The VISES of Garage Journal

[jakemac]

Drives, you are assuming again! Heck as far as we know he could be coming out of the closet! :supergay:

Closets are too small, I have a storage unit.

 

[taumac]

I saw this ad on CL.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/tls/4817078172.html
Ok its been welded but asking if this Holland has a swivel jaw? From the weld looks if it did have a swivel jaw someone welded it

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by Drivesitfar.

Jake: how long are you going to keep this secret? are you enjoying it while it's sitting on your bench or any pictures to share?
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Ah, he's found some old gizzard that wants to give him a 209, a 408 and a 5198 all in mint condition.---Big deal.

 

[drivesitfar]

Taumac: the other vise in the ad i think is a decent Columbian which might be worth buying because it looks like it has 5 inch jaws. the Holland's did have a swivel jaw maybe 60 years ago judging from the amount of welding material used to hold it in place. I've seen a lot of swivel jaw vises welded and honestly i think some of the prior owners didn't like the fact that those vises swiveled so welded just to hold them in place even when they weren't broken.

Outlaw: not nice calling Jake's shop a closet.

 

[thursday]

Taumac: the other vise in the ad i think is a decent Columbian which might be worth buying because it looks like it has 5 inch jaws. the Holland's did have a swivel jaw maybe 60 years ago judging from the amount of welding material used to hold it in place. I've seen a lot of swivel jaw vises welded and honestly i think some of the prior owners didn't like the fact that those vises swiveled so welded just to hold them in place even when they weren't broken.

Not a Columbian. That's a Littlestown.

 

[drivesitfar]

Thursday: you are indeed correct and it's an open screw Littlestown so Taumac probably not worth a drive to check out either one. i was watching a football game and looking at that awful weld job and trying to see something positive. once i save and blow up the pictures i can see Littlestown, but the little pictures are hard for me to see even with my reader glasses on. The Hollands might be a good parts vise and might even work, but looks like a POS.

 

[taumac]

Taumac: the other vise in the ad i think is a decent Columbian which might be worth buying because it looks like it has 5 inch jaws. the Holland's did have a swivel jaw maybe 60 years ago judging from the amount of welding material used to hold it in place. I've seen a lot of swivel jaw vises welded and honestly i think some of the prior owners didn't like the fact that those vises swiveled so welded just to hold them in place even when they weren't broken.

Outlaw: not nice calling Jake's shop a closet.

Drive
Good info on the Holland's but the other looked like a Littleton to me with the exposed screw and marking that I can see on dynamic jaw. I might just have to take run out to see.

 

[Outlawmws]

Tauemac, I think that Hollands has swiveled it's last. If you look, besides the weld, it had a stud and nut to hold it, and I'd bet that the pin was replaced with a bolt...

I'd guess the swivel jaw was busted and this was the "fix"...

 

[taumac]

Tauemac, I think that Hollands has swiveled it's last. If you look, besides the weld, it had a stud and nut to hold it, and I'd bet that the pin was replaced with a bolt...

I'd guess the swivel jaw was busted and this was the "fix"...

Ill agree I thought that stud would be where the pin went but also there's a bolt farer back also. Its surly been abused at some point. I had a thought if someone welded it how hard would be to cut the welds and refinish cause rest of to doesn't look to bad. On other hand looks to be too much work but could be good parts vise for someone.

 

[joe.striper]

Found this Prentiss for $100. Not familiar with this model. Emailed the seller. Any suggestions?

 

[drivesitfar]

Joe: its not a Prentiss. it's a Desmond and looks like a decent size one maybe a 4.5 or 5 incher with pipe jaws. you are the king of good deals so check it out and see if it works for you. or do you really need another vise for your vice??

 

[demoman]

My Oldest daughter wanted a vise to use like her brother so Santa brought her this Hollands. She really does put things in my other vises to work on them

 

[Filson]

My Oldest daughter wanted a vise to use like her brother so Santa brought her this Hollands. She really does put things in my other vises to work on them

Absolutely love it. It's awesome seeing kids getting into using tools. My two boys have John Deere themed little vises they use quite often.

 

[demoman]

I was also a good boy and Santa brought this automatic vise. There is no name and I forget now who made them. I searched a little bit but i'm sure there is someone here that can tell me. I have a smaller one about half this size that was nameless as well.

 

[joe.striper]

Joe: its not a Prentiss. it's a Desmond and looks like a decent size one maybe a 4.5 or 5 incher with pipe jaws. you are the king of good deals so check it out and see if it works for you. or do you really need another vise for your vice??

You know, I shouldn't multi task because I screw up names like that all the time.

OK. Can you make out a model # on this one? I thought like you it was 4-5 inches. Just not that familiar with the brand.

no i don't need a new vise. Just rebuilt a 1950s air hose reel and i am taking advantage of our warm (50s) temps to do some painting.

Its odd, i find a lot of my vises within 3 or 4 different 20 mile pockets throughout New England.

 

[superchargedv8]

Just got this guy for christmas....dont like the color so I'm going to go thru it and repaint it.

 

[jakemac]

Joe - It's the seismic fault lines that run through the region. Vises collect in the fault everytime the ground quivers.



I was able to read Desmond on the side of the vise as well, but couldn't read the number on the side. Could it be 46, 48 ?

I get the feeling that it may be larger than 5", but I have no idea. Either way, most Desmond's that we see here are labeled Simplex, have exposed screws, and are styled more like Littletons. So, if I had the money, I'd try to grab it just for the seeming rarity.

It has the screw collar like a Parker, pipe jaws like a Columbian, and the beefiness of a Reed. It's an interesting vise.

EDIT - looking at it again, I'm now thinking 5", but could be a little larger.

 

[drivesitfar]

Demo: I agree it's great to see the kids liking our vises and learning how to use them. looks like you'll have your hands full in a few years so trade in a big vise for a couple 12 gauges because she is a cutie. nice looking pink vise too.

SC: depends who gave you the Wilton for Christmas. if it was your wife i'd find a bench to bolt it to and use it. if it was from anybody else other than maybe kids or grandkids i'd say paint it whatever color you like, but that greenish color doesn't look half bad and pretty well done if you ask me.

Joe: I blew up the picture and it looks like the Desmond is a 4N so probably a 4 incher and it looks like it's missing one of the pipe jaws. did you sell your emmert or are you keeping it now that it's your Avitar?

 

[jreb10]

Joe - It's the seismic fault lines that run through the region. Vises collect in the fault everytime the ground quivers.



I was able to read Desmond on the side of the vise as well, but couldn't read the number on the side. Could it be 46, 48 ?

I get the feeling that it may be larger than 5", but I have no idea. Either way, most Desmond's that we see here are labeled Simplex, have exposed screws, and are styled more like Littletons. So, if I had the money, I'd try to grab it just for the seeming rarity.

It has the screw collar like a Parker, pipe jaws like a Columbian, and the beefiness of a Reed. It's an interesting vise.

EDIT - looking at it again, I'm now thinking 5", but could be a little larger.

Maybe like this one? Jaws are 4.75 inches:



The model number and "Simplex" are on the other side on this one.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm going to go against the grain here, and say that number is 43 and its a 3" jaw, (which would scale with the pliers on top)

 

[xxaler]

When the 10" that's been on the pipefitters bench since 68' snapped the front jaw off (can't remember brand, but have never seen another like it. Massive jaws, body, slide, yet only 12" handle) the company sprang for some nice RIGID 8" swivels for them. They came in and the 4-ears for bolting to the table are 3/8" thick...

Where I am, cheap vises aren't easy to come by. Paid $110 for this guy (very left one in the 2nd picture) and restored it pretty quick. Unknown brand, but it's pretty stout for a 5"/ It's for when I finish building my welding table at home.

Last 3 pictures are my 6" Record at work. Was in terrible condition for my first year and a half in the machine shop. Handle was shaped like a half moon, any further than 5" separation you had to really crank the handle to loosen/tighten. Tore it down, sandblasted everything, cleaned up the worm gear on the lathe, and built a new handle out of a hardened 1-1/4" pump shaft using heads off of 7/8" hex socket bolts.

 

[va.grouseman]

Demo---Your vise is a Stevens if I remember correctly, and you better put it under lock and key cause Zoomie said he would Out bid or fight anyone that had big one with an intact handle.---Well he didn't actually say he would fight but he might do a B&E.---He seemed pretty fixed on getting one.

Great job as a dad getting your kids involved in your interests.---They are like camcorders, they record every thing they see and hear.---You really have no idea how much your everyday activities influence them.---But they are watching.

 

[gregthor]

Demoman

It is a Stephens patent vise. I have the 2 1/2 version.

Greg

 

[gregthor]

Va answered while I was typing. Sorry for double post

 

[drivesitfar]

**: nice looking handle you made for that Record. would you care to share how you made it over on the vise repair 101 thread? i'm guessing you live in Canada or maybe Europe? your red vise you did a great job spiffing up was most likely made by Columbian for some big company and the sticker is missing.

welcome to our forum since it looks like you are a new member

 

[demoman]

Thanks for the info and comments. Stevens does ring a bell in the closet. Wonder why they were not proud enough to put a name on it. I have two big 7" jaw vises with markings but no name. Seems senseless for the free advertising it would give you.

 

[BJ42LX]

I've been wanting a York. But I didn't win this one!

$135.49 plus shipping.

From a few minutes ago:

 

[xxaler]

**: nice looking handle you made for that Record. would you care to share how you made it over on the vise repair 101 thread? i'm guessing you live in Canada or maybe Europe? your red vise you did a great job spiffing up was most likely made by Columbian for some big company and the sticker is missing.

welcome to our forum since it looks like you are a new member

Thank you, long time browser, but not much to post. Too busy fighting off the frigid winds of Canada trying to rewire/insulate my shop.

It's not much but I'll post up in that thread. We machine our pump shafts from 1.250 1141TGP shaft stock, then send them out for hardening afterwards. I just took a used one, brought it down to 7/8"x16", put a nice 45° bevel on it, then left a stub when I cut the bolt heads and put a 45° on them as well and burned it in.

 

[joe.striper]

Demo:

Joe: I blew up the picture and it looks like the Desmond is a 4N so probably a 4 incher and it looks like it's missing one of the pipe jaws. did you sell your emmert or are you keeping it now that it's your Avitar?

No Drivesit, I'm still selling the Emmert. Hopefully the next couple days I'll get it up.

As regards the Simplex, if the seller gets back to me I may bite, but I have questions for him....

I also have a line on a VERY nice all original Wilton 4.5" swiveler machinist vise that I may be able to get for $150.00. That's a money maker for me.

Christmas took a BIG bite out of my vise budget I tell you! Damned kids!

 

[va.grouseman]

I've been wanting a York. But I didn't win this one!

$135.49 plus shipping.

From a few minutes ago:

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Yea, that was a little better showing than the Prentiss.---About 3 quick shots fired in the last 9 seconds.---I think I'd rather watch the sharp shooters than be one.---I've fired a round or two, the last 10 seconds always rack my nerves.

 

[454ragtop]

I like how you built that stand. Flywheel for a base? Good use for a missing swivel base vise, I have a Reed 203 missing the base I have thought about doing the same with.

Sorry, missed this post. Yes it is a flywheel, knocked the ring gear off, don't know what it came from, found it on the ground at the boneyard.

Surprised there's no interest in the 5" Prentiss split base swiveler I posted this link to on Xmas. I think $100 is pretty cheap. Thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36112888133...38.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&rmvSB=true

 

[joe.striper]

Sorry, missed this post. Yes it is a flywheel, knocked the ring gear off, don't know what it came from, found it on the ground at the boneyard.

Surprised there's no interest in the 5" Prentiss split base swiveler I posted this link to on Xmas. I think $100 is pretty cheap. Thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36112888133...38.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&rmvSB=true

454 I saw your ebay post, for me this simplex just doesn't get me going. I'm only interested in the other one because it has pipe jaws. I think the fact that he doesnt quote shipping is a concern for bidders nationwide. Ive found that once you clear that hurdle it gets better. Also, his pics stink. He needs more and better. It looks like a CL ad on ebay.

 

[drivesitfar]

Ragtop: i'm always a bit cautious when a seller paints the entire vise with a primer especially if i have to buy before i see it in person. the back of the dynamic slide on top has a little discoloration which might mean it has a crack, but other than that didn't see much else negative about it. if you can see it in person and check the main screw and underside of the dynamic slide and avoid shipping a Benjamin isn't a bad deal for a 5 inch Prentiss.

Joe: your little Wilton is missing it's dust cover and might have an issue under it's dynamic jaw, but if you like because of it's style and age for one of your clients it's probably doable.

**: again welcome and i thought you made the handle ends on your Record's new handle with a pair of old sockets. would like to see a few more pictures and the description of how you did that over on the vise repair 101 thread when you have some time to post there. thanks

 

[EOC_Jason]

Very nice! I see braxmeier sold three of them recently.

I have a York 125 too (link to pics in sig) that I've been toying with selling. Problem is I'm in it for at least $140 if memory serves... lol... Maybe I'll just throw it up on ePray for $200 BIN and see if there are any takers.

I've been wanting a York. But I didn't win this one!

$135.49 plus shipping.

 

[joe.striper]

Drivesit, i saw that. The dust cover is a non issue for me as ca have a resource for this size vise. The jaws, that's an in person thing. I wont buy a vise with damaged jaw supports.

One nice thing about these Wiltons is that i can get parts. That Simplex is missing a pipe jaw, which means im probably passing.

 

[drivesitfar]

Joe: the reason i mentioned the dust cover on the 70 year old Wilton is not because of the $1 part. it's because it could have years of crud inside the usually enclosed dynamic jaw and that could put excessive wear on the main screw and vise nut. you already probably knew that and just mentioning to the guys that don't buy 5 vises a week like you do.

VA: so you don't like to bid on Ebay vises anymore or do you just buy the ones that have a BIN? those last second bids keep the old ticker pumping better if you ask me especially if you win.

 

[chevychuck]

Very nice! I see braxmeier sold three of them recently.

I have a York 125 too (link to pics in sig) that I've been toying with selling. Problem is I'm in it for at least $140 if memory serves... lol... Maybe I'll just throw it up on ePray for $200 BIN and see if there are any takers.

I was the winning bidder on the york vise. I've been wanting one for awhile and this one seems really nice. Can't wait for it to get here.

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by Drivesitfar.
VA: so you don't like to bid on Ebay vises anymore or do you just buy the ones that have a BIN? those last second bids keep the old ticker pumping better if you ask me especially if you win.
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No, I still pull a shot now and then, but I think it chips away at me each time.---Not afraid of the ticker per say, afraid of the rise in pressure and these old dry rotted veins.---Afraid I'm going to have a blowout.---But it does give you a rush!



BJ42LX,---Not to worry about missed opportunity.---There's another York just waiting for you to pull the trigger.---It's a nice one too.---I'm expecting a good show, don't let me down.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111561005878?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[chatofab]

Thanks for all the help Drivesit and everyone else here that posts such valuable info! I have another quick question for you gurus. I saw another Cadet model Wilton pop up. It looks to be in good shape, but it is painted already which worries me a bit. Is there a good way to determine if there are any welds or cracks beneath the paint? Since it's Craigslist, I will be able to see and touch before I buy, but as this would be my first vise, are there any big gotchas or anything I should pay particular attention to? Thanks.

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/4823653572.html

 

[Outlawmws]

Paint can hide ANYTHING, unless they got sloppy about it. This guy looks like he is the "paint everything, including the slide" type.

You can ask for a $$ back guarantee, but how to get him to honor it if he renegs is the question.

Not all C listers are scum bags, but enough that you have to go in eyes wide open.

"Let the buyer beware..."