The VISES of Garage Journal

[drivesitfar]

Bagged: they just don't treat Canadians right when it comes to spray paint. maybe the powers at be think it's dangerous. did you see ** paid $77 for just TWO cans of spray paint for his Record vice?

TOP: how did you know the paint store could put custom paint into a rattle can? i'd never heard of it until you and maybe another member mentioned it. is it that same amount of paint as the cans you can buy only better quality and the correct color? or can you get bigger cans?

Merry Christmas to all of you and i hope you all have a great 2016.

cheers and a picture of my latest favorite vice.

 

[climb.on]

Just sent my Reed 205 1/2 to the sand blaster along with a bunch of other stuff. I've been thinking about the jaws and can't find anything about replacing this style. Either these jaws never had much bite in them right from the factory or they have worn amazingly even. Look how well they close. Anyone have a thread that shows this style being removed and replaced? Does anyone know how they are even attached on this guy...pinned, brazed, pressed, etc.? Not dead set on replacing them, but I would just like to know my options.

 

[xxaler]

Reeds are cast into the frame. Non-replaceable. They are VERY hard jaws, so someone really took a long time filing them flat!

 

[econotrk]

Just sent my Reed 205 1/2 to the sand blaster along with a bunch of other stuff. I've been thinking about the jaws and can't find anything about replacing this style. Either these jaws never had much bite in them right from the factory or they have worn amazingly even. Look how well they close. Anyone have a thread that shows this style being removed and replaced? Does anyone know how they are even attached on this guy...pinned, brazed, pressed, etc.? Not dead set on replacing them, but I would just like to know my options.

As Xxaler said, Reeds are non-replaceable other than modifying by a machinist. Rev Scott has done some on here. My Reed 204 1/2 has jaws the same as yours, I like it for clamping things I don't want to mar. I have another vise with very aggressive teeth when I need it. Another with copper covers, just more reasons to own multiple vises.

Hopefully the sand blaster doesn't blast the slide or uses media that's not very coarse. I have a 203 Reed the previous owner had blasted, the slide is all pitted up, it's a mess.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Just sent my Reed 205 1/2 to the sand blaster along with a bunch of other stuff. I've been thinking about the jaws and can't find anything about replacing this style. Either these jaws never had much bite in them right from the factory or they have worn amazingly even. Look how well they close. Anyone have a thread that shows this style being removed and replaced? Does anyone know how they are even attached on this guy...pinned, brazed, pressed, etc.? Not dead set on replacing them, but I would just like to know my options.

climb.on: Here is an article from a 1919 American Machinist magazine describing Reed's manufacturing process. It specifically mentions that the jaws are cast in place.

 

[drivesitfar]

Climb on: if you need more gripping power might i suggest getting or making a pair of copper jaw covers. as the other members have said your Reed's jaws are not replaceable. it's a nice vise and Reed is one of my favorite brands and yours is in the flavor of the years i like.

 

[climb.on]

Reeds are cast into the frame. Non-replaceable. They are VERY hard jaws, so someone really took a long time filing them flat!

So you think someone intentionally ground them down? Interesting...I hadn't considered that. I guess I haven't taken note of any excellent jaws on other old style Reeds to know what they might have looked like originally.

climb.on: Here is an article from a 1919 American Machinist magazine describing Reed's manufacturing process. It specifically mentions that the jaws are cast in place.

That is a really neat article. Thanks for sharing!

Climb on: if you need more gripping power might i suggest getting or making a pair of copper jaw covers. as the other members have said your Reed's jaws are not replaceable. it's a nice vise and Reed is one of my favorite brands and yours is in the flavor of the years i like.

Nice! I didn't realize copper jaws would hold better...I just always thought their sole purpose was to protect the workpiece.

 

[danstead]

Hello all,
I just picked up a Hollands 14.5 today that has 4.5" jaws. Having trouble finding much history on the Hollands. Is it possible that Reed took over the Hollands line?
Thanks and Happy holidays to all!

 

[va.grouseman]

Climb.on, very few old vises still have those crisp close tolerances at the jaws like yours.---I'd just clean it, paint it if you want, and leave it as is, if it were mine of course.---Will be watching to see what you do with it.---Really nice Reed.---Perfect size.

 

[bagged89s10]

Just sent my Reed 205 1/2 to the sand blaster along with a bunch of other stuff. I've been thinking about the jaws and can't find anything about replacing this style. Either these jaws never had much bite in them right from the factory or they have worn amazingly even. Look how well they close. Anyone have a thread that shows this style being removed and replaced? Does anyone know how they are even attached on this guy...pinned, brazed, pressed, etc.? Not dead set on replacing them, but I would just like to know my options.

That's a nice Reed. I have the same one in a 5" model which I haven't had time to take apart yet. I bet those jaws will grip just fine. You don't always need heavy serrations for gripping power.

Here is the little brother to your reed.

 

[Fretters]

TOP: how did you know the paint store could put custom paint into a rattle can? i'd never heard of it until you and maybe another member mentioned it. is it that same amount of paint as the cans you can buy only better quality and the correct color? or can you get bigger cans?

Most if not all automotive paint suppliers will usually have the option of putting it into spray cans. Any paint they supply is usually available in the spray can option. It's generally thinned down though to make it usable in aerosol form, so not as thick as you'll get straight from the tin.

Nice! I didn't realize copper jaws would hold better...I just always thought their sole purpose was to protect the workpiece.

Copper is quite soft, so the piece beds into it somewhat. That makes a lot of difference to grip between hard and soft inserts/covers. Whereas the piece may skid out of hard jaws under duress, (the other reason is that you're limited to the amount of pressure you can apply with harder inserts/covers. It'll distort the piece being worked upon before the inserts/covers distort, if you apply too much pressure, whereas it just forces the piece into softer metal without damage to the piece), you'll really need to beast the piece to achieve the same effect with softer metals covers/inserts. You'll literally have to rip the soft metal before the piece moves.

 

[Fretters]

Screwed: Fretters and Bagged and maybe a few others have just painted over BLO and i think Fretters even put BLO in his paint mixture with success.

Correct. The burgundy enamel I've been using on the most recent pieces is a synthetic enamel and raw linseed oil mix, and that old Parkinson wood vice had a straight raw linseed oil base coat to halt the rusting before painting. Makes a vast difference to how well it flows with the brush, as well as making brush marks practically nonexistent on smooth metal. Efficacy seems to vary with paint type. A cheaper synth enamel took okay to the oil mixing but wasn't quite as effective in finish, but still worked fine.

Easy way to test with the paint & oil mix is to make a small test mix up in a glass jar and then leave it to settle for a day or two. If separation of the two is noticeable, then they probably just don't get on well together.

The oil is always mixed with some gum turpentine as the solvent, even when I use it straight. Turpentine appears to work nicely with anything I've tried so far.

Even the wax mix has some linseed oil in there.

 

[CRSINMICH]

EVERYBODY​

There is still time to make your entry for VISE OF THE YEAR 2015. Here's the link: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313343

 

[Hemi49]

climb.on: Here is an article from a 1919 American Machinist magazine describing Reed's manufacturing process. It specifically mentions that the jaws are cast in place.

CRS

Thank you for posting the article.....I was born in Erie and lived < 25 miles away for over 50 years.....I've been trying to find information about Reed and it's process for some time now.....Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Hemi

 

[Hemi49]

Hello all,
I just picked up a Hollands 14.5 today that has 4.5" jaws. Having trouble finding much history on the Hollands. Is it possible that Reed took over the Hollands line?
Thanks and Happy holidays to all!

danstead

I don't believe there was any partnering between Reed and Hollands......Erie was a big iron town in it's day...I'm sure many of the ironworkers spent time with both companies......I remember some of my ancestors referred to their jobs at "the iron works"......There is a Holland street in Erie but it appears Hollands manufacturing was not located on that street.....Merry Christmas....
Hemi

 

[CRSINMICH]

CRS

Thank you for posting the article.....I was born in Erie and lived < 25 miles away for over 50 years.....I've been trying to find information about Reed and it's process for some time now.....Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Hemi

Hemi: You are welcome. I think I probably got that information from this thread in the first place. Whenever someone posts info like that I grab it for my "research library". Have a look at this Erie darling. It's about number 17 on my resto list. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too.

 

[drivesitfar]

Fretters: nice post as per usual about all the paint and BLO and other ingredients you mix with it. any more Burgandy items to surface here or on your thread soon?

Dan: Holland's vise company became another company, but it wasn't Reed. i'm having a senior moment maybe because it's 6am and still dark outside, but maybe one of the others knows or remembers what happened to Holland's.

i can tell you that they are a simple design and very stout and even though i know you have other vises that 14.5 is almost a perfect size for any guy's shop.

VA: thanks for posting some of your finds for the year and wondering if you might have one of your sons take a few pictures with their cell cameras while you show them their inheritance? we'd all like to see the chain gang again especially if it's sunny out.

 

[danstead]

Thanks Drives and Hemi !!

I'm only 1.25 Hrs south of Erie and the Hollands reminds me a lot of the older Reeds I've seen. I'll share a few pics soon-- picked up the vise for $27.00

 

[bagged89s10]

Just sent my Reed 205 1/2 to the sand blaster along with a bunch of other stuff. I've been thinking about the jaws and can't find anything about replacing this style. Either these jaws never had much bite in them right from the factory or they have worn amazingly even. Look how well they close. Anyone have a thread that shows this style being removed and replaced? Does anyone know how they are even attached on this guy...pinned, brazed, pressed, etc.? Not dead set on replacing them, but I would just like to know my options.

I saw this on Instagram of some awesome jaw refacing on a Reed. If you know a good machinist, they can cut you new serrations.

 

[climb.on]

I saw this on Instagram of some awesome jaw refacing on a Reed. If you know a good machinist, they can cut you new serrations.

That is awesome! I do know a few good ones actually. I wonder how hard it is to machine those jaws after they have been hardened. The process typically has the hardening done last, I believe. Still not sure I would bother, but it's a pretty cool option.

 

[climb.on]

Copper is quite soft, so the piece beds into it somewhat. That makes a lot of difference to grip between hard and soft inserts/covers. Whereas the piece may skid out of hard jaws under duress, (the other reason is that you're limited to the amount of pressure you can apply with harder inserts/covers. It'll distort the piece being worked upon before the inserts/covers distort, if you apply too much pressure, whereas it just forces the piece into softer metal without damage to the piece), you'll really need to beast the piece to achieve the same effect with softer metals covers/inserts. You'll literally have to rip the soft metal before the piece moves.

Thank you for the explanation - well put.

 

[Jcrapola]

Well, i just finished my first vise restoration. Its nothing like some of the ones i have seen. But, i am pleased with it all the same. I am excited because, i did it for my dad as a present.

Its was a little funny how it started. I buy old vises when i see them to give to people that will use them (everyone needs a vise or three right?). So, i go to look at one i found on CL. When i get there, i see immediately that the casting is broken in two places causing the dynamic jaw to sag almost a half inch ( yes that bad). I tell the guy "its broken, i hafta pass". He insists i buy it, "surely its not THAT bad, i've used it plenty." I assure him it is of no use to me. He makes me buy it for $5 "for parts", and throws in a nicely repaired 5" columbian as well. i give the Columbian to my apprentice at work (to replace his chinese vise), and wonder where the H*** am i ever gonna find another Reed 2041/2 of the correct vintage that need "parts"?!?! So, the very next day i make my daily CL scan, and find one around the corner from me for $20 missing the swivel! Haha!
I guess it is better to be lucky than good!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! Enjoy the holidays, and try to forgive the goofy relatives that you only see once a year all their transgressions!!!

 

[Hemi49]

Well, i just finished my first vise restoration. Its nothing like some of the ones i have seen. But, i am pleased with it all the same. I am excited because, i did it for my dad as a present.

Its was a little funny how it started. I buy old vises when i see them to give to people that will use them (everyone needs a vise or three right?). So, i go to look at one i found on CL. When i get there, i see immediately that the casting is broken in two places causing the dynamic jaw to sag almost a half inch ( yes that bad). I tell the guy "its broken, i hafta pass". He insists i buy it, "surely its not THAT bad, i've used it plenty." I assure him it is of no use to me. He makes me buy it for $5 "for parts", and throws in a nicely repaired 5" columbian as well. i give the Columbian to my apprentice at work (to replace his chinese vise), and wonder where the H*** am i ever gonna find another Reed 2041/2 of the correct vintage that need "parts"?!?! So, the very next day i make my daily CL scan, and find one around the corner from me for $20 missing the swivel! Haha!
I guess it is better to be lucky than good!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! Enjoy the holidays, and try to forgive the goofy relatives that you only see once a year all their transgressions!!!

jcrapola
Nice Reed and nice restoration.....I'm sure your Dad will love it......Merry Christmas
Hemi

 

[drivesitfar]

Climb on: one of the members here hand filed some new grooves in their old Reed and can't recall who, but might have been Getridofone.

JC: nice story and nice looking Reed. i bet your Dad will be smiling after he sees it on his bench and are you going to mount it for him too?

 

[danstead]

JC, nice JOB on your Reed!!

 

[mbsinmich]

Well, i just finished my first vise restoration. Its nothing like some of the ones i have seen. But, i am pleased with it all the same. I am excited because, i did it for my dad as a present.

Its was a little funny how it started. I buy old vises when i see them to give to people that will use them (everyone needs a vise or three right?). So, i go to look at one i found on CL. When i get there, i see immediately that the casting is broken in two places causing the dynamic jaw to sag almost a half inch ( yes that bad). I tell the guy "its broken, i hafta pass". He insists i buy it, "surely its not THAT bad, i've used it plenty." I assure him it is of no use to me. He makes me buy it for $5 "for parts", and throws in a nicely repaired 5" columbian as well. i give the Columbian to my apprentice at work (to replace his chinese vise), and wonder where the H*** am i ever gonna find another Reed 2041/2 of the correct vintage that need "parts"?!?! So, the very next day i make my daily CL scan, and find one around the corner from me for $20 missing the swivel! Haha!
I guess it is better to be lucky than good!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! Enjoy the holidays, and try to forgive the goofy relatives that you only see once a year all their transgressions!!!

Looks awesome! I like the color, is it flat? Or semi-gloss?

 

[Charles Waugh]

My Bench {WITH VISES!)

Many have asked, so here it is...

So more people can see it, I made a webpage to explain it: www.charleswaugh.com/bench

And, here are a few pics to whet your appetite:

 

[Charles Waugh]

ENDING TODAY! Selling my Parker #436 vise - all 187 pounds of it

I thought I had it sold, but the guy backed out.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231784150300

So, my Parker #436 is up on Ebay:

I forgot to mention the re-posting, so it closes pretty quick here today, sorry.

It's currently at $400 or so...

 

[Screwdriver]

Haha. Just a had a good look around your website - AMAZING!

Love it. As for the Parker, I think I'll wait for the Emmert thanks.

;D

 

[xxaler]

Craftsman 5166 at home. Going to keep the jaws as is. I'll anchor after I'm done insulating the shop.

 

[Jcrapola]

Looks awesome! I like the color, is it flat? Or semi-gloss?

Thanks! I call it DooDoo brown. Its a rustoleum industrial color. They describeit as semigloss. I use it on lotsa projects, bcuz its durable, easy to touch up, and it still looks good (to me anyway) after it gets beat up a little...

Drives: i may hafta mount it up, or pops prolly wont use it!

 

[econotrk]

Craftsman 5166 at home. Going to keep the jaws as is. I'll anchor after I'm done insulating the shop.

Very nice job on both the vise and pedestal, I like how you made the mount the same shape and size as the vise swivel base.

 

[topop101]

TOP: how did you know the paint store could put custom paint into a rattle can? i'd never heard of it until you and maybe another member mentioned it. is it that same amount of paint as the cans you can buy only better quality and the correct color? or can you get bigger cans?

Drives They have done it for me for years. The size is the standard 12 oz. paint can size. The color is anything you want. I always buy two cans at a time. but it's a last resort because it is pricey . But when you have to have just the right color for small items like vise's and other tools it far easier than a paint gun.

 

[bluebolt]

Thanks! I call it DooDoo brown. Its a rustoleum industrial color. They describeit as semigloss. I use it on lotsa projects, bcuz its durable, easy to touch up, and it still looks good (to me anyway) after it gets beat up a little...

Drives: i may hafta mount it up, or pops prolly wont use it!

Maybe you should call it crapola brown LOL. And the luck of finding a matching parts vise is unreal!

 

[topop101]

Re: ENDING TODAY! Selling my Parker #436 vise - all 187 pounds of it

I thought I had it sold, but the guy backed out.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231784150300

So, my Parker #436 is up on Ebay:

Heck of a bench!

 

[bagged89s10]

Craftsman 5166 at home. Going to keep the jaws as is. I'll anchor after I'm done insulating the shop.

great vise, great restore, great stand,mans a great setup. Well done!

 

[CRSINMICH]

Well, i just finished my first vise restoration. Its nothing like some of the ones i have seen. But, i am pleased with it all the same. I am excited because, i did it for my dad as a present.

Its was a little funny how it started. I buy old vises when i see them to give to people that will use them (everyone needs a vise or three right?). So, i go to look at one i found on CL. When i get there, i see immediately that the casting is broken in two places causing the dynamic jaw to sag almost a half inch ( yes that bad). I tell the guy "its broken, i hafta pass". He insists i buy it, "surely its not THAT bad, i've used it plenty." I assure him it is of no use to me. He makes me buy it for $5 "for parts", and throws in a nicely repaired 5" columbian as well. i give the Columbian to my apprentice at work (to replace his chinese vise), and wonder where the H*** am i ever gonna find another Reed 2041/2 of the correct vintage that need "parts"?!?! So, the very next day i make my daily CL scan, and find one around the corner from me for $20 missing the swivel! Haha!
I guess it is better to be lucky than good!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!! Enjoy the holidays, and try to forgive the goofy relatives that you only see once a year all their transgressions!!!

jcrapola: That story seemed kind of familiar until I realized that it wasn't you who did the chatting that led to the sale; instead the seller did the chatting. Congrats on two, or was it three great finds? I lost count. The best part is that in addition to doing something nice for your father you've also given your son a lesson. Very nice job on the resto. It turned out great. Enjoy the time with your family. Merry Christmas!

 

[Charles Waugh]

My 6" Wilton C2

OOPS! Fumble fingers... It should read C3 (6" wide, with pipe jaws, 150lbs...)

I got this a few weeks ago.

I cleaned it up, tuned it so it runs smoooooooooth, and trued up the jaws on my monster belt sander (6" x69" belts, 3HP direct-drive)

I'm gonna tear it back down and paint it with RustOleum Verde Green Hammered Finish (which is rather close to Wilton's original color)

You can see my little 3" in the background...

The 3" has an orange nose b/c it kinda sticks out in a walk way and I kept walking into it. (new glasses anyone?)

 

[Charles Waugh]

Re: That lovely red CRAFTSMAN on the stand...

Gorgeous!

I want...

Are the jaws as clean and new as they look?

 

[Charles Waugh]

Screwdriver,
Thanks for the kind words, they are appreciated.

Keep an eye out for my obituary, the Emmert might be on the block then (if my son doesn't grab it!)