The VISES of Garage Journal

[KMScott]

Yeah, I've noticed two changes over time on the C series. They used replaceable jaws on later models, and they also stopped using that adjustable set-screw on the main nut and just have a pin. Only my 4C has replaceable jaws. Also I'm not sure of the timeline but IIRC My 2C & 4C have two lockdowns, while my 1C & 3C only have one... And I don't think the 3C has the hole for a second, I'll have to look tomorrow to be 100% sure that info is correct.

I have a late model reed 104, it has the T jaws like the Columbians. I'll have to look through all my pictures that I've saved from the internet to see about the other Reeds...

Jason
Thanks for the great info here and later down the road, I would be curious to see the T-jaws on a Reed. I have a few Reed's I picked up from Mark in Golden and all of them have solid jaws. The one green Reed # 122 vise is from Nick and has 3-1/2 jaws. Maybe some day if some one needs a pair I might build these. I finished the 1C and 4C. I need a 2C and a 3C to get measurements to complete my Reed jaw collection.

Kevin, your photos are always so informative. Reeds, for the most part always had forged on jaws except the later C- Series. The early C-'s, I believe had forged jaws also. I could be wrong. Today's Columbian/Reed had those cheap white powered ones that they want mucho bucks for.
Footnote.
Columbian in Warren is a 2 man operation and both are usually out fishing. Their favorite excuse is, "Wer waitin on castings"

Thanks Nick, I wish I had time to get back to the vises, all this flooding stuff is sure getting into my vise and jaw building time. And my CNC went down again. This time the flooding caused a spike and burned up my Mother Board in the machine.

I did start playing with the Lead screws and just on the two I inspected and listed for resale, I learned a few things. The Athol # 624 uses a 7/8:6 Buttress thread which is not even mentioned in my Machinist hand book. The Buttress threads are very strong threads and are a perfect thread for vises. I believe stronger then the square and acme threads used in most quality vises. I also rescued a Chas Parker # 202-3 Spindle Nut and it uses the square/Acme thread 5/8:3 but Parker uses a double thread. I have built a couple double thread lead screws before and the reason you have a double thread is for speed and strength. I can not wait to dive into the other Chas Parker vises and see how the company built them. I am very impressed with the jaw design on Parkers and see why they made them the way they are, If some one abuses a vise with a missed hammer blow the jaw support has a better chance of surviving. Not like the Wilton's and others with the simple jaw supports.

 

[oldldh]

Brother Scott, I hope your "excess water" problems are over...

 

[Outlawmws]

That is a nice vise autopts, looks like solid jaws. I would be curious to how many reeds have replaceable jaws. I only have seen the 1C,2C,3C and 4C. I was grinding in some Starrett jaws today , adding a 5 degree angle on the top of the jaws and wanted to share a 3-1/2 inch Wilton vise I use all the time. I can not find anything that says where it is made but a $150 e-bay item and I sure like it.

Kevin, your photos are always so informative. Reeds, for the most part always had forged on jaws except the later C- Series. The early C-'s, I believe had forged jaws also. I could be wrong. Today's Columbian/Reed had those cheap white powered ones that they want mucho bucks for.
Footnote.
Columbian in Warren is a 2 man operation and both are usually out fishing. Their favorite excuse is, "Wer waitin on castings"

FYI, I have the swivel base swivel jaw version of that 303-1/2 that autopts posted, (a 403-1/2R) only mine has the replaceable jaws. so at least some of the other Reeds had replaceable jaws. The jaws them selves are also reversible for use as a smooth jaw, to a serrated jaw. (fairly heavy serrations in it too...)

I like his particular vise size, small enough to be easy to use quickly, big enough for 90% of the jobs an ordinary person will throw at it.

 

[skorpio]

I can't really tell or show you what HIS box (of holes) looked like when it arrived, but I'm gonna say that it arrived all busted up (aka: holey) and had no Anvil inside. Basically, the guy who shipped the anvil picked a crappy box and thought it would be alright to use as a vessel to ship the anvil.

Ugh!, how in a thread with a bunch of vise collectors is it possible that only one guy knows what an Acme box of holes is?

 

[Bret888]

I think that is a "wagon tongue vise" made to clamp on the tongue for field smithing. They were part of the Civil War blacksmiths kit.

Holy Cow! that HAS to be the largest clamp on vise ever!

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

I snapped a pix of my little Oxwall vice after I cleaned it up some
and then sprayed some clear on it.
Now I'll bolt it to my bench in my little work shop and use it.

 

[Outlawmws]

Ugh!, how in a thread with a bunch of vise collectors is it possible that only one guy knows what an Acme box of holes is?

Lots of us know that trick, you just have to be ole enough to have followed RR and W. E. Coyote!

 

[Outlawmws]

I snapped a pix of my little Oxwall vice after I cleaned it up some
and then sprayed some clear on it.
Now I'll bolt it to my bench in my little work shop and use it.

That came out nice Ron!

I just noticed that Qxwall has removable jaws, it just went up a bit in the hierarchy!

 

[balane]

Found a super clean Columbian 203 1/2 M this morning. It was wrapped up in a blanket and I was the first person to see it. I don't think it's ever been used. There was a coating of light rust I had to clean off and I did touch up the black paint but it really didn't take much effort. It's like new, the jaws look untouched and perfect.

The photos ****, pouring down rain today so I can't get outside for some decent light. It looks far nicer in person.

EDIT: Got some nicer photos.

.

 

[Tarnished]

Balane, that Columbian is SWEET. Nice get! You **** for sure!

 

[devoncoolman]

Sweet vise balane. I would of been all over that one

 

[bigcaddy]

Balane, very nice Columbian you got there!!



Here is my submission for the day. Its a very little Prentiss/Monarch i got a few months ago but just got around to cleaning it up earlier this week.

Its only halfway done since its going to get some detail paint next weekend but its in great shape considering how old it is.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Found a super clean Columbian 203 1/2 M this morning. It was wrapped up in a blanket and I was the first person to see it. I don't think it's ever been used. There was a coating of light rust I had to clean off and I did touch up the black paint but it really didn't take much effort. It's like new, the jaws look untouched and perfect.

Wow, that looks better than brand new! I don't even want to know what you paid for it, whatever the price was, YOU ****!!!

 

[balane]

Wow, that looks better than brand new! I don't even want to know what you paid for it, whatever the price was, YOU ****!!!

heh, thanks. He was asking $50 but took $40.

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow Balane you don't find them that pristine very often! Great score and Yes, you **** big time!

 

[Outlawmws]

BC, another one that was not abused! Jaws look perfect!

 

[cclfn]

Balane, very nice Columbian you got there!!



Here is my submission for the day. Its a very little Prentiss/Monarch i got a few months ago but just got around to cleaning it up earlier this week.

Its only halfway done since its going to get some detail paint next weekend but its in great shape considering how old it is.

heh, thanks. He was asking $50 but took $40.

OK I want them both I will pay you guys a $1.50 a pound, and I will even pay the postage
Wes

 

[bigcaddy]

OK I want them both I will pay you guys a $1.50 a pound, and I will even pay the postage
Wes

You want the Prentiss? Maybe 1.50 per gram

 

[va.grouseman]

Balane-----Bigcaddy,------Two beautiful specimens for the Journal. Absolute keepers.
Believe that is the best shape for a Monarch I've ever seen. You both scored 10s.

 

[Boog]

Here is my submission for the day. Its a very little Prentiss/Monarch i got a few months ago but just got around to cleaning it up earlier this week.

Its only halfway done since its going to get some detail paint next weekend but its in great shape considering how old it is.

Big caddy,
I absolutely love that vise!! Over the last year I've found about twenty classic USA made vises. I have only one Monarch (my "first") but its missing its swivel base. Still love it. Very envious!! Definately a big YOU ****!

 

[KMScott]

Balane, very nice Columbian you got there!!



Here is my submission for the day. Its a very little Prentiss/Monarch i got a few months ago but just got around to cleaning it up earlier this week.

Its only halfway done since its going to get some detail paint next weekend but its in great shape considering how old it is.

Big Caddy. Did anyone use this vise for work. I noticed the serrations look like it never seen any work. Great looking vise.

 

[autopts]

Balane-----Bigcaddy,------Two beautiful specimens for the Journal. Absolute keepers.
Believe that is the best shape for a Monarch I've ever seen. You both scored 10s.

One huge +1 on both!! The best vise thread on this Planet!

 

[mikegt4]

This thread inspired me to dig out 2 vises that I picked up from former employers many years ago when they were replaced after gorilla employees broke them. A Craftsman 391.5181 is in pretty good shape but the main nut threads are stripped out. I haven't found a source for a replacement nut yet, Craftsman says NLA. Interestingly enough, it was made in Japan. I also have a Wilton 655 that is missing the base. Both free so I can't complain.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

Here is my submission for the day. Its a very little Prentiss/Monarch i got a few months ago but just got around to cleaning it up earlier this week.

Its only halfway done since its going to get some detail paint next weekend but its in great shape considering how old it is.

Big caddy,
I absolutely love that vise!! Over the last year I've found about twenty classic USA made vises. I have only one Monarch (my "first") but its missing its swivel base. Still love it. Very envious!! Definately a big YOU ****!

ME see nothing???

 

[bigcaddy]

There are a few, almost indistinguishable marks on the face of the jaw inserts. It the vise was used, it was used very lightly. Its a pretty small one so i don't think he was whacking dings out of steel rims on this little thing but its not perfect

 

[The Ratchet Man]

This thread inspired me to dig out 2 vises that I picked up from former employers many years ago when they were replaced after gorilla employees broke them. A Craftsman 391.5181 is in pretty good shape but the main nut threads are stripped out. I haven't found a source for a replacement nut yet, Craftsman says NLA. Interestingly enough, it was made in Japan. I also have a Wilton 655 that is missing the base. Both free so I can't complain.

I have a 391.5180. The lead screw threads started to pull loose from the shaft. The lead screw hole in the dynamic jaw has also become tapered so the vise is really no good to me.. The nut is fine but does have some wear. I've never taken the nut out of the vise but the threads look to be in good shape. What does the difference in the last number mean, different size?

If the nut will work for you I can send it to you.

 

[Flatland Dave]

Picked this old Athol up last weekend. She had a tough working life but is looking forward to a glorious retirement. Patent date of Nov. 14 1871.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21062498@N03/9998580546/" title="Athol 46 1 by dressage57348, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9998580546_acf547590d_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="Athol 46 1"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21062498@N03/9998508174/" title="Athol 46 2 by dressage57348, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/9998508174_b26a884719_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="Athol 46 2"></a>

I'll get better pics today.

 

[bigcaddy]

Picked this old Athol up last weekend. She had a tough working life but is looking forward to a glorious retirement. Patent date of Nov. 14 1871.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21062498@N03/9998580546/" title="Athol 46 1 by dressage57348, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9998580546_acf547590d_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="Athol 46 1"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21062498@N03/9998508174/" title="Athol 46 2 by dressage57348, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/9998508174_b26a884719_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="Athol 46 2"></a>

I'll get better pics today.

NICE!! Thats an oldie but looks like its in nice shape, Dave. Good rescue!

 

[bl00]

That's a cool Athol. What the purpose of the extra nut on the bottom of the slide support?

 

[ganymede]

That's a cool Athol. What the purpose of the extra nut on the bottom of the slide support?

It may hold the main nut in place. I have a baby Athol that has the main nut far up like that.
Also that vise is a rare beauty. If I used it it'd only be for light duty/craft type stuff.

 

[Tomdhu]

Just signed up to the forum today, having been lurking for the last couple of weeks.

Having recently retired after a career spent mostly in the truck manufacturing industry here in the UK, I find that the forum covers subject areas close to my heart.

In the last 3 months, I have taken an interest in refurbishing old vices and found this to be a particularly satisfying hobby.

One that I am looking at is this one:-


Written on the vice is...... "ADAMS & Co. DURUQUEIN"

Have trawled the internet but so far turned up nothing about such a manufacturer.

Can anyone assist please?

 

[bl00]

Here's a bit of info in this advertisement. It's listed as an Adam's Diamond vise. Post more pics when you finish with it.

 

[jpickar]

Here's a bit of info in this advertisement. It's listed as an Adam's Diamond vise. Post more pics when you finish with it.

Wow, that is some neat info on that vise. I learn so much just reading the posts here.

John

 

[va.grouseman]

That's a mighty pretty Morgan you got on E-bay Autopts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400580588915?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

 

[demoman]

I had a request to see all the big 8 inch and bigger vises so today we moved some equipment and we lined most of them up for a photo.
They are L-R Hollands 18(257#), Yost99 (261#), Hollands-Keystone "L" ( 255#), Hollands 19 (289#), Desmond Steffan 81S (239#), Prentiss 58 (260#?), Parker 958(240#), Parker 60(248#), Parker#8(248#), Parker978(298#), Reed 208R(291#), Reed 109(300#), Reed 208(278#), Hollands 28(327#), Parker 978(298#, tag reads Nash Kelvinator co), No name vise(182#), Morgan 80 (210#)Hollands 18(259#), Yost 99(261#), Yost 99(261#), Columbian 508(158#, Columbian 508(158#) Columbian 608(185#)
Separate pics Hollands 18 on RR stand (259#), Red reed 208(278#) and one other Reed 108 not pictured. That is a lot of weight! Hope you enjoy. If anyone wants more photos of a paticular one let me know but they are probably on here somewhere anyway. I need a Rock island 8" and an Athol 8" and Reed 408 to be close to a set. I know there are others but maybe someday they will surface.

 

[oldldh]

There's going to be a large hole in the Kansas plains...

All that iron in one place will mess up about all the magnetic compasses on the planet...

When you get all the 8"ers, are you going after all the 6"ers???

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

BRAVO
Very well done

Adam

 

[bigcaddy]

I had a request to see all the big 8 inch and bigger vises so today we moved some equipment and we lined most of them up for a photo.
They are L-R Hollands 18(257#), Yost99 (261#), Hollands-Keystone "L" ( 255#), Hollands 19 (289#), Desmond Steffan 81S (239#), Prentiss 58 (260#?), Parker 958(240#), Parker 60(248#), Parker#8(248#), Parker978(298#), Reed 208R(291#), Reed 109(300#), Reed 208(278#), Hollands 28(327#), Parker 978(298#, tag reads Nash Kelvinator co), No name vise(182#), Morgan 80 (210#)Hollands 18(259#), Yost 99(261#), Yost 99(261#), Columbian 508(158#, Columbian 508(158#) Columbian 608(185#)
Separate pics Hollands 18 on RR stand (259#), Red reed 208(278#) and one other Reed 108 not pictured. That is a lot of weight! Hope you enjoy. If anyone wants more photos of a paticular one let me know but they are probably on here somewhere anyway. I need a Rock island 8" and an Athol 8" and Reed 408 to be close to a set. I know there are others but maybe someday they will surface.

Now i understand what happened to "Dorthy/Toto" and the cause of Kansas' strange tornado weather. Its all the sucking going on at Demomans house!!

 

[EOC_Jason]

Sooo... what's it going to take to be put in your will??? That's a very nice collection!

 

[cclfn]

I had a request to see all the big 8 inch and bigger vises so today we moved some equipment and we lined most of them up for a photo.

WOW !!!!! Now that's what I would call HEAVY METAL