The VISES of Garage Journal

[drivesitfar]

Thrum: the Ebay seller I've bought maybe 20-30 pairs of Wilton copper 6 inch jaws from for $35 must have finally sold out. the last # i saw that he had left was about 80 pairs so maybe somebody or Zoro bought their supply. all i see now is Zoro all over my search. i'll see if i still have the former seller's email and i'll PM it to you if i do.

that looks like a big Parker and the 2 screw main screw holder means it's at least a 6 inch wide jaw and the semi steel is a Parker style they made. that dynamic jaw has a pretty steep looking slope under that paper or tape so wondering what it's hiding.

Ryan: good save and can you tell us what #'s are on the other side of your Starrett vise which is definitely not just a scrapper? or post up more pictures and welcome to the forum.

 

[joe.striper]

Picked up my Reed 106 (6" jaws) today in Pen Argyl, PA. It started life in the RR house. Pen Argyl was part of the 'slate belt' in the mid 1800s. The vise is so handsome in person. Beautiful patina. This one is only getting a wire brushing and oiling.

Seller had a tag sale 2 weeks ago and he had no interest on the Reed. Only 2 calls when he put it on CL. We got to talking, I sent him pics of my restorations and he offered me the 2.5" Wilton as well. He said he'd sell both for $200 but I offered $225. I couldn't in good conscience rip him off like that, plus I was protecting my ourchase for the 5 days before I got there.

On the Wilton 825, such gorgeous original condition. The date on the slide is 5 51.

A bargain at $225 for both.

 

[JZiggy]

Picked up my Reed 106 (6" jaws) today in Pen Argyl, PA. It started life in the RR house. Pen Argyl was part of the 'slate belt' in the mid 1800s. The vise is so handsome in person. Beautiful patina. This one is only getting a wire brushing and oiling.

Seller had a tag sale 2 weeks ago and he had no interest on the Reed. Only 2 calls when he put it on CL. We got to talking, I sent him pics of my restorations and he offered me the 2.5" Wilton as well. He said he'd sell both for $200 but I offered $225. I couldn't in good conscience rip him off like that, plus I was protecting my ourchase for the 5 days before I got there.

On the Wilton 825, such gorgeous original condition. The date on the slide is 5 51.

A bargain at $225 for both.

Nice! I love keeping vintage vises in their original conditions. I have a 1940's Erie Tool Works vise with the original black Japanned finish. Stuff like that adds so much character and history to these old tools.

 

[oldldh]

I picked this up yesterday from a coworker who was going to scrap it. I am pretty new to the hobby and don't know much about it.

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If the jaws are 4" wide, you have a Starrett 924C...

As the proud owner of a 925, let me congratulate you on a great save!!!

Starrets are some serious clampers...

If you look on Ebay, you'll see some folks asking big bucks for them...

Clean it up, and use it for another fifty years!!!

 

[ryan141]

Here is the picture of the other side. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Ryan

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[drivesitfar]

Ryan: I agree with Oldie that you have a vise to last a lifetime now. just put some grease on the main screw and a little on the slide where metal to metal contact is and it should last you for several years before you need to clean and repeat with new grease.

You do have a 4 inch wide jaw vise and with the copper jaws it's work probably close to a couple Benjamins with the swivel base unless you see cracks or welds that we don't see. they are some of my favorite vises. well made and work like they should. Since you are a new member and might not see one of mine or others little warning here it is.

a vise isn't an anvil or a press so don't use it as one and you can pass on that vise to your grand kids.

Get: nice work on the Emmert puzzle and i don't see the missing part now so did you already do the fix?

Joe: you still didn't overpay nice pair to find and I'm assuming the Wilton is in great shape too.

 

[topop101]

Posted this in Garage Sale by mistake. I'm as bad with posts as I am with sending text messages to the wrong people.

LOBOGlad I could help. Nothing like making the old iron whole again !

 

[joe.striper]

Here is the picture of the other side. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Ryan

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I agree with the chorus regarding your Athol. These were made 50 miles north of me. I currently have 4, a 626 BEAST (190 LBS OR SO) A 625C. A fixed base 624 and this little 102 1/4

 

[vintage nut]

Drives, porter cable hasn't made those since the 50s. They started production of them sometime in the 30s. The overall look of it screams old porter cable grinder. I think the smallest they made was 4" wide, going right up to 10". Real heavy industrial units.

you can never have too many tools

 

[bagged89s10]

Here is the picture of the other side. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Ryan

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Agreed with Joe and Drives. Those are very nice vises and built tough. I have a smaller, older athol 623 I'm working on restoring right now.

 

[bagged89s10]

1740



Before





After





It's like deja vu all over again

You did really well!

 

[drivesitfar]

TJ: once you REALLY learn how to refinish a vise and market it correctly just think how much you'll get for your vises. nice work

ALL: I wish this was closer, but my Canadian vise friends will have to grab it. it looks like an older Record 34P in pretty decent shape and only $50. it's a 3 hour drive and across the border so not for me this time. i'd probably trade for an old US made one if any of you Canadians are heading down to Seattle and want to buy it and pick it up.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/tls/5078274792.html

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by Outlawmws.

Depends on your body. You want the jaws about even with your elbow, unless you work on abnormally tall pieces. Then probably shorter than
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Outlaw, ergonomically, that sounds about right, for hammering, sawing, wrenching, etc.

 

[FMC1959]

TJ: once you REALLY learn how to refinish a vise and market it correctly just think how much you'll get for your vises. nice work

Drives, I sure don't want to pick a fight, but I sort of have to disagree with you there. The people that bid on TJ's vise probably would never know the difference that the anvil had rounded edges.

A new Tradesman 1745 can be had for $369 shipped, this sold because it appeals to the SO fans and paid this kind of money for the name and color.

TJ, as I said before, I think this was a great restore, and putting in extra effort to make the perfect edges would give you extra work and probably not net you one extra dollar. People that would notice and care about those kind of details would not bid on this vise, but would definitely bid on your 98.

 

[bagged89s10]

Drives, I sure don't want to pick a fight, but I sort of have to disagree with you there. The people that bid on TJ's vise probably would never know the difference that the anvil had rounded edges.



A new Tradesman 1745 can be had for $369 shipped, this sold because it appeals to the SO fans and paid this kind of money for the name and color.



TJ, as I said before, I think this was a great restore, and putting in extra effort to make the perfect edges would give you extra work and probably not net you one extra dollar. People that would notice and care about those kind of details would not bid on this vise, but would definitely bid on your 98.

I second that and have to disagree with Drives on this one. TJ finished that vise and marketed exactly as he knew a snap on fan would like it. He could have kept crisper edges that were banged up but his target audience would not have bid it up that high.

 

[zkling]

Drives, I sure don't want to pick a fight, but I sort of have to disagree with you there. The people that bid on TJ's vise probably would never know the difference that the anvil had rounded edges.

A new Tradesman 1745 can be had for $369 shipped, this sold because it appeals to the SO fans and paid this kind of money for the name and color.

TJ, as I said before, I think this was a great restore, and putting in extra effort to make the perfect edges would give you extra work and probably not net you one extra dollar. People that would notice and care about those kind of details would not bid on this vise, but would definitely bid on your 98.

How do you know, maybe this is another case of ignorance is bliss? Heck you didn't even know till I pointed it out to you.

I second that and have to disagree with Drives on this one. TJ finished that vise and marketed exactly as he knew a snap on fan would like it. He could have kept crisper edges that were banged up but his target audience would not have bid it up that high.

Maybe they would have bid it up even higher had the surfaces been finished yet still kept sharp?

 

[Fraggles]

My third Record No.36 (blue one)

These have 6" wide jaws

Haven't quite finished polishing the middle one.

 

[Shiftless]

Guys :

Although on the surface, Drives' comments might look like criticism, I believe that he was saying it that way as an actual COMPLIMENT of the work done by trijeff on that old Tradesman. To my mind, that "criticism" is just another form of humor. The monetary results support trijeff's approach and the execution of his work.
I think the vise looks great and I'm sure the buyer was thrilled to win the auction and have that particular vise looking just the way it does instead of a brand new Tradesman that he or she could have purchased for less money. To each his own, right?

 

[trijeff]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ready to put this finishing a vise thing to bed. Can we all agree that: (1) when it's someone's vise s/he can finish it as s/he sees fit? And (2) positive comments are always OK but reserving critical ones to only when they are solicited, i.e., "hey folks, what do you think of this vise I refinished? Is there anything that could be improved?" I sure hope so, I am ready to move on.

 

[bagged89s10]

Ok so new topic.

Does anyone known where to get reproduction vise versa tags?

 

[balane]

I think you did great. About a year ago I did a 1750 in Extreme Green. It was a 1750 and in decent condition. It sold for $80 less than yours even though it was an inch larger. (Granted I had about 1.5 hours hands-on work on it, you likely spent more time.) The proof is in the pudding and, to the best of knowledge, that's the most money a 1740 has ever sold for so congratulations on that. I think your auction was well done too.

 

[balane]

Ok so new topic.

Does anyone known where to get reproduction vise versa tags?

Bagged, I created an image file that I use. I print them on adhesive backed decal sheets, put a piece of clear laminate on top and then trim to size. They work great I think. Let me know if you want the file.

.

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged, I created an image file that I use. I print them on adhesive backed decal sheets, put a piece of clear laminate on top and then trim to size. They work great I think. Let me know if you want the file.



.

Wow that one really came out nice! I'll pm you if I end up buying one that needs it. Appreciate your help. I saw one but was overpriced for me.

 

[drivesitfar]

TJ: since i sent you an email last night congratulating you about the Wilton or Snap on sale you know i was not criticizing. hell you sold it for more than a new one and i think Balane has maybe even a bigger one on his stump in the auction now that isn't doing half as well.

i almost bid on your vise because you did such a good job. as far as compliments or any criticism i rarely post a vise that any of you have anything to mention anything about, but mine are farm fresh so shiny at least gets attention.

ZK: in all honesty i personally don't care much for putting new jaws on a vise if the old ones are not in perfect shape because i usually use copper jaw covers or i have some plastic ones i can use too. nothing worse than putting something in your vise to fix it and having it come out looking like it's been dragged behind your car. while you had a good point the way you make it doesn't always come off as well as it might have been intended.

Shift: exactly right

 

[JeremyBurke]

TJ: once you REALLY learn how to refinish a vise and market it correctly just think how much you'll get for your vises. nice work

It is funny to me how different people read things differently. I read the above comment like this.

once you REALLY learn how to refinish a vise and market it correctly just think how much you'll get for your vises. . Nice Work

But clearly some of you read it like this.

once you REALLY learn how to refinish a vise and market it correctly just think how much you'll get for your vises.

I can't say for sure what Drives meant but I know him a little bit, from meeting him in person, and I sincerely doubt he was being critical. I think he was making a tongue and cheek compliment for a job well done. Some others might not have liked the methods but the proof was in the pudding on the sale price. Honestly I think he was making the same point as trijeff just did in a less direct way. My too cents. Not that anyone asked.

Of course Drives posted while I was editing so never mind i guess.

 

[Fretters]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ready to put this finishing a vise thing to bed. Can we all agree that: (1) when it's someone's vise s/he can finish it as s/he sees fit? And (2) positive comments are always OK but reserving critical ones to only when they are solicited, i.e., "hey folks, what do you think of this vise I refinished? Is there anything that could be improved?" I sure hope so, I am ready to move on.

Unfortunately, the moment you put anything online, you have to take the bad with the good. It's just one of those things. We don't get to pick and choose.

The thing to take from this debacle is the advice given Jeff. Apart from Lu being a totally tactless ****, any occasion where you get advice, (whether it be advice which you like or not), is always worth learning from. But, one thing which is a guaranteed fact in life is that nothing will please everyone.

On the whole restoration, finishing, spiffing up front, we all have our quirks and different approaches. It's simply the way things are. Some people will like what one does, some won't, no matter which approach or methodology one employs.

Just don't take it personally. Comments and advice are always good. One can pick and choose which they heed if they wish, but advice is advice, and without it we'd all likely be less capable than we are. Plus, everyone starts somewhere. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has adapted techniques over time, dropped the odd bollock or two etc. It's inevitably going to happen to us all at some point in time. Just chalk occasions like that up to experience.

Just for the record, my eye was drawn to the rounding off too, but I tend to stick to the motto of "to each his own" these days, so it bothers me not one jot. But, as the auction has shown, your work drew attention and probably made you a tidy profit(?), so as you can obviously see, everyone is different.

 

[Fretters]

My too cents. Not that anyone asked.

We're online. No-one has to ask for opinions for them to be proferred.

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by Bagged89S10.

People that would notice and care about those kind of details would not bid on this vise, but would definitely bid on your 98.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Why I bet not one soul would bid on the 98.---So let's get that thing on auction and see what happens.

 

[jakemac]

I think the price would have gone higher if he had displayed it on a stump.

 

[Fretters]

I think the price would have gone higher if he had displayed it on a stump.

Would that be a flat or rounded top stump?

 

[zkling]

Would that be a flat or rounded top stump?

You know it should have been on a piece of genuine snap on butcher block or stainless steel top. So the potential buyer could picture the vise in its natural habitat.

 

[drivesitfar]

Fretters: i think Lu is one of TJ's friends so i'm sure it was well meant too.

FMC: i guess i shouldn't post my humor without a smile because i did that the other day on a post that also was taken the wrong way. i wish i knew how to keep the emoticons i like on the first page so i don't have to hit the MORE button to find them especially on my phone. is there anyway to set these up so the ones you use are on the page you are writing your posts?

Jeremy: Nice post

Fraggles: how much do those cool old Record vices weigh? are you going to shine them all up and give them all the bare steel look? i posted a Craigslist Record 34 i found this am and it looked sort of the same except it didn't have the quick release feature that i really like. do you know if some of Record's models didn't come with quick release?

VA: i just saw your post. are you speechless?

Jake: in this case TJ's table and awesome paint and labeling and marketing even beat the stump.

 

[Fretters]

With the smileys DIF, I always just type them in manually, as there's only limited number I tend to use. Lot easier than farting around with the smiley list.

 

[Lu-Max]

Fretters: i think Lu is one of TJ's friends so i'm sure it was well meant too.

Yep, I was just busting his balls for fun.

 

[Fretters]

Yep, I was just busting his balls for fun.

******. I was just ready to give you the most tactless git of the month title too.

 

[Lu-Max]

******. I was just ready to give you the most tactless git of the month title too.

Someone failed to see the humor and removed that post BTW.

He and I email and text often and help each other out on local vise finds so when he mentioned the B.S. on the thread I simply couldn't resist.

I am a smart-*** and can't resist being satirical when opportunity presents itself.

 

[bigcaddy]

Bagged, I created an image file that I use. I print them on adhesive backed decal sheets, put a piece of clear laminate on top and then trim to size. They work great I think. Let me know if you want the file.

.

I would hate to volunteer Thundermug but hes made me a few Wilton water transfer decals before and they look perfect. Multi color on transfer paper, just like the tattoos you got out of a gumball machine for a quarter.


I was actually considering starting a thread or some sort of archive for this problem. More often then not i find myself searching for an elusive decal for some hunk of long forgotten machinery.

If somebody wants to get he ball rolling on this one, id be happy to contribute a few photos. It seems trivial but recently i found a vintage Proto ball peen hammer with an intact warning decal. If you ever find yourself restoring a Proto BP hammer, or Wilton/Versa Vise, Atlas Lathe, Buffalo Drill Press...wouldn't be nice to have those hard to find decals stored in one, convenient location for all to see and use?

If you happen to find a tool with an excellent decal example, snap a photo so it can be uploaded. Ill be taking some pictures of an Excel power hacksaw i bought last month with a near perfect decal.

 

[Fraggles]

drives

I'm guessing that the No.36 weighs around 65 lb /30kg.

There's just something cool I find about this design style. This is probably why I have 3 of the No.36 and a No.34. Just looking for a No.35 now

The latest 36 is in the e-tank and the plan is also to give it a bare steel look.

I believe that 34,35,36 were available with and without the quick release. Those without had a suffix P for plain screw e.g 34 P.

 

[FMC1959]

How do you know, maybe this is another case of ignorance is bliss? Heck you didn't even know till I pointed it out to you.



Maybe they would have bid it up even higher had the surfaces been finished yet still kept sharp?

Fretters: i think Lu is one of TJ's friends so i'm sure it was well meant too.

FMC: i guess i shouldn't post my humor without a smile because i did that the other day on a post that also was taken the wrong way. i wish i knew how to keep the emoticons i like on the first page so i don't have to hit the MORE button to find them especially on my phone. is there anyway to set these up so the ones you use are on the page you are writing your posts?


.

Drives, I sure as heck didn't mean you were putting down TJ's workmanship or anything of the sort. I think I understood the humor you were intending, which is kind of why I said I didn't want t pick a fight [humor]

ZK, you are correct, I didn't notice till you mentioned it.

I was just stating my opinion, which yes, we have tons of on the internet, that someone paying that much for a Wilton 1740 (kudos to TJ for getting that price) probably (again my guess & opinion) does not care or notice much how crisp the anvil finish is. They are paying the big bucks because it is a SO, and they possibly have a bunch of their SO tools in that neon green, and they are plain & simple big SO fans. No different than anyone buying and paying a bit extra for other great American names like Harley Davidson or John Deere tools or products.

 

[Thrumcap]

I would hate to volunteer Thundermug but hes made me a few Wilton water transfer decals before and they look perfect. Multi color on transfer paper, just like the tattoos you got out of a gumball machine for a quarter.

I was actually considering starting a thread or some sort of archive for this problem.

That would be useful, you just reminded me of the Millers Falls hand drills In the restore pile that I would like to have the decals for!

Drivesitfar: thanks for the pointer on the double bolted garter pointing to a larger vise size. It is always fun trying to extract vise markings off a dim, out of focus askew view of a vise.

Xxaler: Nice looking 634! I'm aware of three in Canada: yours, mine, one that sold in Quebec a couple months ago for $60 (!).....

Thrumcap