The VISES of Garage Journal

[nickelTwin]

That was made by Columbian.
I'm only guessing at the date, but I'm thinking late-70's to mid-80's ??????

I have a 5-1/2" that I bought in '89 and while it is similar in style, the markings are slightly different. So, I'm guessing yours is only slightly older.

Jakemac: Thanks for the info.

 

[Filson]

The photos will also give the folks restoring Starretts a good look at the original color...

Thanks for posting, that went to the save folder.

I want an early model 209R, but if I absolutely had no other choice, I guess I would settle for a 109S.

Get in line, pal, get in line.

Don't kid yourself, you would take the first one you found, and would do things that you would swear you would kill a person if they spoke about what they saw...

I think that applies to a few of us. I'd probably need to go to a confessional.

All: My Reed 2C might not be as big as some of the Reeds that some of us might do deadly harm to others for, but i think it's maybe the most functional vise Reed made. Here's my favorite Reed vise to use on a daily basis. It's too bad Reed didn't make more of these. My Reed 2C in it's natural state before it finds a permanent home on one of my benches.

One picture showing it holding half of a 50 pound dumbbell handle while i get out the bolt to take the plates off and the vise isn't bolted to or attached to anything.

Love the Reed! I hope to find a 1c, 2c, 3c, and 4c to add to the collection... Any maybe a 408... 407... 406... and... and...

Here a rare pairing that you might never see again together. They are 2 consecutive sizes in Morgan's swivel backs, both from about the same era. The reddish 340B I showed a week ago. Strange as often things are, I ran across the next size larger, the 345B. Morgan made one hell of a vise and all you guys have made this heck of a vise thread.

Man, I love the twins! Are there any others in the lineup you need to finish your set? Thanks for sharing the pics!

I thought I had the perfect red with the paprika (don't remember what brand ?) and it turned out to be orange crush and it is not the camera.

Wouldn't be my first choice, but I don't think it's all that bad to be honest. Are you going to leave it as it sits or try and change it?

Autopts-----Beautiful job on two great vises. Yep, Morgan made top tier vises. I got one of those 345Bs, and I wouldn't take a gold monkey for it. Real collectors, those are.

EOC------Sounds like you need the 209 far worse than I do. That's just going to kill me to have to show you a near mint 209 just setting in chains doing nothing, knowing you need a really big vise so bad. At least that's how I hope it works out.

Guess I may be taking a road trip in the future with some bolt cutters and my oxy/acet.

 

[Filson]

Nothing special, but it's been quite awhile sense I've picked up any vise so I decided to pull the trigger on this American Scale vise and show you guys a few pics. I plan to do a fairly quick restore and flip it.

View media item 42655View media item 42656View media item 42657

 

[Filson]

And can anyone tell me any info about this vise? They're asking $200. The handle is a length of rebar.

View media item 42659View media item 42658

 

[macgee]

And can anyone tell me any info about this vise? They're asking $200. The handle is a length of rebar.

View media item 42659

That looks like a really big vintage old school mill or drill press vise. They have a very shallow holding height but very strong holding power.

$200 is a bit much but it's a really big vise for milling but looks tired so probably not very valuable to a real machinist.

 

[Filson]

That looks like a really big vintage old school mill or drill press vise. They have a very shallow holding height but very strong holding power.

$200 is a bit much but it's a really big vise for milling but looks tired so probably not very valuable to a real machinist.

Thanks, macgee!

Considering it's roughly a 4.5 hour drive one way as well, I think I'll pass haha.

 

[alinc100]

Today I re-assembled my first ever vise "restoration."
I picked this Chas. Parker 823 1/2 up a couple weeks ago. Ran it thru the e-tank and primed and painted it up. My first coat of paint was a Rustoleum metallic called "dark steel" I was thinking a graphite/carbon fiber color and all it turned out to be was silver so a trip to Advance Auto instead of HD ,as HD didn't have my first choice Candy Apple red, I ended up at AA for the red.

 

[McBrownie]

Left over paint and a sunny afternoon combined with a beat up vise equals this. I was cleaning up old paint cans and found some metallic orange. Just enough for the front of my Wilton. And with the Browns beginning their annual battle to attempt to climb out of the basement, I thought it was time for the Wilton to wear a "helmet" for the season. This vise was a standard hammered light blue that was chipping and had seen better days. A little time with my 1/2hp block grinder (check out that thread if you haven't already), a wipe down with lacquer thinner and here it is. The static and base are both hammered dark gray. No way I was painting that dark brown. I mean "Go Browns!" and all, but I'm not going that far.

It is also sitting next to my project Parker that should be unveiled soon.

 

[oldldh]

And with the Browns beginning their annual battle to attempt to climb out of the basement, I thought it was time for the Wilton to wear a "helmet" for the season. No way I was painting that dark brown. I mean "Go Browns!" and all, but I'm not going that far..

There's a football team in Cleveland???

Who'da thunk it???

Wow!!!

I learn something everyday...

I thought the only "Professional Football Team",in Ohio, was that team in Columbus...

 

[McBrownie]

There's a football team in Cleveland???

Who'da thunk it???

Wow!!!

I learn something everyday...

I thought the only "Professional Football Team",in Ohio, was that team in Columbus...

Oldie,

Ouch! I have no comeback or, like the team, no defense. But just wait till my lucky Wilton turns everything around. It is a swiveler after all.

Alinc,

Nice job on that Parker! I like the candy apple.

 

[oldldh]

Brother McBrownie---

Don't feel bad...

I have to root for the Falcons...

Grim times...

 

[EOC_Jason]

Guess I may be taking a road trip in the future with some bolt cutters and my oxy/acet.

Funny story, the other day this kid nearby was trying to heat up a piece of square bar to bend into an L shaped, using just some propane and one of those tips you would preheat a part or burn brush with... I was standing there like watching for a while as nothing happened... Yeah that ain't going to ever work without an oxygen tank, let me get my little O/A torch and get 'r done.... I come back in a minute, he fires it up and obviously heats it to a nice cherry red pretty quick. He makes the comment, "Did you ever notice how Acetylene has a different smell?" I just smiled and said, "I think that's a burning paint smell." and point to him burning all the paint off the top of his vise...

It was a cheap chinese no-name, so no big deal.... Still funny as hell though, guess you had to be there.

 

[Filson]

Funny story, the other day this kid nearby was trying to heat up a piece of square bar to bend into an L shaped, using just some propane and one of those tips you would preheat a part or burn brush with... I was standing there like watching for a while as nothing happened... Yeah that ain't going to ever work without an oxygen tank, let me get my little O/A torch and get 'r done.... I come back in a minute, he fires it up and obviously heats it to a nice cherry red pretty quick. He makes the comment, "Did you ever notice how Acetylene has a different smell?" I just smiled and said, "I think that's a burning paint smell." and point to him burning all the paint off the top of his vise...

It was a cheap chinese no-name, so no big deal.... Still funny as hell though, guess you had to be there.

Haha, hey at least he's into tools! Might be a bit of a dumb **** but he's part of the brotherhood.

 

[Outlawmws]

If he really is a kid, every kid starts somewhere. I'm quite sure we all have our own stories to tell...

 

[EOC_Jason]

If he really is a kid, every kid starts somewhere. I'm quite sure we all have our own stories to tell...

I say kid, but I say that about anyone younger than me... Just like anyone older than me is an old fart... He's probably in his early 20's I would guess. Does excellent welding with a MIG, so he's already got me beat there... I only have an old cracker box and my welding looks like someone took a dump and sneezed.

 

[blacknblue]

I picked up my second vise. It is no where near as nice as my Yost, but what ever it was $10. I'll probably sell it when I find a good big vise.

Before:




After:

 

[va.grouseman]

EOC----On a serious note here.---What were you working on that a 4C wouldn't handle? I figured a 4C could handle anything that could be lifted by hand or gambled into it.

 

[drivesitfar]

VA: i was going to ask Jason the same question. i guess he is building a rocket ship or something of that nature. by the way they are only jealous of your chain gang and just want to see if it raises your blood pressure like a good Ebay auction by mentioning bolt cutters.

AutoPts: do you sell most of your vises on Ebay or are you looking for a color scheme on the shelf with those bright colors you painted those nice Morgans?

ALL: I really like buying a vice from a wood worker because hardly any marks on it or damage other than a ton of sawdust to clean out. i think this English Paramo i bought is very similar to Fretter's mystery vise he just restored and painted that wonderful burgundy color. thoughts from the pros?

 

[drivesitfar]

B & B: that little Columbian looks better now that you own it. nice work and i love the comment that it is only taking up space until the 100 plus pound vise shows up at your door. good luck with that.

 

[Craptain]

So, I am in La Rochelle in France. I have a boat ready to depart crew ready and engines warmed up. Then I heard that there was a car show up in hte parking lot.

Well I had very few Euros left and I just wanted to look.

But as well as being a good show, there were lots of parts and a few tools as well. I couldn't help it. Honest it just came with me for 15 euros. Good job I am not flying home. Car pictures later. I have to get underway.

 

[Fretters]

That's a nice one Craptain. Are you starting a collection of vices from each country you visit?

 

[EOC_Jason]

EOC----On a serious note here.---What were you working on that a 4C wouldn't handle? I figured a 4C could handle anything that could be lifted by hand or gambled into it.

Man I honestly can't remember, my father and I were working on something and I remember telling him be careful not to open it too far or we would have a tragedy on our hands. I remember we had the slide extended so far it was inside the static housing, but still had good engagement in the main nut. That is the image that is burned in my mind. If I remember what it was, I'll be sure to post it, cuz yeah it's driving me nuts too that I can't remember.

 

[Fretters]

That's more a case of exceeding the holding capabilities of the vice, not so much finding something it couldn't handle comfortably within its capabilities.

 

[Catamount]

Before-and-after of my Snap On branded Wilton 1760. More details here.

 

[rmalkow2]

Nice job. I like the silver badge on that bright red.

 

[Jan-Sietze]

Nice Paramo No4

The one that I still miss...

 

[95riosnake]

Well I picked up the "Telecomm Vise", as I've decided to call it, yesterday. Looking forward to giving it a good refurbishing and a coat of Verde Green hammered finish, which I have recently become addicted to lol. Here are a couple photos as promised. The seller and I both were confused how I can take it apart, as it seems it was built so the lead screw won't turn all the way out, it just stops at the end. I'll have to investigate further and see what's up. I'm sure I'll figure it out.

 

[Outlawmws]

In searching for a decent USA Wilton on ebay, I came across this. One of you vice nuts might be able to do it justice: http://www.ebay.com/itm/wilton-vise-/281402586449?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item4184e6b551

And no, it's not mine

Seller refurbished: An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party

Lessee, where to start? Completely missing the base it pivots on, missing the jaw caps, missing the pipe jaws...

And based on painting whats left, he wants on a buy it now, about what it would (or should) go for if complete...

But he has two watchers! :lol;

 

[Outlawmws]

I couldn't help myself and nabbed this one. I'll be sure to post pics when it gets here http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=201145981002&pAction=VI

Wow Eprey king of stunned me for a second! instead of showing YOUR vise they tell me

"The original item has sold for US $99.99. We have selected another similar item below"

and its a 6" bullet at a BIN of $750!

 

[Outlawmws]

Well I picked up the "Telecomm Vise", as I've decided to call it, yesterday. Looking forward to giving it a good refurbishing and a coat of Verde Green hammered finish, which I have recently become addicted to lol. Here are a couple photos as promised. The seller and I both were confused how I can take it apart, as it seems it was built so the lead screw won't turn all the way out, it just stops at the end. I'll have to investigate further and see what's up. I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Dan, I'll be interested to see the detaisl of what it looks like, adn I'm sure other will also. post pics as you progress!

"Telecomm vise?" :dunno" What took it there?

And why would the thing "just stop" unscrewing it?

 

[95riosnake]

Dan, I'll be interested to see the detaisl of what it looks like, adn I'm sure other will also. post pics as you progress!

"Telecomm vise?" :dunno" What took it there?

And why would the thing "just stop" unscrewing it?

I'll definitely post some pictures as I make my way through it. Not sure why it stops, I'm sure I'll figure it out. I only had enough time yesterday to go get it, take some photos, and head out to dinner with the wife.

I'm calling it the "Telecomm Vise" because the only known history of it is that it originated at the Newark Telephone Company and an employee of theirs ended up with it when they were sold to another company that cleared out the building. I'll still do my best to find out more but at the moment that's all I have.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Teaser pic of the 4C I'm restoring. This one is going naked with only boiled linseed oil for a coating... It's looking very sharp...

 

[rmalkow2]

Wilton Power Arm listed on CL in the Dearborn, MI area.

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/tls/4623724607.html

 

[autopts]

Teaser pic of the 4C I'm restoring. This one is going naked with only boiled linseed oil for a coating... It's looking very sharp...

.......Jason, from what I see, you have a clean body from a model everyone would want in a heart beat. You have a wonderful collection of vises no doubt.
.......Here's one made possible by KMScott. He re-grooved the spindle, installed a new handle, I also bought his unique swivel handles and new jaws. I spared no expense in making this 800S as close to new as I could. Next to it is a 400S

 

[tool_scrounge]

Well I saw this vise forsale on the internet. It looks like a Parker to me. I wonder why the slide has been shortened so much? Makes for a pretty useless vise if it only opens 2" or so.

 

[Outlawmws]

Probably dropped and broken sometime in it's life and this was the fix to get at least limited use out of it. Or it was modified for a special use, but I'd have to ask why...

 

[oldldh]

Autopts---


What ARE you going to do with that wimpy 800S???


Is it a keeper???

 

[95riosnake]

Once I started going down the rabbit hole of vintage vise addiction, I remembered that my father in law mentioned inheriting a cool old vise from his father when he passed away at the age of 91. I finally remembered to snap a couple photos of it when my wife and I went to visit last week so here it is. It's a Morgan with 3 1/2" jaws, and what I think is pretty unique is the mounting method with the through-bench threaded post. Anybody have more information on it? He said he'd love to know more of the history behind the vise.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Here's one made possible by KMScott. He re-grooved the spindle, installed a new handle, I also bought his unique swivel handles and new jaws. I spared no expense in making this 800S as close to new as I could. Next to it is a 400S

Oh wow, that is a nice looking 800S...

What was wrong with the spindle?

 

[LG63]

.......Jason, from what I see, you have a clean body from a model everyone would want in a heart beat. You have a wonderful collection of vises no doubt.
.......Here's one made possible by KMScott. He re-grooved the spindle, installed a new handle, I also bought his unique swivel handles and new jaws. I spared no expense in making this 800S as close to new as I could. Next to it is a 400S

Wow, I'm trying to picture what a size appropriate bench or stand would look like? Maybe I should be thinking "footings" and "foundation"