The VISES of Garage Journal

[oldldh]

FMC---

Now you can join the search for the "Ever Elusive" Reed 209, and the Craftsman 5198...

You will also find that the 4" vise you scored from Harbor Freight for $ 29.99, just ain't gonna cut it any more...

Old American iron is our motto...

Bigger is better!!!

 

[joe.striper]

When it rains it pours! OK, so i bought that snap on/wilton yesterday, today i got a call from a Craiglist ad that I thought I had no shot at, a Wilton 4" bullet that belonged to an old Merchant Marine captain.

Based on the pics below it has had a rough life, although I'm told no repairs. There is, according to the seller, some material missing from UNDER the removable jaws. You can see it in the pic with the tape measure. They want $125 for the vise, which I will not pay. The question for my esteemed colleagues on this board is this, should I even bother picking it up and if it were you what would you pay?

I'm hoping for a better picture later today. I'm traveling out to NY tonight on business and I was going to pick this up during my travel.

 

[nesw20]

wow, that does look pretty beat up. i'd maybe pay $70 for it, since the swivel base looks to be in good shape i guess??

 

[oldldh]

Joe---

That beastie has been "Rode hard, and put away wet" far too often...

If you couldn't get him down to half his asking price, I'd pass...

It's not like 4" Wiltons can't be found in better shape for that kind of money...they aren't exactly rare...

 

[joe.striper]

When it rains it pours! OK, so i bought that snap on/wilton yesterday, today i got a call from a Craiglist ad that I thought I had no shot at, a Wilton 4" bullet that belonged to an old Merchant Marine captain.

Based on the pics below it has had a rough life, although I'm told no repairs. There is, according to the seller, some material missing from UNDER the removable jaws. You can see it in the pic with the tape measure. They want $125 for the vise, which I will not pay. The question for my esteemed colleagues on this board is this, should I even bother picking it up and if it were you what would you pay?

I'm hoping for a better picture later today. I'm traveling out to NY tonight on business and I was going to pick this up during my travel.

Here are two more pics. top and side view. You can see on the side where the material is missing. So, even if I could pick it up for say $60.00, is it still strong enough to put into service for myself or should I pass?

 

[joe.striper]

Joe---

That beastie has been "Rode hard, and put away wet" far too often...

If you couldn't get him down to half his asking price, I'd pass...

It's not like 4" Wiltons can't be found in better shape for that kind of money...they aren't exactly rare...

Hi Old, thanks for the input. I agree with you about the price, but I have to say that there is a robust Vise community up here in New England and these Wiltons are being sold for ridiculous $$. That's why I was so thrilled have picked up the Tradesman I got yesterday.

I'll have to mull this one over before I pull the trigger.

 

[AndrewH]

Here are two more pics. top and side view. You can see on the side where the material is missing. So, even if I could pick it up for say $60.00, is it still strong enough to put into service for myself or should I pass?

At $60 I'd personally buy it, even if just for the challenge! I don't believe that the piece underneath the jaw reduces any clamping force but you wouldn't be able to hammer on it, as I suspect that's how it was broke in the first place.

Andrew

 

[Outlawmws]

At $60 I'd personally buy it, even if just for the challenge! I don't believe that the piece underneath the jaw reduces any clamping force but you wouldn't be able to hammer on it, as I suspect that's how it was broke in the first place.

Andrew

This: but only for pers use. As a fixerupper and resell, clean up and paint ain't likely to get you a profit.

 

[Fretters]

"Mechanically Challenged" Is that nice enough

It's definitely far more forgiving of their abilities than the term I generally use.

 

[Fretters]

Better stay out of this thread unless you want to become obsessed, ask me how I know!

Some of us do manage to retain a shred of willpower though. It's not easy mind. I've simply realised that I really don't need anything larger than 4" or so, and then there's the issue of space. Plus, even if I were considering turning them around for profit, the used vice market across here isn't necessarily as healthy as yours across there, from what I've noted. I've seen some fairly tidy looking vices which didn't sell for what were pretty reasonable asking prices.

 

[DrPepper88]

Well, went out and bought my first old vise today.
A big thanks to Garage Journal for helping me open my eyes!

It's a Rock Island 141 model. Looks like it came with pipe jaws, but those didn't make the transaction. Likely lost to time, but will ask the former owner if he can dig them up.

Price: $75. Can't say if I overpaid or not, but it came with a great story. The 69-year-old gentleman I purchased it from said it belonged to his dad, who was a blacksmith. Said he remembers working on that vice as a kid with his dad; said he likes it but it downsizing.

Overall, looks to be in good shape. Operates smoothly and the jaws look to be in pretty fine order. Came with a home-made stand that's ridiculously heavy. But not as heavy as the pipe bender that came with it.

Haven't figured out if I'm going to restore the vise or leave it as is. Likely will restore it, as I've found 2 different colours on it; green and red.

Hopefully the link to Photobucket works OK.

http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/DrPepper88/slideshow/

 

[joe.striper]

This: but only for pers use. As a fixerupper and resell, clean up and paint ain't likely to get yo a profit.

Thanks everyone, I'm passing on this one. I don't want to expend the energy with no possibility of recouping my investment. It doesn't hurt that I got another vise yesterday so the yips are gone...for now.

I'll give you the sellers phone number but please pm me to get it. He is an older gentleman and I don't want him overwhelmed.

Here is the listing.

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/4505795871.html

 

[AndrewH]

Some of us do manage to retain a shred of willpower though. It's not easy mind. I've simply realised that I really don't need anything larger than 4" or so, and then there's the issue of space. Plus, even if I were considering turning them around for profit, the used vice market across here isn't necessarily as healthy as yours across there, from what I've noted. I've seen some fairly tidy looking vices which didn't sell for what were pretty reasonable asking prices.

Haha, that's funny! I've realized quite the opposite, I don't have any use for any vises under 5" except those that are part of sets that I'm collecting (Morgan 100 series / Desmond Stephan S series / Parker 97x series) However, I've passed up a lot of vises, big and small, a lot of times due solely to the sellers character. I hate people who introduce the mystery person who makes an offer slightly higher than yours while you're negotiating or people who act shady and can't answer straight forward questions or send pictures of specific areas that you request etc.

 

[Fretters]

Haha, that's funny! I've realized quite the opposite, I don't have any use for any vises under 5" except those that are part of sets that I'm collecting (Morgan 100 series / Desmond Stephan S series / Parker 97x series)

I've tried convincing myself that I need one. Honest. Just goes to show how we all have different expectations of what we require from a vice. I've even relegated the larger Parkinsons to back under the bench again for the time being, because for the room it was occupying, it was just unnecessary for how oft I use it. If I had more space than I do, I'd likely have one in a heartbeat, but floor and bench space are constantly in short supply here.

However, I've passed up a lot of vises, big and small, a lot of times due solely to the sellers character. I hate people who introduce the mystery person who makes an offer slightly higher than yours while you're negotiating or people who act shady and can't answer straight forward questions or send pictures of specific areas that you request etc.

I know what you mean. I'm loathe to deal with those types too, especially the type who try shunting the price. If they want more, why don't they just say so to begin with rather than farting people around. Just on principle alone I won't deal with those type unless absolutely necessary.

 

[ritzblitz]

Dr pepper, that is a killer first vise! Great stuff, good luck stopping at one.

 

[ritzblitz]

To any who are interested- I am selling my restored Parker 974 currently on eBay. Figure it wouldn't hurt to stick a note on here. I'll take it down if it is in bad taste or against the rules.

 

[FMC1959]

Dr pepper, that is a killer first vise! Great stuff, good luck stopping at one.

I agree, very nice and different vice. Maybe Autopts has a source for the pipe jaws, or KMScott can make some (if you care to have them).

To any who are interested- I am selling my restored Parker 974 currently on eBay. Figure it wouldn't hurt to stick a note on here. I'll take it down if it is in bad taste or against the rules.

Ritz, that is a real nice restore you did on that vise. I think a 4" is just borderline where you can get good money for it, or just so so. I see some 974 on the Bay that ask big prices, but not sure they sell. I think yours is nicer than most of them, hope you do good on it.

Why didn't you post it on the GJ classifieds? You have over 100 posts.

 

[mtesh73]

To any who are interested- I am selling my restored Parker 974 currently on eBay. Figure it wouldn't hurt to stick a note on here. I'll take it down if it is in bad taste or against the rules.

great looking parker ritzblitz!! wish i was a bit closer i would buy it for sure.

 

[autopts]

Nice Parker

 

[ritzblitz]

Why didn't you post it on the GJ classifieds? You have over 100 posts.

I honestly didn't think of it.

Thanks for the kind words. I posted it on here a while back too.

Mtesh- you are plenty close enough

 

[flashman]

Yep, that vise is roughly 2 minutes from my house:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4497511306.html

I like Morgan vises, and they are pretty well made, but they don't have the precision of a Wilton or Reed and do not command the high prices. I certainly would not pay that much for a non-swivel vise unless it had some other feature to offset that such as quick-release jaws (ie, Record 23/24/25) or massive size.

I'd pass. There's a Morgan 50 on the Chicago CL for $85. I would have picked it up if I hadn't recently bought a Morgan 150 for $50. Keep looking unless you REALLY want it because I doubt he's going to accept half or less of his asking price.

I know it is high...I wouldn't have ever paid the price. And your thoughts confirmed what I would have felt. I believe I bought from this guy before a huge Desmond Stephan for $100. I might call and talk him down but chances are its a wasted vise. THanks!!!

 

[va.grouseman]

You did good DrPepper. The stand is worth $75.
----------------------------------------------------------

Beautiful Parker Ritz. Excellent job.------And this is a vise thread, so you post bought , sold, buying, selling, restoring, trashing, looking for, found, whatever, as long as you include pics.
I bought a Reed 406 from a GJ member who posted it on this forum, and was going to send it on to E-bay if he didn't get any bites.-----I personally like the heads-up of seeing one here first, before it goes to E-bay because the Garage Journal username and the E-bay user are different for some sellers. And I kind of like to know who did the restore.

 

[Jamesrstoll]

Grandpa left me this old Prentiss #54.

 

[oldldh]

va.groushman...

What he said...

 

[zkling]

Thanks everyone, I'm passing on this one. I don't want to expend the energy with no possibility of recouping my investment. It doesn't hurt that I got another vise yesterday so the yips are gone...for now.

I'll give you the sellers phone number but please pm me to get it. He is an older gentleman and I don't want him overwhelmed.

Here is the listing.

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/4505795871.html

Did you see this one?

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/4474744906.html

 

[oldldh]

Did you see this one?

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/4474744906.html

Just a guess, but that's either a 400S or a 450S...late model vise...


Somebody ought to jump all over that one!!!


If it was closer, the jumper would be me!!!

 

[AndrewH]

Did you see this one?

http://nh.craigslist.org/tls/4474744906.html

it was posted 25 days ago and hasn't been updated... I'd VERY surprised if it made it past day number 1!

 

[zkling]

it was posted 25 days ago and hasn't been updated... I'd VERY surprised if it made it past day number 1!

I always assume that if the ad is still up then the item is still available. If not, I then inform the seller of their negligence.

 

[joe.striper]

I always assume that if the ad is still up then the item is still available. If not, I then inform the seller of their negligence.

Thanks for the lead, I emailed them. The snow shoes in the pic tell me this vise cold be in God's Country. We will see..

If I get a response I'll let you know.

 

[joe.striper]

Grandpa left me this old Prentiss #54.

James that thing looks brand new, man that's a pretty vise!

 

[PghJKB]

James that thing looks brand new, man that's a pretty vise!

What he said!

 

[joe.striper]

Here is a pic if the Wilton Power Arm I just refinished and the little Miller's Falls vise that went along with it. The previous owner had cleaned it up for me so it was easy-peasy. Came out, I think, like new. I use this with my Homecraft Drill Press from the 50s

Other pics are my Tradesman 1760 disassembled, cleaned sanded and ready for paint. I'll get to it this weekend when it is drier out. I've got the Rustoleum Verde Hammertone paint already.

This is a beautifully made vise. Only thing I need to do is to get to my brothers and sand the faces of those copper jaws down smooth.

I'll post a pic when finished.

 

[Fretters]

Only thing I need to do is to get to my brothers and sand the faces of those copper jaws down smooth.

Personally, I wouldn't. All you'll be doing is losing thickness and risking getting abrasive material stuck in the metal. Run a file lightly over the faces if you truly must, but don't use abrasives. Copper jaws won't and don't stay pretty during use. That's their purpose, so you'll achieve nothing more than prettying it up by trying to tart them up. I'd leave them well alone, to be honest.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I think this Parker 289 ½ is an older version than the one seen in the mid
20’s catalog ads. It has two holes in the base but came with the old type base that has a hold down screw from the bottom and would use one pin to position it. It has 5 ½” jaws in lieu of 6” as the 20’s catalog lists. The cast center bushing on the bottom is broken off so I think someone drilled and extra hole in the base to just bolt it down. The cast Parker screw retainer has been replaced with a shop made one with a square head bolt so it has been there a while. It has seen a lot use with all the repairs made on it but the jaws remain in good shape. It must have been used for its intended purpose as a pipe vise. It weighs 147 lbs.

 

[AndrewH]

I think this Parker 289 ½ is an older version than the one seen in the mid
20’s catalog ads. It has two holes in the base but came with the old type base that has a hold down screw from the bottom and would use one pin to position it. It has 5 ½” jaws in lieu of 6” as the 20’s catalog lists. The cast center bushing on the bottom is broken off so I think someone drilled and extra hole in the base to just bolt it down. The cast Parker screw retainer has been replaced with a shop made one with a square head bolt so it has been there a while. It has seen a lot use with all the repairs made on it but the jaws remain in good shape. It must have been used for its intended purpose as a pipe vise. It weighs 147 lbs.

Wow, that certainly is a big boy! Now if only you could find a swivel base, pipe jaws and an original retaining ring for the handle, it'd probably weigh 175 lbs!

This weekend should be a very productive weekend for me, I will hopefully be posting at least one that is as big or bigger! I don't remember all the vises people post but is this your biggest one yet?

 

[ritzblitz]

Andrew, you are such an addict it's awesome haha. Didn't take long at all!

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Wow, that certainly is a big boy! Now if only you could find a swivel base, pipe jaws and an original retaining ring for the handle, it'd probably weigh 175 lbs!

This weekend should be a very productive weekend for me, I will hopefully be posting at least one that is as big or bigger! I don't remember all the vises people post but is this your biggest one yet?

I have four more that are larger.

 

[mtesh73]

Mtesh- you are plenty close enough

ritz, PM inbound to you.

 

[joe.striper]

Personally, I wouldn't. All you'll be doing is losing thickness and risking getting abrasive material stuck in the metal. Run a file lightly over the faces if you truly must, but don't use abrasives. Copper jaws won't and don't stay pretty during use. That's their purpose, so you'll achieve nothing more than prettying it up by trying to tart them up. I'd leave them well alone, to be honest.

Thanks for the advice. The faces are pretty beat, I'll file down the really rough parts.

 

[joe.striper]

I have four more that are larger.

I LOVE all this bigger is better talk! I'm 6'5" and 370lbs. If I were a vise I'd be a .....