark,

Local value I put at $225. I will certainly take a look at the date stamp on the dynamic jaw and see what it says. I am probably in my Desmond at $180 because i bought all the stuff for electrolysis when i went to restore the vise. I figure if I could keep it I would, I just prefer cleaning them up and getting people to use them. I dont need any vise honestly...just trying to do my part.

My Desmond is 5" and the Wilton bullet is 4.5".

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[Hot Chop shop]

Just picked up a wilton vise from craigslist... It was thrown in with a cabinet I picked up... It's practically new after I wiped it down... On a side note I used simple green and it stripped the paint from the ruler around the jaws and on the slide...that was disappointing... Wasn't really looking for this kind of vise, still searching for a large wilton bullet to complete my new bench... But haven't seen any local so at some point I'll have to try ebay... (Or trick my wife into a drive to the beach in Cali... Where I leave her on the beach while I run around hunting for the wilton on craiglist ads and come back hours later with flowers and maybe a puppy)

 

[Hot Chop shop]

The collection grows...

 

[flashman]

Well, I made the trade. He will get a lot more use out of that Desmond Stephan than I ever would so I am happy about it. I think I got a good deal though, guys. I have two Wilton bullets now and $40 cash. Here are the pictures. The larger bullet was made in 48, the smaller red was made in 70. I couldn't find where he saw 845 for the larger swivel Wilton, I took a picture of a number that is on the lower front dynamic jaw. The red has two numbers on the dynamic jaw, 8300N and on the other side 9300? Not sure which is which.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Just picked up a wilton vise from craigslist... Wasn't really looking for this kind of vise, still searching for a large wilton bullet to complete my new bench...

I have come to love these type vises. They last if you don't hit it like Iron Mike. The swivels are handy as hell.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Well, I made the trade. He will get a lot more use out of that Desmond Stephan than I ever would so I am happy about it. I think I got a good deal though, guys. I have two Wilton bullets now and $40 cash. Here are the pictures. The larger bullet was made in 48, the smaller red was made in 70. I couldn't find where he saw 845 for the larger swivel Wilton, I took a picture of a number that is on the lower front dynamic jaw. The red has two numbers on the dynamic jaw, 8300N and on the other side 9300? Not sure which is which.

Buyer & seller are happy. That works best. I'm sure that you will make those wiltons as great as your Desmond.

 

[flashman]

Buyer & seller are happy. That works best. I'm sure that you will make those wiltons as great as your Desmond.

This is certainly the plan.

 

[va.grouseman]

ive just bought 3 record vices for the grand total of £17 2 no6 vices with funnily 6" jaws and a no34 with 4 1/2" jaws couldnt be more happy with them. what I cannot get my head around is what they charge for these things new. will post some pics later when I take some.

Mr. Dan5speight. Is that you standing beside those two outboard props. Noticed they were just hanging there. If they are there for repair, and you need them held steady for welding, grinding, etc.. Demoman has a couple of vises that would hold them steady as a judge. The rent might be painful.
But wait, I can see they are already mounted after a second look. Disregard.

 

[bluebolt]

This is certainly the plan.

Sounds like a good trade for both of you. I am still shocked by that original guarantee decal on that 1948 stamped vise. And wasn't that date when the guarantee expired meaning it's actually made in 1943?

 

[flashman]

Sounds like a good trade for both of you. I am still shocked by that original guarantee decal on that 1948 stamped vise. And wasn't that date when the guarantee expired meaning it's actually made in 1943?

I'm not sure. I always thought from reading on here the date stamp is on the dynamic jaw, which shows 48. If its earlier, even better...just makes its history that much greater.

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[Adam McLaughlin]

Nice job on the Desmond Stephan!!

Adam

 

[C.BRAXMAIER]

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I fear that Zoomies living room décor will soon be his basement décor. And his basement will have a cathedral celling. Reinforcement, that's the word your looking for. Columns, many many columns.


Pic didn't post.

I second that! I've been there!

 

[va.grouseman]

That's a beautiful Prentiss you have on E-bay Autopts. Gorgeous piece of history. I love the split swivel base on those old Prentiss's. That was a unique type of swivel. I've never used a Prentiss of either style of lockdown, so I couldn't say which is better in Practical application, but for collector purposes I really really prefer the split swivel. Unless of course its a Prentiss monster and well, you know. I already have two split swivels which I will show when I get around to it.

 

[autopts]

Thanks Larry, That would be in my collection if I wasn't too old to collect. I might paint that Athol I have listed. I'm liking the Black Satin paint and that might add the wow factor on that beauty. I never had a Athol with a spindle handle that as nice as this one is.

 

[va.grouseman]

I hadn't even seen the Athol. Boy that is a beautiful job to. I'm partial to the cleaned up but raw metal look to. The ones I have that are painted, were painted when I purchased them. When I brush one down, if it's got that black patina, I just clear coat it. Don't get me wrong, I love some of these awesome paint jobs in the Journal.

 

[flashman]

They stamped when the 5 yr warranty would end.

I find it amazing they even put a warranty on these vises...they seem to last forever with good use and not being crushed on.

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[flashman]

Ive got to say this old 845 sure is pretty!

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[Mark in Indiana]

Ive got to say this old 845 sure is pretty!

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Beautiful work! You are setting the bar for Wilton restorations. Keep them pictures coming.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Hey Mark, you live in Indiana... You need to buy this vise on eBay... The guy has listed is a couple times with no takers. Since it's pickup only I bet you could talk him down to $40 cash and just have him pull the listing so he won't have to pay eBay fees...

Desmond Stephans Simplex 43S

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290969309754

It looks in really good condition. He said it was his fathers, and unfortunately none of his kids have interest in tools so he's selling it...

 

[flashman]

Beautiful work! You are setting the bar for Wilton restorations. Keep them pictures coming.

Too kind Mark. No better than many guys on here restoring, but thanks! Here is what the Wilton is going to look like. I decided to go grey and I like the look.

This is going to be my fastest restoration yet.

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[Mark in Indiana]

Too kind Mark. No better than many guys on here restoring, but thanks! Here is what the Wilton is going to look like. I decided to go grey and I like the look.

This is going to be my fastest restoration yet.

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How did you clean it? Seeing the previous picture, I thought that you were going to clear coat the bare metal. I'm tempted to do that with my #4, or use the Rustoleum Verde green and hi light the embellishments with black.

 

[wrenchguy]

Hey Mark, you live in Indiana... You need to buy this vise on eBay... The guy has listed is a couple times with no takers. Since it's pickup only I bet you could talk him down to $40 cash and just have him pull the listing so he won't have to pay eBay fees...

Desmond Stephans Simplex 43S

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290969309754

It looks in really good condition. He said it was his fathers, and unfortunately none of his kids have interest in tools so he's selling it...

Its a 1/2 hour from me, i been thinking hard on it. i don't have that brand yet and forgot to put it in my favorite/watch page. i can pick it up and hold 4 anyone. i note pics aren't the best in listing.

btw jason, just got that ridgid 80sn home a few minutes ago, pics coming this weekend. got questions about urs, like casting dates. think about it.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Hey Mark, you live in Indiana... You need to buy this vise on eBay... The guy has listed is a couple times with no takers. Since it's pickup only I bet you could talk him down to $40 cash and just have him pull the listing so he won't have to pay eBay fees...

Desmond Stephans Simplex 43S

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290969309754

It looks in really good condition. He said it was his fathers, and unfortunately none of his kids have interest in tools so he's selling it...

Thanks for the tip. Dyer, In. Is about 5.5 hours North of me. Too far to drive.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Its a 1/2 hour from me, i been thinking hard on it. i don't have that brand yet and forgot to put it in my favorite/watch page. i can pick it up and hold 4 anyone. i note pics aren't the best in listing.

btw jason, just got that ridgid 80sn home a few minutes ago, pics coming this weekend. got questions about urs, like casting dates. think about it.

Oh boy... so exciting! Can't wait to see pics of yours. Also very interested in what the heck they made that base from!

The Desmond Stephans vises are solid, I'm still kicking myself in the foot for selling my 43P. Eventually Ridgid bought them and continued to make the same style for a while.

 

[flashman]

How did you clean it? Seeing the previous picture, I thought that you were going to clear coat the bare metal. I'm tempted to do that with my #4, or use the Rustoleum Verde green and hi light the embellishments with black.

Electrolysis and then wire wheeled it to clean it up nicely. I thought about keeping it bare, but I really liked this grey so on it went. I think it is going to be great once the static comes out in the morning since it has a flat look to it.

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[flashman]

I finished the Wilton 845 this morning and I am happy with how it turned out. I like this grey and I like that it still feels like metal, not smooth paint. I managed to salvage the five year guarantee sticker and tacked it on with some clear paint. This vise is much smoother now that it is all cleaned up.

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[oldldh]

Flash, my boy, Ya Dun Gud, Bubba...

 

[flashman]

Flash, my boy, Ya Dun Gud, Bubba...

Thank you! I need to start working on my smaller 8300.

 

[va.grouseman]

Autopts, You know I told you I would show a couple of vises when I get around to it. Happened to remember I already have one. Had it 25 years. Drug it back out.







I thought back then, from now on all my projects will come in ahead of schedule and under budget. Then I remembered why I through it back in a drawer, didn't work then, won't work now. They ain't worth a pint of pee. We may never see those vise projects through to fruition. Nick ,if there is a project that you just could not wait to see finished if you could just get a round tuit, don't waste your time.

 

[Outlawmws]

I finished the Wilton 845 this morning and I am happy with how it turned out. I like this grey and I like that it still feels like metal, not smooth paint. I managed to salvage the five year guarantee sticker and tacked it on with some clear paint. This vise is much smoother now that it is all cleaned up.

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Than came out nice Flashman, and I say that despite the choice of grey! (I spent the past thirty years painting almost anything I refurbed or built (Machine) Tool grey, I finally got burnt out on it, and and working with other colors...

The stuff is durable but....

Anyway, Nice job!

 

[flashman]

Than came out nice Flashman, and I say that despite the choice of grey! (I spent the past thirty years painting almost anything I refurbed or built (Machine) Tool grey, I finally got burnt out on it, and and working with other colors...

The stuff is durable but....

Anyway, Nice job!

Well, in my defense, this is the first vise I have done grey. I would have liked to finally do Verde green but unless I buy it online, I'll never find it in town. I could have used the same green I did for my Desmond but decided this would look good. I haven't decide what color to do the 8300. I need to find another vise to do after that is completed.

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