The VISES of Garage Journal

[ShadowRuleZ]

just pickup up this 4in sterling 31



but i really want a craftsman NO.506.51801 i really love the lines of the old craftsman. i am posting a wtb add now if anyone has one for sale. i attached pictures

I've got a 5" version of that craftsman that needs a new home, not sure on the part number.

 

[confederatemule]

I've got one of those vises. They must be made somewhere in Europe or the Ukraine. That is an excellent vise, its like a Lazy Boy Wall Hugger, the front handle could be 2" from a wall but yet it operates with ease. Its the back end that travels and with those gib adjustment screws, one can adjust the play. I have a 4" and I give it 5 Stars. Its a well made dense heavy vise. I would like to sell it but I wouldn't get ****

autopts71045, you posted a picture of the polish vise you mentioned owning in this quote. It is a greenish color. If you still have the vise, is there any way you could find out what the color actually is? Maybe, a paint code number?

Mine was that color, originally, and I would like to paint it back to that color.

If someone else knows, please, would you share the information?

Thanks for any help.

Mule

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yep, I just bought 4 items from a 0 seller tonight and another item yesterday from a 2 seller.

I appreciated it when people gave me a chance, so I'm trying to return the favor. But as always, I see their other items and what/how they describe them, and make sure I'm not dealing with some jackwagon. And if it goes bad, hopefully eBay/PayPal will take care of it.

I always leave others feedback. What is annoying is only about half the deals will people leave me feedback... Are they that lazy to click a few buttons??

 

[BFBOB]

autopts71045, you posted a picture of the polish vise you mentioned owning in this quote. It is a greenish color. If you still have the vise, is there any way you could find out what the color actually is? Maybe, a paint code number?

Mine was that color, originally, and I would like to paint it back to that color.

If someone else knows, please, would you share the information?

Thanks for any help.

Mule

Finding a paint code for a manufacturer like this will, I expect, be impossible. It's hard enough for a car that 's more than a few years old. Probably the most practical way is with a picture. Compare the vise to standard paint colors that nearly everyone has access to - that narrows it down pretty much to Rustoleum and its family. Spray a good-sized sample, about 6" square and dry thoroughly. Then take a picture IN DAYLIGHT with the sample right up against the vise, and publish the picture here. The colors will not be rendered completely accurately on the screen, but comparing the pretty-close rattle can color with the actual color should let you find an even closer color.
Print the picture (or buy a can of the paint used in the photo, spray a sample and take it and the vise) and take it to a body shop or auto paint dealer and they should be able to help you get that "in between" color. Then you can use a Preval sprayer if you don't have air and a spray gun.
Alternatively, there's at least one outfit that will make custom color-matched rattle cans, just like the in-store computer matching everyone has now for house paint. It ain't cheap- $50 for one can, plus shipping the vise to them! I don't remember the name, but I found them in about 30 sec. of online searching.
Good Luck!!

 

[confederatemule]

Thanks BFBOB.

Ducksface it is for go, not show, As is evident in my photo.

I'm just getting cabin fever. It is cold and wet-wet out. I don't handle the damp cold like I use to. So, I dream.

Mule

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Was buying a parts washer from a guy, and saw an 8" Athol!!!!

I searched and did not see one on here. It does not look that big in the pics, but it is. That's a quart bottle on it.

And no, he won't sell. It was his Grandpas.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Was buying a parts washer from a guy, and saw an 8" Athol!!!!

I searched and did not see one on here. It does not look that big in the pics, but it is. That's a quart bottle on it.

And no, he won't sell. It was his Grandpas.

Nice! Yeah I think the only other person that has one is Gatewaysysop on this forum. Your find makes the 2nd I've seen.

 

[boomer12831]

I just thought someone would like to know that on the Albany NY Craigslist there is a post vise listed. I do not know how to post a link so you will have to get there the hard way, Ed.

 

[G20-Budo]

Well, after seeing all of the very nice vise's here mine isn't as much to look at. But it's a good starter vise. It's a Wilton Multi-Purpose Vise, Jaw Width 5", Rotating Head. Should work good for my needs. I've had it a few months, just forgot to post it here in this thread.

 

[Filson]

Well, after seeing all of the very nice vise's here mine isn't as much to look at. But it's a good starter vise. It's a Wilton Multi-Purpose Vise, Jaw Width 5", Rotating Head. Should work good for my needs. I've had it a few months, just forgot to post it here in this thread.

Glad you remembered to add your vise to this huge database! Having said that - just keep in mind that those style of vises are designed for light/medium duty. It is a handy starter vise that allows you to position your work in just about any position you could ever want. Take care of it, use it right and it will come through for your needs

 

[Filson]

Was buying a parts washer from a guy, and saw an 8" Athol!!!!

I searched and did not see one on here. It does not look that big in the pics, but it is. That's a quart bottle on it.

And no, he won't sell. It was his Grandpas.

Awesome vise! I'd love to have another 8"!

Side question to anyone who may know - what kind of end cap is that on the handle? Is that some kind of plumbing cap? My 5" Reed 933 has a makeshift handle with two of those on the ends. It isn't originally, but it's actually comfortable and seems to be a great replacement if you need it.

So how long did his paps own it? Any more story to it?

 

[ADSR]

Was buying a parts washer from a guy, and saw an 8" Athol!!!!

I searched and did not see one on here. It does not look that big in the pics, but it is. That's a quart bottle on it.

And no, he won't sell. It was his Grandpas.

Oh man! That's a beast! Should have left your number with him just in case.

 

[oldldh]

Is that some kind of plumbing cap?

Right the first time ---- probably an old iron/steel 1" plumbing end cap---

 

[Outlawmws]

Right the first time ---- probably an old iron/steel 1" plumbing end cap---

Agreed, the handle looks like galvanized pipe for that matter...

 

[drivesitfar]

Thanks BFBOB.

Ducksface it is for go, not show, As is evident in my photo.

I'm just getting cabin fever. It is cold and wet-wet out. I don't handle the damp cold like I use to. So, I dream.

Mule

whatever color or paint you choose just make sure to heat up the vise and the paint (mama's oven for the vise?) or wait until spring because cold weather and a spray paint are not a good combo. good luck

Well, after seeing all of the very nice vise's here mine isn't as much to look at. But it's a good starter vise. It's a Wilton Multi-Purpose Vise, Jaw Width 5", Rotating Head. Should work good for my needs. I've had it a few months, just forgot to post it here in this thread.

almost everybody I know that has one of those rotating vises loves them and almost all of them have broken in some way the the owner puts a big bandaid on it and it keeps on working. as quoted they are light duty and shouldn't be used as a press or hammered on and it might last you to hand it to your grandkids.

Awesome vise! I'd love to have another 8"!

Side question to anyone who may know - what kind of end cap is that on the handle? Is that some kind of plumbing cap? My 5" Reed 933 has a makeshift handle with two of those on the ends. It isn't originally, but it's actually comfortable and seems to be a great replacement if you need it.

So how long did his paps own it? Any more story to it?

looks like a piece of galvanized plumbing pipe with a 1950's galvy plumbing cap on it. nice Anthol and looks like it's been to war and won.

 

[Filson]

Been awhile sense I've been on GJ, as I've been busy running all over Idaho and WA house hunting. In the Spokane area now, and it seems to be a pretty dry place for finding vises. =/

I've seen a couple thrift/pawn shop places with a rather large degree of tools (one was about a 6-8k sq ft place with roughly half of it's inventory being just old tools. But no vises. I asked if they ever get any large vises in and they said "No, not really. We've had a few brought it, but they were too beat up." I told them I'll buy in pretty much any condition, so hit me up. We'll see what happens. *Shrugs*

Thought I'd add below my old Reed 933 (on left) to show the same cap ends.

View media item 32041

 

[demoman]

Was buying a parts washer from a guy, and saw an 8" Athol!!!!

I searched and did not see one on here. It does not look that big in the pics, but it is. That's a quart bottle on it.

And no, he won't sell. It was his Grandpas.

Nice vise find. I know of only one other on here and never have seen one for sale.

 

[G20-Budo]

Glad you remembered to add your vise to this huge database! Having said that - just keep in mind that those style of vises are designed for light/medium duty. It is a handy starter vise that allows you to position your work in just about any position you could ever want. Take care of it, use it right and it will come through for your needs

Thanks for the inputs. Yeah, I didn't plan on beating on it or anything. Most of the work I do around the house is light duty. I'll be keeping an eye out for an older, stronger vise like the nice ones I see in this thread. I live in the Phoenix area and when I check CL, all I see are low end Craftsman vises used (all rusty) and they want like $250 or more for them. I'll keep my eye out for something good though.

 

[drivesitfar]

G20
there is a guy in Tucson that buys and sells old vises and drill presses and his son lists a few on Craigs. he does an amazing job and you can save shipping with a little drive to check them out. I think they are GJ members and not sure what their names are and maybe there are a few others because you are living in God's waiting room.

or call the son off his Craigslist ad (or the old man if he answers the phone) and get on a list for a particular vise. I've also seen nice Columbians and other old US made vises for far less than $100 if you want to shine one up yourself down in your area. i'm sure you know because it's been said before if you want a great deal you gotta be quick and if you want a good deal it still can take some time.

 

[G20-Budo]

Drivesitfar,

Thank you for the inputs. I wasn't aware of the guys in Tucson, I usually just look in the Phoenix area. I'll expand my search area.

As for cleaning one up, if it's a good one SURE, I'm more than capable. I'll start checking CL more often and check Tucson as well. I'll let you know what I find, actually I might hit you up to find out if it's a good deal before I get it.

 

[autopts]

autopts71045, you posted a picture of the polish vise you mentioned owning in this quote. It is a greenish color. If you still have the vise, is there any way you could find out what the color actually is? Maybe, a paint code number?

Mine was that color, originally, and I would like to paint it back to that color.

If someone else knows, please, would you share the information?

Thanks for any help.

Mule

Hi Mule
Its been sometime since I had that vise. I sold it at a yard sale I had. From memory (bad memory) is was close to the bluish green that's on the Wilton bullets that's popular. One excellent vise!

 

[Gary Indiana]

it was close to the bluish green that's on the Wilton bullets

That is the color

 

[BFBOB]

Hey, all you restorers - I just saw this on feeBay 400642554134. Might be useful for converting a non-swivel vise to swivel or replacing a broken swivel base. Some solid vises have a lip that hangs down the front of the bench- that would require some sort of adaptor-probably not worth the effort. But, Wilton bullets, available from the factory without the swivel, should be an easy convert.

 

[drivesitfar]

$53 to your door isn't a bad price if you need a swivel and looks like they would work for the Wiltons that were made without one like you mentioned. looks like they might all work for the English vices like Record and others that need one.

 

[cclfn]

Awesome vise! I'd love to have another 8"!

Side question to anyone who may know - what kind of end cap is that on the handle? Is that some kind of plumbing cap? My 5" Reed 933 has a makeshift handle with two of those on the ends. It isn't originally, but it's actually comfortable and seems to be a great replacement if you need it.

So how long did his paps own it? Any more story to it?

You have to have two more grandsons before you can have another 8" vise.

GO Saints

 

[bigcaddy]

Nice! Yeah I think the only other person that has one is Gatewaysysop on this forum. Your find makes the 2nd I've seen.

Gateways was a 626X, 6" jaws with a swivel base and rear jaw. Thats a rarity in itself but no 8" beast.

 

[Filson]

You have to have two more grandsons before you can have another 8" vise.

GO Saints

Gotta wait for my two boys to grow up first. They're 4 & 2

GO HAWKS!!!

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I finally finished my vise pedestal. Final weight: 409 lbs without vise. I filled the post with sand to deaden vibration and noise. I was originally going to cut the top plate to match the base of my Craftsman Pro but decided it would be more useful to leave a work surface to better utilize the infinite positioning of my other China vise.

As mentioned above, the vise is light duty. Instead of beating on the vise I made the top so that the vise can pin the work piece to be hammered on, if need be, as seen in one of the pictures.

This is my first major project with the new welder and I'm happy how it came out. I thought about painting it but think I will leave it as is for the time being.

 

[drivesitfar]

Ratchet man. nice first try at a vise stand and really love the wheels. any idea on cost of materials and time to do that?

also if you are able maybe grab a short piece of RR track in your travels to beat on that you might even mount to the stand. looks like that stand can hold any 6 or 8 inch old US vise you want to put on if you upgrade the vise later.

 

[confederatemule]

That is the color

Thanks, Gary Indiana, for the color sample.

Mule

 

[G20-Budo]

I've been chatting with Dean a bit off line about this vise (he actually found it on CL and told me, thanks!)

It's a Reed, I don't know the exact model, but it looks just like NastyNate's Reed. It has 5" jaws and looks to be in ok shape. The guy said it was his father in law's, he used it for a few years and doesn't need it now. He also said it weights around 60lbs or so.

This is the only pic he had of it:

He wants $100 for it, it is about 1 hour and 40 minute drive for me. Sound like a decent deal?

 

[jakemac]

It should be a model # 105 (205 was the swivel version). If it isn't broken in any way, $100 would be a decent price and worth the roadtrip if you were looking for a good large vise.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Ratchet man. nice first try at a vise stand and really love the wheels. any idea on cost of materials and time to do that?

also if you are able maybe grab a short piece of RR track in your travels to beat on that you might even mount to the stand. looks like that stand can hold any 6 or 8 inch old US vise you want to put on if you upgrade the vise later.

Cost of materials was $0, well except for the welding wire. I rarely have to buy steel. I've done a lot of scrapping and usually save pieces I might could use later. The blind flange came from the scrap yard and weighs 289 lbs by itself. I traded the scrap guy my old washing machine for it.

If I hadn't moved it outside to take pictures there would normally be 3 pieces of rail sitting next to it. That is my next project, to make one of those fancy RR anvils. We have a private rail yard at work so its very easy to come by. The RR doesn't own any of it.

 

[Filson]

I've been chatting with Dean a bit off line about this vise (he actually found it on CL and told me, thanks!)

It's a Reed, I don't know the exact model, but it looks just like NastyNate's Reed. It has 5" jaws and looks to be in ok shape. The guy said it was his father in law's, he used it for a few years and doesn't need it now. He also said it weights around 60lbs or so.

This is the only pic he had of it:

He wants $100 for it, it is about 1 hour and 40 minute drive for me. Sound like a decent deal?

With the pic, it's hard to tell if the dark area on the dynamic slide is just from passing through the stationary jaw, or if it has been repaired. The top of the slide, directly below the faces doesn't look quite flat like you'd expect. That's a long drive in person to see if it's been repaired or not.

Ask for better pics if you can, focusing on the slide area just below the faces. Ask if he can screw the jaw out a ways (5-6") and take a pic of it with it's bottom in the air. You'll get a good view of the bottom of the slide, and that's the most likely place where you'll be able to see any bronze color from a repair.

If that looks good and you don't mind the drive - go check it out. Pull the jaw out a ways yourself and rub the top of the slide beneath the faces, it should feel flat and smooth. If it feels all bumpy, I'd assume it's been repaired. It is possible to grind down a repair too so it may feel smooth, so watch for the color as well. Just gotta use your best judgement.

If you see yellow, and the color is wide (like 1" thick or so) than it was probably repaired "right". If it's really small and narrow, not so much. Anyway, if it's repaired, I'd say $50 bucks is the most I'd do. If it's in great condition, $100 bucks would be a good buy.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Gateways was a 626X, 6" jaws with a swivel base and rear jaw. Thats a rarity in itself but no 8" beast.

Oh but I do have an 8" Athol, even heavier than the one just posted. See the thread here. Have a 6" swivel jaw and swivel base as well, here. Then of course there are the 8" Parkers here. The hunt for big game continues.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I've been chatting with Dean a bit off line about this vise (he actually found it on CL and told me, thanks!)

It's a Reed, I don't know the exact model, but it looks just like NastyNate's Reed. It has 5" jaws and looks to be in ok shape. The guy said it was his father in law's, he used it for a few years and doesn't need it now. He also said it weights around 60lbs or so.

He wants $100 for it, it is about 1 hour and 40 minute drive for me. Sound like a decent deal?

Looks a bit dirty and has some paint spray or something else that dripped on it, but nothing that can't be cleaned off. It doesn't look like there have been any repairs to me, but yes I would be sure to check for any welding / brazing before purchasing (it should be extremely obvious with globs of weld or solder). A Reed is a pretty solid vise and considering that is an original handle and looks pretty straight I don't think it's seen much heavy use.

If you need a vise, then yeah for $100 and a little road trip that is a good find. Reed's are my favorite!

 

[bigcaddy]

Oh but I do have an 8" Athol, even heavier than the one just posted. See the thread here. Have a 6" swivel jaw and swivel base as well, here. Then of course there are the 8" Parkers here. The hunt for big game continues.

Sorry, i wasn't sure what vise he was referring to, Gateway. At least i was right about the 6" Athol but can't remember them all. I try to block out all of your posts since they tend to make me jealous and lose sleep

 

[Outlawmws]

Sorry, i wasn't sure what vise he was referring to, Gateway. At least i was right about the 6" Athol but can't remember them all. I try to block out all of your posts since they tend to make me jealous and lose sleep

I'm Shocked!

 

[drivesitfar]

Cost of materials was $0, well except for the welding wire. I rarely have to buy steel. I've done a lot of scrapping and usually save pieces I might could use later. The blind flange came from the scrap yard and weighs 289 lbs by itself. I traded the scrap guy my old washing machine for it.

If I hadn't moved it outside to take pictures there would normally be 3 pieces of rail sitting next to it. That is my next project, to make one of those fancy RR anvils. We have a private rail yard at work so its very easy to come by. The RR doesn't own any of it.

definitely the price was right and love the trade of the old washer for that hunk of steel for the base. sounds like you are set and thanks for sharing that design because I hate rolling my grinders around on my truck tire rim stands.

 

[t4runner]

Just picked up this Rock Island model 542-BX from a sale, Its now my biggest vise.