The VISES of Garage Journal

[vintage nut]

I don't know very much about starrett vises, and have never seen one like that. That said it looks like a good user, and although I'm not sure its a real you **** deal, it definitely looks like a good vise at a fair price. Well done!

you can never have too many tools

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked up this 5" Starrett Athol vise this week at auction for $100. I don't have it yet but appears to be in good shape. How'd I do? I can't find any details on these vises. I think it will make a nice vise to attach to the cart (same auction) that will become my first welding table. The cart is 24"x36"x31" with 5/8" thick plate on top.

I don't know very much about starrett vises, and have never seen one like that. That said it looks like a good user, and although I'm not sure its a real you **** deal, it definitely looks like a good vise at a fair price. Well done!

you can never have too many tools

It's a Starrett 015 which I believe to be made in he 1990s after Starrett bought athol and went away with the Athol named vise. Weighs about 40 pounds. It has the smaller handle nose which is what a lot of companies seemed to go with when they tried to cost cut. It's still a solid combination vise. I saw zoomieport has one listed on dayid and maybe he has more information.

 

[drivesitfar]

Climb: that Starrett vise should make a great welding table vise and i think you did as well on the welding table as you did the vise. use it for now and try to find a bigger combination Starrett vise or a C series Reed or Wilton for an upgrade as you need one later. I've seen some very handy guys work on that style vise in their garage for 50 years and only do a little clean up and add grease every few years.

 

[MixManSC]

MixMan I really like that setup.
Curious people would like to know how much you paid?

I ended up at right about $225 shipping included.....

Mix: very cool baby bullet and especially the interesting stand for it. can you post up a few more pictures of the stand and in different positions if you have time?

I have the vise detached from it right now so here is a couple of shots of just the positioning jig. You have 180 degrees of motion on top and 360 degrees of rotational ability with it. In the first shot you can see the plate that the vise was mounted to. The two holes for the vise were drilled (off center ) just to mount the vise to by someone. There are 4 holes with captive screws and a threaded center hole for whatever it was originally intended to be used for. When the box arrived I was surprised at the weight. The positioning jig by itself is right at 13 lbs. The mounting plate is aluminum but the rest is cast iron. Sort of a nice feature is you could easily fabricate something to accept the beveled mounting plate that you could attach to your workbench. Then just simply loosen the thumb turn screw (leaving the plate attached to the vise) and quickly change from the positioning jig to fixed mounting.

If I ultimately decide to keep this with the vise I'll probably fabricate a new mounting plate so the vise is properly centered and make it a bit thinner and better fitting to the vise.

Also started pulling the vise apart to clean it out real good and give it some new grease and discovered that the poorly applied red paint (probably the same guy that drilled the holes in the plate off center) flakes off pretty easily and about 50% of the original green paint is underneath. Not sure if I'll leave it like that or fully strip and repaint it yet. I sort of like the old used look but shiny and new looking is also nice. One jaw screw is being very stubborn - after sitting overnight with a bit of Kroil three came out pretty easily. The last one is soaking a bit more. The screw is perfect and I have not yet tried to get the cap off and nut out (I might leave them be for now).

 

[FMC1959]

I don't know very much about starrett vises, and have never seen one like that. That said it looks like a good user, and although I'm not sure its a real you **** deal, it definitely looks like a good vise at a fair price. Well done!

you can never have too many tools

There aren't any rules written in stone for the types of vises out there, but I see this one as a Workshop/Garage vise, similar to a Parker Big Bear and Rock Island Autovise,. These usually have similarities to Utility vises in that they have an anvil, pipe jaws, and swivel bases.

Where they differ is Utility vises are usually open screw and do not have a lot of "meat" on them, and are considered light/medium duty. The Garage vise will have the covered screw and are more stout, often weighing in closer to the machinist or combo vise of that MFR.

 

[drivesitfar]

Mix: thanks for the great post and the pictures. i can't say I've seen that sort of power arm and it looks like it will work well with your baby bullet. i'm not a fan of the original green on the wiltons, but i like it a lot better than the red spray bomb yours had. post a few pictures after you clean the vise and stand up and make the new mounting plate when you do if you time. you didn't over pay.

FMC:

 

[Niblet]

For somebody in the Seattle area this seems like a very fair deal to me. $400 for a Wilton 600 6". It looks decent in the photos but you know how Craig's List photos go. I'd buy it but I don't like flipping the heavy stuff.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/tls/5056123035.html



.

Well I scored this one for 325.00

 

[drivesitfar]

Niblet: that's a lot of wilton bullet for that much money. you did well. also welcome to the forum. just a warning in case you didn't know, but those vises seem to invite their friends over so be prepared for a few more to show up soon. when you get time to pull out the dynamic jaw can you take a picture and post the vise and the date stamp on this thread we have going to try and figure out the actual dates the Wiltons were made.

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

thanks and again welcome to our group

 

[oldldh]

"Brand New" Wilton 1780 on Ebay...

Handle is slightly bent...

But...

If you want a "new" one, less than $ 500.00, ain't too shabby a price...

 

[balane]

Well I scored this one for 325.00

Nice job Niblet! That's a fantastic deal. Is it in good condition? Works well?

 

[Shiftless]

Well I scored this one for 325.00

Nice Score, Niblet!
And welcome to the board
You know that new ones cost at least $1100, right?

 

[zkling]

Nice Score, Niblet!
And welcome to the board
You know that new ones cost at least $1100, right?

Is rust and missing pieces a factory option? I always get a chuckle when people try to compare their heavily used item to new price.

 

[drivesitfar]

ZK: you are right to a point. the old ones with a little TLC will usually work better and look better than a new one. so how cheap should you be able to buy a 6 inch Wilton Bullet vise? just saying that yes neglected tools shouldn't get top dollar, but they still have value.

BTW you have done some amazing restorations of some old turds and care to share any pictures of the yellow, orange or whatever color you painted them?

also when you weld in the holes in the old cast i'm sure you've mentioned a few times, but since i'm actually starting to weld what kind of rod do you use and is it from a wire feeder or do tell? i see there is a sale for a Miller 211 with a bunch of extras and i'm about ready to pull the trigger for something new instead of buying a used one. good mig welder??

 

[SCscoutguy]

I picked up this little Wilton Scout 4" vise without the base today. I have no need for it so I will probably put it in my for sale post to pass it along to someone here who needs one.

 

[36truck]

I pasted up a blacksmith vise today at an auction. I'm sure it would have taken at least a $100 to get it. I didn't get any pics. What kind of price do these go for. They also had a small anvil to sell I didn't wait for it.

 

[Niblet]

Nice job Niblet! That's a fantastic deal. Is it in good condition? Works well?

yes Its nicer than the other one I have and I played hardball with the guy,,
finally he caved in at 325.00

 

[Niblet]

Nice Score, Niblet!
And welcome to the board
You know that new ones cost at least $1100, right?

we have the new 600 models at work,,,they lack the "personality" of the old gems,,,plus I gotta think the new ones are cheaper steel no matter what anyone says,,,you just cant beat the old stuff

 

[jakemac]

Well, I broke my rule about not buying anymore clamp vises.

For $10, I just couldn't leave it behind.

It's a Luther #93.
12 lbs.
covered screw.
3-1/4" permanent jaws
3-1/2" opening
a little over 2" clearance on the clamp

There's 1/2 turn of slop on the main screw, and it binds at the end. It may be buggered threads, or it could just be hard grease. I won't know until I take it apart.

I'll have to be careful cleaning it, I want to preserve what's left of the decals.

 

[garfieldzzz]

my brand new Leinen vice
30kg (66lbs) 125mm jaws (about 5")

runs like butter and is as parallel as a press

 

[MixManSC]

Well.... after stripping the red off I decided it just looked too rough. While these little bullets are obviously highly collectible, they are not by any means particularly rare so I had no issues with not staying original.

I did not have anything laying around here at the shop that really rung my bell for it. But then I noticed a rattle can of fake chrome over in the corner (works great for reflectors like in grinder guards) so I figured what the hell. Its not like this little guy will be tough to paint again. You can dissemble the entire thing and strip all of the paint in about 15 minutes.

Shot a couple of coats on and I actually kinda dig it in a cheesy sort of way. What I think would be awesome (and I might very well try it one day on this or another) would be to really grind, file, and sand the castings glass smooth and have one really chrome plated.

So here it is hanging up and blinged out....
I also pounded the dent out of the rear cap and polished that and the handle and anvil top. I'm quite sure many of you will not like this look. Honestly not yet sure if I do for that matter. Once it dries I'll probably hand brush the top of the lettering and give it a shot of clear.

 

[Fretters]

I'm not a fan of chrome generally either, but I have to say, that looks good.

Nice vices Jake and Garfield.

 

[Outlawmws]

Well, I broke my rule about not buying anymore clamp vises.

For $10, I just couldn't leave it behind.

It's a Luther #93.
12 lbs.
covered screw.
3-1/4" permanent jaws
3-1/2" opening
a little over 2" clearance on the clamp

There's 1/2 turn of slop on the main screw, and it binds at the end. It may be buggered threads, or it could just be hard grease. I won't know until I take it apart.

I'll have to be careful cleaning it, I want to preserve what's left of the decals.

I would not have thought twice about that one...

 

[Outlawmws]

I pasted up a blacksmith vise today at an auction. I'm sure it would have taken at least a $100 to get it. I didn't get any pics. What kind of price do these go for. They also had a small anvil to sell I didn't wait for it.

It depends a lot on size and condition completeness. A big one that could be dirt cheap; a small light one missing parts...

 

[that one guy]

This is my harbor freight special. I got it for a great deal.

As you all probably know HF quality is hit or miss. I was in need of a small vice and after searching through all of the boxes and inspecting the 4" vices I wasn't happy that their new part number shipment on the shelf didn't match the quality of the floor model. The floor model had an anvil and the new stock didn't. Also, the floor model had a slightly different blue textured finish and much finer "teeth" that were obviously machined better than the new stock. So after a quick chat with the manager (who originally said no to my request) I unbolted the floor model display and boxed it up for checkout.

To my surprise, without asking the manager offered me 20% off because the unit was on display. When I got to the cashier, I asked it I could use my 25% off coupon in addition to the discount the manager input, and with a few winks she happily obliged! All said and done I think I paid about $20 for the vice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[balane]

This old Desmond Stephen Simplex is in amazing condition, just really nice all over. Works perfectly. 3.25" jaws, 27 Lbs. Satin Hunt Club Green. I really like this one.

.

 

[va.grouseman]

Shiftless[/B];4907199]Sold this afternoon on that well known internet auction site for $1885 plus freight
Brand new 800S

Originally posted by Drivesitfar.

VA: i bet you feel better now. yes??
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Yea Drive, that does make me feel a little better.---Let's me know that even a Chinese, black market, knock-off has some value.

Oh Drive, looking at your Norman Rockwell pic, Looks like Mr. Rockwell was a Reed man.


Joe.sriper---I was in on the E-bay 439 this morning up to $185.00.---Knew that wasn't going to buy it, but every once in a while you can catch everybody sleeping.---I've noticed people don't sleep as much as they did 2 years ago.

 

[drivesitfar]

VA: i still haven't had a chance to talk to the owner of the $1,800 new 8 inch Wilton, but maybe will some day and i'll ask him about it. maybe give me a reminder every now and then while we are exchanging an email about the kids or life or of course a vise.

i'm betting you didn't pay close to the $1,800 for yours so you should be somewhat happier.

cheers

Mix: i can't say I've seen a chrome baby bullet before and not sure i love it, but i do like it a lot better than green or red and you can always change later if the glare starts to make you blind.

Garfield: i love my Leinen vice too. nice buy

Jake: so you have rules?? is that why you don't buy 100 year old swivel jaw vises for $40? nice looking vise you bought and i'm sure you know you didn't over pay.

 

[jakemac]

Jake: so you have rules??

Ya can't break 'em iffn ya don't make 'em.

 

[autopts]

This old Desmond Stephen Simplex is in amazing condition, just really nice all over. Works perfectly. 3.25" jaws, 27 Lbs. Satin Hunt Club Green. I really like this one.

.

That's a winner, no question!!

 

[Shiftless]

Who is in Bakersfield CA to grab this YS deal?

Craigslist, listed earlier this afternoon

Early Craftsman bullet nose 3 1/2 inch jaws in what looks to me
like original paint for only $35 !!!???

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/tls/5061574699.html

 

[Fretters]

Ya can't break 'em iffn ya don't make 'em.

I like your style.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jake: mee too now please go pick up that swivel jaw Prentiss for $40 and listen to this theme song from one of TV shows of our youth in case you missed it the first time i posted it. or if you did this other you tube video song might apply.

cheers

 

[econotrk]

This old Desmond Stephen Simplex is in amazing condition, just really nice all over. Works perfectly. 3.25" jaws, 27 Lbs. Satin Hunt Club Green. I really like this one.

.

Beautiful job as always Balane.

 

[oldldh]

Annother bizarre clamper from Old Blighty...

I named it "Don't Have a Clue..."

I think that covers it...

 

[CwazyWabbit]

Annother bizarre clamper from Old Blighty...

I named it "Don't Have a Clue..."

I think that covers it...

Reckon that as much sums it up .......

Looks like a modified sash clamp, how big is it?

 

[Fretters]

Have seen one of those before, else very similar, but I'll be damned if I can remember what its intended/supposed purpose was.

 

[XCMTB83]

Who is in Bakersfield CA to grab this YS deal?

Craigslist, listed earlier this afternoon

Early Craftsman bullet nose 3 1/2 inch jaws in what looks to me
like original paint for only $35 !!!???

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/tls/5061574699.html

Is that slide cast or stamped? I came across one at an auction a few weeks back that looked just like that one and it had a stamped slide which kind of turned me off but some kid ended up taking it home for $10 bucks which is still a good deal IMO.

 

[XCMTB83]

Well.... after stripping the red off I decided it just looked too rough. While these little bullets are obviously highly collectible, they are not by any means particularly rare so I had no issues with not staying original.

I did not have anything laying around here at the shop that really rung my bell for it. But then I noticed a rattle can of fake chrome over in the corner (works great for reflectors like in grinder guards) so I figured what the hell. Its not like this little guy will be tough to paint again. You can dissemble the entire thing and strip all of the paint in about 15 minutes.

Shot a couple of coats on and I actually kinda dig it in a cheesy sort of way. What I think would be awesome (and I might very well try it one day on this or another) would be to really grind, file, and sand the castings glass smooth and have one really chrome plated.

So here it is hanging up and blinged out....
I also pounded the dent out of the rear cap and polished that and the handle and anvil top. I'm quite sure many of you will not like this look. Honestly not yet sure if I do for that matter. Once it dries I'll probably hand brush the top of the lettering and give it a shot of clear.

As I read what color you painted the little guy I cringed a little bit. It brought me back to when I was a kid and I painted a bicycle "chrome" and of course it came out nothing like real chrome. After I scrolled down to see the bullet I kind of liked it actually. Post some more pics with it assembled so I can make a decision.

 

[XCMTB83]

Here you go. The 4 new ones and a well used older model.

Are these rebranded Wiltons?

 

[XCMTB83]

I really like this one.

.

You should, it looks great.