ViseSquad: I'm no Reed expert at all, but my best guess is that is a super early version of what would be the 2C today. I've never seen that writing style on a Reed of any variety. I would agree that it is missing the original swivel base, or at least part of it. Guessing that is it a split collar with welded/cast jaws? I say NICE FIND!!
Thanks, and I guess the swivel vise stayed on the bench. There were so many old mining and logging camps around here and if someone found this out in the bush they might well have not had the tools to unscrew/bolt the base and so left it behind. I assume the vise body is cast and there is no sign of any welding, except one torch gouge on the jaws!
Are the pipe jaws made of little pieces of metal held together? The same patent date is present on some Reed pipe vises so I was wondering if the patent date might just be related to part of the vise? i.e the pipe jaws.
Perhaps US Patent 563040?
http://www.google.com/patents/US563040
Yes, they are indeed little piece of flat bar, about 3/16" x 5/8" (I didn't measure). I guess you are right about the patent and thank you for that info
I can't speak about the patent but Reed started as a company in 1896, so you have what has to be one of their first models.
Thank you!
BlaneViseSquad,---If there is a raised hump on the bottom of the STATIC that matches the notches in the swivel plate, then you are complete above bench.---All you need is a big plate washer to go under bench, over rabbit ear nut.--Very nice find, very old, AND HAS THE PIPE JAWS.
Yes, there is a small cast lug or bump that seems to fit the swivel pretty well. So probably the missing base was recessed for the disk that is still there. This would mean that when the clamp was tightened, the static (thanks for the new term
) rotation would be locked by the friction of all three pieces rather than the load going on the cast lug or bump? It just so happens I collect old junque like plate/bridge washers and I think I have something that will work. I also have a swivel base off a 5" Chinese pipefitter's vise that might just fit, but will have to dig it out of storage.
Just looking at the index plate a little more, I guess those three countersunk screw holes were for attaching it to the base with machine screws
The plate with the notches looks a little small. The ones I have match the diameter of the bottom of the base. As VA said The notches should line up on both pieces. The bottom washer on the left is a Parker, middle is from a H B Smith, right is a J S vise. They are all about the same age as yours.
Agreed as above: the notched flange is too small, unless it sits inside the larger base mount, which I believe it must have. An old catalog page is what I need. I'm surprised how rough cast the other two washers are compared to the one on the left.
When I get it apart and cleaned up I'll post some more photos. Have to finish fixing up the new lathe first!
Just happened to have this disk of T1 plate lying around that might make a base too, if the Chinese one doesn't fit. Weld on some nuts, fill and grind...
