The VISES of Garage Journal

[topop101]

That seems fair to me but what do I know?. I passed on a Reed 4C for $65 yesterday. I could probably get a few bucks knocked off that. I should go back and have another look. Unfortunately the place isn't open again until Wednesday. It fits in with my new approach to vises since it doesn't even need dusting. (I think it was a 4C. At first I read it as 40 but then I saw somewhere on this thread that Reed didn't make a 40.)

you seriously passed on a 4C for $65.00???

 

[CRSINMICH]

you seriously passed on a 4C for $65.00???

No, it was a 40. Read the above posts #36610 & #36611 and this link: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106930

 

[drivesitfar]

CRS: once you see a 4C in person youll understand why joe went into a dream state and others are calling BS. Its really hard to pass on a 4C and for a lot more than $65. End of lesson today and back to my organizing.

Top: CRS might have just been trying to wake up those of us that didnt take his test. Special ed you know

 

[vintage nut]

I've finally found one of the dockyard parkers here!!!
Its a little blue 4" swivel jaw. Where it is has no interest in vises, and just needs one to hold things. Not even aware it swivels. I'm going to see if I can work out a trade involving a nice shiny record I fixed up.

Sent from my C1904 using Tapatalk

 

[Mark97303]

Here are the pictures of the jaws of the unknown vise. Thanks for the help. If it's a Parker I still don't know which one though. Thanks for patience I am a slow learner on the computer,,good thing there are retired teachers around here who understand!!!

 

[bagged89s10]

Here are the pictures of the jaws of the unknown vise. Thanks for the help. If it's a Parker I still don't know which one though.

I'm 99% sure it's a Parker. Might be a Parker No. 2. Well I just read it might have 5.5" jaws. Then maybe it's a Parker No. 4. Are you going to look at it in person? Maybe a Parker 106 1/2.

 

[Mark97303]

BAGGED89 its here in my hot little hands, had to clean the jaws to take the pics,,, it was all equally covered in that fine patina. Anything else I can look for to id it? Anywhere else I can clean?what do you know I might be getting the hang of this yet!

 

[Lugnutz]

Ok guys, FNG reporting in...and making my first post.

I've been using your forum on and off through the years, so when I decided to spiff up my little Columbian 603 M2 vise I thought it would be a nice way to give something back to the community by posting a few pics of my work.

I've never done this to one of my vises before but was "inspired" by this thread. The quotes are because most people would call this crazy. "Hell, it's JUST a vise!" It's nice to see so many others that value such an often overlooked yet vital tool for anyone that enjoys working on stuff.

This is my "inside" vise used for my smaller hobbies, since it's only 3". Despite the small size, she still weighs about 28lbs. I also own a '72 Wilton 4" bullet and a 5" English made Record. Being one of Columbia's older model machinist vises, this one is made from very strong ductile iron, precision machined and a pleasure to use. Now that she's been all slicked up and lubed the action is just effortless. I have custom made aluminum, Hickory and leather soft jaws I use 90% time which is why the original jaw faces are so nice. Clamping pressure is never a problem with any well made vise.

Oh, about the paint. I used some left over SPI 2K epoxy primer after completely stripping it of paint, and degreasing. I then topcoated with rattelecan Hammered Copper. The "trick" to using rattlecan Alkyd enamels is to oven bake it at 180-200F to fully cure and harden. Do NOT do this in your wife's kitchen oven if you want to stay married. Bachelors and college kids? ..go for it, totally worth it! This greatly speeds things up and makes the most of a low tech finish. I didn't get much "hammered" effect because I also had to preheat the parts because the weather was too humid and cool.

Enjoy...

 

[va.grouseman]

Really nice job Lug.---Welcome to the Forum.---We will be looking for more from you.

And you are right about how most on here feel about there vises.---Their not just another wrench or socket in a set.---The vise stands alone amongst tools as far as necessity in the shop.---Just try working in the shop for one month and swearing off of the vise.---You'll catch yourself reaching for it a dozen times.

 

[BFBOB]

Hey, Lugnutz, very nice job on the vise resto. I like the color; on my vises I don't seem to be able to get past Regal Red.
One quibble - maybe it's just my OCD, but I would have masked off the T of the jaws - it would drive me crazy to have the jaws mostly bare, but with that tiny painted tail.

 

[drivesitfar]

Lug: very impressive first post. i like that Columbian that Columbian also made for Sears and it had a Craftsman crowntop logo on the side of those instead of the raised lettering.

welcome

Mark: can you post a few more full view pictures of all the sides of that Parker and maybe some of us might see something to help you figure it out.

Vintage: good luck because it will surely be appreciated a lot more in your shop. I tried to have your Dad send me his Reed and he wouldn't budge so best of luck inheriting his bench with the Reed on it while he's still using it.

 

[zkling]

Beautiful job on the Columbian Lugnutz. Did you torch blue the screw eye and handle ends? Hard for me to tell from the photo lighting.

 

[Shiftless]

Lugnutz:
Welcome to the forum.
Fantastic job on your little Columbian.
It is an inspiration to those of us with Columbians in less than pristine condition. (like this one of mine).

 

[Lugnutz]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

...maybe it's just my OCD, but I would have masked off the T of the jaws - it would drive me crazy to have the jaws mostly bare, but with that tiny painted tail.

I did ponder it but actually prefer the straighter lines compared to all that "T" business. To my eyes, jaws should look rectangular, like a Wilton. Makes life sooo much easier to machine and swap, but I'm really not that ****. I guess it really depends on what you are used to seeing. When this vise was new it never even had the ends painted at all so it was bare steel that quickly rusted over the years. The "T" part quickly got all gunked up and you never even noticed this kind of sick ****, now that I think of it! I actually had primer covering the whole end but didn't like that either. Oy vey, the details, it's JUST a vise! hahahahaaaa

 

[Lugnutz]

Beautiful job on the Columbian Lugnutz. Did you torch blue the screw eye and handle ends? Hard for me to tell from the photo lighting.

Thanks! ..and good eye. Not torch blued, but "rust" hot blued. The handle, long time ago, but done again and the screw eye, just a quicky while I had it apart. That's why the finish looks so different. I dabble a bit with gunsmithing, among various and sundry hobbies. I never leave metal bare. A simple wax coating keeps it looking good.


P.S. Never "torch blue" anything that is tempered/heat treated because doing so ruins it. If you don't know the hardness or temper of the metal, don't take the chance.

 

[Lugnutz]

Lugnutz:
Welcome to the forum.
Fantastic job on your little Columbian.
It is an inspiration to those of us with Columbians in less than pristine condition. (like this one of mine).

Thanks!
..that's a helluva vise you got there! Good luck with the restoration, I don't think I've got that much patience, nor time! I'm sure it'll be a beaute when finished.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Lugnutz: Terrific job on that resto. It's beautiful!

 

[Rileysan]

I stopped in my local Habitat "Restore" to look through their tool selection this weekend. I didn't see much of interest, but I decided to take a stroll past their large power tools on the other side of the store - which usually consists of vintage table and radial arm saws - when this caught my eye. It's a vintage saw sharpening vise that happened to be cable-tied to a table saw. I called for the manager and explained to him what the vise was for and that it was not a part of this saw. He told me "You have a good eye" and offered it to me for $5.

It's missing the original screw for the clamp and the ears on the wingnut at the elbow are broken, but it works fine. The only markings I can find are cast "No 3" and "Foot". Does anyone recognize it?

Brian

 

[vertguy]

Going to look at this Reed tomorrow and could use some help with determining age and typical value.

 

[diagnosis]

Great job on the Columbian Lugz! It's definitely too nice to use now

 

[vintage nut]

That Columbian looks amazing!!

Sent from my C1904 using Tapatalk

 

[drivesitfar]

Vert: anything less than $200 and you'll have one of the best vises made and you wont be sorry you paid that much. Im not sure what a new one costs but im guessing at least twice that amount. Its a perfect size for most any job and looks like its in great shape too. Guessing 40-50 years old,but not certain. I do like that style a lot.

 

[bagged89s10]

Ok guys, FNG reporting in...and making my first post.



I've been using your forum on and off through the years, so when I decided to spiff up my little Columbian 603 M2 vise I thought it would be a nice way to give something back to the community by posting a few pics of my work.



I've never done this to one of my vises before but was "inspired" by this thread. The quotes are because most people would call this crazy. "Hell, it's JUST a vise!" It's nice to see so many others that value such an often overlooked yet vital tool for anyone that enjoys working on stuff.



This is my "inside" vise used for my smaller hobbies, since it's only 3". Despite the small size, she still weighs about 28lbs. I also own a '72 Wilton 4" bullet and a 5" English made Record. Being one of Columbia's older model machinist vises, this one is made from very strong ductile iron, precision machined and a pleasure to use. Now that she's been all slicked up and lubed the action is just effortless. I have custom made aluminum, Hickory and leather soft jaws I use 90% time which is why the original jaw faces are so nice. Clamping pressure is never a problem with any well made vise.



Oh, about the paint. I used some left over SPI 2K epoxy primer after completely stripping it of paint, and degreasing. I then topcoated with rattelecan Hammered Copper. The "trick" to using rattlecan Alkyd enamels is to oven bake it at 180-200F to fully cure and harden. Do NOT do this in your wife's kitchen oven if you want to stay married. Bachelors and college kids? ..go for it, totally worth it! This greatly speeds things up and makes the most of a low tech finish. I didn't get much "hammered" effect because I also had to preheat the parts because the weather was too humid and cool.



Enjoy...

Excellent work! I agree about baking the paint to get a nice hard finish. Did you blue that handle? I just read the above post and you did. Again, nice job and welcome to the forum. It's always great to have another person who values tools like yourself on the board.

 

[joe.striper]

BAGGED89 its here in my hot little hands, had to clean the jaws to take the pics,,, it was all equally covered in that fine patina. Anything else I can look for to id it? Anywhere else I can clean?what do you know I might be getting the hang of this yet!

I'm 100% its a Parker. I can see the pins on the jaws.

Here's the issue, Parker made about a bazillion different vises. There is NO ONE ALIVE that can tell you every make and model, which is what makes collecting them FUN.

Regardless that is a nice piece, and an old piece I think. Get me a good pic of the nose showing the spindle and plate that keeps it on. Kevin Scott makes new spindle plates that will match better than what you have. Did you put this one on a scale? If so what's the weight? I've had 5" Parkers that weighed 135 lbs, but it could be as light as 70. If it is on the lighter end look up Eclipse Parker Vises and you may find some ads which will help you nail it down.

Good hunting, this is the most fun of vise collecting.

 

[bagged89s10]

I'm 100% its a Parker. I can see the pins on the jaws.



Here's the issue, Parker made about a bazillion different vises. There is NO ONE ALIVE that can tell you every make and model, which is what makes collecting them FUN.



Regardless that is a nice piece, and an old piece I think. Get me a good pic of the nose showing the spindle and plate that keeps it on. Kevin Scott makes new spindle plates that will match better than what you have. Did you put this one on a scale? If so what's the weight? I've had 5" Parkers that weighed 135 lbs, but it could be as light as 70. If it is on the lighter end look up Eclipse Parker Vises and you may find some ads which will help you nail it down.



Good hunting, this is the most fun of vise collecting.

I said 99% because Oswego vises look the same. Do you think Parker made the vises that Oswego sold? Or did Oswego use Parker patterns and make their own vises? I guess either way an Oswego is pretty much a Parker.

 

[bagged89s10]

Going to look at this Reed tomorrow and could use some help with determining age and typical value.

The logo tells me that's it's a newer Reed but I don't know when they started casting that logo on their vises. Does that one have a patent number on it? Without a patent number, it's 1955 or newer. Maybe someone else can narrow it down more.

 

[bagged89s10]

BAGGED89 its here in my hot little hands, had to clean the jaws to take the pics,,, it was all equally covered in that fine patina. Anything else I can look for to id it? Anywhere else I can clean?what do you know I might be getting the hang of this yet!

Can you show us a picture of the 2 sides and the front of the vise. Are you saying there
Are no markings?

 

[joe.striper]

OK campers. anyone know what this is???? 4" jaws, rear of the vise is dynamic. tubes cover the spindle screw. my son and his new fiancee are tag-saleing and just bought it for me. $10.00. More pics when I actually get it.

 

[bagged89s10]

OK campers. anyone know what this is???? 4" jaws, rear of the vise is dynamic. tubes cover the spindle screw. my son and his new fiancee are tag-saleing and just bought it for me. $10.00. More pics when I actually get it.

Looks like a similar design to the Heuer vise I have

 

[CRSINMICH]

I stopped in my local Habitat "Restore" to look through their tool selection this weekend. I didn't see much of interest, but I decided to take a stroll past their large power tools on the other side of the store - which usually consists of vintage table and radial arm saws - when this caught my eye. It's a vintage saw sharpening vise that happened to be cable-tied to a table saw. I called for the manager and explained to him what the vise was for and that it was not a part of this saw. He told me "You have a good eye" and offered it to me for $5.

It's missing the original screw for the clamp and the ears on the wingnut at the elbow are broken, but it works fine. The only markings I can find are cast "No 3" and "Foot". Does anyone recognize it?

Brian

Brian: If your saw vise is not a Wentworth then it's a very close rip-off of one. Try googling Wentworth No. 3 saw vise.

 

[CRSINMICH]

drives: I looked at some pictures of 4Cs in Google images today. HOLY ****! No wonder you thought I was kidding again. There was a picture of one on a scale - 171 lbs! I definitely passed on a 40. I'm still gonna go back and look it over again. The 4C was in the next stall. I think he was asking $25.

 

[bagged89s10]

drives: I looked at some pictures of 4Cs in Google images today. HOLY ****! No wonder you thought I was kidding again. There was a picture of one on a scale - 171 lbs! I definitely passed on a 40. I'm still gonna go back and look it over again. The 4C was in the next stall. I think he was asking $25.

Take some pictures even if you don't end up buying it.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Take some pictures even if you don't end up buying it.

I'll take pictures of the 40. This time I was kidding about the 4C - I don't want anymore confusion. BTW I actually do have a Reed no. 205. I posted a picture of it a month or two ago. I worked on it today.

 

[bagged89s10]

I'll take pictures of the 40. This time I was kidding about the 4C - I don't want anymore confusion. BTW I actually do have a Reed no. 205. I posted a picture of it a month or two ago. I worked on it today.

I know. Lol.
What color are you going to paint your Reed, if you paint it?
I'm going to dunk both of my reeds in the e-tank this week. I want to get all my vises de-rusted before temperatures get too cold to use my tank outside. I think I have a 2 Parkers, an athol, and a woodworking Columbian(a vise, not a person) to throw in the tank after that.

 

[drivesitfar]

CRS: your Reed 205 is almost the perfect vise for a shop if you only have one. I think the Reed C series vises are a little better so keep your eye out for one. Yes the the 4c is one you should lift with your legs to move it.

Riley: i picked up one of those saw vises for $4 a week or two ago and need to post a pic of it so you can see how to fix yours. Btw you are almost in that rabbit hole all the way now when you get a saw vise.

 

[CRSINMICH]

bagged and drives: The 205 has issues. Today I had to improve on someone else's improvised stop collar so that the jaws would open when the main screw is turned. Also there is a giant spider in the swivel base. I saw her go up there and stuck my finger in to see if I could get her out but no luck. One of the mounting feet is broken off. My idea was to take it to a welder I know, show him the problems and see if he could fix it or if he wanted to buy it. If he doesn't want it I'll decide on color then. Reed favors green don't they?

Riley: I was going to tell you that even I don't have a saw vise but then I remembered that one came with a saw I bought. Then I remembered that I bought a wooden one. Then I remembered that I made two of them myself. See what you may be in for?

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Not sure if I should post this in the vise repair thread or not.

This is my LM&V co. I bought in 97 at a moving sale. I recently dug it out And mounted it. It works ok but the jaws are beat, not sure if it is possible to fix, or if I should just deal with it, or maybe find another vise. This is at work, I'm keeping my columbian at home.

 

[vintage nut]

My dad did his reed 32 in the same very dark green I did my Morgan in. Looks really good on it!

Sent from my C1904 using Tapatalk

 

[jakemac]

Not sure if I should post this in the vise repair thread or not.

This is my LM&V co. I bought in 97 at a moving sale. I recently dug it out And mounted it. It works ok but the jaws are beat, not sure if it is possible to fix, ......................

The reason that "the jaws are beat", is because they are missing.
DUN, DUN, DUN ...........
This looks like a job for Dr. Scott !

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

The reason that "the jaws are beat", is because they are missing.
DUN, DUN, DUN ...........
This looks like a job for Dr. Scott !

Quite true, mounting holes seem to be partially blocked so that may be interesting. The vise looks like it has taken a lot of pounding/beating so the mounting screws probably broke off in there.