The VISES of Garage Journal

[econotrk]

I finally got up to New Kensington to pick up the 51xx I had made arrangements to pick up earlier in the week. Had to leave town for a couple of days and really have to give the PO John a lot of credit for holding it for three days for me. You don't find that on craigslist everyday.

When I first talked to him he was guessing it was a 4", I figured I can live with that and if he happens to be off by a 1/2" and it's a 4 1/2" that would be even better. If it happens to be a 3 1/2" I'd still bring it home, just won't have the wow factor. 5195-5196-5197, I figured I'd find out when I get there.

I brought it home and find that the jaws are very nice, the slide doesn't appear to beat up, and happily the leadscrew nut is greased up and very clean.

It wasn't what I expected though, here's the pics. The last one's for oldldh

 

[bmxdad]

Is that a crack at the bottom of the slot?

 

[JeremyBurke]

Econotrk: let me be the first to say you **** no matter the price paid.

 

[joe.striper]

I finally got up to New Kensington to pick up the 51xx I had made arrangements to pick up earlier in the week. Had to leave town for a couple of days and really have to give the PO John a lot of credit for holding it for three days for me. You don't find that on craigslist everyday.

When I first talked to him he was guessing it was a 4", I figured I can live with that and if he happens to be off by a 1/2" and it's a 4 1/2" that would be even better. If it happens to be a 3 1/2" I'd still bring it home, just won't have the wow factor. 5195-5196-5197, I figured I'd find out when I get there.

I brought it home and find that the jaws are very nice, the slide doesn't appear to beat up, and happily the leadscrew nut is greased up and very clean.

It wasn't what I expected though, here's the pics. The last one's for oldldh

W.....O.....W....

 

[Outlawmws]

Econotrk: let me be the first to say you **** no matter the price paid.

W.....O.....W....

That is to my knowledge only the second 5198 found... and yes, bout do you ever ****!

 

[econotrk]

Is that a crack at the bottom of the slot?

It is and shows on both sides the same. Almost looks like a casting flaw the way it is shaped around the crack. I'll repair it before it goes back together, either have it welded or braze it myself.

 

[Outlawmws]

OK Oldie, a little cropping and here is your new avatar. Fitting I think, cause your both old!

 

[Outlawmws]

It is and shows on both sides the same. Almost looks like a casting flaw the way it is shaped around the crack. I'll repair it before it goes back together, either have it welded or braze it myself.

I think for that one, I's use a really small drill and stop drill it, and either silver solder or braze.

 

[drivesitfar]

Econ: nice find. were you as impressed as i was the first time you saw the Craftsman we all have come to love? my first one was only a 5196 and my heart skipped a beat because i was at the awesome Craigslist seller's home to pick up a drill press. he didn't want to sell the vise that day, but he called me up and i bought it a couple weeks later.

I've since got a 5197 and the little piece on the vise nut with the screw in it has broken off of mine so maybe that is the only weak point on that vise. when i took apart my 5196 to grease it the sleeve was thread and a PIA to get off when i finally figured that out. i used an ice pick to turn it off. not much room with the main screw inside the dynamic slide. is your sleeve threaded or was that unique to mine since i bought mine from a machinist.

by the way he still says these 519x series vises were made by Starrett so somebody knows that answer. these 519x vises have a little something from several vise companies so sort of a hybrid and wish they made more of them.

 

[econotrk]

I think for that one, I's use a really small drill and stop drill it, and either silver solder or braze.

Outlaw that sounds like a good plan, thanks for the reminder on stopping the crack with a small hole.

 

[jreb10]

I just have to say all this 519X talk is getting to me. I have never even seen one around here. They sound quite interesting. You are all a bad influence on me .

 

[firemanast]

Does anybody recognize this vise.

I bought because it was refurbished by Balane . Finding a old vise around here is like finding hen's teeth it is impossible.

 

[econotrk]

Econ: nice find. were you as impressed as i was the first time you saw the Craftsman we all have come to love?

is your sleeve threaded or was that unique to mine since i bought mine from a machinist.

by the way he still says these 519x series vises were made by Starrett so somebody knows that answer. these 519x vises have a little something from several vise companies so sort of a hybrid and wish they made more of them.

Drives, about a week ago I mentioned a friend of mine had a 5191 for sale. That's was my first look at the 51xx series which turned out to be a 5190. I liked it but it didn't really knock my socks off, I passed on it for $65.

When I laid eyes on this one though, "WOW", yeah this one really grabbed me.

I'm not sure I understand what sleeve you're talking about.

I'd love to know who made these for sure also. They have that Columbian style to them, it just seems odd that it's not hollow, I'd like to understand how much different the process is between making them hollow and making them solid.

Now I'm thinking the 5160 would make a nice contrast sitting next to it's big brother. Does it ever end?

 

[balane]

Wow, cool to see it bolted down and being used. Thanks for posting that. Do you like it? I thought it was a very nice vise.

 

[jakemac]

econotrk - You **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** !

 

[GETRIDAONE]

oldldh must still be taking his nap in that 70 degree heatwave. I surprised he hasn't chimed back in. I hope he didn't see the 5198 and it was to much for him.

 

[Thrumcap]

Soooo....

Here's a nice looking Prentiss. Listing says 8.5" jaw.
Having some difficulty IDing the model number.
Anyone in the vicinity of Louisville, KY want an utterly amazing deal on the chop saw, workbench, and pallet clamp?
All you have to do is unbolt the vise and drop it off at the nearby Fastenal for me

Thrumcap

 

[firemanast]

Wow, cool to see it bolted down and being used. Thanks for posting that. Do you like it? I thought it was a very nice vise.

Yes I like it job well done it is a very nice vise.
Thanks

 

[ber77]

My Vises,

 

[va.grouseman]

OK Oldie, a little cropping and here is your new avatar. Fitting I think, cause your both old!

He wouldn't have it if it was free.---It swivels.

 

[scooternut]

I wasn't aware of the legend of the 5198, but now I find myself REALLY bummed for passing on that one the other day. I was off, traded texts with the guy the night before, found his bottom price, stayed in the garage instead. Oh well. Congratulations on it, enjoy.

 

[encantofred]

i am buying this vise along with a couple of wiltons. there were no legible numbers or name on it anywhere. there was as name plate but it was not legible. it is one big vise and works very smoothly. the jaws rotate.

do any of you know what it is? it appears to be missing the dust cap on the back.

thanks

tom

 

[jakemac]

I wasn't aware of the legend of the 5198, .............

The 5198 was thought to be a pseudo-Unicorn, until one turned up last year. It was known that they were made, but no-one here had seen one. I think this one is the second or third now.

We're looking for a 5199 or a reed 209/409 now.

Of course, no one here would turn down a 5198 if another one turned up.
(oops, sorry. )

 

[va.grouseman]

i am buying this vise along with a couple of wiltons. there were no legible numbers or name on it anywhere. there was as name plate but it was not legible. it is one big vise and works very smoothly. the jaws rotate.

do any of you know what it is? it appears to be missing the dust cap on the back.

thanks

tom

That is probably a China made import.---Those were rebranded a hundred different ways and sold by a slew of tool venues and hardware stores.---Sawyer made a vise like that, but if it was a Sawyer Oswego, it would probably have the logo embossed on the side.---Zoomieport has a 6 inch Sawyer like that.

Don't use it for pressing or really hard clamping force.---They're ok for home use vises but when it comes to really tough industrial work, they won't stand the jar.

 

[Outlawmws]

He wouldn't have it if it was free.---It swivels.

Now Now, he's admitted that for a'98, or even a 97, he could be persuaded...

 

[bluebolt]

So let's see in the past couple of weeks I got a 5196, Jeremy Burke got a 5197 and now a 5198.

 

[drivesitfar]

BB: you might be right about you finding a 5196, but Jeremy doesn't have either or those other two vises. i bet he wishes he had them and one with a 1956 for his FIL's 60th birthday present next year.

adjust your books and give Econ credit for the second 5198 that we know of and not sure who got the 5197. i think Econ and Get thought Econ's 5198 was the 5197 they found on Craigs.

i think i have that straight.

Oldie: did you see a 5198 for $75 or did you have a heart attack? it does swivel though so i'm sure you wouldn't have wanted it on your bench. you ok or are you just getting in from tanning on the beach??

 

[JeremyBurke]

So let's see in the past couple of weeks I got a 5196, Jeremy Burke got a 5197 and now a 5198.

From your keyboard to God's inbox. Sadly I am not the owner of any 519x vises. I did find a good 5186 that my dad now owns. I post a picture of it and it's brother a Reed 204r from time to time. If you want to see the restore click the link in my signature.

 

[JeremyBurke]

....



Oldie: did you see a 5198 for $75 or did you have a heart attack? it does swivel though so i'm sure you wouldn't have wanted it on your bench. you ok or are you just getting in from tanning on the beach??

Is this true did I miss the price post. $75!!! I hate everything right now I am so jealous.

 

[oldldh]

It wasn't what I expected though, here's the pics. The last one's for oldldh

You, Sir, are a Communist Agitator, and when we take over, will be among the first to be placed against the wall!!!!

econotrk - You **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** !

He really does...

oldldh must still be taking his nap in that 70 degree heatwave. I surprised he hasn't chimed back in. I hope he didn't see the 5198 and it was to much for him.

Actually, I took my Wife to dinner...

BB: you might be right about you finding a 5196, but Jeremy doesn't have either or those other two vises. i bet he wishes he had them and one with a 1956 for his FIL's 60th birthday present next year.

adjust your books and give Econ credit for the second 5198 that we know of and not sure who got the 5197. i think Econ and Get thought Econ's 5198 was the 5197 they found on Craigs.

i think i have that straight.

Oldie: Are you ok or are you just getting in from tanning on the beach??

Uh...right...I think...

I would swivel a 5198, but I'd probably, since they're turning up everywhere, remove the base and bolt it solidly to the workbench...and then I would have a spare base, for one of you, when a broken one turns up...

And as a final thought for all you "Swivlin' B@#tards" that are finding my vise...

I'll call my baby brother in from the beach...

With my message...

He is much more to the point, than I am...

 

[Smokeshow69]

Picked this 4" Columbian up off the c list for $50 from a guy who is an employee of a company that is shutting down. He said they where going to scrap this and so they gave it to him. It is in pretty good shape. I was hoping for an older vice, but until I find a nice vintage one this one will do! I just cleaned up some surface rust and lubricated every thing. It is so much more tight that my crappy Chinese made Irwin vice! Anyone know how old this one is?

 

[drivesitfar]

Smoke: it's probably a 1970's Columbian and it's a solid vise. i have the 1st cousin of that one that is a Craftsman crowntop. don't they look like the same vise except the Craftsman had a few little changes?

Oldie: good to hear from you and it must have been a great dinner with that post.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Yeah they look like cousins for sure! Only large difference I see is lack of a swivel base on yours and the casting arrows on the dynamic jaw. Looks like a nice vice that anyone would be proud to have on their bench!

 

[bluebolt]

BB: you might be right about you finding a 5196, but Jeremy doesn't have either or those other two vises. i bet he wishes he had them and one with a 1956 for his FIL's 60th birthday present next year.

Yup I messed up organ from Atlanta paid $80 for a 5197.

 

[oldldh]

Yup I messed up organ from Atlanta paid $80 for a 5197.

Well aren't you just too special...

I'm now going to retire to my garage (where it's 67 degrees)...

And have a "Mood"...

Followed by a good "Sulk"...

 

[exmaxima1]

Yeah they look like cousins for sure! Only large difference I see is lack of a swivel base on yours and the casting arrows on the dynamic jaw. Looks like a nice vice that anyone would be proud to have on their bench!

+1

It looks like it has smooth jaws, which are machinist style and very useful. I'd paint it any color but red; gloss black with polished jaws & accents would be cool......

 

[wrenchguy]

Soooo....

Here's a nice looking Prentiss. Listing says 8.5" jaw.
Having some difficulty IDing the model number.
Anyone in the vicinity of Louisville, KY want an utterly amazing deal on the chop saw, workbench, and pallet clamp?
All you have to do is unbolt the vise and drop it off at the nearby Fastenal for me

Thrumcap

my prentiss heavy chipping has 8 7/16" jaws. i imagine its gone by now.

 

[organ]

Well aren't you just too special...

I'm now going to retire to my garage (where it's 67 degrees)...

And have a "Mood"...

Followed by a good "Sulk"...

If it helps... I thought I was buying a 5196...

and my name is Jeremy...

 

[econotrk]

Is this true did I miss the price post. $75!!! I hate everything right now I am so jealous.

And I first contacted him Tuesday, had to leave town and came home Friday morning. We had a lot of back and forth where I GUARANTEED I would take it and not haggle his price. (How could I!) Think I was nervous someone would make him an offer he couldn't refuse? Whew was I glad to have it setting in the back of my minivan.

Funny thing is I didn't have a tape and the owner John did all the lifting. We talked a minute and I headed home with the wife. In my head I'm thinking he moved it way too easily for the advertised 107 lbs. of a 5198. Stopped and had lunch on the way home while the whole time I still thought it was a 5197. Then it dawned on me there's a number stamped in the end of the lead screw knob. After lunch before heading home is when I opened the hatch wiped the dirt off and confirmed it, woo hoo!

I did get the date off the slide and it's a 3-54, anyone that knows how to find the restore on the other 5198, it's hard to find poking around on this huge thread.

Jeremy, I never get tired of looking at your Reed and Craftsman restores.

 

[Craptain]

I was given an old Craftsman woodworking vise and mounted it on one of the workbenches. The original handle had been broken/lost a long time ago and a wooden dowel was used. I replaced that with a more durable 8-inch piece of 1/2-inch pipe and two caps.

That vise should have a wood handle. The original looked like dowel with elongated knobs on the ends. As a wood vise it never needs a lot of torque on the handle. I had to make a new handle for mine but have still to do the end knobs. My wood turning skill is not quite there yet.