The VISES of Garage Journal

[rt dak]

Here's my small 10 vise collection. The best part is I didn't pay a dime for any of them.

First up is the only vise I have restored so far. A Columbian No. 4 that my father picked up for me at a tag sale for $5.

Next is a Columbian 604 1/2 that my wife bought me for my birthday when we were dating. Unfortunately someone painted it purple and maybe yellow.

A Columbian No 63 Red Arrow that my father picked up for me at a tag sale for $1.

A Reed 404 that was given to me by a guy who did some finish carpentry work in my house. He gave it to me after he saw the little red Columbian I restored. It was his grandfathers.

A Prentiss Bulldog No. 50 was my father's friend's that recently passed away and I was allowed to raid his tools.

Stanley 700, also from my father's friend

Three more clamp on Stanley, also from my father's friend

And lastly probably my most prized vise. My grandfather's (maybe even my great grandfather's) Parker No. 2X. From what I can find it's from somewhere between 1890-1910. It is pretty beat but useable. A chunk missing from the slide and is pretty beat up, front collar is missing & jaws are shot. Currently being freshened up before returning to it's original spot on my grandfather's workbench.

 

[drivesitfar]

Wrench: if you have your view set up so the last post is the first one you see like I do then you have do do some figuring on the search because it will come up with post #1 of the thread as the start. It confuses me too and if somebody has the fix please say so.

 

[EOC_Jason]

In an alternate universe, this is the famous quote from JAWS...

Get it? Jaws... Vise... HAHA!

 

[jwsia]

Here is my new one. Thought I gave a little much for it at the auction yesterday 50$. I wanted a non swiveling bullet or something similar but this one was in very nice original condition. I think the paint may have been touched up. Can anyone tell me anything more about it? Not having any luck online. Its a craftsman 5186

There was a Hollands 14 that was really nice there too but I missed it talking to some friends

 

[bigcaddy]

Here is my new one. Thought I gave a little much for it at the auction yesterday 50$. I wanted a non swiveling bullet or something similar but this one was in very nice original condition. I think the paint may have been touched up. Can anyone tell me anything more about it? Not having any luck online. Its a craftsman 5186

There was a Hollands 14 that was really nice there too but I missed it talking to some friends

Your vise was made by Reed under contract from Craftsman. That is a very stout vise and is most likely at least 50 years old

 

[Outlawmws]

Your 5186 was built by Reed, in the late 40's or so, should weigh in at 51 lbs or so, with 4" jaws.

 

[Blue Frog]

If any of you fine gentlemen still wear ties, this may be of interest to you - a tie tac.





http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintag...91931&clkid=206463876698456238&_qi=RTM1562569


Blue

 

[EOC_Jason]

Here is my new one. Thought I gave a little much for it at the auction yesterday 50$. I wanted a non swiveling bullet or something similar but this one was in very nice original condition. I think the paint may have been touched up. Can anyone tell me anything more about it? Not having any luck online. Its a craftsman 5186

I found this info on another forum about the Craftsman Reed vises:

Your vise was made by Reed Mfg Co of Erie PA sometime after 1935 and before 1949. After that time Craftsman was getting their vises from another mfg.

Being the flat-nose and separate label, I'm going to guess more on the later end of those dates.

 

[jakemac]

If any of you fine gentlemen still wear ties, this may be of interest to you - a tie tac.

Hmmmmm, let's see :

How old is it ?
When was it made ?
Who made it ?
What's the model number ?
What size are the jaws ?
Can the jaws be replaced ?
How do I take it apart ?
What's the best way to clean/de-rust it ?
What was the original color ?
Where can I find parts ?

Did I miss any of the usual questions ?


P.S. - You forgot to display it on a stump for maximum effect.

 

[jwsia]

holy cow that was quick, thanks for the info. Is this a keeper for the 50 or should I keep looking?

 

[Outlawmws]

Definite keeper.

 

[EOC_Jason]

holy cow that was quick, thanks for the info. Is this a keeper for the 50 or should I keep looking?

Old Craftsman branded anything is collectable. You could re-sell it for more on eBay if you really needed the cash. Personally I would clean it up and use it, a 4" Reed is a solid vise.

 

[jwsia]

Thanks for the advise guys, just don't want to drill holes and mount it only to find a better quality one 6 months from now

 

[ZRX61]

My bench top has been drilled for 3 different vises at each end & one in the middle. 1/2in dowel takes care of extraneous holes. Just checked & none of the unused holes are visible at one end & 4 are at the other, with 2 in the middle. Not really an issue as my bench top is 2x10s topped with plywood, topped with sacrificial 5/16 masonite. Next time the masonite is changed none of the extra holes will be visible.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you keep looking it's almost certain you WILL find one you like better, if only "because" that goes with the territory. If you stop looking you are not likely to ever find it lacking unless you do some extreme heavy work.

I've had the same vise on the corner of my bench for about 30 years, and through 2 houses. I have bigger, better, vises, but it's performed fine 99% of the time. I AM looking for the base piece for a heavy stand for an even larger vise I bought from Carla...

 

[fullthrottle24]

Thanks for the advise guys, just don't want to drill holes and mount it only to find a better quality one 6 months from now

You would be hard pressed to find better quality vise then that. Those vises have backlash adjustments, oil ports, and are tough as nails. IMHO, much better then overpriced Wilton's. 50 bucks was a steal! If you are still unsure, send it to me, I will gladly allow you to recoup your 50 bucks.

 

[bigcaddy]

holy cow that was quick, thanks for the info. Is this a keeper for the 50 or should I keep looking?

It depends what you plan on doing with it, home use or work, but if you don't abuse it, that vise will attend your funeral. Reeds are a favorite on here and I have more then one as a day to day work vise that laughs at my attempts to wear it down.

You couldn't of done much better for 50.00

 

[PghJKB]

Here is my new one. Thought I gave a little much for it at the auction yesterday 50$. I wanted a non swiveling bullet or something similar but this one was in very nice original condition. I think the paint may have been touched up. Can anyone tell me anything more about it? .

jwsia
What fullthrottle24 said.

Also, the original color was cobalt / medium blue.
JKB

 

[wrenchguy]

Only ones in indiana, 1st pic l to r, yost 207, reed 207, morgan 80, pv58.



this pic, cman 05197, reed 205 1/2, 6"cp 275.



this 1 shows a couple 6" prentiss, 7"columbian, cp955, cp 974, reed204.



this shows ri577, ri 207, no.3 vanderman, no.3 oswego, cole, wilton.




cp975, cp474, 4"ri, 40morgan



cp474, reed and ri craftsmans, i forgot.



of course the 1 i call stars and stripes with a ri 577 mounted behind it.

 

[jwsia]

Thanks again for all the info, I guess I needed to feel better about the purchase, vice are not really my thing. A teardown and blue paint job is in order

 

[jakemac]

Only ones in indiana, 1st pic l to r, yost 207, reed 207, morgan 80, pv58.

Sorry, but I'm feeling a little hate in your direction right now.

 

[PWRstroke_smoke]

Peter Wright post vise, I inherited it from my grandfather, will be added to the new workshop shortly

 

[drivesitfar]

powerstroke: i wasn't sure if i was ever going to buy a blacksmith's vise, but i do like Peter's anvils so i'm pretty sure i'd like his vises too. that one looks like it is stout in all the right places.

Wrench: Jealousy aside, that is a very nice group of vises you have in and outside your shop. thanks for sharing.

Jswia: what else can be said. unless yours has a crack or broken part that you and the others can't see or find until you strip it you have a vise to last you until you are below ground. nice find and if you keep hanging around GJ and especially on this thread get the other end of the bench ready for a really big one or a tiny one.

Blue: nice accessory vise. i don't wear ties any longer, but would have worn that clip if I knew it existed.

 

[Outlawmws]

Wrench Guy: in the second pic: 5187, or 5197? (Oldlds HAS to be having a stroke about now...)

 

[macgee]

holy cow that was quick, thanks for the info. Is this a keeper for the 50 or should I keep looking?

jwsia,

I completely disagree with what the others are saying. For $50 it was highway robbery for that vise, just look at; all that rust, paint flaking away and someone even had the nerve to write on it using a black permeant marker pen on it (shame on them).

It's simply not worth your trouble and should be given (I mean sold off for $50) to me so you can recoup your money. Just let me know and I'll give you my shipping address and I'll even do another favor for you, I'll even pay for the shipping.

How does that sound?

 

[wrenchguy]

Wrench Guy: in the second pic: 5187, or 5197? (Oldlds HAS to be having a stroke about now...)

its a 5197, edited. i offered it to him, but i had to much in it. theres a post about it somewhere.

 

[Outlawmws]

jwsia,

I completely disagree with what the others are saying. For $50 it was highway robbery for that vise, just look at; all that rust, paint flaking away and someone even had the nerve to write on it using a black permeant marker pen on it (shame on them).

It's simply not worth your trouble and should be given (I mean sold off for $50) to me so you can recoup your money. Just let me know and I'll give you my shipping address and I'll even do another favor for you, I'll even pay for the shipping.

How does that sound?

The sad part is, I think hes completely serious about this...

 

[Fretters]

Peter Wright post vise, I inherited it from my grandfather, will be added to the new workshop shortly

Nice. A leg vice is still one of the things on my vice wishlist. They always seem to be dirt cheap if they're miles away and a small fortune if they're fairly close though, so I'm having to play the patience game in getting one.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Thanks for the advise guys, just don't want to drill holes and mount it only to find a better quality one 6 months from now

Forget what all the others are saying, I'll go $55 plus shipping!

Seriously though, an old 4" to 4.5" vise is a good size for most general garage stuff. Anything smaller and you find yourself lacking the gripping force for larger stuff. Anything larger and you have to be real careful with smaller / delicate things. Personally, I use my 4.5" vise more than any other size.

Reed is my favorite, and they are about as heavy duty as they get. If the serrated jaws aren't your thing, you can get some copper jaw caps on eBay for $20-$30 to have a smooth clamping surface...

 

[oldldh]

Wrench Guy: in the second pic: 5187, or 5197? (Oldldh HAS to be having a stroke about now...)

Fixed it for you...

He did offer it to me...

I would have had to sell 1.2 grandchildren to pay for it, and my Wife threatened to pummel me, if I sold the "little Darlings"...

Ergo, he still has it...

But, I will find one...I may even find the whole day'um set!!!

 

[EOC_Jason]

What's the story on the 5198? Ever reach a deal?

 

[oldldh]

Grasshopper...

All the 5198 data will be revealed...

When I hear what happened at the inspection...

 

[macgee]

The sad part is, I think hes completely serious about this...

I am serious


But in all seriousness, jwsia should keep it; it's a really good vice but I can totally understand where he's coming from. I remember when I first saw Reeds and would have preferred to have C. Parker, Starrett, Prentsis or Wilton over the Reed mounted on my only workbench. Don't let the Craftsman label fool you, the Reeds may not be as **** looking as others but after some time I learned how to really appreciate how good a Reed vise is and now consider them as a top, if not the best vise co, a true high performing workhorse.

Like others say it's a great vise and worthy of drilling holes in your bench for it. The jaws look great and with zeroing out backlash adj. what's not to like? With a little cleaning and some new paint, you'll have a very nice vise in a good size that will last a life time.

 

[EOC_Jason]

When I hear what happened at the inspection...

LOL... You have a vise agent acting on your behalf?

Next million dollar idea... vise concierge services!

 

[jakemac]

LOL... You have a vise agent acting on your behalf?

Next million dollar idea... vise concierge services!

Are we sure he wasn't referring to the Mug that's "casin' the joint" for him ?

 

[fullthrottle24]

jwsia,

I completely disagree with what the others are saying. For $50 it was highway robbery for that vise, just look at; all that rust, paint flaking away and someone even had the nerve to write on it using a black permeant marker pen on it (shame on them).

It's simply not worth your trouble and should be given (I mean sold off for $50) to me so you can recoup your money. Just let me know and I'll give you my shipping address and I'll even do another favor for you, I'll even pay for the shipping.

How does that sound?

I am serious


But in all seriousness, jwsia should keep it; it's a really good vice but I can totally understand where he's coming from. I remember when I first saw Reeds and would have preferred to have C. Parker, Starrett, Prentsis or Wilton over the Reed mounted on my only workbench. Don't let the Craftsman label fool you, the Reeds may not be as **** looking as others but after some time I learned how to really appreciate how good a Reed vise is and now consider them as a top, if not the best vise co, a true high performing workhorse.

Like others say it's a great vise and worthy of drilling holes in your bench for it. The jaws look great and with zeroing out backlash adj. what's not to like? With a little cleaning and some new paint, you'll have a very nice vise in a good size that will last a life time.

I believe I called it first! I mispoke earlier Reed's are garbage. Too many Bells and whistles. Wilton's are the best! Who doesn't want a big bullet sitting on their bench in that nice hammered green finish

 

[Fretters]

Are we sure he wasn't referring to the Mug that's "casin' the joint" for him ?

That'd be worth seeing just to see some poor sod trying to do a runner down the street with it when they've snatched it. Probably wouldn't make it ten feet.

 

[macgee]

Macgee.---I have two #474s, 67 lbs., but the #439 was 75lbs.---C.P.'s numbering system is kind of odd.---From #436, a 185 lb. combination vise, to #439, a 75 lb. rotating vise.---Seems like an odd leap.---To answer your question, that's the only one I've ever seen.
And speaking of 436s, there is one on E-bay right now.---Probably need a KMScott upgrade.

Having two 474's sounds like it's one too many. Let me know if you need help with that problem, I'll gladly take one off your hands.

I'm still fuming that I lost out on the 439 but that's life sometimes and now trying to acquire other vise to help with the pain.

I agree about the 436 needing a KMScott upgrade, that one actually looks like it has had a hard & useful life.

tedster posted a 439 awhile back. how do you guys search the find? when i try it just takes me to some radom page that ain't got anything i searched 4.

Are you talking about searching on eBay?

Looks like a Bergeon, but I need to see the left side to confirm.

Seen this style described as Boley like, but Boley's anvil is flat, not a round knob like this one. (Not that I have anything against round knobs...)

JKB

Thanks for the info and reply, I would love to find a small table mount vise (under 3") with the spindle threads enclosed under the slide. Been having a hard time finding one.

 

[Fretters]

Seriously though, an old 4" to 4.5" vise is a good size for most general garage stuff. Anything smaller and you find yourself lacking the gripping force for larger stuff. Anything larger and you have to be real careful with smaller / delicate things. Personally, I use my 4.5" vise more than any other size.

Sound advice. The other problem with the larger vices is simply the amount of space they occupy on a bench. Larger is good if it's absolutely necessary, but if not, I'd personally rather have the space. 4" or so so is my perfect size too, though generally I use the little 3" for most things.

 

[Fretters]

I'm still fuming that I lost out on the 439 but that's life sometimes and now trying to acquire other vise to help with the pain.

Another will turn up eventually. If you're lucky, you may even find one with the additional part so you can use it vertically? Someone posted one in this thread a month or two ago, if I recall.

I would love to find a small table mount vise (under 3") with the spindle threads enclosed under the slide. Been having a hard time finding one.

If it makes you feel any better, we quite regularly have stuff like that turn up across here. The little Record 0's and Woden B0's, for example.