Yet another Mystery Vise thread

[jakemac]

So, a little history. This vise has been on my grandfather's bench(s) for as long as I can remember. There are no markings on it that I can find. He bought the vise used in the mid to late 50's as part of a bundle that included a 1942 Cman/Atlas drill press (now in my shop) and a similar dated Cman/Atlas 6" metal lathe (still in his shop for now). At 91 yrs old, he can't remember what he paid for the batch (do you remember what you paid for items 55 odd years ago ?). The jaws are 4" wide, and it opens to approx. 5". It appears to be made from welded steel plate, not forged or cast.

I'm guessing 1940's, but am unsure if it's pre, during, or post war.

Since joining this forum, it's been killing me that I can't identify this vise. So, I'm putting the question to the mob. What the heck is this vise ?

(the last picture is the bench he built for the garage, it will stay with the house)

 

[wrenchguy]

My guess apprentice/journeyman boilermaker project.

 

[bl00]

Columbian made one like that. There's more pics here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2416504&postcount=7

 

[blacksuit99]

I have no idea of the maker but just curious, are you going to restore that vise? It would be a pretty cool project.

 

[jakemac]

I have no idea of the maker but just curious, are you going to restore that vise? It would be a pretty cool project.

Someday perhaps, but for now it's still on his bench. He's already told me he wants me to take any tools I want, but "DON'T TOUCH MY VISE !"

 

[G_P]

Any reasoning for the wooden spacer under it? Never seen a vise mounted like that before.

 

[jakemac]

Columbian made one like that. There's more pics here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2416504&postcount=7

bl00-
You da man !!
That's a dead ringer. How you found that thread is a mystery to me, but thanks. It doesn't have much info for me, but it's a start, and more info than I had before.

 

[jakemac]

Any reasoning for the wooden spacer under it? Never seen a vise mounted like that before.

I have no idea why he did that. The vise wasn't going to interfere with the drawers of the bench and it was clearing the roller cabinet next to it, so it isn't nessesary. He's always done odd things like that when he builds stuff. I don't bother to ask anymore, I just roll my eyes and move on.

 

[k p]

I have no idea why he did that. The vise wasn't going to interfere with the drawers of the bench and it was clearing the roller cabinet next to it, so it isn't nessesary. He's always done odd things like that when he builds stuff. I don't bother to ask anymore, I just roll my eyes and move on.

This often happens to me...years after finishing a project I'll look at something peculiar I did and wonder what I was thinking and why I did it that way. It all makes sense at the time and there's usually good reason for it. Funny how the brain works.

 

[rusty65]

I bet that spacer was used to make the vise higher and more easily/comfortable to use during grinding and filing operations. Cool vise and history. I have a old Craftsman that came out of my families old welding and bike shop that my great grandfather and great uncle ran. And it's always a joy to use something that has a special family history.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have no idea why he did that. The vise wasn't going to interfere with the drawers of the bench and it was clearing the roller cabinet next to it, so it isn't nessesary. He's always done odd things like that when he builds stuff. I don't bother to ask anymore, I just roll my eyes and move on.

This often happens to me...years after finishing a project I'll look at something peculiar I did and wonder what I was thinking and why I did it that way. It all makes sense at the time and there's usually good reason for it. Funny how the brain works.

I bet that spacer was used to make the vise higher and more easily/comfortable to use during grinding and filing operations. Cool vise and history. I have a old Craftsman that came out of my families old welding and bike shop that my great grandfather and great uncle ran. And it's always a joy to use something that has a special family history.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

Definitely factory made I've seen several of those posted, and Dawn in OZ made plate welded vises as well.

I doubt anyone would worry about an inch or less for height.

I would guess he did it so the mounting bolts would clear something underneath. A lot of old timers would rather be cutting and drilling wood than hack-sawing heavy bolts shorter...

 

[autopts]

Columbian made one like that. There's more pics here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2416504&postcount=7

You absolutely amaze me with what you pull out of your hat!!

 

[jakemac]

Well, I had to take my grandfather to therapy today (new hip). According to him, the riser under the vice was to raise it to a better working height. I don't see how 3/4" could make a difference, but, there you go.

 

[jakemac]

GJ member va.grouseman may have solved the mystery with a post in another thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3515531&postcount=11493

His vise seems to be identical, but with the original red paint, and the remains of a label.

This vise seems to be a Columbian model #804. Now I just need to figure out when it was made.