The VISES of Garage Journal
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
McBrownie
Well-known member
Oldie,
Color AND a heck of a vise for a pretty decent price considering the condition.
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Color AND a heck of a vise for a pretty decent price considering the condition.
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McBrownie
Well-known member
Here is my latest project. Needs some attention from the Reverend and a little paint and this one will be good to go. My first double swiveler!.
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bigcaddy
Well-known member
That would be a model 19 so 5" jaws? I'm hopefully going to pick up a number 22 in the coming weeks and get started on that once I finish off the 5198.
The big boy is ready for primer and I will be shooting it and a 5197 the same day so I don't have to clean my spray gun twice.
Once it cures for a few days, I'll shoot on a few coats of "Arrest Me Red"
and finish up the bright work for both.KMScott
Well-known member
B-Caddy. That would be 3-1/2" jaws on the Prentiss #19. Can't wait till we all see the 5198. Is that the right color?
I've been reading this thread for a while now and I finally get to post my recent finds. The "little" one is a Yost 33c with 5" jaws and weighs in at 98 lbs. The monster is a Ridgid 60FCPN, with 6" jaws and weighs in at 160 lbs. Looking forward to getting them mounted and putting them to work.
Would love to know more about the Ridgid. Can't find any info on it.
Would love to know more about the Ridgid. Can't find any info on it.
bigcaddy
Well-known member
I've been reading this thread for a while now and I finally get to post my recent finds. The "little" one is a Yost 33c with 5" jaws and weighs in at 98 lbs. The monster is a Ridgid 60FCPN, with 6" jaws and weighs in at 160 lbs. Looking forward to getting them mounted and putting them to work.
Would love to know more about the Ridgid. Can't find any info on it.
They are a huge outfit based out of Elyria, Ohio and make the premier brand of pipe fitting tools. I think I use or repair at least 2 Ridgid tools every day, from the 300 pipe machines to an assortment of hand tools like cutters and wrenches.
They are of excellent quality and built to take a beating and laugh when you throw everything you have at them.
That's a nice find
balane
Well-known member
That Ridgid is at the top of the food chain. Nice vise!
Thank for the great info! What about this vise specifically? Anyone have any info on it like vintage or casting material?
fullthrottle24
Well-known member
It is made by Columbian. I would guess it was made in the 60's or later, it's hard to date Columbians since their overall style never really changed much. Wilton still makes them but only the high end ones like yours are made in USA.
joe.striper
Well-known member
Great day in NH today. Foud this American Scale 8" vise. Also 2 8" blacksmith vises, a 6" blacksmith vise and other big stuff. All i need is $$!!!
I did buy a parker 974B for $20 but i have to check for damage as it has tightening issues.
anyone know who makes this old combination vise?
The blacksmith vises are huge and gorgeous. We are talking about the 8" American Scale will see if we can come to terms.
The 8" blacksmith is $650. The 6" blacksmith is $250. VA Grouseman pm me if you want that big blacksmith vise. I'll assist in arranging its shipment out to you.
I did buy a parker 974B for $20 but i have to check for damage as it has tightening issues.
anyone know who makes this old combination vise?
The blacksmith vises are huge and gorgeous. We are talking about the 8" American Scale will see if we can come to terms.
The 8" blacksmith is $650. The 6" blacksmith is $250. VA Grouseman pm me if you want that big blacksmith vise. I'll assist in arranging its shipment out to you.
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More great info! Thanks! Never would have guessed that a ridgid branded vise would be made by Columbian. I assume the material would be ductile cast iron like the Yost and not grey or white. Is that a reasonable assumption?
Edit a short while later: Nice call! It looks to be identical to a columbian 206, or a 10406 except mine has more travel. I also noticed that these babies are over $2000 to buy one new! Holy smokes!! see http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/91728-10406-columbian-bench-pipe-combination-vises.html I guess I did well at $150.
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oldldh
Well-known member
Gtyler---
Grasshopper, if you got that big b@#tard for $ 150.00....
Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!!
Grasshopper, if you got that big b@#tard for $ 150.00....
Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!!
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
It could be a rebranded H B Smith, It has the Parker looking jaws on it.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Joe,
That 8" American Scale is an absolute beast!
Good luck with the negotiations.I would love to add that 8" leg vise to my blacksmith shop, but $650!! that seems way out there unless it weighs 650 lbs, but it looks more like 200 ish to me.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Stripping paint on my Prentiss No. 19. On the swivel lockdown handle, it has "V412" stamped into it. Anyone know what that means? It also has "125" stamped on the underside of the rear swivel jaw and the static, but I assume that is just a way to keep matched pairs straight.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
McB: as far as i know those are part #'s that Prentiss used to keep parts for the vises organized. i'm hoping you can tell me when your Prentiss 19 came out of the factory because that swivel pin seems like it might be older than the pull pin one my #26 has. i'm sure that vise will be a showpiece after you and KMScott get finished with it. nice find.
All: I did pull up Prentiss' factory addresses during the existence they were in business on the Vise Repair 101 thread and the company sold to Parker in 1950. interesting because then Parker sold to Union in 1957 I think you mentioned.
so what did Union do with all those vise companies or are they operating under Morgan, Yost or Wilton's name today??
All: I did pull up Prentiss' factory addresses during the existence they were in business on the Vise Repair 101 thread and the company sold to Parker in 1950. interesting because then Parker sold to Union in 1957 I think you mentioned.
so what did Union do with all those vise companies or are they operating under Morgan, Yost or Wilton's name today??
Outlawmws
Well-known member
The stamped numbers will be for matching parts as they get finished.
Any odd cast/Forged in numbers will casting or forging numbers, possibly general part numbers.
Any odd cast/Forged in numbers will casting or forging numbers, possibly general part numbers.
McBrownie
Well-known member
McB: as far as i know those are part #'s that Prentiss used to keep parts for the vises organized. i'm hoping you can tell me when your Prentiss 19 came out of the factory because that swivel pin seems like it might be older than the pull pin one my #26 has. i'm sure that vise will be a showpiece after you and KMScott get finished with it. nice find.
All: I did pull up Prentiss' factory addresses during the existence they were in business on the Vise Repair 101 thread and the company sold to Parker in 1950. interesting because then Parker sold to Union in 1957 I think you mentioned.
so what did Union do with all those vise companies or are they operating under Morgan, Yost or Wilton's name today??
Here is something I came across on GJ:
From Catalyze Post #4:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114573
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"The old Prentiss swivel jaw vises are the ones that make me start to get sweaty palms. Dave is pretty spot on with pricing estimates. Prentiss vises aren't exactly heavyweights for the jaw width so figuring a price per pound doesn't alway ring true. Reed and Athol will blow a Prentiss out of the scale room for an equal width jaw. Having said that, Prentiss vises are not the most common around. Rarity adds a bit to their price if someone (like me) is looking to buy a Prentiss.
Age can be figured on the swivels sort of like this:
The oldest ones will have the model number and logo on the very top and rear of the main body. It will be in abbreviations like PVC NYC Model 20. Look just behind where the jaw swivels on top. They will also have a "plunger" swivel lock you have to pull up with prayers to The Almighty.
Next will be the "Graffiti Lettering" vises with the wild flowing script lettering on the side away from the swivel lock. It will say Prentiss Vise Company New York City Model 20 and the dynamic jaw will have the numbers of 3 -20 cast on the side. This is because the slide will fit either a static base (3) or the swivel base (20). It will have the same terrible plunger swivel lock.
The last in line will have the above except that the swivel lock will have a handle that your use to raise the swivel lock. These are a bit easier to use IF it isn't all gummed up. I have a model 19 1/2 with the plunger and a model 22 with the lever. The lever is so much easier....ahhh."
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I agree with what was said about weight. My Parker 974 "drum brake" swivel lock mechanism almost weighs as much as the dynamic slide on this little Prentiss. Also, if the above is accurate with regards to the plunger types, your vise is older than mine. But, they are both still old.
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ganymede
Well-known member
I think so too. Before Columbian they used to sell those Simplex style vises from Desmond Stephan Co.
Wonder if they stopped because the Simplex types proved unsatisfactory or they just got a better deal from Columbian.?
alinc100
Well-known member
Picked up this Athol 614 today at an estate sale ,sight unseen for $35.
A friend was coming into town to pick up an ignition parts cabinet I scored him last week and since I was still at work I sent him to an estate sale in my neighborhood and had him check the price and model and was able to secure it for me!!
It's pretty smooth, I think it will clean up and paint pretty well.
Any idea of what vintage/years on this baby?
A friend was coming into town to pick up an ignition parts cabinet I scored him last week and since I was still at work I sent him to an estate sale in my neighborhood and had him check the price and model and was able to secure it for me!!
It's pretty smooth, I think it will clean up and paint pretty well.
Any idea of what vintage/years on this baby?
Picked up this Athol 614 today at an estate sale ,sight unseen for $35.
A friend was coming into town to pick up an ignition parts cabinet I scored him last week and since I was still at work I sent him to an estate sale in my neighborhood and had him check the price and model and was able to secure it for me!!
It's pretty smooth, I think it will clean up and paint pretty well.
Any idea of what vintage/years on this baby?
Dang! That beast is in really good condition for it's age. It will clean up nicely. Also, well done on the score.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Behold! Two 80-90 year old vise handles with no hammer marks. Not all vise owners are gorillas. The top spindle is from a Prentiss 19 and it is sitting on a Parker 203. Two differences: The Prentiss handle is longer than the Parker and the Prentiss took about 30 minutes to get it looking that shiny. The Parker took me a month.
What was strange on the Prentiss is that it looked like someone had smacked the spindle knob with a hammer. You can see the flat spot in the first picture.
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After cleaning I could read the "Oil the Screw" stamp which I believe is a quote from the Tin Man in an adult version of the Wizard of Oz. Not sure of the connection to Prentiss.
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What was strange on the Prentiss is that it looked like someone had smacked the spindle knob with a hammer. You can see the flat spot in the first picture.
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After cleaning I could read the "Oil the Screw" stamp which I believe is a quote from the Tin Man in an adult version of the Wizard of Oz. Not sure of the connection to Prentiss.
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bigcaddy
Well-known member
I have a number of Prentiss vises that have that flat spot with either "oil the screw" or a patent date/number on it. Not all of them did but some do
sz0k30
Well-known member
Just added another vise to the collection. An Oswego 24B, 4" jaws, swivel, scalloped and about 50 lbs. In my searching, not much info on Oswego, although some connection to Sawyer. Only possible issue is a bent swivel locking handle. Haven't had a chance to give it a good look yet. Assuming its cast, what would be the best method to straighten it?
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Here are my latest three additions to the collection...
~Tejaas~
How much did you pay for that Wilton 400? I've been looking for them over at Wilton Vise Parts but can't seem to find them lower then about $300.
Louisville is just down the road from me. I'm not familiar with Chas Parker, hows this compare to say a Wilton?
JeremyBurke
Well-known member
I cannot wait to see where this goes. Parker fans remember you catch more flies with honey.
Tejaas
Well-known member
I'm probably not going to be of much help to you, as i got that Wilton 400 in the photo for free about a week and a half ago or so... here is the thread for it:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262330
and id take a Parker over a Wilton anyday of the week!
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Tejaas
Well-known member
haha!
ill say it again for all to hear...
I WILL TAKE A PARKER OVER A WILTON ANYDAY OF THE WEEK!
Fretters
Well-known member
I'd probably say the same with regards to old style versus round slide vices regardless of make. There's just not the same basic mass of metal there, especially around the jaw area, (I believe both Wilton and York are somewhat hollow around that area?). The only round slide I'd differ on would be the Swindens, as they are just solid. Swindens have a face only a mother could love though, in vice terms.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'll buy either, but I buy the Wilton's to resell (except for the "little" 3" bullet. It's too cute to sell unless I find a baby) assuming I can get them cheap enough. I prefer the styling of the Parkers.
Hell yes, but an extra +1 for a Reed.
I'd probably say the same with regards to old style versus round slide vices regardless of make. There's just not the same basic mass of metal there, especially around the jaw area, (I believe both Wilton and York are somewhat hollow around that area?). The only round slide I'd differ on would be the Swindens, as they are just solid. Swindens have a face only a mother could love though, in vice terms.
They are indeed hollow, look at this Wilton bullet I bought for $5 at a yard sale. You can see right inside haha. Why people like these things so much, is beyond me, but we all have our things.
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Planned on keeping it bare metal but decided to paint it last minute.
Maybe I'll mount it right here.
But probably not....
Man I love your 208! Especially the snub nose, I wish mine had that!
Fretters
Well-known member
Hadn't realised they were hollow that far up the neck. Doesn't look like the cast is overly thick either, gauging from the area around that hole?
I noted roughly the same with that little York I was sorting for the young 'un, when drying it off after the vat session. Had to get my finger well in there with the cloth, though I don't think the hollow extended quite as far as that Wilton.
I noted roughly the same with that little York I was sorting for the young 'un, when drying it off after the vat session. Had to get my finger well in there with the cloth, though I don't think the hollow extended quite as far as that Wilton.
Yep, I was pretty surprised myself. I never bothered to measure how thick it is, but it's pretty damn thin.
oldldh
Well-known member
McBrownie
Well-known member
Nice photo Oldie.
I'lll add my 2 cents I like my 9300 for its holding smaller pieces. It does a better job at that and has less "play" in it than my Parkers. It was the first real vise I owned. However, I was never comfortable with really leaning on it and that is why I picked up a Parker. The Parker is a more robust vise, but looses some of that precision. However, this could br considered an apples and oranges comparison. The Bullets and Parkers are built for different purposes. I've never used a Wilton Mechanics vise and that might be a better comparison. Maybe someone who has used both can chime in with their thoughts.
Edit: That 973 1/2 that started this discussion is a nice looking vise. Given the choice between the two, I'd take a nice Parker over a nice Wilton.
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joe.striper
Well-known member
Gentlemen, gentlemen a word about this 'controversy'. We are talking about vises, not wives, not the Yankees vs Red Sox etc...we are allowed to have more than one favorite here, that's why I have 3 work vises in my shop.
Each one has their pluses and minuses, which I won't belabor in my post. None of us could function with just a single vise so there is really no debate. Also, we learn to love what we find and can afford. I agree with the hollowness of the Wilton vise, but if you need to bend heated 4" steel it ain't the one for you and you should look for the American Scale vise I saw last week.
One of my favorite sayings applies equally to vises as it does to women "that's why God created redheads, blondes and brunettes".
Each one has their pluses and minuses, which I won't belabor in my post. None of us could function with just a single vise so there is really no debate. Also, we learn to love what we find and can afford. I agree with the hollowness of the Wilton vise, but if you need to bend heated 4" steel it ain't the one for you and you should look for the American Scale vise I saw last week.
One of my favorite sayings applies equally to vises as it does to women "that's why God created redheads, blondes and brunettes".
KMScott
Well-known member
I parked my Wilton 400S and put it in the sale pile, not happy with the round barrel. The square slide sure works better for me building all these vise parts. it is nice having basically a anvil to rest my handles on while forming the ends. I use a piece of nylon as the pad to not damage the slide. I have not found my vise that will eventually be the one. I just started restoring my vises and will eventually pick the one main vise that will handle my work. I really like how Carla finished her 103R, see picture. Especially how the jaws are smooth, I hate adding copper caps every-time I have to grab a precision block to tap or work on. I can not wait till I get to the Reeds, Hollands and Prentiss's, I am sure I will find the one made for me. I do know it will not be a Parker.
