The VISES of Garage Journal

[va.grouseman]

balane-----Looks nice and I like it.---Need to break from protocol once in a while.---But I'll bet someone is waving ammonia under Autopts' nose right now, trying to bring him around.

 

[CRTDI]

I'm pretty sure that somebody out there will want an Extreme Green vise to match their Extreme Green tool box...well done!!

 

[balane]

balane-----Looks nice and I like it.---Need to break from protocol once in a while.---But I'll bet someone is waving ammonia under Autopts' nose right now, trying to bring him around.

LOL, you mean the guy who posted Paprika and Green Eden colored vises recently? Nick came out of the box already.

 

[FMC1959]

Oldldh Larry this vise I believe is sold already.

autopts, that vise is beautiful! Please let me/us know if the sale were to not go through. I can't speak for everyone, but for sure some regulars on this thread would be willing to make offers....me for sure

 

[macgee]

It's not a Craftsman, my impression of those isn't as favorable as others have posted. I've only seen the newer style though. This was a Snap On but the Wilton version of the 1750 is the identical vise. The only difference is color and badging.

Craftsman vises look only similar but are different in many ways. They've only ever released a 4 1/2" model anyway. Also, they've never been cast with Tradesman model numbers; 1740, 1750, 1760, etc. Snap On and Wilton versions share model numbers since they're the same vise in every physical way.

Edit: Snap On and Wilton vises have identical warranties as far as I know but I think Snap On is better to deal with on post-warranty issues. This vise will have an expired warranty no matter who manufactured it.

.

Sorry Balane, I wasn't trying to rain on the parade, I did read somewhere that there is a Craftsman USA made version of this vise by Wilton with 60,000psi iron but there also an almost identical asian sub par version and your correct it's a 4.5" and not a 5".

You have a great vice and you certainly will know where find it when you need a vice in a hurry.

Enjoy!

Edit: Your looks to be in great shape, especially the spindle.

 

[FMC1959]

It's not a Craftsman, my impression of those isn't as favorable as others have posted. I've only seen the newer style though. This was a Snap On but the Wilton version of the 1750 is the identical vise. The only difference is color and badging.

Craftsman vises look only similar but are different in many ways. They've only ever released a 4 1/2" model anyway. Also, they've never been cast with Tradesman model numbers; 1740, 1750, 1760, etc. Snap On and Wilton versions share model numbers since they're the same vise in every physical way.

Edit: Snap On and Wilton vises have identical warranties as far as I know but I think Snap On is better to deal with on post-warranty issues. This vise will have an expired warranty no matter who manufactured it.

.

Balane, I like the restore, like just about everything you do. Personally, I really like that green, it looks great and goes great with the big steel Snap On nameplate.

The current generation Tradesman are 1/2 size model numbers with 1745, 55, & 65, only the 8" is a full size 1780. Not sure how much older the 1740, 50 & 60 are, maybe mid 80's to right around 2000?....Autopts and other can probably say for sure.

And based on the price and look of that Craftsman, my guess is that it is a Wilton made mechanics series vise, which is made in China.

 

[balane]

Balane, I like the restore, like just about everything you do. Personally, I really like that green, it looks great and goes great with the big steel Snap On nameplate.

The current generation Tradesman are 1/2 size model numbers with 1745, 55, & 65, only the 8" is a full size 1780. Not sure how much older the 1740, 50 & 60 are, maybe mid 80's to right around 2000?....Autopts and other can probably say for sure.

And based on the price and look of that Craftsman, my guess is that it is a Wilton made mechanics series vise, which is made in China.

Thank you FMC and others. This vise is a 1990.

All of the Craftsman vises were manufactured in China and I believe every one was marked as such on the packaging. The original ones looked to be fairly close to the Tradesman vises of similar years. Then they changed the model to the version which is available today. I never got to handle an original Craftsman Professional vise but I did purchase a current model version for experimentation with refinishing & painting and was less than impressed with it. I returned it to the store after a close inspection. I found numerous sizable casting flaws and I didn't want to risk trying to improve the horrid action on the model I had.

 

[balane]

Sorry Balane, I wasn't trying to rain on the parade, I did read somewhere that there is a Craftsman USA made version of this vise by Wilton with 60,000psi iron but there also an almost identical asian sub par version and your correct it's a 4.5" and not a 5".

You have a great vice and you certainly will know where find it when you need a vice in a hurry.

Enjoy!

Edit: Your looks to be in great shape, especially the spindle.

Thanks and it's all good. A lot of these vises look very similar, I agree.

 

[oldldh]

Balane---

Like Ol' Kermit said--- " It ain't easy being Green!!!"

However, you are right, somebody with an Extreme Green SnapOn set up will HAVE to have that wee beastie!!!

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Holy hell that thing is HUGE!

I wonder how many toes were lost when it was dropped and the base / corner broke off...

 

[balane]

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!

Oh my God, yes... YES!! My work here is done.

 

[oldldh]

I wonder how many toes were lost when it was dropped and the base / corner broke off...

I don't know why I'm saying this...

But there is something wrong with that vise...

Why doesn't it have the dynamic jaw support on it???

Dennis, I don't think it was dropped, I think something real heavy fell out of the jaws, and knocked off the corner of the base...

 

[oldldh]

Oh my God, yes... YES!! My work here is done.

I just don't give YDGB's out, willy-nilly!!!


They must be earned...


And that "Mean Green Clamper" looks pretty damn nice...

 

[FMC1959]

Ok, Here's one for those who are needing something a little bigger than a average bench vise.

It's a massive Prentiss and the base is simply awesome; check out that dynamic jaw base support. One of you need to make a run to Jersey and take it.

FOR SALE: $325 (UNION COUNTY)

I would pay the price just for the base.

Wherever it came from I bet it has some history behind it.

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/4626066273.html

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

The size looks to be an 8, like B100's, so probably a 58...at the very least a 57. Then, why are there so many Prentiss with no naming of any kind on them, did they make that many vises for others to put their (house) brand on?

What's with the big support under the dynamic jaw? You think it is to prevent overloading it, or maybe it already has been overworked and the support is to keep it from sagging or falling out?

 

[oldldh]

I think it's been broken off...and the small "chip" in the base happened at the same time time...

Something really heavy did that, me thinks...

And the "Newer Looking" jaw support was whipped up to fill the breach...

It's still a "Breast", albeit, a wounded beast...

 

[balane]

My personal opinion is that the big vise was broken and then trimmed to where I added the red line. I've never once seen a heavy vise without a large, slide-support shelf. They need this support because they're made to hold heavy objects which causes a lot of stress. Even small vises have them. that add-on pedestal was the owner's way of putting a band-aid on that damage.

That's only an opinion however.

 

[FMC1959]

I don't take many photos of my vise, but took a couple today. Went to a big outdoor flea market and saw many vise for sale, not much that interested me except for...

This little guy, a Record 0 for $8.00. (sitting on a 974 I picked up last week for $50, decent shape)

 

[oldldh]

My personal opinion is that the big vise was broken and then trimmed to where I added the red line. I've never once seen a heavy vise without a large, slide-support shelf. They need this support because they're made to hold heavy objects which causes a lot of stress. Even small vises have them. that add-on pedestal was the owner's way of putting a band-aid on that damage.

That's only an opinion however.

The true test of a man's intelligence, is how much he agrees with you...

You are a smart Dude, my son...

 

[FMC1959]

And this one....looks like I took a quick trip across the pond and broke into Fretter's house for his Parkinson!

This one cost me some at $110, but I liked its uniqueness and QR. I don't know the model, maybe Fretter's or others might know. The jaw measures 3 3/4, maybe a fraction less.

 

[FMC1959]

I think it's been broken off...and the small "chip" in the base happened at the same time time...

Something really heavy did that, me thinks...

And the "Newer Looking" jaw support was whipped up to fill the breach...

It's still a "Breast", albeit, a wounded beast...

My personal opinion is that the big vise was broken and then trimmed to where I added the red line. I've never once seen a heavy vise without a large, slide-support shelf. They need this support because they're made to hold heavy objects which causes a lot of stress. Even small vises have them. that add-on pedestal was the owner's way of putting a band-aid on that damage.

That's only an opinion however.

I think both of you are right on your suspicions. It's a freaking 7-8 hour drive for me to Jersey, otherwise I would love to see it in person and see how it operates. If it opens and closes smoothly and the screw has no slop or damge to account for whatever happened to the support, for $325 including the stand, that would still be a great vise. Maybe not a collection or show piece, but still a big beast in your shop...just looking at the length of the handle makes me drool!

 

[J.A.Varela]

I don't take many photos of my vise, but took a couple today. Went to a big outdoor flea market and saw many vise for sale, not much that interested me except for...

This little guy, a Record 0 for $8.00. (sitting on a 974 I picked up last week for $50, decent shape)

That's a nice vice. For me a small vice is far more useful than a beast.
I think i heard Record now got sucked up by Irwin and whoever the hell owns them this week.

 

[oldldh]

FMC---

If those studs are on a 16" center...

That is a really big dude...

HMMM!!!

If the leaves are changing, that would be a really nice drive...

 

[Fretters]

And this one....looks like I took a quick trip across the pond and broke into Fretter's house for his Parkinson!

This one cost me some at $110, but I liked its uniqueness and QR. I don't know the model, maybe Fretter's or others might know. The jaw measures 3 3/4, maybe a fraction less.

They're a **** vice, aren't they, and they're even nicer in the flesh than they seem in photo's. You made a very good choice with that purchase. I don't think you'll ever feel disappointed with that vice. I've not seen any model numbers or information for those old style vices as yet. I think they must just have been listed by jaw width. I did see one with a couple of numbers cast into the side the other week, but I think they may have been casting numbers rather than a model designation. That one is a slightly larger model than mine. I think mine is just a shade over 3" on jaw width.

Nice deal on the little Record too. Is that one 2-1/2" jaws?

 

[Fretters]

Just bought this one on Ebay.

A little York 60. This one ain't mine though. It's for the youngest lad, (he's been watching it like a hawk for the last three days), so this is going to be his first restoration, with his dads help of course. Looks grubby, but doesn't seem to have been overly used/abused. It'll be nice to finally see a York in the flesh.

 

[jaker10]

Well I picked up this Prentiss 93 swivel last night. To bad the base has been welded. Can any one tell me why the one side is marked 53-93 ??? I drove about 40 miles to look at it. I asked on the phone if it had any cracks or been welded and was told no. Got there and found it had been cracked and welded. Should of just left but I took it home for $40.00.

 

[FMC1959]

They're a **** vice, aren't they, and they're even nicer in the flesh than they seem in photo's. You made a very good choice with that purchase. I don't think you'll ever feel disappointed with that vice. I've not seen any model numbers or information for those old style vices as yet. I think they must just have been listed by jaw width. I did see one with a couple of numbers cast into the side the other week, but I think they may have been casting numbers rather than a model designation. That one is a slightly larger model than mine. I think mine is just a shade over 3" on jaw width.

Nice deal on the little Record too. Is that one 2-1/2" jaws?

Yes it is 2 1/2". And yes, I am quite happy with the Parkinson purchase.

Well I picked up this Prentiss 93 swivel last night. To bad the base has been welded. Can any one tell me why the one side is marked 53-93 ??? I drove about 40 miles to look at it. I asked on the phone if it had any cracks or been welded and was told no. Got there and found it had been cracked and welded. Should of just left but I took it home for $40.00.

I never noticed that on other Prentiss, but they might all have it. Yours is a model 93, which is identical to the 53, but 93 has a swivel, and 53 is stationary. My guess is that they used the same dynamic jaw for either the 53 or 93 and just cast different base for the stationary/swivel model.

Would stand to reason the dynamic jaw was shared on many MFR's models like Parker's 97X & 95X, Reed's 10X & 20X, and so on.

 

[FMC1959]

I just ran into my garage to check a small Prentiss 50 I have and sure enough, on the dynamic jaw I have 50-90.

 

[Woodtick]

This is my first Wilton resto. All parts are cleaned, painted and ready to go back together. I didn't set any speed records with this one but I'm happy with the way it turned out.
Rich

 

[bigcaddy]

I don't know why I'm saying this...

But there is something wrong with that vise...

Why doesn't it have the dynamic jaw support on it???

Dennis, I don't think it was dropped, I think something real heavy fell out of the jaws, and knocked off the corner of the base...

I think the damage to the jaw support and base were two separate occurrences. I've caused a fair amount of damage due to major screw ups and even an expert like myself couldn't even imagine a scenario where that would occur

I think the damage to the base happened from it being hoisted above and dropped. It cleaved right at the point where the flange meets the upright, or, the most obvious place to break. Go ahead and drop massive weights onto a cast iron slab and it wil be a while before you break something

I'm more interested in the big booger that is welded around the operating handle. It that a cosmetic improvement:? Or another serious repair?

 

[jaker10]

I just ran into my garage to check a small Prentiss 50 I have and sure enough, on the dynamic jaw I have 50-90.

Thanks, that makes sense. My other Prentiss is a 515 but it has 515 525 on the dynamic jaw

 

[autopts]

My eyes! My eyes! I'm just curious how an Extreme Green 1750 5" vise will be received. It's, um, bright. Vise is in nice shape though.

.

I love that new Snap on color Bart. That 1750 looks new!

 

[95riosnake]

This is my first Wilton resto. All parts are cleaned, painted and ready to go back together. I didn't set any speed records with this one but I'm happy with the way it turned out.
Rich

Great job on the Wilton, I really dig the color choice!

 

[HunterMike]

Hello all,
i just picked up a Columbia 604 1/2, and while disassembled and cleaning, i noticed this stamp on the slide. Is this some sort of date code, or did someone add this down the line?

The "USA" is stamped twice, and then 247-50.

I colored it in with some of my daughters chalk so it is readable in the pic.

 

[72CZ]

Well I picked up this Prentiss 93 swivel last night. To bad the base has been welded. Can any one tell me why the one side is marked 53-93 ??? I drove about 40 miles to look at it. I asked on the phone if it had any cracks or been welded and was told no. Got there and found it had been cracked and welded. Should of just left but I took it home for $40.00.

At least it's got the support under the dynamic.
Unlike the #92 on the bay that missing it's support and
has a $250.00 buy now + $72.86 shipping..........

.

 

[Jammer1329]

Ok guys, I need some input. This one is on CL locally "for trade," no cash price listed. I have obviously heard of Yost, but can't find any info on the model. I'm torn because it looks kinda beastly, but has the exposed lead screw. I don't need another vise, but I could probably find a spot for it or try to refurb and flip it. How desirable do you guys think this vise is?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by autopts

I love that new Snap on color Bart. That 1750 looks new!
----------------------------------------------------------


Nick---That 800 would look mighty pretty Neon Green. Think about it.

 

[balane]

Previously posted by autopts

I love that new Snap on color Bart. That 1750 looks new!
----------------------------------------------------------


Nick---That 800 would look mighty pretty Neon Green. Think about it.

I told him I thought he should paint it flat battleship gray, if you can believe that came from me. He already has a buyer though and color was pre-chosen I think.

Thanks Nick.

 

[ritzblitz]

Jammer,

I honestly wouldn't pay much for it. If you have something you don't really want and he'll take it as a trade, that works.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I don't know why I'm saying this...

But there is something wrong with that vise...

Why doesn't it have the dynamic jaw support on it???

Dennis, I don't think it was dropped, I think something real heavy fell out of the jaws, and knocked off the corner of the base...

Yes... possible. Whatever it was, it took an awful lot of energy to break that (what appears to be) cast base....presuming it was level/well supported by a concrete floor..

Dennis

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I think the damage to the jaw support and base were two separate occurrences. I've caused a fair amount of damage due to major screw ups and even an expert like myself couldn't even imagine a scenario where that would occur

I think the damage to the base happened from it being hoisted above and dropped. It cleaved right at the point where the flange meets the upright, or, the most obvious place to break. Go ahead and drop massive weights onto a cast iron slab and it wil be a while before you break something

I'm more interested in the big booger that is welded around the operating handle. It that a cosmetic improvement:? Or another serious repair?

Bigcaddy..that is exactly what I was thinking..it was broken while being moved around...either via crane or by fork truck or whatever. It has that characteristic that you explained very well. I'll bet there was at least one "oh ****" uttered out loud when that happened. I am not sure I see / understand the booger you're referencing..

All: What's really interesting to me, it appears to be a cast base (agree??). If so, its a quite complex casting (where the flip is the parting line?), and maybe that's why the add on to the dynamic jaw was bolted on because of the added complexity that would have added to the "base" casting. If it was cast, who in the heck made it because it looks like it was purposely made for this vise.. Its a really cool vise, with a really cool and storied past I suspect..

Dennis