The VISES of Garage Journal

[econotrk]

Yup.




They used U bolts on these. They tend to need a bit of tweaking to get them looking even. Date wise, they were probably made quite a bit before WWII. Late Victorian, Edwardian or early Georgian period is likely when they were in production, judging from the little info available. CW has B&H catalogues dating from 1923, and they weren't listed for sale in those.




Aye, there were no scuffles.

Love the look of that one Fretters. Would you mind posting a pic of the underside showing how the U-bolts are situated?

 

[Fretters]

Will do. I'll take a photo of the underside when I pop out there.

 

[twertsy]

Finally got the snappy wilton back together. Red powdercoat. Just need the badges and to make the jaws.

 

[zkling]

Twertsy, do you have in house powder coating capabilities or do you send out?

 

[bluebolt]

Forgive my ignorance I am new to the forum and don't know much about Wilton vises, can anyone help me identify this one. I picked it up at a storage auction, thanks in advance.

Nice score Wilson! Can you take a picture of the date on the slide key on the bottom of the dynamic jaw?

 

[twertsy]

I have my own gun and can do whatever fits in this oven. My neighbor shop is an appliance repair guy......got that oven for free. I have an IR lamp also but need to buy a couple more to effectively do bigger stuff.

 

[Junebuggy]

I once had a UPS man walk into my shop and grab my arm to get my attention while I was using my buffer. I was startled by this figuring most people would know better than to do that...nonetheless, it happened. Within a second, the spinning wheel caught the piece of steel I was working on and shot it to the concrete floor and ricocheting it into the wall behind where it was stuck like an arrow. I didn't need to say much to the young man due to he was well aware of the issue and I'm positive he'll never do that again. After that, I had a very stern policy about people coming in unannounced to the "working' part of the shop I had. I installed a simple door bell to alert me when someone was in the front area. I never had another issue of that but, then again....it only takes "1" event to be your last one. I got lucky that day.

I always wear earplugs when I weld too...if any of you have ever had the non- pleasure of a piece of red hot slag fly in your ear...you'll know what I'm talking about.

 

[ritzblitz]

VA- the ridgid is 3.5" jaws, around 40lbs. I did alright, almost felt a little bad.

Got this Heinrich 8SV for 50 bucks. Finally have an acceptable vise for my edlund drill press.

 

[FMC1959]

Having done probably more woodworking than anything else, and running lots of tablesaws without guards, I would definitely say although still a dangerous machine, a buffer is far worse. I'd even say a chainsaw is probably less dangerous than a buffer. I recall seeing a picture of a piece of steel embedded 4 inches into the floor below the buffer. Imagine if it flew off at a different angle. Would have gone straight through you

you can never have too many tools

I never gave a buffing wheel much thought or respect in the past. Circular saws, table saws, & chainsaws are on the list of 5 most dangerous tools. But I am pretty sure these stats are based on reported accidents, and the 3 of them are common tools most people have, thus more accidents.

I am guessing few people have 12" buffing wheel, making for fewer reported accidents. Not sure the RPM on your 12", but I have a 6" grinder/buffer that is 3500 RPM. I checked an online formula and a 12" at 3500 RPM had a surface speed of 124 MPH! Add to this that they are often used open without guard and that it probably takes a hefty motor to get a 12" to speed and keep it going once you apply an object to the buffer, I can definitely see it as a tool to be extra careful with.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Since we are sort of on the topic. My day job is an engineer for this company www.sawstop.com if anyone would be interested in a table saw that isn't out to get them. feel free to PM me if you have questions.

I haven't ever used a buffer and now I am thinking I will be just fine with my 3M fine grade deburring wheel.

 

[vintage nut]

My buffer is the slower speed 1725 rpm machine. Same surface speed as a 3600 rpm 6", but far more torque. My machine is a 3/4hp baldor, and even with a 12" wheel, I can't even slow it down. It's actually rated as an 8" machine, but it's easily capable of running 12s. If I ever had the space I'd love to get a big old 1.5-3 hp floor model machine. Be very nice for running greaseless as it would have the starting torque to load the wheel without letting it to full speed, preventing it flying everywhere.

you can never have too many tools

 

[CwazyWabbit]

VN: When I need a buffer or wire wheel I run it on my Union Graduate wood lathe, it's fitted with a 1HP 3ph motor run from a VFD so I have variable speed and I can run the belt on any of the 4 positions on the original step pulleys depending how much torque I need.
Being a heavy cast iron wood lathe also makes for virtually no vibrations, that and being bolted to the floor

 

[va.grouseman]

Ritz,---that is a clean little Ridgid.---Don't see many Ridgid combos.---Of course I'm partial to combos anyway.---Every time I see one "WITH THE PIPE JAWS'', the old ticker skips a beat.

I'm really impressed with the size of your drill press and the size of those bits.---Unless the pics are deceiving, those look like as much as 2 to 2 1/2 inch drill bits.---Not easy drilling with the larger ones, especially if they are not honed just right.

750 Drill Doctor goes to 3/4 inch bits, but my largest is 2 inches.---Have to sharpen anything over 3/4'' on the side of my 10'' grinder wheel.---Know how you hand sharpen large bits on a grinder wheel so they cut as good or better than a factory edge?---The same way you get to Carnegie Hall.---Practice, practice, practice.---The pitch and the roll has to be just exactly right, but it's doable.

 

[joe.striper]

Got an email last night from Mark, a GJ member in Upstate NY, who sent me a lead for the vise pictured below. I have NEVER seen anything like it before. 3" jaws, swing design with detentes on the shaft to lock it down, 20" throat size, beautiful construction. Seller thought it was from the 40s, I thought it is older. It was only 30 miles from me so I took the bride for a ride and we bought it for $25.00

Last pic is of the other items seller had, $10.00 each, but I passed on most of it, just purchased all the primitive tools for $20.00. No room at the inn for stuff I'll never sell. Killed me to leave the pipe vises, wood vise and hand planer.

 

[Fretters]

Love the look of that one Fretters. Would you mind posting a pic of the underside showing how the U-bolts are situated?

A photo of the underside for you.

 

[joe.striper]

Finally got the little Athol out of the rust tank, dried it and wire wheeled it. Came out nice. Such a very nice covered screw vise. Very nice. I think Satin black would look the best, but I am torn.

 

[va.grouseman]

Joe, I've seen one of those way back in the pages somewhere, but I can't remember how far.---It had no makers mark so I didn't pencil it in the index.---I will try to dig it up.

You really shouldn't have passed on those cool vintage shades.

 

[Fretters]

Last pic is of the other items seller had, $10.00 each, but I passed on most of it, just purchased all the primitive tools for $20.00. No room at the inn for stuff I'll never sell. Killed me to leave the pipe vises, wood vise and hand planer.

He wanted $10 apiece for the pipe vices and you didn't get them? Words cannot explain my sentiment at that decision, (not decent words, anyhow ).

 

[CwazyWabbit]

A photo of the underside for you.

From that photo I'd guess the reason the QR isn't working is that there's a ton of **** under the half nut preventing it from disengaging and then some brute has hit the QR lever to try and force it to release but just succeeded in bending the lever so it's now tight up against the main screw. All just a guess though


If the lever is bent and needs straightening heat it up to cherry red first.

EDIT: the variation in casting thickness of the two sides at the front is amusing.

 

[Fretters]

From that photo I'd guess the reason the QR isn't working is that there's a ton of **** under the half nut preventing it from disengaging and then some brute has hit the QR lever to try and force it to release but just succeeded in bending the lever so it's now tight up against the main screw. All just a guess though

Sounds a pretty good bet, looking at the photo.

If the lever is bent and needs straightening heat it up to cherry red first.

Will do. Haven't paid too much attention to the lever itself as yet, so not sure if it is bent or not. One thing I have noticed about it though, purely from touch alone, is that it's a lot slimmer and thinner than the usual. It almost feels as though the lever has been literally worn away through use.

EDIT: the variation in casting thickness of the two sides at the front is amusing.

Hadn't noticed that 'til you mentioned it. I had noted the appreciable difference in the rod thickness between the two U bolts though.

 

[CwazyWabbit]

....
Haven't paid too much attention to the lever itself as yet, so not sure if it is bent or not. One thing I have noticed about it though, purely from touch alone, is that it's a lot slimmer and thinner than the usual. It almost feels as though the lever has been literally worn away through use.

I have a No 6 Model F and that too has an incredibly slim lever that makes you think it's worn away, but judging from the rest of the No 6 I'd say they had a thin period

....
I had noted the appreciable difference in the rod thickness between the two U bolts though.

I guess as we worked out the other night that this vice was made sometime between 1886 and 1907 we should probably cut them some slack on their tolerances

Those U bolts look like they were made with a forge, anvil and hammer ....

 

[joe.striper]

He wanted $10 apiece for the pipe vices and you didn't get them? Words cannot explain my sentiment at that decision, (not decent words, anyhow ).

Fretters, have any idea how many of those I see every week? I could buy 20 a week, there is just no market for these. I have 3 now...

I posted this pic just to show what I see every time I head out. This guy had the vise listed and when I showed up all of this was on the table. As I said it kills me to leave it all there....

 

[autopts]

Autopts, is that dynamic polished or chromed? It is gorgeous, but I would be concerned with the fit if it is "over polished"

Absolutely the best Wilton I have ever seen.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

I have a Burr King with a belt about as aggressive as newspaper. Does the trick every time. Spindle handles also. Thanks for the compliments guys

 

[Fretters]

I have a No 6 Model F and that too has an incredibly slim lever that makes you think it's worn away, but judging from the rest of the No 6 I'd say they had a thin period

I wonder if mine and yours may possibly have been wartime, (WWI & WWII respectively), productions then, if metal usage was being kept to a minimum?

I guess as we worked out the other night that this vice was made sometime between 1886 and 1907 we should probably cut them some slack on their tolerances

It's things like that which give the old stuff an extra degree of appeal, IMHO. Each one is unique, due to the slight differences between parts which would be otherwise be identical, using todays methods.

Those U bolts look like they were made with a forge, anvil and hammer ....

They definitely seem hand shaped rather than pressed into shape.

 

[Dusten]

It's a vice... It was here when I bought the house

 

[joe.striper]

Joe, I've seen one of those way back in the pages somewhere, but I can't remember how far.---It had no makers mark so I didn't pencil it in the index.---I will try to dig it up.

You really shouldn't have passed on those cool vintage shades.

Thanks VA. Yeah I saw the shades in the pic, also my cigar, CT broadleaf...sooo good!

 

[Fretters]

Fretters, have any idea how many of those I see every week? I could buy 20 a week, there is just no market for these. I have 3 now...

I'm honestly surprised at that Joe. The pipe vices don't tend to fetch silly money over here either, but neither could they be classed as things which no-one wants. It appears we have more of a fondness over here for those things than over your side of the pond. I suppose it's the same as the flypress. Something which doesn't appear to even get a consideration in general over your side of the pond, (judging from the comments I get whenever I mention them ), yet something which we still merrily use over over here.

 

[CwazyWabbit]

Mmmm fly press My dad has a couple and has promised me one of them when I move house to somewhere with more space

 

[Dusten]

Hugh

 

[Fretters]

Mmmm fly press My dad has a couple and has promised me one of them when I move house to somewhere with more space

Any idea what make and size they are? Any photo's? Flypress **** is just as good as vice ****.

 

[CwazyWabbit]

I'll get some photos in a fortnight when I'm next over there, iirc one is a Norton No 8 and the other is a *********** variant of it.

 

[Fretters]

Sweet. Whichever one you end up with, you'll have done well. Don't envy you the hernia when shifting either of those though.

 

[Junebuggy]

I completed my 150 year old (?) Pattern Maker/Carriage Maker type Chas. Parker vise. I thought about jeweling the slide but, after I sprayed some blue layout spray and test fit it, I decided the possibility of scratches would mar it when using it since the tolerance seemed so tight so, I got the sanding block out and a bucket of water and threw the beans at it with wet sandpaper. It cleaned up really well. I decided I didn't want to put a big flash paint job on it and opted to use a Rustoleum Burnished Amber with a Metallic Black on the top deck. Although I will replace the handle since it's too rough for my liking, I didn't take down some of the "Love Taps" left by the previous owner(s)...I think it gives it character. Bringing this one back from where I started was really fun....I am so amazed at how well these old boys were built. Sorry if my pictures are not too good, I get the wobbles holding a camera a lot more it seems.

 

[ritzblitz]

VA- yeah, youre right about practice. Those big drills are tough to get cutting right. Easier on a belt grinder unless you have a monster grinding wheel. Those bits are not for the drill press. That is a measly mt2, and belt deiven. I actually got the drills for free, had them to use on the big clausing colchester at my old job, now they live down there. They are mt5. The largest stubby one is 4.5in. I stalled that big lathe with it The drilling machine is a sweet piece though. Got it for a song in a deal with a mill. Its around 1000lbs. maybe some day ill rebuild it. Thanks for your interest.

 

[XCMTB83]

Keeping it simple with my Wilton. Black letters, finger savers, machined acorns and a coat of Fluid Film. I was going to paint it after rust removal but I think I will wait until I am done using it and have upgraded. Until then I will admire the 50+ years of character!

 

[joe.striper]

I completed my 150 year old (?) Pattern Maker/Carriage Maker type Chas. Parker vise. I thought about jeweling the slide but, after I sprayed some blue layout spray and test fit it, I decided the possibility of scratches would mar it when using it since the tolerance seemed so tight so, I got the sanding block out and a bucket of water and threw the beans at it with wet sandpaper. It cleaned up really well. I decided I didn't want to put a big flash paint job on it and opted to use a Rustoleum Burnished Amber with a Metallic Black on the top deck. Although I will replace the handle since it's too rough for my liking, I didn't take down some of the "Love Taps" left by the previous owner(s)...I think it gives it character. Bringing this one back from where I started was really fun....I am so amazed at how well these old boys were built. Sorry if my pictures are not too good, I get the wobbles holding a camera a lot more it seems.

June, I LOVE the way these old Parkers clean up. Great resto job Juney!

 

[Junebuggy]

June, I LOVE the way these old Parkers clean up. Great resto job Juney!

HA....I'm still a student and you're the teacher on the Parker Resto class.
I REALLY like that blue one you did and I KNOW how much time you put in it too!

 

[tedsters]

I completed my 150 year old (?) Pattern Maker/Carriage Maker type Chas. Parker vise. I thought about jeweling the slide but, after I sprayed some blue layout spray and test fit it, I decided the possibility of scratches would mar it when using it since the tolerance seemed so tight so, I got the sanding block out and a bucket of water and threw the beans at it with wet sandpaper. It cleaned up really well. I decided I didn't want to put a big flash paint job on it and opted to use a Rustoleum Burnished Amber with a Metallic Black on the top deck. Although I will replace the handle since it's too rough for my liking, I didn't take down some of the "Love Taps" left by the previous owner(s)...I think it gives it character. Bringing this one back from where I started was really fun....I am so amazed at how well these old boys were built. Sorry if my pictures are not too good, I get the wobbles holding a camera a lot more it seems.

thats a nice vise it looks great, i got an old reed like that with a rear swivel

 

[XCMTB83]

I completed my 150 year old (?) Pattern Maker/Carriage Maker type Chas. Parker vise. I thought about jeweling the slide but, after I sprayed some blue layout spray and test fit it, I decided the possibility of scratches would mar it when using it since the tolerance seemed so tight so, I got the sanding block out and a bucket of water and threw the beans at it with wet sandpaper. It cleaned up really well. I decided I didn't want to put a big flash paint job on it and opted to use a Rustoleum Burnished Amber with a Metallic Black on the top deck. Although I will replace the handle since it's too rough for my liking, I didn't take down some of the "Love Taps" left by the previous owner(s)...I think it gives it character. Bringing this one back from where I started was really fun....I am so amazed at how well these old boys were built. Sorry if my pictures are not too good, I get the wobbles holding a camera a lot more it seems.

That thing is sweet. Nice job, for sure.

 

[econotrk]

A photo of the underside for you.

Thanks Fretters, pretty cool to see how that's put together underneath.