The VISES of Garage Journal

[topop101]

TP: does your Craftsman 5151 have 3.5 inch jaws. i do like those Rock Island Craftsman vises. how many Craftsman vises do you own? nice job on the restoration on that and your Columbian

DRIVESYes, the 5151 has 3 1/2 inch jaws. I always thought it was a reed until a month or so ago . I'm posting pic's later of the main nut and maybe some one smarter than me can figure it out.

I have 7 Craftsman right now. 5151, 5160, 51800, 51801, 51820, 5184, 5195. I can't say for sure which one is my favorite other than my next one

Thanks for the encouragement on the resto's. I wish I had more time to buy them, and work them over. I think I have vICE running through my veins.

 

[McBrownie]

Used oven cleaner and a wire wheel and all the paint is gone...

Now for the jaws they are..quite rough...under all that rust. Suggestions. I could leave them as is as its mainly an aesthetics thing really

Aesthetics? Head on over to The Reverend Scott's site and pick up a new pair. I got a set of Kevin's smooth and serrated jaws for my Wilton and they made my vise function like new.

http://www.wiltonviseparts.net

 

[topop101]

It's been established that both RI and Reed made the same vises for Sears, and the 515X series (probably the 516X series also). Top pop, have you had the main nut out of the Craftsman ? it could have either Reed or RI markings... (That was how it was established..)

hey ol' lawless one I took some pic's of the main nut hoping you or some one else can identify the marking on it. Thanks in advance

 

[topop101]

Then you'd all know my secrets and sources and I'd have to kill you all and we wouldnt want that would we?

"Lighten up , Francis"

 

[vintage nut]

I'm one to differ on jaws. I like soft ones. Got aluminum jaws on one, and I'm thinking of trying solid brass or copper jaws on another.

you can never have too many tools

 

[topop101]

I'm one to differ on jaws. I like soft ones. Got aluminum jaws on one, and I'm thinking of trying solid brass or copper jaws on another.

you can never have too many tools

I've used brass jaws. They tend to chip a lot on the edges. Never used copper... Might be the next ones. But like you I like the smooth face .

 

[vintage nut]

I've used brass jaws. They tend to chip a lot on the edges. Never used copper... Might be the next ones. But like you I like the smooth face .

Aluminum works real well, but it dents and deforms pretty easily. That said it's been almost a year on this set, and they are still in good enough shape for probably a few more years

you can never have too many tools

 

[balane]

This little Columbian exposed screw is from the Renton Pile. When I got it the entire vise was frozen solid. Nothing would budge; not the handle, not the swivel, nothing. It took two days of electrolysis to get a handle to move the tiniest bit. I soaked some more, moved some more, repeat. Finally I got it out and what a good feeling that was. Then I had to drill and tap four broken jaw screws. The right size screws are not available anywhere so I had to countersink the jaw inserts to accept a larger head fastener. I basically fought everything on this vise. It definitely won't be worth it for the money but it is rewarding to take a rusted old boat anchor that most anybody would toss out and make it a usable vise again. The action is really, really slick on it now. I think the smoothest opening closing of any small exposed screw I've played with. But, I'm glad it's done! Deep Green Hammered Finish enamel is the paint. 3.5" jaws.

.

 

[Nicodimas]

Aesthetics? Head on over to The Reverend Scott's site and pick up a new pair. I got a set of Kevin's smooth and serrated jaws for my Wilton and they made my vise function like new.

http://www.wiltonviseparts.net

I'm already a step ahead of you and picking up new Jaw <smooth> inserts from him and sent him my spindle for some work. I guess I meant the actual vise jaws themselves where the welding occured. Would y'all advise just taking an angle grinder to that to smooth out..or would take remove too much metal---not look right.

On Jaw inserts anyone here ever try Micarta for softer jaws?

 

[topop101]

This little Columbian exposed screw is from the Renton Pile. When I got it the entire vise was frozen solid. Nothing would budge; not the handle, not the swivel, nothing. It took two days of electrolysis to get a handle to move the tiniest bit. I soaked some more, moved some more, repeat. Finally I got it out and what a good feeling that was. Then I had to drill and tap four broken jaw screws. The right size screws are not available anywhere so I had to countersink the jaw inserts to accept a larger head fastener. I basically fought everything on this vise. It definitely won't be worth it for the money but it is rewarding to take a rusted old boat anchor that most anybody would toss out and make it a usable vise again. The action is really, really slick on it now. I think the smoothest opening closing of any small exposed screw I've played with. But, I'm glad it's done! Deep Green Hammered Finish enamel is the paint. 3.5" jaws.

.

Hell of a save on that one Balane, truly a salvage project. I like the orientation of the hardy hole. Appears diamond shape

 

[topop101]

I'm already a step ahead of you and picking up new Jaw <smooth> inserts from him and sent him my spindle for some work. I guess I meant the actual vise jaws themselves where the welding occured. Would y'all advise just taking an angle grinder to that to smooth out..or would take remove too much metal---not look right.

On Jaw inserts anyone here ever try Micarta for softer jaws?

You might try a belt sander. Just don't get carried away. 80 grit should do. finish it up with a da and lighter grits. a good hammerlite finish covers a lot

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice one Balane, as usual! that square hole IS different! I don't think I've ever seen one on a vise like that. Lots of round ones, no square.

 

[topop101]

Nice one Balane, as usual! that square hole IS different! I don't think I've ever seen one on a vise like that. Lots of round ones, no square.

This old guy has a square hole but it's orientated differently

 

[drivesitfar]

Nico: ask Kevin what he would do because i've (we've) seen him do some miracle work with jaws that should have been scrapped. also I'd wait until i had the jaws in hand to do any modifying so you can do a few tests as you are taking off or adding material. good luck.

Balane: is the Renton pile gone or do you have any more to spiff up? nice work as per usual and we've all come to expect nothing else. BTW did you repaint the brown and white one or just put it up for bids and how is it doing?

TP: i'm guessing you like the 5195 Craftsman maybe best of all your Craftsman and just wait until you find a 5198 or one of the unicorn 300 pounders that they advertised made by Reed. BTW no clue on the vise nut markings, but about 100% sure that Craftsman vise was made by Rock Island.

 

[balane]

Thank you everybody.

Drives, there's two vises left of the Renton pile. Another Union Parker 4" identical to the first one. It's going to need jaws made for it and some other repairs so it's off to the side for now. And also the rusted up Yost 4" remains. It needs a $110 spindle screw/nut kit and probably a set of jaws as well. That one is also on the back burner. Everything else is done.

The orange/white/black Reed just went up on eBay starting at $0.99. I left it as is just to see how it goes, mostly out of curiosity. No bids yet but six days to go and there's almost 20 watchers so we'll have to see how that one ends up. I'll post the final selling price if you're interested in how that crazy looking thing does. I don't expect to get much for it so I can only be surprised.

 

[joe.striper]

"Lighten up , Francis"

Topop I was surely joking around...

 

[Tejaas]

Another from the Renton Pile. Union Parker 974B. 4" jaws, 56 Lbs. Color is Satin Hunt Club Green.

• 
  

.

Damn, that Union/Parker 974B is sweet.

My all time favorite vise, got two of them in my shop.


~Tejaas~

 

[Tacoma bo]

Tacoma,
Littlestown are everywhere, except for yours. I have never seen one from NY as all the ones I have seen came from PA. Also never (knowingly) seen an 81. However they are all much the same so I know what it looks like. Open screw?
In any case they are a good middle quality homeowners vise and will give years of service if not abused. In fact they have already given years of service, which is a testament to the quality.

Thanks craptain. Here's those pictures as promised. Like I said, I think it was maybe on a swivel base. Anyone else feel free to chime in. Thanks

 

[Tacoma bo]

Another

 

[Tacoma bo]

Last one

 

[Nuts]

All y'all Brits have some awfully weird words to describe things. What with wanking, bonnets and boots.


Nuts

 

[CwazyWabbit]

Tbh Nuts weird is a fair accurate description of us Brits anyway Although your last sentence makes it sound like we have special hats and shoes for the activity [emoji14]

 

[topop101]

Topop I was surely joking around...

Me too. I have never been one to miss a chance to engage in a lil' verbal banter . In the military we called it "talking ****" and I was king **** talker.... I know... go figure. How ever I may come across on these boards I assure you no ill feelings will ever be meant.

The lighten up comment was from the movie stripes with Bill Murray. Maybe you never seen it.

Any way I have really been enjoying watching all your pick's so keep them coming. I keep trying to line up a "pick trip" but things keep happening. My grand daughter fell from a slide and broke her arm thurs. and needs surgery Monday so I'm grounded for a couple of weAks.

 

[topop101]

Tbh Nuts weird is a fair accurate description of us Brits anyway Although your last sentence makes it sound like we have special hats and shoes for the activity [emoji14]

I just laughed so hard I spit coffee...

 

[Fretters]

Tbh Nuts weird is a fair accurate description of us Brits anyway Although your last sentence makes it sound like we have special hats and shoes for the activity [emoji14]

You don't? To be fair though, on about non formal wear, we do like to check for a matching collar and cuffs.

 

[Fretters]

Fretters: i missed the JZ's mis spelled word that he either did on purpose for you guys or maybe missed the entire keyboard. in any case i always thought ****** was a Jerk and i guess i was sort of close.

Definitely a half way across the keyboard miss if it was a typo. That's a word which would usually risk getting you a good clout rather than being a minor derogatory term.

This little Columbian exposed screw is from the Renton Pile. When I got it the entire vise was frozen solid.

That's turned out a treat. Nice work.

The orange/white/black Reed just went up on eBay starting at $0.99. I left it as is just to see how it goes, mostly out of curiosity. No bids yet but six days to go and there's almost 20 watchers so we'll have to see how that one ends up. I'll post the final selling price if you're interested in how that crazy looking thing does. I don't expect to get much for it so I can only be surprised.

Orange? I honestly thought that was a light brown. Personally, I think that one might do well. I quite liked that colour combo, as weird as it might at first seem.

 

[KMScott]

Aluminum works real well, but it dents and deforms pretty easily. That said it's been almost a year on this set, and they are still in good enough shape for probably a few more years

you can never have too many tools

Try some harder aluminum like 7075-T6. This stuff is hard and will out last any 6061-T6 aluminum. We use this stuff in Mold Making for quick tools. I make all my aluminum jaws out of it.

 

[Craptain]

Thanks craptain. Here's those pictures as promised. Like I said, I think it was maybe on a swivel base. Anyone else feel free to chime in. Thanks

That's a little cutie. It did not have a swivel base. The vise was able to swivel directly. The center bolt went straight through the bench and tightened with that big wing nut.

 

[exmaxima1]

Try some harder aluminum like 7075-T6. This stuff is hard and will out last any 6061-T6 aluminum. We use this stuff in Mold Making for quick tools. I make all my aluminum jaws out of it.

I'm not sure what the alloy was, but a tool maker friend gave me a chunk of cast aluminum (stress-relieved?) and it made very nice jaws. It machined very clean as well.

 

[balane]

That's turned out a treat. Nice work.

Orange? I honestly thought that was a light brown. Personally, I think that one might do well. I quite liked that colour combo, as weird as it might at first seem.

Thanks. Yep, it's an orange color. The name is something like Satin Copper Orange. It was a can I grabbed from one of the estate sale boxes of random spray paint I bought a while back.

.

 

[Outlawmws]

All y'all Brits have some awfully weird words to describe things. What with wanking, bonnets and boots.


Nuts

You left out their vices!

Tbh Nuts weird is a fair accurate description of us Brits anyway Although your last sentence makes it sound like we have special hats and shoes for the activity [emoji14]

You don't?

 

[Outlawmws]

You don't? To be fair though, on about non formal wear, we do like to check for a matching collar and cuffs.

Um,...

Wow Fret... Wrong Vice thread...

 

[Fretters]

Um,...

[..]

Wow Fret... Wrong Vice thread...

You're obviously familiar with that expression over there then. Just checking.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Back to the regular program
The Columbian "C" series had a square hole for the cut off. The later "D" series lost the hole and changed to a formed U channel and has built in pipe jaws, different shaped spindle and hold down knob. I like the art deco
look of the older one and it is a few pounds heavier.
The second picture is a 3 1/2" Columbian made Dunlap & a Columbian, which appear to be clones. I just assumed that all Dunlaps were made by Columbian.
The green Dunlap has a different shape and a four footed base. My question is who made it because it is just not similar to any others I have.

 

[Fretters]

Is it just me, or does that green one have similarities to the supposed 'Craftsman', Made in England vice which was posted a page or two back?

 

[Fretters]

Thanks. Yep, it's an orange color. The name is something like Satin Copper Orange. It was a can I grabbed from one of the estate sale boxes of random spray paint I bought a while back.

Looking at it again, I can see the suggestion of orange. I actually really do like that colour choice. I know I shouldn't, (common sense and good taste tell me so ), but I do. It's definitely not the usual fare, but not quite bright enough to be gaudy either. It just works, IMHO.

 

[FMC1959]

does anybody have any info on this one?? Said its a "Craftsman" made in England vise

I thought this was interesting. Just the day before I saw a local ad for this Dunlap and it is made in England. While the above mentioned Craftsman could possibly have a Sears tie in, this Dunlap probably has no relation to the Sears Dunlap sub Craftsman line, just thought it was ironic I see this the day after.

Any of the guys on the other side of the pond know anything of Dunlap made in England vises?

 

[FMC1959]

Just saw GETS post on the Dunlap, which is probably also not related, but also interesting.

 

[loudog212]

My wife went to visit her grandmother 6 hours away and sends me this picture. Her grandfather died a few years ago but she doesnt feel right asking grandma if she can take the vise. When asked why she sent me the picture in the first place, she had no idea... what a tease. Its a Reed No104

 

[Fretters]

I thought this was interesting. Just the day before I saw a local ad for this Dunlap and it is made in England. While the above mentioned Craftsman could possibly have a Sears tie in, this Dunlap probably has no relation to the Sears Dunlap sub Craftsman line, just thought it was ironic I see this the day after.

Any of the guys on the other side of the pond know anything of Dunlap made in England vises?

Seems the weird ones are coming out of the woodwork in droves over the last two or three days. None of them, or the brands, are familiar over here to myself. I'm half tempted to think it's a specific UK/Canada partnership on a production.