The VISES of Garage Journal

[Outlawmws]

Lump:
as much as i "love" a big old US made vise i'd probably have to pass on that one because of the weld and where it's at. another reason is that is the Union Tool version of a Parker vise which are not as valuable. they don't have the hold down on the screw like the older Parker vises do and they don't have the cool casting #'s.

i would spend a little more if necessary and get one that is in better shape since it sounds like it will end up on your bench. if it's for resale i'd definitely pass on this one.

good luck on your search

on this at that price. Collector value not good (for both the repair and the Union era). User value better, IF the repair was done properly, but still not as strong as one without the break...

 

[McBrownie]

can you post some pictures? please.

Here is a picture of one on my Parker 974. I second that RitzBlitz does a great job.

View media item 39944

 

[zyx5432]

Any idea what this might be? Popped up on the local Craigslist with no mention of brand. Asking $200. Has a large "5" or "S" on the other side, but the pic is tiny.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Any idea what this might be? Popped up on the local Craigslist with no mention of brand. Asking $200. Has a large "5" or "S" on the other side, but the pic is tiny.

I'm not betting the farm on my opinion but the styling looks Asian.

 

[Outlawmws]

Yup, that one came over the big pond. About $70-80 new at HF...

 

[Fretters]

Thanks drivesitfar! I just put some WD40 on it for now to assure no rust. It should be pretty easy to clean it off when I'm ready to paint. As for vise color, either Red, Grey or Black. I'm leaning towards Red and yes probably a hammered finish. There is pitting..so I'm either going to fill the pitting with something, or just hope the hammered tone covers it up.

Just don't go grey. That vice has come up nicely. Personally, I'd leave the pitting as is. I always think that the scars and suchlike which something gets during it's life are half its character. Besides, a hammered finish should distract the eye from them, combined with the fact that it usually tends to be quite thick paint too.

I have a question for you veteran vise restorers.. Do I really need to remove the floating nut that the lead screw goes through? It seems there is a pin holding it in place. I can see the pint from the underside, it would need to either be punched through or drilled out. And I do not have a replacement if I mess it up.

I'd remove it and clean it out, if you can. Dovetails tend to be gunge traps. If it gets knacked during removal, just use a piece of brass rod. It's soft enough to form into the hole if you pick one of similar size, and the brass is also a safety feature too. That would be likely to give way before the nut would if you overdo things. I used a brass pin on the little Record No.1, and that's stood up to a few years use now.

ok, few think it may be a Record, and I don't disagree...just seems odd that it doesn't say so, other side doesn't either. Also the bottom of the dynamic jaw isn't rounded off at all.

Will have closer look tomorrow when I look at everything.

What's the jaw width on it? That looks like a No.1, judging from the base. It's not unknown for them not to have the brand cast into them.

 

[zyx5432]

Thanks. I was afraid of that. $200...HAHAHA....

 

[Fretters]

I'm not betting the farm on my opinion but the styling looks Asian.

I'd say so too. Having the size on the side as a big number is usually a dead giveaway. Only seen that on unnamed imports, upto just.

 

[G20-Budo]

G20: those pins are sometimes a PITA to punch through and others just punch through from the bottom pretty easily. since you had it in the E tank it should just punch out hitting from the bottom might remove it easily. that will allow you to pull out the vise nut to clean a bit better and clean out some of the crud in the channel before putting it back together. put the pin back in from the top and don't hit the vise nut or from the bottom if you are able to keep the vise nut in place.

Just don't go grey. That vice has come up nicely. Personally, I'd leave the pitting as is. I always think that the scars and suchlike which something gets during it's life are half its character. Besides, a hammered finish should distract the eye from them, combined with the fact that it usually tends to be quite thick paint too.

I'd remove it and clean it out, if you can. Dovetails tend to be gunge traps. If it gets knacked during removal, just use a piece of brass rod. It's soft enough to form into the hole if you pick one of similar size, and the brass is also a safety feature too. That would be likely to give way before the nut would if you overdo things. I used a brass pin on the little Record No.1, and that's stood up to a few years use now.

I went ahead and hit it with a punch..and after a few hits it started moving, so I went ahead and knocked it through. Now everything is completely taken apart and the main cast pieces have all been gone over with a wire wheel after the eletro-bath it had. I'm ready to do some cosmetic repair and then paint (yes wrinkle or hammer finish). Thanks for all the inputs guys.

 

[CalsXS2]

Any idea what this might be? Popped up on the local Craigslist with no mention of brand. Asking $200. Has a large "5" or "S" on the other side, but the pic is tiny.

Looks like my Buffalo. Mine doesn't have a name on it, but after a lot of research, plus help here I determined it was a buffalo. I've seen pic's identical that says Buffalo on them.

 

[oldldh]

New member "Gert" has found something that might float some of your boats...

A "Made in Italy" Wilton!!!!

It looks like a "Machinist's Variety", I think...

Maybe a European 450/500...

Didn't know they were made outside of the U.S...

Zoomie----Would this fit in your collection???

If that says "150" on the side...in mm, that's almost 6"!!!

And the jaws screw in from the back...

An old, European 600???

This rarity/oddity is located in the Netherlands...

 

[zoomieport]

New member "Gert" has found something that might float some of your boats...

A "Made in Italy" Wilton!!!!

It looks like a "Machinist's Variety", I think...

Maybe a European 450/500...

Didn't know they were made outside of the U.S...

Zoomie----Would this fit in your collection???

If that says "150" on the side...in mm, that's almost 6"!!!

And the jaws screw in from the back...

An old, European 600???

I think I could find some room!

 

[balane]

I believe I'd have to paint that Ferrari red and put a dancing horse decal on the side. Awesome.

 

[oldldh]

I believe I'd have to paint that Ferrari red and put a dancing horse decal on the side. Awesome.

Ferrari Red is "Russo Corso", I believe...


Translated from the Italian---


ARREST-ME-RED


Of course it would really mean it in Italian!!!

 

[bdmf]

Hello there, fellers. I finished restoring this pipe vise a bit ago and just wanted to put it up for your opinions. Made in China. I think it is a Dragon but the logo has faded. Either way, I can't find anything on this anywhere and was wondering what it's worth. Your expertise is highly valued...

 

[bdmf]

Here's a few more

 

[454ragtop]

Found a couple vises at the swap meet this weekend. First is a Wilton C0, was really hoping to find a C1 to complete my collection of C's. It is in excellent shape other than the cosmetics, and has a plastic plug to seal the screw opening. Plug looks like it has been there quite a while, maybe since new? The other is a Stanley. I'm not a big fan of these exposed screw/2 guide rod vises, but this one is in excellent shape, original paint, and has the not often seen swivel base, so I grabbed it. Got the Wilton for $75., he wanted $100., and the Stanley for $10.00. Anybody have a source for that little decal that goes in the recess on the moving jaw on the Wilton?
Jim

 

[CudaChick1968]

Hello there, fellers....

<< lookin' down >> Uhhhhhhhhhhhh ..... not all vise addicts are created equal. LMAO!!!!!!

Welcome aboard bdmf!! That little one is a fine score and I like your paint job.

 

[mtesh73]

have a look at this one

# 5188

 

[bdmf]

<< lookin' down >> Uhhhhhhhhhhhh ..... not all vise addicts are created equal. LMAO!!!!!!


CudaChick,

Thank goodness for that! LOL!!!!! Thanks for the compliment! I have a few more that aren't quite finished yet and look forward to posting the pics as soon as I can. I just can't seem to find any info on this one...

 

[JeremyBurke]

Re: have a look at this one

# 5188

1 is never enough send more pictures please.

 

[Filson]

<< lookin' down >> Uhhhhhhhhhhhh ..... not all vise addicts are created equal. LMAO!!!!!!

Hey, someone was going to say it.

 

[Filson]

Hello there, fellers. I finished restoring this pipe vise a bit ago and just wanted to put it up for your opinions. Made in China. I think it is a Dragon but the logo has faded. Either way, I can't find anything on this anywhere and was wondering what it's worth. Your expertise is highly valued...

Unfortunately those pipe/yoke vises aren't worth too much (maybe $40 or so) but you did an amazing job bringing it back to life, why sell it!? Mount her in your shop somewhere and put her to work!

... And yes, we're waiting for pics of your other vises.

 

[balane]

Got my hands on another Versa-Vise. These are really fun to do. Unfortunately this one has had a repair but I know it was done correctly with a heated braze. As far as repairs go it looks like a nice job. I had to recreate the decal but fortunately I saved the file from before so I just had to print out a new one. Too bad it was broken but it's still a nice vise.

Brazing can be clearly seen in the last photo.

.

 

[Filson]

Got my hands on another Versa-Vise. These are really fun to do. Unfortunately this one has had a repair but I know it was done correctly with a heated braze. As far as repairs go it looks like a nice job. I had to recreate the decal but fortunately I saved the file from before so I just had to print out a new one. Too bad it was broken but it's still a nice vise.

Brazing can be clearly seen in the last photo.

.

Another great job, Balane!

It's a shame about it being repaired, but aside from that, it looks new.

I'm finally selling one of my vises - the Yost 32C I picked up last summer. Should be meeting up with the guy late today... Time to find some more to bring home. lol

 

[organ]

Nothing wrong with a repair as long as it's done right...

 

[GETRIDAONE]

That contrasting darker metal looks great againist the red paint. Great job as usual You are redeemed for the bad choice of color on that last craftsman

 

[Filson]

That contrasting darker metal looks great againist the red paint. Great job as usual You are redeemed for the bad choice of color on that last craftsman

Haha, +1. The dark metal and bright red really does look badass.

 

[Trey T]

Neat Kipp handle for the swivel base!!!

From ebay. Not mine but wish it was. Curious if it's a GJ member. Regardless, nice work on the vise and stand.

WILTON MODEL 600 VISE WITH ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTED BASE PLATFORM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILTON-MODE...0?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item2c8182f0b6

I BUILT THIS VISE AND BASE BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIND A VISE THAT HAD ENOUGH WORK AREA AND ADJUSTABILITY. MOST VISES OCCUPY TO MUCH WORKING AREA ON THE BENCH. THIS ONE HAS A 360 DEGREE WORK AREA THAT IS USABLE. THE VISE HAS BEEN CLEANED, PAINTED AND LUBED. THE BASE HAS BEEN POWDER COATED THE VISE IS SPRAY PAINTED. IT HAS 5 ADJUSTABLE FEET THAT ARE 3" DIA. I USE THESE TO ADJUST ON UNEVEN SURFACES. THE BASE CAN BE UNBOLTED UPRIGHTS. THE BASIC DIMENSIONS ARE:

FLOOR LEVEL TO TOP OF VISE IS 41.75"

BASE DIAMETER IS ABOUT 32" AND IS 1-1/2" THICK

UPRIGHTS ARE 1/2" THICK

 

[wrenchguy]

Re: have a look at this one

# 5188

5" clampers, opens 7 1/2" comes in @ 89 lbs. good uncommon craftsman.


my fixed version, same jaw width, 77 lbs.

 

[balane]

That contrasting darker metal looks great againist the red paint. Great job as usual You are redeemed for the bad choice of color on that last craftsman

Whew, I'm glad I put that can of purple metal flake paint back in the box.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

 

[Fretters]

How did you achieve that effect on the bare metal Balane, or is that how it already was?

 

[balane]

It's just the metal after I cleaned it. I didn't do anything unusual to it at all. Might be in part to lighting and camera as well.

 

[Fretters]

That's a shame. I was hoping you might have some magical mixture for applying consistent oldness to a metal surface without it being blued, browned or blotchy. That vice really does look nice.

 

[Outlawmws]

Whew, I'm glad I put that can of purple metal flake paint back in the box.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Me too; save that for your grand kids vintage Sting Ray bike...

 

[EOC_Jason]

Found a Desmond Stephan / Simplex 43S today for $50. It came out of a machine shop. Seems to be in great condition! Weighs about 70 lbs and has 4 3/4" jaws. The only problem is it's missing one of the screws that holds the jaw pads. Looks like a very unique screw so I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a replacement easily.

You can get a similar screw at a hardware store, but you will have to either turn it in a lathe or on a bench grinder or something... First you have to reduce the diameter of the head, then alter the angle...

The problem is, even though it's a regular flat head machine screw, it seems all of today's are 82° bevel under the head. To the best of my measurements, the old screws are only 60° bevel.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Anybody have a Ridgid vise. These aren't old, but have 6" jaws made of brass. I bought the table and two vises for $125. Heck of a deal. I mounted my Reed 106 with steel jaws, on the other end. I bought another table with a Columbian vise on it, for $100.

I was thinking of trying to find some steel jaws for one of the Ridgid vises.

That Ridgid is a late-model one when they were simply re-branded Columbians...

http://www.viseparts.com/product_p/ba-10106s41.htm

I would just keep the brass jaws...

 

[AndrewH]

You can get a similar screw at a hardware store, but you will have to either turn it in a lathe or on a bench grinder or something... First you have to reduce the diameter of the head, then alter the angle...

The problem is, even though it's a regular flat head machine screw, it seems all of today's are 82° bevel under the head. To the best of my measurements, the old screws are only 60° bevel.

Thanks Jason, my belt sander and I took care of it. I had to reduce the diameter of the head and also the thickness of the head. After doing that it fit perfectly. Now I just have to make 4 more because I can't stand having just one Hex head bolt and the rest be slotted.

 

[McBrownie]

That's a shame. I was hoping you might have some magical mixture for applying consistent oldness to a metal surface without it being blued, browned or blotchy. That vice really does look nice.

I'm no expert, and there are many out there on the knife forums, but apple cider vinegar can do some cool things to carbon steel for next to nothing ($,£,€, etc...)

 

[JasonJ]

I finally got my Craftsman 5196 parts back from the powder coater.... So I had to get the badge on it right away and get a teaser photo uploaded. Ill have more in a day or two... or maybe I will just trickle them in slowly.

Is it ARREST-ME-RED enough?