The VISES of Garage Journal

[EOC_Jason]

Here's one just north of Boston. I think it's a little high, but not outragious. If it wasn't missing the swivel base, I'd make a try for it.

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/tls/4340313679.html

My guess is it's a 4.5" or 5"...

 

[Fretters]

First post, so hello all.

Been reading through this thread for a while, trying to see if I could find out what make of vice this is, (it's not mine, but I'm trying to ascertain what it is for someone else). If anyone knows what it is, I'd appreciate any info.

Whilst I'm at it, might as well post a couple of photo's of ones which I'm in the process of sorting at the moment. First one is a Woden. The handle is going to be depainted, now that I have it off so that I could sort the screw out on it. Derusted and painted the vice a couple of years or so ago, but it's only the last day or so where I finally decided to get the jaws refitted and the bent/distorted leadscrew sorted. These photo's were taken ages ago. I'll take a finished shot of it once I've refitted the screw and handle. First one is when it was first disassembled, second and third were when it had been derusted and painted.

Then there's the current project, (picked this vice up about a month ago), which is what prompted me to sort the screw on the Woden, as I had to sort the same problem with this one. The leadscrew had stretched, meaning that the jaws wouldn't fully close. First photo is how it was when I got it. There's a mug sat atop it to give an idea of size.

Some shots of its current state. Just needs new bolts for the jaws and those refitting and the handle refitting.

These are the cylinders before and after, to better show the design.

The body, after derusting and before painting.

 

[Outlawmws]

Welcome to GJ Fretters, and nice vises! I especially like the last one! Very few non-Asian rotating head vises on this side of the pond! Can you show/document the makers marks on that one for us?

Sorry I can't help on that particular vise for your friend, but I again like that one. I suspect European possible Eastern European origins, but

 

[drivesitfar]

Fretters: I second that welcome to GJ. those are some nice old vises. the red one looks like an older version of some of the German vises I've seen, but haven't seen that one before. nice restore on your English Woden.

I'm also thinking your swivel head vise you just painted isn't one of the Chinese junkers we see so many broken ones of. any name or history on that one would be great if you can provide or know any. also just curious how you got the handle out of the screw? was one end screwed on or did you have to cut it off?

Nice work and quality vises!!

 

[Trey T]

Anybody know where you can find large rubber washers (aka finger savers) size that fit Wilton C3 or 600S.

 

[jakemac]

Will water hose washers work ?

 

[EOC_Jason]

Anybody know where you can find large rubber washers (aka finger savers) size that fit Wilton C3 or 600S.

Maclin on this forum sells them, he goes by the eBay username inspectorhouse and sells 3 different sizes. Search for Vise Finger Savers and you will see them. They do stretch so you can fit them over the handle ends. I have them on several of my vises, they have saved my fingers many times on my Reed 4C.

Alternatively you can get some rubber hose washers from Lowes / HD, they aren't as nice or as thick.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

First post, so hello all.

Been reading through this thread for a while, trying to see if I could find out what make of vice this is, (it's not mine, but I'm trying to ascertain what it is for someone else). If anyone knows what it is, I'd appreciate any info.

Hey Fretters,

+1 on the welcome to the group and thank you for displaying some European iron. BTW: While reading your post, I had a flash back moment because I just read your post on the OWWM forum the other day.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Anybody know where you can find large rubber washers (aka finger savers) size that fit Wilton C3 or 600S.

I don't know if this will help but I needed the same thing for my Morgan 10A woodworking vise. Being on a poor man's budget, I just used some #2 o-rings (thicker rubber), of the correct I/D. You may also find a hardware store or local industrial supply house that may have the flat washers.

 

[Fretters]

Welcome to GJ Fretters, and nice vises! I especially like the last one! Very few non-Asian rotating head vises on this side of the pond! Can you show/document the makers marks on that one for us?

Fretters: I second that welcome to GJ. those are some nice old vises. the red one looks like an older version of some of the German vises I've seen, but haven't seen that one before. nice restore on your English Woden.

I'm also thinking your swivel head vise you just painted isn't one of the Chinese junkers we see so many broken ones of. any name or history on that one would be great if you can provide or know any.

Cheers for the welcome. The rotating head vice is a Swindens. It's stamped with the Air Ministry, (what is now the Royal Air Force), insignia and stamped with the year 1936. Spent ages looking at the date when I derusted it, to determine whether it was a 3 or a 5, as the stamp was punched a bit awry, but it definitely appears to be 1936. It's the 4" version. The pipe jaws are around 2-1/2" or so.

Sorry I can't help on that particular vise for your friend, but I again like that one. I suspect European possible Eastern European origins, but

Seems to be an elusive one does that. I had it down as most likely being American, due to the styling.

also just curious how you got the handle out of the screw? was one end screwed on or did you have to cut it off?

Had to cut it off. Spent ages trying to both unscrew and punch the handle out, but ended up chopping it. When I put the knob in the lathe to drill the handle portion out, it turns out they countersank the tip of the knob and ran a bead of weld to hold them together. Other end appears to be fitted the same, judging by the pitted appearance where the weld seam is.

Planning on trying a deviation on handle design with this one, (spent the last two days trying to think of a suitable method to achieve roughly what I wanted), so if all goes to plan, there's a chance it may look rather weird but have what I'd class as a more usable handle. It won't need any alteration to the vice itself though, so it'll be easily returned to original if needs be.

Hey Fretters,

+1 on the welcome to the group and thank you for displaying some European iron. BTW: While reading your post, I had a flash back moment because I just read your post on the OWWM forum the other day.

Cheers. Aye, it's that one. Thought it would be awfully remiss of me to post in a vice **** thread without including some fresh vice ****.

 

[Trey T]

Thanks guys!

 

[bigcaddy]

The vise pickings around here have been slim lately but i was able to find this little Wilton 1644 on Craigslist for a great price since the seller had no idea who made it.

The first set of pics are before and after the magic had been applied

 

[bigcaddy]

Here is the after pics. These are some of the easiest little vises to refurbish since they are so easy to take apart. Bullet vises are like rubik cubes compared to these things.


Autopts, that last picture is for you. Hopefully it can warm you up in that popsicle you call home

 

[hemifalcon]

Here's a cool old Adams Co 3" Vise No. 101 I picked up today..

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Rock Island 4" No. 505A also grabbed today..

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[va.grouseman]

My 976 arrived today.

 

[bigcaddy]

Thats a nice one

 

[bluebolt]

Maclin on this forum sells them, he goes by the eBay username inspectorhouse and sells 3 different sizes. Search for Vise Finger Savers and you will see them. They do stretch so you can fit them over the handle ends. I have them on several of my vises, they have saved my fingers many times on my Reed 4C.

Alternatively you can get some rubber hose washers from Lowes / HD, they aren't as nice or as thick.

I need some of thsoe washers my Reed 206 bit me today that handle is heavy LOL.

 

[bluebolt]

Anybody ever figure out who made these star vises? This isn't mine. I ran across it on an auction site.

I am still trying to figure out who made these 6 pointed star vises (actually besides being called the Star of David or Star of Star of Bethelem it is also known as a hexagram).

Morgan Star vises we can find pictures of (I own one), they are a 5 point star and the numbering system does not match Morgans Star line.

Prentiiss had a line of Star vises but I can't find any pictures, this has a newer feel.

I found one reference for an American Scale Red Star vise but someone may just have mistyped Red Seal

Iron City Tool Works had a 6 pointed star emblem, they made blacksmith and railroad tools and post vises. I found nothing for them making a traditional machinists bench vise.
The emblem was a star, not a hexagram like these mystery vises. They were bought by Warren Tool Group which also owned the Columbian Vise company

"IRON CITY TOOL WORKS, Pittsburgh, PA. 1854-1958. Tool types: Blacksmith tools, hammers, hoes, picks, railroad tools, and vises. The company was acquired by Warren Tool Corporation in 1958 and the Iron City name continued to be used by Warren, even though located in Ohio. The above information is from "Directory of American Toolmakers" Robert E. Nelson, Editor. Early American Industries Association. 1999"

 

[EOC_Jason]

My 976 arrived today.

Did you get that off eBay?

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by EOC Jason.
--------------------------------------

Yes. They were selling two of them.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

OK guys. I'll admit that I sell a lot of vises. There are some that I regret selling, although I've made good money on.

The vises that I can think of are an Athol 324 1/2, a Wilton Flip Grip and a Vindex clamp on.

To those who have sold vises, please share the ones that you regret parting with.

 

[va.grouseman]

Nice Yost 206 on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yost-206-He...5?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item417d1317b7

 

[drivesitfar]

Va: I really like the way a vise shows up at your house. strapped down to a pallet and filling up the back of a pick up bed. glad you still have some chain and locks left. do you need a few more little ones for food for these big guys??

Mark: I bet you could start a thread that would get a few posts and views of all of us selling some great vises just so we could probably buy another one. almost every time I sell a vise I wish I could keep it or go visit it in person later.

 

[Outlawmws]

Will water hose washers work ?

Not sure if this was answered: yes, if you cab stretch them over...

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Mark: I bet you could start a thread that would get a few posts and views of all of us selling some great vises just so we could probably buy another one. almost every time I sell a vise I wish I could keep it or go visit it in person later.[/QUOTE]

I suppose that I could start a thread for "lost love tools" but I wanted to keep the conversation to vises.

Lately it has been getting harder to find to find vintage bench top vises in good or restorable shape. The unique ones like pivot jaw or combos seem to come by as often as having a winning power ball ticket. So I would advise all to think twice before selling that vintage iron.

 

[bigcaddy]

Mark: I bet you could start a thread that would get a few posts and views of all of us selling some great vises just so we could probably buy another one. almost every time I sell a vise I wish I could keep it or go visit it in person later.

I suppose that I could start a thread for "lost love tools" but I wanted to keep the conversation to vises.

Lately it has been getting harder to find to find vintage bench top vises in good or restorable shape. The unique ones like pivot jaw or combos seem to come by as often as having a winning power ball ticket. So I would advise all to think twice before selling that vintage iron.[/QUOTE]

The first vise I ever sold, and what turned me on to the value of vises, is the one I miss the miss most. It was an absolutely beautiful Prentiss pattern maker/ coach works vise with a swivel jaw and the script typeset. I also miss a craftsman 5196 that was one of my best restorations to date. Oldldh has the pictures of it, it's the red and white craftsman

 

[oldldh]

The 5196 is "properly restored!!!

Now where is his BIG brother, 5198???

 

[bigcaddy]

I've yet to find his long lost brother but i'm still looking, Oldldh.

Here is what i came up with this morning. I found a sale online but figured the vise would be gone since the sale started in a few minutes of me seeing the ad, and i was miles away.

Seems it was worth the drive for this excellent little Reed 203R with a Universal Picture Co. tag on the base. Jaws are smooth with very little damage and just a slight bend in the op handle.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I suppose that I could start a thread for "lost love tools" but I wanted to keep the conversation to vises.

Lately it has been getting harder to find to find vintage bench top vises in good or restorable shape. The unique ones like pivot jaw or combos seem to come by as often as having a winning power ball ticket. So I would advise all to think twice before selling that vintage iron.

The first vise I ever sold, and what turned me on to the value of vises, is the one I miss the miss most. It was an absolutely beautiful Prentiss pattern maker/ coach works vise with a swivel jaw and the script typeset. I also miss a craftsman 5196 that was one of my best restorations to date. Oldldh has the pictures of it, it's the red and white craftsman[/QUOTE]


I just looked at some pattern maker vise pictures. I dig how you feel.

 

[Alexbn921]

The 5196 is "properly restored!!!

Now where is his BIG brother, 5198???

Beautiful. I love the striping.

 

[bigcaddy]

The first vise I ever sold, and what turned me on to the value of vises, is the one I miss the miss most. It was an absolutely beautiful Prentiss pattern maker/ coach works vise with a swivel jaw and the script typeset. I also miss a craftsman 5196 that was one of my best restorations to date. Oldldh has the pictures of it, it's the red and white craftsman

I just looked at some pattern maker vise pictures. I dig how you feel. [/QUOTE]

This is the Prentiss No. 10 i let go and wish i could have it back


http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=163482&d=1326930430

 

[Fretters]

The 5196 is "properly restored!!!

Now where is his BIG brother, 5198???

Nice work on that restoration.

 

[bigcaddy]

Nice work on that restoration.

Thanks. For some reason, those vises come out unusually nice when finished properly. I've done one other that is almost as nice as that one.

These pictures are gonna give Oldldh a heart attack but here are some more pictures of a "properly restored" Craftsman

http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=248108&d=1364592342 http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=250523&d=1365808613 http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=250525&d=1365808613 http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=250526&d=1365808613 http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=250528&d=1365808613 http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=250529&d=1365808613

 

[drivesitfar]

haven't restored it yet and in the process. sorry I probably wont be selling this, but trade offers are always welcome because that is probably what i'd use the money for anyway.

is this the Prentiss Coachmaker's vise you might have let slip away??

 

[3v0]

My neighbor had a job cleaning out an old boxcar used for storage. He found this vice still in its box but covered in mice droppings and pee. I was somewhat concerned about hantavirus as this is prime country for it. I offered him $15 and he took it. It cleaned up nicely. Still trying to decide where and how to mount it. I guess that would be another thread.

 

[Fretters]

Thanks. For some reason, those vises come out unusually nice when finished properly. I've done one other that is almost as nice as that one.

You're being too modest. It's not the machine/tool but the restorer who makes it look good or naff. I've seen plenty of good machines which have been "lovingly restored" and look like some blind bloke applied the paint, whilst also seeing some intrinsically ugly design machines which look lovely due to the quality of restoration. A tool is only a tool, at the end of the day. How a restoration looks at the end is pretty much dependant on the level of skill & care applied during that restoration. Conversely, I'm sure there are plenty of people who could have made it look ugly as sin.

 

[oldldh]

Thanks. For some reason, those vises come out unusually nice when finished properly. I've done one other that is almost as nice as that one.

These pictures are gonna give Oldldh a heart attack but here are some more pictures of a "properly restored" Craftsman...

"Arrest Me Red" is a much better color choice, than "I Had An Old Can Of Blue"!!!

The 519X series Craftsman vises "look" better than almost any other machinist's vise....

Now, where is, the ever elusive, 5198 hiding???

 

[oldldh]

GJ Member "Pinchpoint" has listed a "Brand New" Starrett 646 on the Toledo Craigslist...

A 6" Swivel Jaw/Swivel Base 190lb Starret is almost new condition...

One of you snow bound folks need to fire up the old sled, and go fetch this beastie home!!!

I've got a 925, and I don't "need" to go any bigger, but some of you folks can't live without this...

 

[bigcaddy]

haven't restored it yet and in the process. sorry I probably wont be selling this, but trade offers are always welcome because that is probably what i'd use the money for anyway.

is this the Prentiss Coachmaker's vise you might have let slip away??

Thats the model but not the one i sold. I posted some link to the pictures of mine in a previous post. It has no damage to the castings around the swivel which is very rare and the jaws were hardly touched.

I picked up a second one a year later but mentally, it was like trading a new Lamborghini for a beat to hell Yugo. I lost on the deal big time, even though i made a pile of money

 

[bigcaddy]

"Arrest Me Red" is a much better color choice, than "I Had An Old Can Of Blue"!!!

The 519X series Craftsman vises "look" better than almost any other machinist's vise....

Now, where is, the ever elusive, 5198 hiding???

The decision behind the red and blue colors were a tip of the hat to America. I couldn't figure out a way to incorporate blue on the Red/White vise so i did the second in Blue and it highlighted the Red in the Craftsman logo.