The VISES of Garage Journal

[Nuts]

It's not a dingus, it's a dingle arm.

 

[Arkansas COB]

Well the dear wife scored me a big vise and some neat c-clamp/vise grip things at a garage sale. $15 for the vise and $6 for the c-clamp things.
The vise is a OSWEGO TOOL CO #2. I did search for Oswego and found nothing except a few links that brought me here to GJ. The vise seems in pretty good condition over all. defintlay needs to be cleaned up and painted. Im pretty sure it's missing a bottom plate of some sort that takes up the area from the base of vise to where the threads start on the shaft. Also looks like it was supposed to have some type of pin that goes thru base of vise into mounting plate to keep from turning. Now I have to find somewhere and someway to mount it.

The c-clamp vise things are from KNU vise. They are still an active company so I sent an e-mail asking about the clamps. Could not find a Model 505 on the web site. They are in need of a cleaning and paint also.

Is there any info out there on Oswego Tool Co that any one knows of ? Would like to know how old the vise is.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507287&stc=1&d=1450567197

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507289&stc=1&d=1450567454

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507292&stc=1&d=1450567587

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507294&stc=1&d=1450567763

 

[CRSINMICH]

It's not a dingus, it's a dingle arm.

Nuts: Oh ****! I passed on a whole load of prefamulated amulite at a sale just yesterday.

 

[Big Pete]

Big Pete: I'm not very familiar with English vices but that Nubo looks like a real workhorse. I would like to see both of these when you finish redoing them. Please be sure to post them here. By the way, have you posted a vice on the Vise of the Year 2015 thread? Here's a link:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313343

Not been on for a while, so I didn't know the thread existed, I'll have a look. I'm pretty sure the Nubo is a re-branded Record #3, the castings look very, very similar. At first look it seems a pretty solid little thing.

Big Pete,

Nice vices!

Any full photos of your red Swindens?

As CW mentioned, it's good to see that the spanner is still present with your second Swindens.

Yep, it was nice to get the spanner, my big one has a 1/2" ring spanner permanently sat on it which does just as good a job, but doesn't look as nice.

There's photos on this thread somewhere of the big one just after I finished cleaning it up, but here's one after I got it back in use



and freshly re-assembled

 

[bagged89s10]

It's not a dingus, it's a dingle arm.

Hahahahhahaha!

 

[Fraggles]

Big Pete

Fascinating, I haven't seen many Swindens without the anvil.

 

[joe.striper]

Demomam sent me a 6" Craftsman vise today! Yay!!!

 

[hondacivic247]

I found a guy with a pile of vises with a wilton 3 1/2 bullet which I'm buying for my self to restore for my first vise and mounting on my welding table. He also has this vise which is small and he says is a wilton bullet but I doubt it is, he's asking 20$ is it worth it to buy and sell? What type of vise is it????

 

[drivesitfar]

Civic: doesnt look like a wilton bullet. Looks like an imprt but probably still worth $20.

Joe: nice necklace!!!

 

[CRSINMICH]

Well the dear wife scored me a big vise and some neat c-clamp/vise grip things at a garage sale. $15 for the vise and $6 for the c-clamp things.
The vise is a OSWEGO TOOL CO #2. I did search for Oswego and found nothing except a few links that brought me here to GJ. The vise seems in pretty good condition over all. defintlay needs to be cleaned up and painted. Im pretty sure it's missing a bottom plate of some sort that takes up the area from the base of vise to where the threads start on the shaft. Also looks like it was supposed to have some type of pin that goes thru base of vise into mounting plate to keep from turning. Now I have to find somewhere and someway to mount it.

The c-clamp vise things are from KNU vise. They are still an active company so I sent an e-mail asking about the clamps. Could not find a Model 505 on the web site. They are in need of a cleaning and paint also.

Is there any info out there on Oswego Tool Co that any one knows of ? Would like to know how old the vise is.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507287&stc=1&d=1450567197

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507289&stc=1&d=1450567454

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507292&stc=1&d=1450567587

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=507294&stc=1&d=1450567763

COB: Ask your wife if I sent her an Andy J if she'd go shopping for me. I can't tell you much about the Oswego vise. That style of vise went out of use early in the 20th century so it's pretty old. The problem with them is that there is a lot of stuff hanging below the bench top which can get in the way of cabinets etc. I have heard that you can make a swivel base for them if you're handy at machining. Keep the vise - and the wife.

 

[topop101]

Okay vise fans: The mystery deepens. I checked the Parker 239X and the dingus. First, I took the dingus out. (No off color jokes please.) The only thing unusual about it is that it has been filed flat at the tip. Next, I examined the vise. There is no play in the slide. None! Up or down or side to side – no play. I looked at the top of the slide where the dingus hits it and there is only one circular spot. I expected to find a scratch pattern along the slide as wide as the dingus or a series of circular spots. One spot only. Next, I looked at the jaws and jaw inserts. Here is where it gets interesting. With or without the dingus they fit together perfectly across the top and on either side. The faces of the inserts are even more amazing. They are smooth and dead flat. I mean bagged smooth. With no attempt at clean up, I could see reflections in the faces. When the jaws come together the faces meet without the slightest gap anywhere. No gap!

The mystery continues. The garage shop where we found this vise was a woodworker’s shop. He had a nice bench with a Columbian woodworker’s vise. One possible clue to the Parker may be that the owner had a large collection of wooden hand planes many of which were user made and of GOOD quality. I suspect that he needed to do fairly precision work to make the planes. However, that still doesn’t explain the dingus. Maybe it just served as a lock for when the vise was not in use. What do YOU think?

One possibility is there was no issue with the vise at all but with what was being clamped. It is possible that the vise couldn't be tightened very tight on a piece of work . So to prevent the vise from over tightening the stop was put it. If the handle was horizontal it could still creep down thus tightening on a piece of work .
What kind of jaws are in the vise? smooth or serrated

 

[bluebolt]

I found a guy with a pile of vises with a wilton 3 1/2 bullet which I'm buying for my self to restore for my first vise and mounting on my welding table. He also has this vise which is small and he says is a wilton bullet but I doubt it is, he's asking 20$ is it worth it to buy and sell? What type of vise is it????

It's not a Wilton LOL. If it's an import I would think Europe, not Asia. The front jaw the support ledge is broken off under the jaw insert. I would like to see more pictures of that vise what's the jaw width?

 

[CRSINMICH]

One possibility is there was no issue with the vise at all but with what was being clamped. It is possible that the vise couldn't be tightened very tight on a piece of work . So to prevent the vise from over tightening the stop was put it. If the handle was horizontal it could still creep down thus tightening on a piece of work .
What kind of jaws are in the vise? smooth or serrated

Top: The jaws are VERY smooth almost polished. It may have been intended as a stop but it wasn't used for that very often. There is only one mark left by the dingus on top of the slide. Maybe the owner was a sneaky SOB who wanted to keep us guessing.

 

[FMC1959]

Outlaw-my p 2300 has a touch of green on it. I thought it was original paint. So I guess it was economy line? I obviously repainted the lettering. Any info on it?

Sorry in responding late EG but the "economy" Parker line were called the Trojan line, with model numbers in the 700's.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262020

Not a sure bet but from what I recall, your 2300 would have been mid to late 1800's, when they had not locked down the Eclipse & Superior model lines. All the early models like Vulcan, Semi Steel, Victor and others usually did not last more than one revision.

When the finally settled on Eclipse & Superior model lines, these went on for years and many revisions.

 

[jrobb316]

I'd never heard of Morgan vises before.

Morgan is among the best, and still in business.

Sorry guys, a little behind. For those who knew, or care, Baby Alexander arrived 12-8-15. Catching up on the thread in my spare time.

 

[Outlawmws]

The Trojans were not the same "Economy line" I was talking about - these were late 1800s vises - 1894 ad:

And some info I kept from Cataylze when running down a Parker 0000 I had:

Outlaw - That little fellow is mighty old. It is from the late 1890's to about 1915 in age. It is the forerunner of the machinist vise line from Parker. It is indeed a #0000 model vise. This was the smallest of the new machinist line in a stationary model. The swivel base models had that old center bolt with handle that extended below the workbench surface. Yours should have about 3 1/4" to maybe 3 1/2" jaw width ....weigh 23 pounds....and would have cost about $4.40 back in 1910. The others in the stationary line had numbers that were 0000, 100, 200, 300 etc. The swivel base models had a "2" in front of those numbers... 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, etc. Hope this helps! Craig (Cataylze)

Outlaw-my p 2300 has a touch of green on it. I thought it was original paint. So I guess it was economy line? I obviously repainted the lettering. Any info on it?

That was my guess on the doohickey. Machinist, or someone who knew someone who did it to their vise, who worked needed/expected precision.

Sorry in responding late EG but the "economy" Parker line were called the Trojan line, with model numbers in the 700's.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262020

Not a sure bet but from what I recall, your 2300 would have been mid to late 1800's, when they had not locked down the Eclipse & Superior model lines. All the early models like Vulcan, Semi Steel, Victor and others usually did not last more than one revision.

When the finally settled on Eclipse & Superior model lines, these went on for years and many revisions.

 

[Tedley]

My vises don't get much love but I do use them... You guys have some beautiful vises. Here's mine...




Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Evergreentree]

Thanks outlaw and fmc for the info. Mine has pat no. 26 1867 (may be 1887, can't exactly tell) on the collar.

 

[CRSINMICH]

My vises don't get much love but I do use them... You guys have some beautiful vises. Here's mine...




Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Tedley: Maybe you should show your vises a little more love. Here is a page from a 1902 ad. I expanded the Gipsy section. Prentiss is a well known and respected vise. Congrats. I dig it. Your Littlestown woodworkers vise has a type of dog that I haven't seen. Apparently it turns to raise or lower it. Usually they slide up and down. What kind of vise is the third one? The blue one at the left of the second picture? Welcome to the thread. Keep posting

 

[CRSINMICH]

Sorry guys, a little behind. For those who knew, or care, Baby Alexander arrived 12-8-15. Catching up on the thread in my spare time.

CONGRATS jrobb! CONGRATS! "Spare time" will be hard to come by for the next few months. I am envious. I miss those days. Enjoy the little guy. They don't stay little very long. It goes by fast. Take LOTS of pictures.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Thanks outlaw and fmc for the info. Mine has pat no. 26 1867 (may be 1887, can't exactly tell) on the collar.

It is Nov 26 1867 on the collar.

I have one with May 28, November 26, December 10 & 17 1867 on the side of it.
It is a No. 21

 

[Tedley]

Great info, I thumbed right past that ad it didn't catch it. Thanks CRSINMICH! The blue vice has no markings and I'm pretty sure it's a low quality facsimile of another makers vise... Like you would find at a large retailer for generally way cheaper than anything else.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[hondacivic247]

It's not a Wilton LOL. If it's an import I would think Europe, not Asia. The front jaw the support ledge is broken off under the jaw insert. I would like to see more pictures of that vise what's the jaw width?

I knew it wasn't a wilton was hoping it was something special to pick up cheap and flip to offset the wilton I'm buying from him. I'll post pictures of the 2 piles of vises maybe there's something good in them cause I only know that wilton bullets are good I know diddly about other brands

 

[hondacivic247]

The most expensive one he has is $180-150

 

[hondacivic247]

2nd picture has my swivel wilton bullet I plan to fix up

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by Outlawmws.

And some info I kept from Cataylze when running down a Parker 0000 I had:

Outlaw - That little fellow is mighty old. It is from the late 1890's to about 1915 in age. It is the forerunner of the machinist vise line from Parker. It is indeed a #0000 model vise. This was the smallest of the new machinist line in a stationary model. The swivel base models had that old center bolt with handle that extended below the workbench surface. Yours should have about 3 1/4" to maybe 3 1/2" jaw width ....weigh 23 pounds....and would have cost about $4.40 back in 1910. The others in the stationary line had numbers that were 0000, 100, 200, 300 etc. The swivel base models had a "2" in front of those numbers... 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, etc. Hope this helps! Craig (Cataylze)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I've got a couple of those 2000s Outlaw.---First time I've seen the AD for any of that series.

 

[CRSINMICH]

The most expensive one he has is $180-150

Honda: There are lots of good vises in there. The one that is just left of center of the second picture is a Monarch. The one with the lion's head. Grab that one. The one below that is a Craftsman. The one on the top right of the first picture is another Wilton. Oh ****, just buy all of the covered screw vises he has. (Check for damage first.) And get that anvil vise too. Oh lordy, what a stash of vises. I think there's a Prentiss in there too, and a Columbian. Excuse me while I wipe off some drool...

 

[Evergreentree]

Yea. Good lot of vises! All covered lead screw vises.

Someone id this little triangle slide clamp on for me? Has a shield with a 3 in it. Never mind, it's a ps&w co. Takin a bath in the e tank!

Thanks for the clarification on date getrid!

 

[drivesitfar]

JRobb: congratulations big guy. not only will you get less sleep now, but you'll be working more to pay for all the bills that little guy (Alexander). are you planning on having any more little ones? our youngest just graduated from college and seems like not too long ago i was picking her up from kindergarten. enjoy the ride with all it's bumps and laughs and just try to survive and still be smiling on the other end. i have a hunch you'll do great since you have your furry friend as your Avatar that looks healthy and happy.

good luck and again Big Congrats


Civic: nice selection to choose from and better than going to most of the auctions or a store that is for sure. on the Monarch (made by Prentiss) check the back of the slide for a crack on the top because they tended to crack from getting beat on back there. a couple bullets and can't tell how big the big vises are, but if any are 6 inch wide jaws they are worth a fair amount if in good shape. post pictures of the one or several you pick up when you do and if you pick up a Wilton bullet or two can you post them with the dates on the bottom of their dynamic slide showing so we can add it to the data on our Wilton date stamp thread?

good luck

 

[hondacivic247]

I only plan to buy the one wilton, I'll post pictures when I get home. What's the one lion head one worth if I were to buy it and resell it?

 

[Outlawmws]

Previously posted by Outlawmws.

And some info I kept from Cataylze when running down a Parker 0000 I had:

Outlaw - That little fellow is mighty old. It is from the late 1890's to about 1915 in age. It is the forerunner of the machinist vise line from Parker. It is indeed a #0000 model vise. This was the smallest of the new machinist line in a stationary model. The swivel base models had that old center bolt with handle that extended below the workbench surface. Yours should have about 3 1/4" to maybe 3 1/2" jaw width ....weigh 23 pounds....and would have cost about $4.40 back in 1910. The others in the stationary line had numbers that were 0000, 100, 200, 300 etc. The swivel base models had a "2" in front of those numbers... 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, etc. Hope this helps! Craig (Cataylze)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I've got a couple of those 2000s Outlaw.---First time I've seen the AD for any of that series.

 

[drivesitfar]

Civic: unless the Monarch is less than 3 inch wide jaws it isn't that rare, but it does have the cool factor. any of the vises that weigh over 100 pounds if they do and have 6 inch wide jaws might be worth buying. or if you can get the smaller ones cheap enough by buying several of them they are good basic vises that when cleaned up are good vises for a homeowner's bench.

also if you are buying a Wilton bullet you should pull out the dynamic jaw all the way to make sure the static and dynamic don't have any cracks or welds or sometimes they have missing cast from being dropped.

good luck

VA: i'd love to find those little Parkers in the wild. how's the flood repair coming along?

 

[topop101]

2nd picture has my swivel wilton bullet I plan to fix up

Buy Them ALL!

 

[topop101]

I picked up another 954 Parker yesterday at an auction! Paid more than I wanted to but had to make a statement for the rest of the auction

 

[bagged89s10]

I only plan to buy the one wilton, I'll post pictures when I get home. What's the one lion head one worth if I were to buy it and resell it?

I've been meaning to go see that seller but just never have time to drive out there? How far are you from Danbury, CT?

 

[drivesitfar]

Top: did you have other vises in the auction?

I'm sure you had to buy that Parker just because of the Christmas colored paint job.

Arkansas: Nice to have the wife helping you find some cool old tools. Also price fits right in with your handle. Since I know what it stands for anybody care to guess what his COB stands for?

 

[Mark in Indiana]

All,
Yesterday, I picked up a mill vise at a flea market for 16$. It has the usual battle scars. However, it operates smooth after oiling, jaws are parallel, and doesn't have the usual Chinese vise sloppy movement. The jaws are 6". Opening is 3 1/2". Depth is 1 1/2".
It has no identification or numbers on it.

Does anyone know who made it?
Country of origin?
How old it is?

Thanks in advance.

 

[topop101]

Top: did you have other vises in the auction?

I'm sure you had to buy that Parker just because of the Christmas colored paint job.

Arkansas: Nice to have the wife helping you find some cool old tools. Also price fits right in with your handle. Since I know what it stands for anybody care to guess what his COB stands for?

Drives yeah there were two other vise's in the auction. One was undesirable and I let a Dayton drill press vise go at 35.00. The owners elderly brother was the other bidder so I let it go. There were plenty of other deals had!

 

[mali]

I found a guy with a pile of vises with a wilton 3 1/2 bullet which I'm buying for my self to restore for my first vise and mounting on my welding table. He also has this vise which is small and he says is a wilton bullet but I doubt it is, he's asking 20$ is it worth it to buy and sell? What type of vise is it????

I have seen similar vises to yours in German advert, but unfortunately I haven't found brand name. Perhaps someone from Germany will help you identify the vise.

 

[drivesitfar]

Top: you totally had the Christmas spirit at that auction. sounds like a friendly auction where you might know a few of the regulars? i go to a few sales just to see how the guys are doing that i don't see often because they don't live close to me.

hope you have all the vises finished that were bought for Christmas presents.

ALL: have a great holiday everybody