Repaired Chas Parker 955 for $45- Worth it?

[sld961]

First post here. I've lurked quite a bit reading about vises.

I have an opportunity to buy a Chas Parker 955 vice that has been repaired for $45. It appears to be repaired with thick metal that was bolted and welded. The owner says that it is sturdy. He also says that it doesn't fully close, the jaws remain about 1/4" apart.

I only have a light duty vise and have been looking for a big one. Is this a good buy at $45 given the flaws? Is there a way to make it close all the way?

 

[organ]

I probably wouldn't pay that much for it... depends on your area, though. If vises are few and far between... it may be worth it.

 

[sld961]

I can probably count on one hand how many large vices I've seen. Most of the ones I do see are several hundred dollars. I'd use this one until I could find a good one. The jaws not closing all the way is the main thing that concerns me.

 

[organ]

I'd definitely offer him less... try $35... $25 if you're willing to insult him.

 

[rsanter]

Picture are needed to determine the value

Bob

 

[sld961]

 

[organ]

The dynamic jaw support is what broke off?

 

[sld961]

The dynamic jaw support is what broke off?

I don't know what the parts are called. Hopefully I'll be able to look at it in person tonight. All I know is that it was "cracked" and repaired. The pics aren't real good to be able to tell where it "cracked".

 

[zkling]

Scrap. I'd buy it for $10 just for the collar for mine.

 

[larry_g]

I've gambled $45 on worst bets. If you need a vise to use then go for it. Consider that you may loose it all or it may serve you for years.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Fretters]

Not personally one I'd gamble with, but a plate repair should be plenty strong enough. One thing I would suggest checking is the amount of slop in the vertical plane. That crack looks fairly wide, which suggests the slide may be quite a sloppy fit at the front end.

Just remember that it's desperation making you consider it; The seller will likely know that. Judge with your head and not your desire, and offer accordingly. He probably knows full well it would be worth no more than scrap value to anyone but himself. If he turns you down, another will turn up eventually. Things generally work out for the best in the end, whichever way it goes.

 

[rsanter]

Most likly it will be strong enough for what you want to do but a break like that just kills the value.
For $25 I may consider it because I may find another one at some point I could combine this one with to make one really nice vise.

On the other hand.... I can sell you one of those that is nice and has been repainted for around $160 shipped

Bob

 

[sld961]

Most likly it will be strong enough for what you want to do but a break like that just kills the value.
For $25 I may consider it because I may find another one at some point I could combine this one with to make one really nice vise.

On the other hand.... I can sell you one of those that is nice and has been repainted for around $160 shipped

Bob

Can you PM me pics of the one you have for sale?

 

[wrenchguy]

i need the lead screw and nut 4 1 i have.