The VISES of Garage Journal

[Shiftless]

Drives: Although I don't know him personally, I'm sure he is far too much the gentleman to create a new alter ego in order to self ****!

All: I have been haunting this board for quite a while without posting. I saw the C/L listing for the Yost when it was 32 minutes old and knew I was too late already. Anyway I am temporarily 300 miles away and would never expect a Craigslister to "hold" an item that would surely generate such a "phone ringing off the hook" response.

 

[JZiggy]

JZ: after you clean off several layers of paint and crud and grease it probably still weighs over 70 pounds and i do like those old combination vises. JZ did you join under another name so you can give yourself a YouSuck because i can't say I've seen a new member get on board and give one?

No telling what happened there

 

[JZiggy]

In other news, my dad helped me Photoshop a Paramo label and printed it on some water transfer paper. I think it looks kinda neat with the worn, original paint underneath.

 

[bluebolt]

I picked this old krusty 3 1/2" Wilton out of the trash at my work. How do I determine what model it is?
The cast inner ring to the swivel base is broken in 4 pieces. It has a number 101088. Any idea where it find such a thing?
Thanks. This is a cool place! I love all these old vises.

That ring is one of the worst things about a Wilton bullet in my opinion, often broken. Part number is Wilton 1010810 Google it and you will find several sources and prices from $42 to well over $100.

If you don't have the rear cast iron piece it is not available new. If you indeed have a C1 I have a used one from a parts vise in the classifieds here.

 

[howsths]

Very nice!

 

[FMC1959]

If I "Had to have a Yost 32C"...

I would...

Otherwise...

Nope...

However, if it was a 5196/7/8...

Yep...

Plus it's not a drive across Kansas, it would be through SF Bay area traffic.

Maybe vises need a "What would you do for a XXXX vise?" rating, like the Klondike Bar commercial.

I am with what Oldie & Lu said, the value of a vise is more than the price. How far and how much time it is for you (30 minutes vs 3 hours can sure influence you). Is it your first or second vise, or do you already have 20+ vises and now looking for something particular. And of course brand, everyone has a brand or model that is special to them.

Finally, I get to be the first.

Congrats, very much like a Wilton C1 or Reed 2C, but underrated. You have a great vise at a super price.
http://www.mile-x.com/yost-32c-4-1-2-combination-bench-vise-made-in-the-usa/

 

[bluebolt]

SAA: can you post more pictures of your big Wilton with it's slide that doesn't have date on it in the Wilton date stamp thread when you get a chance over in the vintage tool section? we are thinking the vises without dates were sold to Uncle Sam in WWII 1941-1945 so yours might be an old vise or maybe it just wore off.

It's a Schiller Park vise so 1956 or later. I have yet to see any 800 vise with a date stamp.

 

[howsths]

'My 4" Craftsman I bought new (made in Japan) from late '70's or early '80's and 4" Prentiss Bulldog that I picked up at a vintage flea market last year. Both with recent repaints. I love Rust-oleum Safety Red. The brass tag on the Prentiss says US Govt. Prop. and Calif. Ship Corp. The man I bought it from said his father worked in the shipyards during WWII although this was not his vise.

 

[sbosecker]

In other news, my dad helped me Photoshop a Paramo label and printed it on some water transfer paper. I think it looks kinda neat with the worn, original paint underneath.

JZiggy,

Nicely done.

The Old Wood Working Machinery web site has a repository of art work for decals that have been created by its members.

Anything like that here?

Best regards,

Scott

 

[drivesitfar]

Shiftless: i guess you'll have to stick around and of course start getting those deals you are just missing and posting a few of your own. BTW how many vises do you own now and any pictures to share since your Avitar is a vise?

Shoe: It looks like you fixed your vise for $25 and some elbow grease and a few of your tools. nice work.

JZ: so you know you didn't pay too much for that vise because i would have told Lu-Max to drive 3 hours to pick it up even though he doesn't need one because i would have if i had the time. that said we hope to see some spiffing up pics when you get some time and nice job on the label for your English made Paramo.

ALL: so i'm looking through my little cabinet and i found this little guy back in there that i know hasn't seen the light of day in years and it's never been posted on GJ until i just posted it on the Wilton date stamp thread. it's a nice little Wilton 9300 3 inch bullet in pretty decent shape and somebody i know is having a birthday soon and was asking for one. not sure i want to sell it so thinking of how it would look on his bench. January 1967 date stamped

 

[JeremyBurke]

...and somebody i know is having a birthday soon and was asking for one. not sure i want to sell it so thinking of how it would look on his bench. January 1967 date stamped

Drives how did you know my birthday was coming up?[emoji106][emoji106]

 

[Junebuggy]

I started the take-down and resto on my Parker 40 1/2. I noticed the collar difference from my 106. Have any of you ever seen this collar before? It reads "PAT, NOV 26 1867" (I think).

 

[vintage nut]

That's a sweet little vise drives! Think that is the original color?

you can never have too many tools

 

[oldldh]

Damn JB...

That's older than me!!!!

 

[drivesitfar]

JB: i found this Parker vise patent dated Nov. 26, 1867 on this Google page and here is the picture so i'm guessing you are correct. https://www.google.com/patents/US71498

also just curious when they switched to the 2 screw method for holding the retainer on Parker's 6 inch wide jaw vises because my Parker 956 had 2 screws?

picture of Parker patent attached and not easy to read, but it is a 150 years old.

Jeremy: you have more vises mounted to your benches than I do so sorry it's not heading to you. besides it doesn't have the pipe jaws you want for your welding bench/toolbox vise you need. keep looking and i'm sure you'll find one when you are ready or that Craftsman looks like a good candidate for a temporary vise until you find your Reed 2C

Vintage: you know that Wilton 9300 does sort of look like it has original red paint and i'll have to take a closer look next time i'm close to it.

 

[Lu-Max]

Another vise I.D. needed please. I can get this one cheap, but I think it is because it might be a cheapo. The shape of the handle ends have me intrigued though so I am posting it. Craftsman?

 

[McBrownie]

Shiftless: i guess you'll have to stick around and of course start getting those deals you are just missing and posting a few of your own. BTW how many vises do you own now and any pictures to share since your Avitar is a vise?

Shoe: It looks like you fixed your vise for $25 and some elbow grease and a few of your tools. nice work.

JZ: so you know you didn't pay too much for that vise because i would have told Lu-Max to drive 3 hours to pick it up even though he doesn't need one because i would have if i had the time. that said we hope to see some spiffing up pics when you get some time and nice job on the label for your English made Paramo.

ALL: so i'm looking through my little cabinet and i found this little guy back in there that i know hasn't seen the light of day in years and it's never been posted on GJ until i just posted it on the Wilton date stamp thread. it's a nice little Wilton 9300 3 inch bullet in pretty decent shape and somebody i know is having a birthday soon and was asking for one. not sure i want to sell it so thinking of how it would look on his bench. January 1967 date stamped

Drives, nice 9300. I really like mine. It's my go to precision vise for small parts. Mine is a 1962 three-footer and originally had really bad swivel lock down mechanism that I had to fix. Interesting to see that they had improved that by 1967.

 

[va.grouseman]

Ritz, what is the dimensions of your Ridgid combination.
A rusty post vise?---Unless it was an 8 inch Columbian or an Indian Chief, you need to go to confession.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Originally posted by Bluebolt

.It's a Schiller Park vise so 1956 or later. I have yet to see any 800 vise with a date stamp.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thank you Bluebolt.---I've been waiting for someone to bring this up.---I've got an 800S with no date stamp and I'm thinking I've got 220 lbs. of knock-off.---It says MADE IN USA, but no city of origin.---Still could be a knock-off.---But it's pretty well made.---Wonder if any other 800 owners can produce a date stamp?

Here's some pics, but there is too much glare.---There not good quality.

 

[Shiftless]

Drives: I've been sticking around and reading every post on every page for about a year without posting. I was so glad to see the Yost go to a GJ member that I just HAD to jump in and award the coveted (by most of us) YS award. I currently have 6 vises on my bench but I have purchased 10 and given away 4 to deserving fellows. I will post a few pics when I get home in a few days. I still have my first restoration, a little 3 inch Prentiss Bulldog.

Lu-max: That one intrigued me as well. On C/L it was listed as an anvil! Might indeed be a Craftsman with jaws at least 4 inches wide.

 

[KMScott]

That is a nice 800 VA, Looks like a Wilton but jaws are a finer pitch then some others I have seen. Serrations are cut at 30 degrees like yours but I have seen the bigger jaws like the 600 and 800 are machined at a .125 pitch (distance between the serrations).
I am trying to verify a width dimension on the 800 Horseshoe washers. If some one has a set of calipers and can get me a width of the spindle slot then I would appreciate it. I have been told it is 5/16 wide (.312). Thanks in advance.

Took a picture of my Prentiss 58 Dynamic jaw support with a small #209 Prentiss. Much smaller version then it's bigger brother. Nice little vise.

 

[bagged89s10]

I started the take-down and resto on my Parker 40 1/2. I noticed the collar difference from my 106. Have any of you ever seen this collar before? It reads "PAT, NOV 26 1867" (I think).

I have the same collar on my Parker No. 2 which says "PAT, 'NOV 26 1867"

 

[Lu-Max]

Wow! Amazing job as always Mr. Scott.

 

[Junebuggy]

Bagged ~ Me thinks we should hang on to these vises!

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged ~ Me thinks we should hang on to these vises!

Junebuggy, that's the problem. I've managed to collect 5 Parkers in less than 2 months and I feel like I want to keep each one.

 

[rmalkow2]

After many garage sales and auctions and estate sales I have finally got my first Wilton bullet. It came from a screw machine company that was in business for over 30 years. I have not had time to take it apart yet just do a quick Simple Green wash and wire brush scrub.
It came with a heavy steel work table which I have already sold to a co-worker and my final cost is about $95. 4 inch jaws but I don't yet know the model number. This one will get cleaned up enough to go in my garage and be my daily user.

 

[oldldh]

After many garage sales and auctions and estate sales I have finally got my first Wilton bullet, my final cost is about $95. 4 inch jaws but I don't yet know the model number. This one will get cleaned up enough to go in my garage and be my daily user.

A 4" Machinist Wilton non-swivel, would make it a 400N...

Total cost of less than a hundred bucks...

Is closing in on Suckage Territory!!!

Nice vise...

Enclosed my two cutaways, so you see your new vise's innards....

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!

 

[rmalkow2]

A 4" Machinist Wilton non-swivel, would make it a 400N...

Total cost of less than a hundred bucks...

Is closing in on Suckage Territory!!!

Nice vise...

Enclosed my two cutaways, so you see your new vise's innards....

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!

Hey thanks, love those cutaway pics. They will help a lot.

 

[DRRummel]

After using my Harbor Freight 5 inch vise for 5 years my adult children somehow managed to break the jaw bolts holes out of the back part of the vise. Of course neither of them know how it happened.

I so about two weeks ago I jumped on JG to see what vises are of good quality and I got hooked on this thread. With the little bit of knowledge I have built up over the past two weeks I have started shopping.

I am still waiting to seal a deal on a Wilton 9300. I think the seller is waiting for someone to offer him his asking price before meeting me. He says we will meet next week.

In the meantime I found and bought a Colombian 605-M2. I think it is made in September 1982 since 982 is stamped on the model number of the vise and the base. I will be beating on this vise for shop work, but I hope to refurbish it first.

When I have questions for refurbishing this vise, do I post it here? Is there a repair support thread? Or do I start a new thread? Does 1982 count a a vintage tool?

 

[drivesitfar]

DR: yes GJ has a repair thread that is in my link called vise repair 101 over in the vintage tools sections. you can post your questions and pictures over there and most likely somebody will have your answer if you have any questions or just post up a bunch of good pictures with your thoughts so others may learn like you have.

also might i suggest buying a hunk of RR track or steel i beam if you need to beat on steel because vises were not meant to be an anvil or a press and that's why even the biggest ones have broken if used incorrectly.

i just posted up a Wilton 9300 earlier tonight and if yours is in as good or better condition it should serve you well with the other ones you now own.

RM: nice Wilton

Bagged: so can we check back in with you next year or the way you are buying vises maybe next month to see if you want to keep all 10 or 20 Parker vises you own then?

 

[purpurite]

Before:

After:

FINALLY took the opportunity this week to restore my own personal 3.5" Sears Craftsman 5178 vise that I have had since I was a kid. it's been on the opposite side of my workbench for the last couple of years, and now it matches my 4.5" Shop King in Hazet teal.

 

[bluebolt]

Ritz, what is the dimensions of your Ridgid combination.
A rusty post vise?---Unless it was an 8 inch Columbian or an Indian Chief, you need to go to confession.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Originally posted by Bluebolt

.It's a Schiller Park vise so 1956 or later. I have yet to see any 800 vise with a date stamp.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thank you Bluebolt.---I've been waiting for someone to bring this up.---I've got an 800S with no date stamp and I'm thinking I've got 220 lbs. of knock-off.---It says MADE IN USA, but no city of origin.---Still could be a knock-off.---But it's pretty well made.---Wonder if any other 800 owners can produce a date stamp?

Here's some pics, but there is too much glare.---There not good quality.

I don't think it is a knock off but it may be an early 800. As I recall, 800's were added in the early 1950's and since they were getting ready to move operations to Schiller Park PERHAPS they didn't put Chicago on the early ones so they wouldn't have to redo the casting molds right away.

And I think they don't have a date because they are heavy and the stamping guy didn't want to do it LOL.

 

[autopts]

Did some disassembly and cleaning in the 800N today. Pulled the dynamic jaw out and cleaning off the key with red scotchbrite and parts cleaner, but didn't find a date code.

[I cleaned the slide and the slide bore with scotchbrite, brake clean, and paper towel. Little bit Qf my bench grinder stand:

I don't think having the date missing is that uncommon. I figure that was the last thing they did before boxing/crating them. Imagine taking slides in and out of 800S's all day? That's work! My last 800S had no date and the 2, C2's I have here don't have dates. They are circa 1976. 800S's, who knows

 

[econotrk]

Ted, paint is Satin Olive the same paint Balane uses. This vise has many more years left in it. It was a fun project. Thanks Ted.

Another work of art Kevin! I'd like to use that color on my 974, what brand are you using?

 

[bagged89s10]

Plenty of nice vise's being showed tonight, thought I would add my Parker 954-1/2 I wrapped up this week. This vise was coated with 3/8 thick syrup of some kind, missing a collar and some one clamped on a round object and squashed the serrations.



<a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-cvwsKrg/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-cvwsKrg/0/S/Parker%20954-500%20before%20restoring%20%281%29-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>



<a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-QSRp8M2/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-QSRp8M2/0/M/Parker%20954-500%2005-2015%20%283%29-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>



<a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-8DZktD5/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-8DZktD5/0/M/Parker%20954-500%2005-2015%20%281%29-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>



fabricated a new set of jaws, tightened up the backlash and made a collar. It still needs some fitting, since it is a little tight yet.



<a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-tjMd77k/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-tjMd77k/0/S/Parker%20954-500%2005-2015%20%284%29-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a> <a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-qrCTrm2/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-qrCTrm2/0/S/Parker%20954-500%2005-2015%20%285%29-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>



<a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-SwRNsW8/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-SwRNsW8/0/S/Parker%20954-500%2005-2015%20%286%29-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a> <a href="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-FxxnXP5/A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://visejaws.smugmug.com/Restored-Vises/i-FxxnXP5/0/S/Parker%20954-500%2005-2015%20%2810%29-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>



Got them jaws figured out, getting a little easier as I do more.

Awesome work!

 

[KMScott]

Reverend Scott...

You've done it...

Again!!!

Beautimuss!!!...

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!

Thanks Oldie. I used to work with a Bubba, he just got fired. Not a very good Toolmaker, funny thing is he got hired to teach a machine shop class at a local college.

Another work of art Kevin! I'd like to use that color on my 974, what brand are you using?

Balane painted several vises with it and just had to try it out on this 954-1/2. Paint is made by Krylon and called Satin Italian Olive. I like it to. Thanks for the Kudos.

Awesome work!

Thanks Bags. You mentioned you have several Parkers, aught to line them up for a holiday picture taking.

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by Autopts.

Imagine taking slides in and out of 800S's all day? That's work!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Autopts,---The half ain't never been told.---I promised you a year earlier I would remove the slide and check for a date stamp.---But I just dreaded it so bad, and rightfully so.---The first time I tried to do it, it rolled over on my foot, so I scrapped the idea for 8 months.---Got up the nerve again when Drive started the Wilton date stamping thread.---My back hurt for two days after wrestling that thing and it was all for naught.---No stamp.---And from that moment on, all I could think of is KNOCK-OFF.---Then I thought, well it's here, it's mine, too late to send it back, and for a Knock-off, I guess it's not too bad.---But it did need greasing.---Still had the factory dried up grease on it.---So it got a good grease bath.---Autopts, what you and Blue have said has eased my pain some.---Both are very good arguments for the defense. But still not 100% convinced.

 

[Lu-Max]

A Rotating, 3-Jaw Vise? THIS GUY must work in marketing! At least now it's a bit lighter and easier to move around.

 

[454ragtop]

A Rotating, 3-Jaw Vise? THIS GUY must work in marketing! At least now it's a bit lighter and easier to move around.

Crack don't smoke itself! Good one, that vise wasn't worth $50.00 when it had all 4 jaws.

 

[bagged89s10]

Thanks Oldie. I used to work with a Bubba, he just got fired. Not a very good Toolmaker, funny thing is he got hired to teach a machine shop class at a local college.







Balane painted several vises with it and just had to try it out on this 954-1/2. Paint is made by Krylon and called Satin Italian Olive. I like it to. Thanks for the Kudos.







Thanks Bags. You mentioned you have several Parkers, aught to line them up for a holiday picture taking.

Nice lineup Scott! I like that green. I'm looking for a similar color for and might have to go check out that color. All My Parkers are not ready for a photo shoot just yet. Maybe I can get a nice lineup for Independance day. That has me thinking, has anyone painted or seen a vise with Ivory paint?

 

[drivesitfar]

VA, Auto, and ALL: when i took apart my Wilton C2 to check the date and inspect it i know what you mean about how heavy it is to put back together as is all of my 100+ pounders and especially the ones 150+.

so to make it easier i removed the horseshoe shaped retainer and removed the main screw. once i have the screw out the dynamic slips right back in fairly easily when you are not trying to turn the screw in at the same time. then screw the screw into the vise and then put he 3 screws back in to hold the horseshoe retainer and you are done.

I can't tell you that is as easy doing that with the bigger vise that are not made by Wilton or Parker that have retaining rings and screws under the dynamic, but it's a lot easier than trying to hold a 75+ pound dynamic jaw while trying to line up the screw and then turn it so give it a try on those too.

LU: some people's kids will try to sell anything without full disclosure. or maybe the seller really doesn't know that rotating vise is broken.

BTW that vise that was in the box wasn't one to get too excited about since i kinda know what you like, but it would be a decent flipper or user if i knew you didn't already own a Wilton C3 and a few other nice vises.

Bagged: i'm sure Balane has because he's posted up a vise with all the colors of paint he finds. sorry about the comment about trying to limit your vise choices down to only 5 if it hit home, but others have tried to stop once they get to discovering these gems and you can buy 5 of the less expensive vises in a day if you are looking. good luck with the July 4th photo shoot and i hope all your vise kids behave for it.