The VISES of Garage Journal

[CRHD]

Not small in my eyes, but our opinion is different.

But just be honest on repairs.

I've been following this thread for a while. Read all of it. Of course there is no way to remember all of the thread.

I own several vises big and small that I use. Bench and milling machine vises.
I also own small and large, lathes and millings machines in my shop and various other large machines and welders. My metal cutting capacity weight wise is less than 1 ounce to a couple tons.

So I know about repairs to stuff quite well.

Not trying to cause problems. So I'm not going to say any more on this.

Getting back to the topic of this thread I will post some pictures when I get the chance of some small and large bench vises and a very interesting large milling vise.

Because we like our vises here, don't we?

 

[balane]

Not trying to cause problems. So I'm not going to say any more on this.

OK, but please know you caused absolutely no problems. I'm more than happy to discuss my vise restorations with anybody, and I've done that plenty in the past. If I had seen the post asking where I got this vise before I saw yours I would have linked to the auction where I bought it because I'm proud of the job I did. I've posted some "before" shots on this forum in the past to show how extensive I'm willing to get into these things. When I refinish a vise the end product is solid or it doesn't get sold, at least not as a working vise. Oh yeah, I'm not alone on this either. There's plenty of guys in this thread who can do amazing things with old vises. You wouldn't believe your eyes if you were able to look at what they started with and what they ended up with. Filling and smoothing is baby steps.

 

[CRHD]

You do realize that vise has 2" jaws, right? The biggest of the two is smaller than your little fingernail, the smaller one was absolutely tiny. It's physically impossible for these chips to be large. Filling and smoothing surface damage like that is something I've done probably over a hundred times in the past and is basically second nature for me. I did mention the surface repairs but I'm certainly not going to make an issue of them because they aren't. There's too many good things about this vise. I wish I saved before photos because I could show you some big ones!!

Sorry to reply again, but I own a REED No. 102, so yes I know my REEDS, own a No. 208 also.

They are big for a small vise.

Again, opinions vary.

That's it no more.

Good luck on your sales. You do quite well.

 

[scooternut]

Ouch, beautiful resto, but the original ebay listing is titled with this quote “Good condition - both sides of fixed jaw are chipped” The pics do tend to support this. Your description of "cosmetic" doesn't really do us justice.

That's abuse plain and simple to cause that damage. That abuse will turn this buyer away. Don't want to start issues, beautiful resto, and thanks for saving it. I. certain it will give another 100 years + to someone.

 

[balane]

Here's a photo of the rear jaw. That chip, at most, was 5/8" long and 1/4" deep. If that's large to you then so be it but it was very simple to correct.

Will it last another 100 years? If the vise is used as a 2" jaw vise should be then I don't see why not.

 

[CRHD]

Ouch, beautiful resto, but the original ebay listing is titled with this quote “Good condition - both sides of fixed jaw are chipped” The pics do tend to support this. Your description of "cosmetic" doesn't really do us justice.

That's abuse plain and simple to cause that damage. That abuse will turn this buyer away. Don't want to start issues, beautiful resto, and thanks for saving it. I. certain it will give another 100 years + to someone.

I was interested in this original EB listing until I saw the damage. Even though it can be welded or repaired other ways. But that is beyond normal use scars for me. That is not "character for a vise". My opinion. I don't like that kind of stuff for me, so I don't buy that kind of stuff.

 

[KMScott]

I own several vises big and small that I use. Bench and milling machine vises.
I also own small and large, lathes and millings machines in my shop and various other large machines and welders. My metal cutting capacity weight wise is less than 1 ounce to a couple tons.

So I know about repairs to stuff quite well.

My Goodness please tell us more and please share your vise restoring skills. We all would like to see your handy work. Pictures please.

 

[zkling]

Great job Balane. What did you use to fill the void on the rear jaw (maybe I missed it, long day)?

Albino vise with welded jaws!
Looks like he painted this one.



http://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/5073681080.html

Welded jaws is one thing, and then there is the top back of the slide cracked and missing a chunk.

 

[scooternut]

That is some awful tiny damage on a 2 inch vise I agree. Again the resto is beautiful. But hey, all day long in other threads, people comment on their opinion of all things garage, no different here. I appreciate the work, I hope that both sides of the sale get what they think is fair. You do excellent work

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[balane]

Thank you zkling. It got interesting. That's a very good question. I made a form that fit snugly around the front and sides of the jaw tower then I filled it with the 24 hour set JB Weld mixed with steel shavings. Then I laid a piece of wax paper on top of the JB weld and inserted a fitted block into the form. I squeezed the entire sandwich in my own vise until the epoxy mixture cured under pressure. It's hard. I had to be careful when I went to belt sand the excess off because the sander would eat at the surrounding cast iron faster than the fill.

 

[CRHD]

My Goodness please tell us more and please share your vise restoring skills. We all would like to see your handy work. Pictures please.

Just asking for more honesty, recognized the vise.

He changed the EB listing some, good enough for me.

He only owns one main vise to use as far as I know.

I understand he flips vises and does quite well.

But not for me, I use them.

I doubt he did a true metal repair.

Oh well, I regret I noticed the damage on the fairly rare vise.


Edit, yes JB weld. I don't think you are a JB guy in your work I've seen here.

Your EB listings seem very honest on what is done.

I understand that we all have different capabilities to fix stuff.

 

[trijeff]

My Goodness.

My goodness indeed.

 

[balane]

OK, I posted an addendum at the bottom of the auction listing because I wasn't able to edit the original text since there has since been a bid. I believe I was honest about the work I did and the condition of the vise but I suppose it's best to be even more so. However, I'm not going to get dramatic about it like some of you seem to want.

This is what I added.

ADDENDUM:

There are some questions I've had as to the measures I performed on the rear jaw. The rear pivot jaw had damage along the top edges on both the left and right sides. This is the way the vise came to me. On one side there was but a sliver, the other side had a ding about 5/8" long and 1/4" deep also that ran along the top edge. In no way do I consider this to be structural and they were positively tiny. Both areas were filled with a 2 part metal epoxy and steel shavings which cured under pressure using a form I created to apply pressure. These fillings are hard and extremely solid. If you don't abuse this tiny vise you will never experience any issues with them.

 

[CRHD]

OK, I posted an addendum at the bottom of the auction listing because I wasn't able to edit the original text since there has since been a bid. I believe I was honest about the work I did and the condition of the vise but I suppose it's best to be even more so. However, I'm not going to get dramatic about it like some of you seem to want.

This is what I added.

OK, PEACE.

Again SORRY about the drama this caused. NO MORE PLEASE and THE SAME GOES FOR ME ALSO.

Good night.

 

[balane]

it's never been anything but all good with me. I've enjoyed the conversation if truth be told.

 

[bagged89s10]

Great job Balane. What did you use to fill the void on the rear jaw (maybe I missed it, long day)?



Welded jaws is one thing, and then there is the top back of the slide cracked and missing a chunk.

Yeah, unfortunately that thing had a rough life.

 

[bagged89s10]

My goodness indeed.

I just finished reading about the 2" vise. My goodness again!

Great restore on the little Reed and great repair on the non-structural damage Balane.

 

[2oolhound]

Your swivel base looks completely different than my #5. Is yours much older than mine?

Thanks for the photos of your newer #5 Record base. CwazyWabbit answered the age thing better than I could have. I've had the 6" about a year and picked the base up for the 4" fairly recently and don't know the manufacturing dates very well. What I found out is even though my base is the same diameter as a #4 vise base, (7" which is the same as a #5) I discovered the side mount holes are too wide apart to fit my new swivel base.



The base of my #3 Record is a good fit for the bolt holes in the swivel base however even though the diameter of the base is slightly smaller than the swivel base plate.

Here are my original 6" parts with my home made ones underneath:



You can see I made the tapered nuts flat along the inside as the cutout on the inside plate is also straight. I don't know why Record cast the original ones curved on both sides but I can tell you the swivel system works great with my new ones. It spins smoothly and clamps really tight without torquing too hard on the lock levers.



I'm not sure why Record changed to your system but the old system here does work very well.

 

[balane]

Thanks Bagged.

You know, I can only guess it's all in the perspective. I noticed that vise in the original eBay listing and thought it was a century old cream puff. My proxy bid was a LOT higher than what I got it for. I just couldn't believe how cheaply it sold. The cosmetic issues didn't bother me a bit because I knew they would fix right up nicely. Mostly, I was concerned if I could get the pin out and what kind of condition the pivot mechanism would be in. This old warrior has been around a while. Woodrow Wilson was president when this vise came out of the factory. Our flag had only 48 stars. If you're 70 years old today chances are pretty good that your parents weren't even born when Reed manufactured this vise. When I bid on it I saw something that could benefit from a good going-over and other bidders, I guess, weren't happy because it showed some signs of being around for ONE HUNDRED YEARS! Man, if this thing could talk...

.

 

[Nuts]

Thanks Bagged.

You know, I can only guess it's all in the perspective. I noticed that vise in the original eBay listing and thought it was a century old cream puff. My proxy bid was a LOT higher than what I got it for. I just couldn't believe how cheaply it sold. The cosmetic issues didn't bother me a bit because I knew they would fix right up nicely. Mostly, I was concerned if I could get the pin out and what kind of condition the pivot mechanism would be in. This old warrior has been around a while. Woodrow Wilson was president when this vise came out of the factory. Our flag had only 48 stars. If you're 70 years old today chances are pretty good that your parents weren't even born when Reed manufactured this vise. When I bid on it I saw something that could benefit from a good going-over and other bidders, I guess, weren't happy because it showed some signs of being around for ONE HUNDRED YEARS! Man, if this thing could talk...

.

I'd be happy to own that vise in the before, or after condition.


Nuts

 

[glenn27]

The model number sounds like Wilton's mechanics series for 60-70's time frame. There are plenty of Wilton experts on here if you have questions & pictures

************************

Sorry--Mine doesn't have a 1/2 moon collar and the three screws. The only thin holding the big thumbscrew in was a small 1/2 moon shaped bent heavy steel collar w/ one set screw in it. Only ID on it is the model and seriel number--and a big "W" stamped on the left side.

Now I'm really confused--I've looked at a lot of pictures in last few days, but can't find this one....WTH???


Looking at another parts list I just found--Mine looks more like the earlier mentioned model's--i.e. the #640's series--serial number jives also...

glenn

 

[Fretters]

************************

Sorry--Mine doesn't have a 1/2 moon collar and the three screws. The only thin holding the big thumbscrew in was a small 1/2 moon shaped bent heavy steel collar w/ one set screw in it. Only ID on it is the model and seriel number--and a big "W" stamped on the left side.

Now I'm really confused--I've looked at a lot of pictures in last few days, but can't find this one....WTH???


glenn

Post a photo. No-one can give you info about some unknown they can't see.

 

[Shiftless]

Glenn:
Yeah...post a few photos and we can ID that vise.
Check the country of origin, either on the side or underneath...If it isn't marked USA, it is probably Chinese

 

[bagged89s10]

Glenn:

Yeah...post a few photos and we can ID that vise.

Check the country of origin, either on the side or underneath...If it isn't marked USA, it is probably Chinese

Some newer Wiltons are not stamped USA though. Like the 1980s+ tradesmans which are still US made.

 

[glenn27]

Can see the big USA stamped on one side--other side kinda buggered and welding splatter or something on that jaw...

 

[balane]

Evening--Gents!

Question after reading thru about ten pages--and not really finding a reference to a vise that I picked up last weekend off an old 70's service truck.
My "new' vise needs a little work and some restro--so I need to know a couple things if someone could help...Or should I start a new thread?

It's a Wilton slide #654, stamped on it and I guess model 111103.
I 'd like to know what the original color is--and the diagram fro parts I found for it, is not really what I have. When I took it apart--there is no spring and collar behind the handle/thumbscrew. Only thing holding it in was a little like set-screw and a half moon collar. Little confused here--folks---


Any other info would be appreciated??

Thanks--

glenn

Glenn, the model number used now for your vise is No. 674. Yours was either originally red or possibly gray. Here's a photo of the current model, does yours look like this?

.

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked up my 5" Parker. The buyer met me right near where I am camping. Turns out the seller is a GJ member.

Looks like it says 855 vs 955. It has nice serrations and the jaws line up perfectly. Only a little cleanup needed on top of the jaws.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Finished cleaning up my Columbian 506 last night. I probably won't use it, it's a bit on the large side for my needs. But it's cool to have one this big! I'll stick it on the shelf with the others that I'm not currently using...

 

[bagged89s10]

Finished cleaning up my Columbian 506 last night. I probably won't use it, it's a bit on the large side for my needs. But it's cool to have one this big! I'll stick it on the shelf with the others that I'm not currently using...

I think that's a problem a lot of us on this site have.

 

[va.grouseman]

Rickenbacker,---My every day vise is a #608 Columbian.---I know everybody is different, and have different applications but for me, they don't get too big.---If mine was a #6010, I would be looking for a #6012, or a #6014.--- I can always get a little vise for a little job, but I fool with some big metal at times.---I like the vises that grab a heavy chunk of steel and say "this ain't nothing".

Nice 506 and nice restore by the way.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

va, I hear you. My main vise has been swapped out for bigger and better ones many times over the years. Right now it's a Parker 805, and I've realized that 5 inches is about the perfect size for what I do. I thought about swapping out the 504-1/2 I have in the garage out for this 506, but that bench isn't bolted down and I think the 506 probably weighs more than it does!

805 at work, torquing ring gear bolts:

 

[scooternut]

Rick Nice Columbian resto. Looking good. I just picked up a 504 and a 505 that will soon be joining the 504 1/2 on the shelf, sound like a shelf much like the rest of you. Couldn't beat the price on the Columbians and they are really growing on me, especially that big 505.

 

[oldldh]

There ain't a damn thing wrong with Columbians...

A little lighter than Reeds and such, but...

Nice old clampers, nonetheless...

 

[joe.striper]

Here is my Yost 4" I picked up for $60. I don't normally buy 4" vises but this was soooo clean. Pipe mount for a truck came with it. This vise spent the last 50 years cracking black walnuts in a hunting camp in Maine.

Sorry for the pics. Low light showed the vise best. Flash just made it look like ****.

 

[joe.striper]

There ain't a damn thing wrong with Columbians...

A little lighter than Reeds and such, but...

Nice old clampers, nonetheless...

Except i cant give them away up here. Ive got three, there is a nice one on Springfield ma, next town over, for $50. No takers! Selling Columbians is like trying to sell kittens!

 

[skipskip]

Picked up my 5" Parker. The buyer met me right near where I am camping. Turns out the seller is a GJ member.

Looks like it says 855 vs 955. It has nice serrations and the jaws line up perfectly. Only a little cleanup needed on top of the jaws.

sure, pick on the old guy with poor vision http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/images/smilies/lol.gif


Nice to meet you, I got a Foley sharpener and a 3 ton jack at the next stop, it was a big day.

 

[bagged89s10]

sure, pick on the old guy with poor vision http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/images/smilies/lol.gif





Nice to meet you, I got a Foley sharpener and a 3 ton jack at the next stop, it was a big day.

Nice meeting you too! Always great meeting cool tool people and GJ members.

 

[jrobb316]

sure, pick on the old guy with poor vision http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/images/smilies/lol.gif


Nice to meet you, I got a Foley sharpener and a 3 ton jack at the next stop, it was a big day.

Picked up my 5" Parker. The buyer met me right near where I am camping. Turns out the seller is a GJ member.

Looks like it says 855 vs 955. It has nice serrations and the jaws line up perfectly. Only a little cleanup needed on top of the jaws.

That may actually be a 955 with a 9 that someone got a little excited about when casting it. The 805 is the "superior" series and the 955 is the "eclipse" series. I can't find a record of Parker ever making an 855. I'm always subject to being completely wrong, but its possible. Either way, 5" is my personal sweet spot in bench vises and it should serve you well.

 

[Hemi49]

I really enjoy seeing vises made in Erie, Pa. and Meadville (Yost)....I was born in Erie 66 years ago and my parents lived there many years prior....There were many factories producing cast iron products.....Reed, Hollands, Griswold (cookware), etc.......The city was crawling with people well versed in grey and ductile iron production.....
I've acquired a couple Hollands vises I'm freshening up.....A 13 and a 13-1/2.....I also have a 103 Yost.....And I have a little Reed 203-1/2 on the way to me....
I enjoy seeing what you guys and gals are doing with the vises....I left the Erie area a couple years ago and now live on the southern skirt of Rochester, NY...I like seeing the vises made in my old hometown....

 

[Thrumcap]

Hi all,

Would anyone have a catalog entry for a Parker 827 vise beyond the scuttle db entry? 7" jaws, 220 lbs?



Edit: here's a legible copy.
Thanks,
Thrumcap