The VISES of Garage Journal

[Filson]

That is a parts donation Wilton, if I ever saw one...

Somewhere there's a Wilton that needs a widget, and you've got one...

Get them together!!!

It's your duty, Bubba...

Agreed!

 

[jusridin]

Good score 94!
Filton..... well ....it was five bucks.....
I just got my 3 vises back to the garage, found most info I have sought however my Columbian is stamped weird, is this a newer vise? Got it with the Wilton Chicago 14 3 1/2 and the parker no.32 so I was expecting older but I am thinking newer?

 

[jusridin]

My bad , I forgot the beer.

 

[jakemac]

As I first posted in the garage sale thread, I picked up my first Reed today. I'll leave the story in that thread and just post details and some questions (in blue) here.

paid $40
Reed #204 1/2
55lbs
4 1/2" jaws
3 patents listed on the side.
PAT Nov 3 1908(?)
PAT Dec 24 1912
PAT Aug 11 1914
Both jaws are stamped "25 7". Would that be a part# or 1925 or 1957 ?
The steel jaws are forged in, not replaceable.
On the base, there is 1 hole flush, and 1 hole recessed (for a locking handle?). Does this mean that I am missing a swivel base for it ? And does someone have it available ?

The first 6 pics are the Reed.

The last pic is all my ducks in a row (from L to R).

1 - 4 1/2" Reed #204 1/2
2 - 5 1/2" Craftsman #51871 (only 38#)
3 - 3" Columbian #143(?) w/o swivel base
4 - 2" PVCo (Prentiss) w/ swivel base
5 - 2" Prentiss #158(?) (stickered) w/o swivel base
6 - 1" no name hobby vise

I also have 3 leg vices in storage.

.

 

[Outlawmws]

Jake, is the center hole in the bottom of the Reed threaded?

Do you see any wear marks on the bottom from where a swivel base was in use?

I suspect in any case the base was optional and the buyer paid extra for it. co "missing" may be a strong word in this case.

 

[TreePointer]

My experience with Reeds is that the "2" in 204-1/2 would indicate that it had a base. If it were a 104-1/2, it would have been without a base. If it has an "R" after the numbers then it would have the oil hole in the dynamic jaw.

Here's Grandpa's Reed 204-1/2 (Dad used it to stain some wood pieces, LOL):

 

[ZRX61]

Think I read somewhere (here?) that those Scouts were made by Wilton? I painted mine burgundy when I restored it

My bad , I forgot the beer.

 

[jusridin]

The scout is not in question , it says Wilton on it, it was easy to find here. I was wondering about the vintage of the columbian . Thanks for your response though zrx61, the members here have always been so informative.

 

[Provincial]

Good score 94!
Filton..... well ....it was five bucks.....
I just got my 3 vises back to the garage, found most info I have sought however my Columbian is stamped weird, is this a newer vise? Got it with the Wilton Chicago 14 3 1/2 and the parker no.32 so I was expecting older but I am thinking newer?

Check the threads on the swivel lock (and jaw retainer screws, if present) to determine if a Columbian homeowner vise is newer. The newer vises have metric threads!

 

[KMScott]

My experience with Reeds is that the "2" in 204-1/2 would indicate that it had a base. If it were a 104-1/2, it would have been without a base. If it has an "R" after the numbers then it would have the oil hole in the dynamic jaw.

Thanks for the info here treepointer, I picked up couple Reeds a few weeks ago and thanks to you I can now understand how Reed numbered their vises.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I'd buy it....Wish it had a swivel base. but worth the $ IMHO

I think I've seen some swivel bases for Record's on eBay....

 

[EOC_Jason]

Thanks for the info here treepointer, I picked up couple Reeds a few weeks ago and thanks to you I can now understand how Reed numbered their vises.

Here's a couple useful charts for people that covers some of the more popular brands...

I think you can still get some bases for Reed's if you search by the part #'s from the catalog below. But they are like $100+... Probably better to just wait for a parts donor or find one cheap on CL or eBay.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks Jason for these charts. Very valuable information here, I will print the Reed Chart Comparison and have this one handy. Today I will have the Reed 1c and 4C jaws finished, along with the Reed 1C Pipe jaws. Trying to learn more about Reeds. Need to measure the 2C and 3C jaws and 2C,3C and 4C Pipe jaws to complete the Reed Combination vise jaw collection.
Kevin

 

[jusridin]

Thanks provincial, in checking threads I found what I believe to be a date stamp just under the pipe jaws.
Its newer

 

[mtnwkr]

Here's my Wilton 654 Restore. Picked this up in rough(rusty) cosmetic condition but didn't look like it'd been used too much as the jaws look great.
Stripped, cleaned and painted with rustoleum safety red. It's replacing that 3.5" Sears 5178 that was handed down by my pops years ago.
This ain't some fancy precision bullet, but it's way more than adequate for my needs and should outlast me.
This USA made 654 was replaced in the Wilton line by the dumbed down, made in china 674.

 

[Tarnished]

Picked up this old guy this weekend, thought some might like to see.



4 1/2 inch jaw (worn smooth) and weigh's about 62# Pretty nice shape. Dirty and greasy, used, but not abused. With a little persuasion I was able to free up all pins and moving jaw. (very happy to be able to get them freed up)

Now will clean and degrease.
Anyone have a clue to age? Have other Parker, but it is labeled "the Chas Parker Co" and this one is just labeled "Parker". Why the difference? Pretty sure this is the same mfg? Possibly younger?
Also found a spring behind the movable jaw.

Had not seen this before. Was this common?
Still have to see if I can get the set screw out of the main screw head, but other than that came apart pretty good. Comments?

 

[Flatland Dave]

Picked this up yesterday a an auction. My first Wilton. 9 600 with a date code of 177. Missing one of the swivel locks. $220. Came with the barrel stand. That SOB was HEAVY

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21062498@N03/9699589099/" title="Wilton 9600 by dressage57348, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/9699589099_b4774f56e7_o.jpg" width="918" height="1632" alt="Wilton 9600"></a>

 

[jusridin]

the root beer is a nice touch.
that's a **** beast!

 

[jakemac]

Re: Reed 204 1/2

Jake, is the center hole in the bottom of the Reed threaded?

Do you see any wear marks on the bottom from where a swivel base was in use?

I suspect in any case the base was optional and the buyer paid extra for it. co "missing" may be a strong word in this case.

No wear marks that I can see through the grime, so the vise may have been solo for a while. The welding shop owner had it mounted to a steel homemade sanding station, so he may have tossed the base for fit.

The center hole was packed with grease/grime, so I originally thought that there were no threads. I cleaned it with a wire brush and found the threads. Using my gauge, the 3/4" was too small, the 1" was too big, and 24mm was a no go. I don't have a 7/8", but I believe that the center hole is 7/8" fine thread.

My experience with Reeds is that the "2" in 204-1/2 would indicate that it had a base. If it were a 104-1/2, it would have been without a base. If it has an "R" after the numbers then it would have the oil hole in the dynamic jaw.

Thanks

Here's Grandpa's Reed 204-1/2 (Dad used it to stain some wood pieces, LOL):

Yup, that's the one !

Here's a couple useful charts for people that covers some of the more popular brands...

I think you can still get some bases for Reed's if you search by the part #'s from the catalog below. But they are like $100+... Probably better to just wait for a parts donor or find one cheap on CL or eBay.

Thanks. It seems that I have more research to do before the quest begins.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

A quick question. What is the purpose or advantage of the spring loaded spindle mount on a vise (see picture)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[wrenchguy]

Re: Anyone look at "The Unofficial Vise Parts Swap Thread."

Hey guys here's is some stuff i put up on the vise parts page. thanks 4 looking & the cans.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88292&page=8

 

[va.grouseman]

Sweet little Parker Tarnished. Did you make the swivel pin?

 

[jusridin]

I can see why parker is liked so much, easily disassembled, simple design. I assume not all the screws just sit in place like this one? I'm gonna enjoy cleaning this one , it will be tough to see it go though.

 

[Outlawmws]

A quick question. What is the purpose or advantage of the spring loaded spindle mount on a vise (see picture)?

Thanks in advance.

By Spring loading there you don't have any backlash when reversing the screw except any in the thread engagement itself. it's not that unusual for a vise with a big gap/missing shims to have a full turn of backlash before the dynamic jaw actually starts moving...

 

[va.grouseman]

Low Friction------There's a nice Prentiss #18 swivel jaw on E-bay right now. I remember you saying you were looking for one.

 

[Low Friction]

Low Friction------There's a nice Prentiss #18 swivel jaw on E-bay right now. I remember you saying you were looking for one.

I'm watching. Looks like some else likes it too.

 

[Tarnished]

Sweet little Parker Tarnished. Did you make the swivel pin?

Grouseman, No didn't have to. (couldn't if I wanted, no tools. ) Was able to get the original pin out and just polished it up before anything else got cleaned up. Has a few bite marks from before me, but still quite usable. Fortunately.

By Spring loading there you don't have any backlash when reversing the screw except any in the thread engagement itself. it's not that unusual for a vise with a big gap/missing shims to have a full turn of backlash before the dynamic jaw actually starts moving...

Thanks for the info outlaw, useful and timely.

 

[va.grouseman]

I'm watching. Looks like some else likes it too.

Yea------Looks like it jumped out of the gate pretty strong.

 

[Low Friction]

Yea------Looks like it jumped out of the gate pretty strong.

The pics are out of focus that show the jaw tops. It looks like there are saw cuts. I'll pass, I only want a clean pristine example.

 

[Mopar-Scooby-Doo]

Well here we go my 1st Vise so far. An older Craftsman 3" says made in the U..SA.
Before

After

And yes I know its not a vintage color, but you might as well do it the way you like.

 

[TreePointer]

And yes I know its not a vintage color, but you might as well do it the way you like.

OMG it's a Craftsman Evolv vise!

Nice job.

 

[Mopar-Scooby-Doo]

OMG it's a Craftsman Evolv vise!

Nice job.

I didn't even think about that when I did it.

 

[jakemac]

In the immortal words of Kermit the Frog, "It's not easy, being green.

 

[GT6cops]

My first Parker - a 4X. 115 lbs, 25.5 inch long, 5.5 inch wide jaws. Seems un-abused, works smoothly and jaws meet cleanly. A craigslist find for $75.

 

[GT6cops]

More pix of the Parker 4X

 

[oldldh]

If anyone simply MUST HAVE a brand new (NOS) Reed 204 1/2R, there's one on Ebay...

Starting bid is $999.00!!!

Too much for this ancient dude, but one of you younger fellows may need it...

 

[oldldh]

And, Ebay also has a Canedy-Otto, too...

I'll bet the opening bid of $29.99 won't scare certain people off...

 

[zoomieport]

i cant ever seem to find vises like you guys....

You will, just keep looking!

 

[mcmlvif100]

Perhaps someone closer would be interested in this Wilton.

http://bloomington.craigslist.org/tls/4027490865.html

Wilton 8" Table Vice

Good shape hard to find! $150

• 812----360-----7676
• Location: Bloomington IN

Posting ID: 4027490865
Posted: 2013-08-26, 5:20PM EDT

 

[Filson]

My first Parker - a 4X. 115 lbs, 25.5 inch long, 5.5 inch wide jaws. Seems un-abused, works smoothly and jaws meet cleanly. A craigslist find for $75.

Awesome score for $75! YOU ****!