The VISES of Garage Journal

[topop101]

Does anyone know what the X stands for on a vise? I'm looking into buying a athol vise and it is marked 324X. Thanks GG54

heavy duty is my guess. X models tent to be heavier than non X models.

 

[topop101]

Was in an old house parts store in Portland, Oregon and saw this monster there. It is a chas parker vise. The slide on the end is cracked as some idiot pounded on it. I don't know the exact jaw size since I did not have a tape measure but I would guess in between a 6 and 7 incher?? It is in hipster hell, the store Rejuvenation and they also had a nice reed on the bench as well. I love the store for the hardware since I have an old house but I hate some of their salvaged priced items. If they where a price on this thing I would imagine they would have it priced way over retail... The model is a 278 and has a patent date of 1908

I like the double screw in the lead screw retainer. That says "I'm big"

 

[balane]

Nothing special but worthy of a post I think. It's a Columbian 504 1/2 in their best looking generation imho. T-Jaw inserts are great. This is a texture base coat and then Italian Olive Satin enamel for color. Works great too. 47 Lbs. Opens to 7"

.

 

[topop101]

Nothing special but worthy of a post I think. It's a Columbian 504 1/2 in their best looking generation imho. T-Jaw inserts are great. This is a texture base coat and then Italian Olive Satin enamel for color. Works great too. 47 Lbs. Opens to 7"

.

Oh yeah That's another fine job and a good save of a quality machine. Should be good for at least another fifty years easy

 

[topop101]

I do have a Wilton question . The number "14" on some of the older Chicago versions. Any one have any idea what this is about or the time period it was used?

 

[Smokeshow69]

Yep, 8 inch Parker, unless there were other issues than the crack go see if you can negotiate a deal! (use the crack as one neg. point...) That crack is one of the easier fixes... (If I had to PICK a crack to have, thatch the one...)

Um, if I negotiated a deal on this one I think I would be paying over $600. If my wife found out I would be sleeping in the garage with that thing to keep me warm Don't think I didn't think about it but a bit big for my needs as well. Now if it was $200 or less it would be in my garage Anybody in the northwest have a good 4 inch vice they want to sell for a decent price

 

[drivesitfar]

TP: the 14 on your Wilton is an early zip code for the Chicago factory so one of the older vises. is there a date stamped on the slide? if so or even if not it would be a nice addition to our Wilton stamp thread we've been collecting old bullet and cadet dates off of.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269079

SD: your Record might be an import because it doesn't have the MADE IN above the Sheffield. it's still a good vise and for what you paid for it you didn't overpay. another nice purchase for your garage.

GG54: nice pair of Reed vises

 

[Cable_Hogue]

Re: Something for the other end of the spectrum...

After looking at these monster vises my little guys are starting to blush a bit.

Found this on ebay recently. Cast aluminum, so not super heavy (but not very light, either) and about 6" long tip to tail. Dovetail sliding ways, sealed screw and a 1" jaw. Front jaw is fixed- the rear slides on the dovetails.

The paint was mostly gone, so I did a quick strip/prime/paint with rattle-can primer and hammertone paint. Looking to make a new set of jaws as well- possibly out of maple or some scraps of ebony I have lying around. I may strip the paint later to re-do, will wait and see how it holds up for now. I will also paint the logo medallion too, just have not decided on the color yet.

Matt

That is one cool little vise!

 

[oldldh]

Anybody in the northwest have a good 4 inch vice they want to sell for a decent price

Balane has what you need...

See Post # 26847...

Right up this page a tad...

Sittin' on his stump...

PM him, and see what will float his boat...

And it's already restored, too!!!

 

[CwazyWabbit]

Reed 103 repair

Several months ago, I bought this little Reed at a flea market. It was missing the support under the dynamic jaw, and a chunk out of the back was also broken out. It was only $12 and I thought I could scab something on for a jaw support, and make a usable small vise out of it. I wish I had taken better pictures of it when I got it, but I didn't intend on it ever amounting to much.
I took a piece if 1X2" plate, drilled and counterbored 2 holes lengthwise, and ran 2-3/8 SHCS's 1 1/4" into the casting, for a jaw support. It worked well, and would have been fine to use as is, but I wanted to do something with the other broken piece. I took it to a guy that has welded cast iron all day, every day, since 1971, and asked if he could fill that broken corner. He said yes, and asked if I wanted to fill in around the 1X2, and I said sure, if he had time. It too a while, because he is pretty busy, but he got it done. Everything you see, except the 1X2 is Ni rod filler.

That Sir is a special kind of awesome, the welded area just looks like it's been cleaned. Your welder is very good at his job I'm guessing the weld job cost more than the vise .... Well at least the rods probably than the 12$

 

[XCMTB83]

First time poster, long time lurker here.

I came across a Wilton 4" Machinist vise last weekend at a second hand store. A week ago I knew very little about these vises but thanks to GJ I have learned quite a bit and have a deeper appreciation for these quality vises. Today I was back in the store so I asked the guy about it but he didn't know much about it but he immediately dropped his price down to $95 without even asking. As far as I know paying $95 still isn't anything to brag about. I considered offering $75 but decided to do a little more research. I looked for a date stamp on the key but found nothing. It did say Chicago on it but I failed to get a picture of anything else that might of value to tell me more about the vise. I noticed that it for sure missing one of the pins/handles to lock the swivel and possibly both as it looks like one side has just a regular nut. Did the vise come with a plain nut on one side and a "hand nut" on the other? I doubt it did but I am no expert.

For anyone that wants to share more about pictured the vise I thank you in advance!

Oh, he also showed me an Oswego but never gave me a price. I thought the U-shaped jaws were cool. One downfall would be if I wanted to make some custom jaws it would add to the complexity/time to do so (I am machinist by trade). The Oswego basically looked like the one I have linked below.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3866711&postcount=14847

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Does anyone know what the X stands for on a vise? I'm looking into buying a athol vise and it is marked 324X. Thanks GG54

I had a 324X, and I recently answered a question from a member who had a similar one . my guess is that the X vises were combo vises, where pipe jaws were added.

 

[Garageguy54]

Thanks for the great info once again, I'm going to pick up an athol 324x this Thursday and it does have pipe jaws.it will be Another 2 hour trip .i can't wait. I will post pics on its arrival. GG54

 

[vintage nut]

These are some of my favorite little vises. I'd love a wilton bullet, but they just don't exist out here.
The classic #3 record.

My dad and I each have one of these, both cast made in England. Although for some reason his lives on my bench, and mine (with aluminum jaws I made) lives on his bench. He found this one on Craigslist for 40 bucks, and I restored it. I actually bought mine from one of my highschool shop teachers for 15 bucks because it was missing a jaw.

you can never have too many tools

 

[topop101]

TP: the 14 on your Wilton is an early zip code for the Chicago factory so one of the older vises. is there a date stamped on the slide? if so or even if not it would be a nice addition to our Wilton stamp thread we've been collecting old bullet and cadet dates off of.

DRIVES The Wilton I have is a Chicago 14 era Torco not a bullet style so I don't think it would help out on your thread but thanks for the info.

 

[topop101]

Was in an old house parts store in Portland, Oregon and saw this monster there. It is a chas parker vise. The slide on the end is cracked as some idiot pounded on it. I don't know the exact jaw size since I did not have a tape measure but I would guess in between a 6 and 7 incher?? It is in hipster hell, the store Rejuvenation and they also had a nice reed on the bench as well. I love the store for the hardware since I have an old house but I hate some of their salvaged priced items. If they where a price on this thing I would imagine they would have it priced way over retail... The model is a 279 and has a patent date of 1908

model 279... ask outlaw for sure but I think it makes it a 9incher... beg borrow or steal ... but buy that beast

 

[FMC1959]

*HOT OFF THE PRESSES* Wow, here's a big boy Prentiss available ... WAY overboard for me size-wise but I'm sure (more than) a few of you might be interested in this BIG SWIVILIN' B@ST@ARD!! I do live in Sac if you want some help setting this up.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/4943068896.html

Optical illusion without the required Pepsi can. I know that guy (Sid), he's a 4'2" midget

After looking at these monster vises my little guys are starting to blush a bit.

Found this on ebay recently. Cast aluminum, so not super heavy (but not very light, either) and about 6" long tip to tail. Dovetail sliding ways, sealed screw and a 1" jaw. Front jaw is fixed- the rear slides on the dovetails.

The paint was mostly gone, so I did a quick strip/prime/paint with rattle-can primer and hammertone paint. Looking to make a new set of jaws as well- possibly out of maple or some scraps of ebony I have lying around. I may strip the paint later to re-do, will wait and see how it holds up for now. I will also paint the logo medallion too, just have not decided on the color yet.

Matt


and next to my other little watchmaker's vise:

<a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/user/mstott/media/tools/watchvise-7_zpsis972aro.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/mstott/tools/watchvise-7_zpsis972aro.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo watchvise-7_zpsis972aro.jpg"/></a>

Very cool little vises, both of them

 

[drivesitfar]

XCM: yes some of those old Wilton bullets just came with nuts to tighten down the swivel and $95 isn't a bad deal for that vise. i like the Oswego vise too so if you can afford both make a package deal. Oswego vise is older, but not as well known as a Wilton bullet so if you can get both for $160 you'll have a pair of vises to last you a lifetime. or swap one of us for something different if we might have something you like better because those are also good trading stock.

TP: glad i could help a little and maybe one of the guys that knows a bit more about the two digit zip codes can help you date yours.

Smoke: i just was in Portland a couple weeks ago dropping off tires for Jeremy so he could finish his son's old vintage truck bed frame, but i'm sure i'll be down your way soon so get some trading tools together or some green and i'll bring you a vise if you can't find one you like.

VN: same for you if you want a Wilton bullet just put some sort of trade or bring some of your funny money down across the border and i'll send you home with one to restore if you really want one and can't find one up there.

 

[drivesitfar]

Matt: that little vise is some sort of awesome and is if heavy enough to just sit on a bench without being mounted? also what brand of vise is the one clamped to your bench?

 

[FMC1959]

model 279... ask outlaw for sure but I think it makes it a 9incher... beg borrow or steal ... but buy that beast

I was thinking (hoping) it was a 9" also but in looking through all of the Parker info I have, I can't find anything for any Parker 9", they may have never made a 9". They have many 8" models over the years and saw a couple of 8 1/2" machinist models - 600 & 160 stationary and swivel, 240 & 250 pounds respectively.

Very surprised when I found this ad, it is "only" 6 1/4". It's still a nice looking vise, if you could get a deal because of the crack on the slide, it would be a hell of a vise to have on your bench.

 

[vintage nut]

I might have to take you up on that sometime. It'll probably have to wait until after I pay the next years insurance on my truck, but I'd be real interested in a 4" wilton in need of restoration.

you can never have too many tools

 

[davidless]

When using the rustoleum hammered paint how long do you have to wait before using a clear coat?

Dave

 

[vintage nut]

When using the rustoleum hammered paint how long do you have to wait before using a clear coat?

Dave

Not sure, never used a clear coat over it.
By far the toughest rattle can paint I have seen. Painted my belt grinder with it, and it still looks like new after over six months of reasonably heavy use. Not as good as industrial urethanes or anything, but surprisingly good paint!

you can never have too many tools

 

[drivesitfar]

David: it all depends on prep, temperature. do you have a heated shop or oven. give us more details, but make sure it's completely dry before you put clear coat on it. some members have shop ovens and some even use the oven in their home to finish baking on the paint. of course there are professional painters that belong too so more details and always post a few pictures if you can. just a note I've never clear coated over any rustoleum hammered spray can paint, but i usually use the $10 per can versions which leave a nice finish.

Smoke: that big Parker is probably an 8 inch and i agree that slide might be fixable, but unless you are able to braze or know someone not a simple fix or inexpensive so like said use that as a bargaining chip. it looks like a 978 which is an 8 inch and Parker didn't use double screws as far as i know unless it was bigger than 6 inch jaws. PM me if you get a price if you don't want to buy it.

 

[dimwittedmoose51]

Can any of the gurtus of this thread help me identify how old this Columbian bench wood vise is. Never seen one with the sliding flatbar handle. o numbers on it at allMy wife found it for $10 at an estate sale and the guy spent like 20 minutes extricating it from the bench. Maybe it will replace my Japanese Craftsman.....lol


TIA

DM&FS

 

[matt stott]

Drivesitfar: The little vise can be spun without being mounted- it is heavy enough to not shift around when clamping. It does have a threaded hole in the bottom of the casting, though- so you could run some threaded rod into it and mount to a bench easily.

The other little vise is a knock off if the Bergeon 2021 watchmaker's vise. I think this one was made by AF Swiss. The nice thing about this vise it the quick release base plate- I can move this between benches very easily.

I did not clear coat the hammertone finish, either. It does have a 48 hour cure time, though- in optimal conditions.

Matt

Matt: that little vise is some sort of awesome and is if heavy enough to just sit on a bench without being mounted? also what brand of vise is the one clamped to your bench?

 

[Outlawmws]

I was thinking (hoping) it was a 9" also but in looking through all of the Parker info I have, I can't find anything for any Parker 9", they may have never made a 9". They have many 8" models over the years and saw a couple of 8 1/2" machinist models - 600 & 160 stationary and swivel, 240 & 250 pounds respectively.

Very surprised when I found this ad, it is "only" 6 1/4". It's still a nice looking vise, if you could get a deal because of the crack on the slide, it would be a hell of a vise to have on your bench.

Good Find FMC; I was like on this one:

The 27X (later) Series were Swivel jaw vises and did not get anywhere close to that size. (6 or 8...) so I was like


The series that one is in are completely different in numbering, using the middle No. as the differentiater? 2X9

So it is just over 6" as you showed, and that does tie to the 2 bolt collar as 6" is about where Parker started using 2 bolts.

At $600, that is just crazy $$

And the seller is a :tard:

 

[PghJKB]

I'm new to this forum, so I might need a little advice on how to correspond. I have a Reed 202 1/2 that I'm restoring. It has a swivel base that doesn't look original, but works very well. Does anyone recognize this?

tuber2
That does not look like any Reed swivel I have seen. IMHO the base was made by a very talented PO.

Do you have an image of the bottom of the vise? The patents put the manufacture of the vise into Reed's standard three footed swivel bases, but just want to make sure it was not converted from a center rod swiveler.

Very nice, 2 1/2 Reed.

JKB

 

[bluebolt]

TP: the 14 on your Wilton is an early zip code for the Chicago factory so one of the older vises. is there a date stamped on the slide? if so or even if not it would be a nice addition to our Wilton stamp thread we've been collecting old bullet and cadet dates off of.

DRIVES The Wilton I have is a Chicago 14 era Torco not a bullet style so I don't think it would help out on your thread but thanks for the info.

From what I have seen the 14 was only used for a few years not enough data for exact dates but so far around 1952-1955 on bullets.

 

[Outlawmws]

tuber2
That does not look like any Reed swivel I have seen. IMHO the base was made by a very talented PO.

Do you have an image of the bottom of the vise? The patents put the manufacture of the vise into Reed's standard three footed swivel bases, but just want to make sure it was not converted from a center rod swiveler.

Very nice, 2 1/2 Reed.

JKB

Likely a "Bench Base" so it has enough weight for light bench use. (usually people will use an old disk brake...)

 

[topop101]

I was thinking (hoping) it was a 9" also but in looking through all of the Parker info I have, I can't find anything for any Parker 9", they may have never made a 9". They have many 8" models over the years and saw a couple of 8 1/2" machinist models - 600 & 160 stationary and swivel, 240 & 250 pounds respectively.

Very surprised when I found this ad, it is "only" 6 1/4". It's still a nice looking vise, if you could get a deal because of the crack on the slide, it would be a hell of a vise to have on your bench.

yes indeed . Great research! thanks for the info !

 

[topop101]

Good Find FMC; I was like on this one:

The 27X (later) Series were Swivel jaw vises and did not get anywhere close to that size. (6 or 8...) so I was like


The series that one is in are completely different in numbering, using the middle No. as the differentiater? 2X9

So it is just over 6" as you showed, and that does tie to the 2 bolt collar as 6" is about where Parker started using 2 bolts.

At $600, that is just crazy $$

And the seller is a :tard:

Agreed . That price is too high with the split slide. I've seen several like that. It's , what I have seen , a flaw in casting exposed by a beating. The seam acts like it's been scored. Drill to stop it before repairing. But I wouldn't pay over 3 bills.

 

[zkling]

Agreed . That price is too high with the split slide. I've seen several like that. It's , what I have seen , a flaw in casting exposed by a beating. The seam acts like it's been scored. Drill to stop it before repairing. But I wouldn't pay over 3 bills.

In some cases I think there might be residual stress from the casting and machining operation in the back of the slide. Recently I looked at a reed that had a crack going up the back of the slide ~3" long x 1/16" wide at the end and it spread just enough to cause the back to become tapered, preventing the vise from fully opening.

 

[topop101]

From what I have seen the 14 was only used for a few years not enough data for exact dates but so far around 1952-1955 on bullets.

My Torco has Chicago 14 on it???

 

[topop101]

In some cases I think there might be residual stress from the casting and machining operation in the back of the slide. Recently I looked at a reed that had a crack going up the back of the slide ~3" long x 1/16" wide at the end and it spread just enough to cause the back to become tapered, preventing the vise from fully opening.

I have a 5 inch Reed the same way. Mine was a gift so no loss. but looking in the underside it follows the seam perfectly. I'm still thinking on a fix for it.

 

[balane]

So does every Shop King I've ever seen which puts bluebolt's date range right on the money.

.

 

[bluebolt]

My Torco has Chicago 14 on it???

Yes I know. Torco's came out in 1953 according to Autopt's catalog, all the Chicago made ones probably say Chicago 14 until they started making them at Schiller Park.

 

[Kamanhart]

I finally picked up my first vise yesterday, covered in many terrible paint jobs. Its a 9450 with a build date of 6-68. She has a few character marks but she cleaned up fairly well. A new set of jaws and some paint i think itll be a heck of a vise. I was extremely happy for the $50 I payed.

 

[Fretters]

I was extremely happy for the $50 I payed.

You'll probably have a few people giving you glares of disgust now, for buying one at a price they can generally only dream of. Looks like you've got yourself a tidy vice there.

 

[rmalkow2]

You'll probably have a few people giving you glares of disgust now, for buying one at a price they can generally only dream of. Looks like you've got yourself a tidy vice there.

It gives me encouragement that those $50 Wilton deals are still out there and if I'm patient, someday one of those deals will fall in my lap.
Good score!