The VISES of Garage Journal

[Onedivinehammer]

Vise-guys, what is this? Should I pick it up? It's available.

Well I missed out; must have been low on the list of responders, and I was quick to do so. Oh well.

 

[zkling]

how about the damage on this nice little 60 pound Rock Island vise. it still works, but i picked it up for a parts vise in case i find another one that needs some.

Welding table Geeze, I guess they needed a bit more leverage than the stock length handle provided.

Hopefully complete. With the generous help from the GJ experts, this old vise turned out pretty much like I wanted.

Parts ready to assemble and a couple on the bench.

That looks great, simple yet elegant and ready for work

 

[drivesitfar]

Egapgt: that Parker is a show piece. i could tell by your prep work you were a pro. now please PM me with your address so i can ship a few more to you so you can keep your craft finely tuned until the big vise comes inside your shop. of course the 974 might be enough for most any shop except one that is a member of GJ.

Zkling: I've seen worse breaks on a vise that is for sure, but this one is pretty clean so you might be correct. it still works and i might just put it on an outside bench or rack and put it to use until parts are needed off of it.

 

[bigcaddy]

Just found this one. He's aking $65.

Is it desireable. Don't know anything about it yet.

From what I can see it's missing a jaw.

Littlestown vises are like A-holes....everybody has one. For that price, i would pass. I passed up 2 of them on Friday and they were 20.00 apiece. 65.00 is way too much for missing a jaw, even with the included pipe jaws.

 

[WQ59B]

WQ: awesome restores of two smaller vises and amazing that they both still had their hardys. is that a hammered rustolueum and what color because looks great on both of them.

Thanks. Yes: Rustoleum Hammered Copper (brush painted). Bought a quart (HD seems to only be offering black & white in pint cans anymore)- next few restorations are likely to get the same paint. Agreed RE the hardys!

 

[Outlawmws]

DIF, does the slide on that RI have a weld repair? One side looks great, the top and other side appear to have a weld lie? or did someone spill a corrosive there and just discolor it?

 

[KMScott]

Re: Parker 974 Restore Update

Hopefully complete. With the generous help from the GJ experts, this old vise turned out pretty much like I wanted.

Parts ready to assemble and a couple on the bench.

Very nice job Eqapgt, I really liked how you added a bushing on your spindle to take out the slop. Seen some great repairs lately. What's next!!

 

[ritzblitz]

Man that looks familiar, gotta go with the black lettering dude!

 

[McBrownie]

Re: Parker 974 Restore Update

Hopefully complete. With the generous help from the GJ experts, this old vise turned out pretty much like I wanted.

Parts ready to assemble and a couple on the bench.

Nice job on the 974. It's good for another 50 years.

 

[oldldh]

Some of you vise addicts have a thing about big Reeds...


Ergo, the Reed 206 on Ebay. fits the bill...


A six inch Reed is pretty damn big!!!


So here's a couple of photos...the opening bid is $ 50.00...


If this has been posted before, I missed it...blame it on my ancient brain....

 

[Filson]

Thanks for posting that, Larry!

Too bad the handle is bent and the swivel lock is screwed up. =/ I hope someone gets it though!

 

[drivesitfar]

Oldie:you posted a big one and this is the first time on the vise thread so you are working on all cycles tonight.

the good: it's a 130 ish pound Reed 6 inch wide jaw vise made in maybe the 40's

the bad: interesting weld spatter on the back of the static jaw, swivel pin has a nut welded on it which isn't all that bad of an idea although this one is pretty crude. the handle has been replaced by a bent one so who nows what the screw and the vise nut look like and if there is any slop or loose or broken teeth.

i could use the dynamic jaw to make on nice Reed 106 in case anybody gets a deal on it and doesn't want to keep it.

Ritz:are any of those awesome vises attached to a bench yet? please show more vise **** since you have quite a collection there. also any of your vises have any of the awesome handles you make and please show pictures of them too.

 

[oldldh]

Crikies---I never said it was pristine...

I only said it was a BIG Reed...

"Balane" is looking for a 6" Reed...and this is a 6" Reed...

You know, a Reed in the 5"+ range, has probably had a long hard life...

And at that thought, the old girl doesn't look too bad...

 

[zkling]

Man that looks familiar, gotta go with the black lettering dude!

WOW that yellow vise is hard to miss. I like it

 

[oldldh]

Too bad the handle is bent and the swivel lock is screwed up.

Calling Reverend Scott---

Calling Reverend Scott---

I would imagine Kevin could provide the necessary parts/expertise to provide this BIG Reed with what she needs to walk the runway again...

I wonder what a "Pristine, Restored (in Arrest-Me-Red)" Reed 206 would look like on my workbench???

How hard would the necessary stuff to "pristine" this wee beastie, be to come by, Reverend Scott???

 

[drivesitfar]

Oldie: i know you'd like to have a 6 inch Reed or maybe any big vise on the end of your bench, but this one looks like a lot of work even for Mr. Scott.

unless you are still planning on really needing a vise that big i have to say again that Autopts Reed 2C is one of the nicest Reeds I've seen in a long time and he may have already put it on Ebay if it's not sold or staying on his bench.

good luck

 

[KMScott]

What about this 106 Reed, it is almost in new condition, the solid jaws are in perfect shape, and this guy is heavy. I am saving it for later.

Oldie The handle and swivel lock is a easy fix. I'd Be happy to help.

Tonight I was getting this Red Seal ready for painting and noticed the casting was very rough underneath where it sits on your bench. The Red seal was a 1/8 off if you laid a straight edge across, no wonder the tabs bust off. The casting will not bend. I set up a angle plate and flattened the 5" American Scale and also did my 956 Chas Parker. These vises have a better chance of lasting many more years without their mounting tabs busting off.

 

[bluebolt]

So yesterday I started out with some local garage sales intending to be back at home by 9 AM. Ended up checking out the newly opened section of north I49 in Louisiana, going to U-Pull-It in Texarkana to check out a 1965 F350 dump truck and taking the back roads to Jefferson Texas to visit the antique stores. So why is this story important? Because I found THIS in an antique store in Jefferson. Wilton 9-500 5" bullet, Guar Exp date 12 50, Chicago 14 markings, swivel base vise. After a very close inspection before buying it is a very solid vise with no signs of abuse, handle just a little bent, no big hammer marks, no signs of weld spatter either. $125 asking price, got it down to $110 cash which was 119.83 with tax. I must have been having a premonition because I had thought earlier in the day how cool it would be to find a good vise LOL. I bought it to clean up and sell but my buddy already wants it LOL. Here's some crappy night time in the back of the Excursion pics so you guys can go to sleep without yelling "this thread is worthless without pics"

 

[oldldh]

Oldie: i know you'd like to have a 6 inch Reed or maybe any big vise on the end of your bench, but this one looks like a lot of work even for Mr. Scott.

You must have faith in Brother Scott...(see above)

I have a Starrett 925, almost ready for paint, that I'll be bolting on one end of my workbench, and since the "Ever Elusive 5198" ain't turned up, yet...

A 6" Reed/Parker/Columbian/etc, would be a suitable substitute...

I would replace the 925 with the 5198, if it ever materializes, and keep the 6" vise too...

My clamping needs would absatively, posilutely be covered...

 

[Filson]

All you peeps picking up new vises and I'm letting some of my little ones go... Ahh it's hard. =/

 

[Filson]

Still waiting to hear back from a guy though, on what could be my largest (both in size and weight) purchase to date for the shop...

 

[Egapgt]

Parker Restore

Thanks for the feedback gentlemen!

Drive…What great ideas you have…what would be the first one you would like to send for me to store for a while…something in the 125 to 175 pound class would suit!

We’ll see how the bushing holds up. I think it will be OK but I would have preferred bronze. I’ll keep looking for one (someone mentioned motor mount bushings); it will be an easy mod to undo and redo. This is a $1.50, HD copper pipe splice with an i.d. of 0.75” for a great fit; the o.d. had to be decreased by about 0.010”.

Alex…great looking collection of vises there. The green Parker has a wonderful looking handle and hub.? Did you make it? Was the vise green to begin with? I like the black lettering too but not enough patience on this end to try it.

 

[ritzblitz]

Hey Egapgt, yeah I made the handle (I make them on the side you can PM me if you want one) but the screw knob thing is original I just shined it up. I painted it green. Thinking of selling it on eBay but the paint is no longer perfect. Paint pen is the way to go on the lettering, it's pretty easy actually.

 

[jwitt]

Picked up this Athol yesterday. It's kind of rough and has been welded on. Rather than try to fix it up I may just mount it on a stand and use it as an outside welding vise.







Jim

 

[McBrownie]

Re: Parker Restore

We’ll see how the bushing holds up. I think it will be OK but I would have preferred bronze. I’ll keep looking for one (someone mentioned motor mount bushings); it will be an easy mod to undo and redo. This is a $1.50, HD copper pipe splice with an i.d. of 0.75” for a great fit; the o.d. had to be decreased by about 0.010”.

Alex…great looking collection of vises there. The green Parker has a wonderful looking handle and hub.? Did you make it? Was the vise green to begin with? I like the black lettering too but not enough patience on this end to try it.

A 3/4" spindle on your 974? I'm almost positive my 974 was 7/8", because my 203 was 3/4" and I was grumbling that I needed to spend another $6 (darn Scottish blood). I'll verify.

Here is another pic of a RitzBlitz handle on my 974. Once the old handle is removed, which is easy to do by grinding off one of the ends, it's easy to hit the "knob" with some sandpaper. I think i worked my way up to 320 grit and then used a buffing wheel on my bench grinder to get it the rest of the way. Install the new handle and voila!

That green paint is calling my name. Could be a good summer project.

View media item 39941

 

[mtesh73]

All you peeps picking up new vises and I'm letting some of my little ones go... Ahh it's hard. =/

are you listing them in the classifieds here, or just a local thing??

 

[G20-Budo]

Egapgt,

Great job on your restore.. that vise looks sweet in Green!

 

[Egapgt]

Re: Parker Restore Update

A 3/4" spindle on your 974?

McBrownie...You are absolutely correct, the spindle is 7/8" o.d. You were paying attention! Fine looking 974 there...looks to be in very nice condition. The green is a dead ringer for Rustoleum Hunter Green but this is automotive acrylic enamel with some flatting added. Very close to the original color of this old Parker.

Ritz...your work is excellent...I may have to get one of your handles.

 

[Filson]

are you listing them in the classifieds here, or just a local thing??

Just local CL. They're mostly cheap little things that non-tool-junkie guys aren't interested in. China/Taiwan "Craftsman" or "Wilton" vises that weigh about 15lbs. I pick them up at yard sales for $5~ and flip them.

I do have two blacksmith post vises that I may be selling too. I have one listed currently. But really, the cost of freight wouldn't make it worth anyone on GJ's while to pick it up. They cost a lot to ship, and don't demand that much of a premium. You'd save a lot of money by finding one in your own area you can pick up.

 

[autopts]

What about this 106 Reed, it is almost in new condition, the solid jaws are in perfect shape, and this guy is heavy. I am saving it for later.

Oldie The handle and swivel lock is a easy fix. I'd Be happy to help.

.

Kevin, your a great guy! Always extending yourself to members to help. By the way, your 106 is a beauty!

 

[oldldh]

Kevin, your a great guy! Always extending yourself to members to help. By the way, your 106 is a beauty!

Reverend Scott is proof that "Nice guys don't always finish last..."


Me thinks that Reed 106 will have a new home, soon...

 

[Galvonzo]

The bed of that truck looks like it just got a bench vise lowering kit. Fully adjustable, just add or remove vises till desired ride height is reached.

 

[bgarrett]

So yesterday"

your vise is ugly look at my 3 1/2 inch from an estate sale this weekend
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248140

 

[Outlawmws]

Jwitt: FYI that bar that was welded on was because someone busted the Dynamic jaw support off. Take a look at the Parker a couple of posts below yours. While that is a swivel base, the fixed base vises also have the support...

 

[mtesh73]

Just local CL. They're mostly cheap little things that non-tool-junkie guys aren't interested in. China/Taiwan "Craftsman" or "Wilton" vises that weigh about 15lbs. I pick them up at yard sales for $5~ and flip them.

I do have two blacksmith post vises that I may be selling too. I have one listed currently. But really, the cost of freight wouldn't make it worth anyone on GJ's while to pick it up. They cost a lot to ship, and don't demand that much of a premium. You'd save a lot of money by finding one in your own area you can pick up.

gotcha. thank you!

 

[bluebolt]

your vise is ugly look at my 3 1/2 inch from an estate sale this weekend
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248140

Ugly!

LOL nice find on your Wilton.

Mine one will clean up nice.

 

[Pyromancer]

Hello everyone. I'm new here (obviously) and I was hoping you guys could help me out. I am in the process of building a steel workbench at a buddy of mine's shop.

The top of the bench will be 1/4 inch mild steel. I bought a vise on ebay the other day to mount to this bench. The vise is a used Wilton of indeterminate age. I know absolutely nothing about vises, but after lurking this forum for the past week (stealing ideas for my workbench), I know you guys are experts. Anyway, the vise I bought is a "WIlton #4. 4 1/2" swivel vise". According to the seller it was made in the USA and there is a stamped number on the bottom - 76653-03.

Now, for my question. I want to drill mounting holes in my bench while it is still at my friend's shop. However, it is leaving the shop tomorrow night and I won't get the vise until next week. I was trying to figure out the exact model of vise so that I could maybe mock up a template of the base so that I can drill the holes without having the vise. I have attached the images from the ebay listing.

I really hope you guys can help. Thank you very much!

Frank

 

[jeff000]

I finally went and took the vice from my old mans garage for my garage. It was his fathers. I would guess from the 50's at least.

It's a Northern King, and Made in Canada.

I'd love to make it look all pretty again, but how? And does anyone know what color it used to be?

 

[JeremyBurke]

I finally went and took the vice from my old mans garage for my garage. It was his fathers. I would guess from the 50's at least.

It's a Northern King, and Made in Canada.

I'd love to make it look all pretty again, but how? And does anyone know what color it used to be?
snip

I don't know if that thing can be pretty. It is a beast like a warthog, mean, angry, strong; Never Pretty. I mean that in the most complementary of ways because I for one love it.

 

[jeff000]

I don't know if that thing can be pretty. It is a beast like a warthog, mean, angry, strong; Never Pretty. I mean that in the most complementary of ways because I for one love it.

Thanks
Think just brush the dust off it and rub a little spit into it and call it a day?
I am pretty excited to have it. And it weighs far more than it looks like it should.

If I bead blasted it would it stay looking "fresh" for a while still? I'm just not one for the rusted look in my garage, lol.