The VISES of Garage Journal

[Kmot]

Kmot:
Welcome! You've come to the right place for IDing an old vise. (But maybe not a great idea to say you can't read previous postings.)

I apologize for that. I did get through many pages before my eyes blurred out...

Thank you very much for your informative comments!

I wonder if Parker had the same splitting slide as Prentiss, might be shortly after this vise they got their act together.

Nuts

Thank you for your comment!

Yes this is a Parker vise. It predates all my info back to 1887. Early swivel base style and missing pipe jaws. Great lines on this model .

Thank you for your comments. Wow, pre 1887?

Thanks so much all of you, for your kind replies.

I am a retired mechanic, so I have some 'garage stuff' although it is mostly modern era. 1970's and later. I have a few WWII era hand tools. Have sold off or given away a lot of stuff.

 

[Shiftless]

econotrk said it best...

A cheap Chinese vise feels cheap and doesn't operate smoothly. If you appreciate the feel a a fine tool over a piece of junk, be it a hand tool, a power tool, or any number of older well made items, you'd know at first use why everyone is so crazy about these old vises. There really is no comparison in feel.



Kmot: No problem. No offense taken. You didn't say you had read hundreds of pages already. If you really want a crazy experience, look up the Youtube series on the vises of GJ. Each segment is over an hour long slide show of just our vises (vices?) Don't attempt to load unless you have a fast Internet connection!
And congrats on apparently now possessing what might be the oldest vise on GJ! (Anybody have one that is documented as older?)

 

[drivesitfar]

KMOT: you are over qualified to join GJ and welcome because sounds like you know something and want to learn and that's all it takes. the tools you own are a bonus especially if you know how to use a few of them.

welcome to the group. BTW i read the vise thread a couple times before i joined, but it was only 500 pages. i'm running off of mostly memory now, but i know i've read every post since i've joined and we've got a great bunch of guys here and a few gals pop in from time to time that really know their stuff too.

RP: nice looking Blacksmith vise and you can post pictures of it with more specs over on the Blacksmith 101 thread I (we) have over in the vintage tool section. also welcome to the group and hope you have a few more vises to post if you own or want to own a couple more.

 

[Reversepolarity]

I have a couple more.
An old Hollands 24
And a multipurpose

 

[drivesitfar]

RP: post pictures of all of them too if you have time and don't just post one picture because at least one from all sides might show some us something new or maybe we can help talk you through a fix or repair if needed.

again welcome

 

[KMScott]

Very good info KMScott Thanks. I think I'll steer clear of that one. By the way do you make brass jaws for a Wilton 935 Chicago era ?

Thanks Tops and happy to send a drawing of the jaw in question, really do not make jaws out of brass. Hate the stuff.

Reverend Scott ---

Here are both of my Wilton cutaway drawings...

As well as, a photo,of a "PowRscrew" style vise, like the one in question...

And all the Wilton PowRscrew stuff I've got..

The vise was restored by a GJ member...

"Catalyze", was the guilty party...

The PowRscrew Style vises were only available in 4 1/2" size --- I think...

But...even though it's a "Swivlin' B@#tard", I wouldn't mind having that 4 1/2" PowRscrew style clamper...I believe they were fairly heavy, and Wilton "bullet" style vises are nice tools to have...

Thanks oldie, I keep getting questions on this model and now I can answer and not feel so dumb.

Don't know what it is, but there's been one just like it for sale in Chicago for a few months now:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/tls/5385820414.html

Thanks exmaxima, exactly the model in question. Just found out the customer wants to sell his vise and decided not to order any parts. Sure appreciate all the help guys.

 

[KMScott]

Wow, post page count 2000, Hey guys here is to the next 2000.

 

[G20-Budo]

I have a couple more.
An old Hollands 24
And a multipurpose

RP: I too have an old Hollands 24 1/2. I'd like to see pics of yours!

Here is a picture of my Hollands before I tore it down..

I still haven't gotten around to painting it and putting it back together, but it IS on the list for the first quarter of this year!

 

[FMC1959]

Wow, post page count 2000, Hey guys here is to the next 2000.

2000 and the popularity of vises just keeps going up.

Just to give some perspective. This thread was started Oct 5, 2009 and hit a 1000 pages Aug 30, 2014....that's about 58 months. From that date for 1000 pages till today to get to 2000 pages, we are looking at about 17 months.

Another thing, anyone who has read the early pages of this thread, the first 200 pages, you can see how much more available 6 & 8" vises, and for how little they could be had compared to today.

Yup, the popularity of vises has grown immensely and this thread has a lot to do with that popularity.

 

[Reversepolarity]

RP: I too have an old Hollands 24 1/2. I'd like to see pics of yours!



Here is a picture of my Hollands before I tore it down..

I still haven't gotten around to painting it and putting it back together, but it IS on the list for the first quarter of this year!

I'll try to post some tonight.

 

[joe.striper]

Wow 2000! That happened FAST! This site, and all of you, have been a huge help to me (a very specil thanks to Nick) and I really appreciate it. I am always happy to assist anyone who needs it and I always try to play it forward. Except for Veeps who has been buying all the cool vises out from under me.

By the by, got my new Stephens vise loosened up and operating like new. A very cool mechanism

 

[Reversepolarity]

RP: I too have an old Hollands 24 1/2. I'd like to see pics of yours!



Here is a picture of my Hollands before I tore it down..

I still haven't gotten around to painting it and putting it back together, but it IS on the list for the first quarter of this year!

Here are my other 2
Hollands



And the multi purpose

 

[G20-Budo]

Here are my other 2
Hollands



And the multi purpose

Thanks RP, that first Vise (Hollands) looks alot like mine. Here is a side shot of mine.

Now that I have a little more time to mess around on GJ, these vise pics are motivating me to finally get mine finished. Let us know how things go with your vises.

 

[KMScott]

Reversepolarity and G20-Budo, here is a 23-1/2 I restored last year. I sure like Hollands, the swivel base locks down very solid. I'd buy anyone I see.

 

[G20-Budo]

Reversepolarity and G20-Budo, here is a 23-1/2 I restored last year. I sure like Hollands, the swivel base locks down very solid. I'd buy anyone I see.

KMScott, that looks GREAT!

Wow, do you have pics of the restore as you were working on it? How it looked when you started, etc?

I noticed it looks like your vise is in really good shape, and has smooth jaws. Mine was abused a bit, and was made with teeth on the jaws.

Also, did you replace the handle?

 

[Reversepolarity]

Thanks RP, that first Vise (Hollands) looks alot like mine. Here is a side shot of mine.

Now that I have a little more time to mess around on GJ, these vise pics are motivating me to finally get mine finished. Let us know how things go with your vises.

I don't refinish vises.
They are in constant use.

 

[exmaxima1]

Reversepolarity and G20-Budo, here is a 23-1/2 I restored last year. I sure like Hollands, the swivel base locks down very solid. I'd buy anyone I see.

I like your attitude. Hollands seem to be well made, but don't command much in the marketplace. It took a month to sell my 23-1/2 at $50. A massive 6-inch Hollands, located 40 miles from me, only got $150 at the auction site (I did not bid). I blame it on the non-replaceable jaws.

 

[G20-Budo]

I like your attitude. Hollands seem to be well made, but don't command much in the marketplace. It took a month to sell my 23-1/2 at $50. A massive 6-inch Hollands, located 40 miles from me, only got $150 at the auction site (I did not bid). I blame it on the non-replaceable jaws.

A 6" Hollands only sold for $150? OMG.. if it was in decent shape that's a shame. I would have paid that for it!

They are really nice vises IMO. And so long as the vise is used correctly, the jaws shouldn't need to be replaced.

 

[Reversepolarity]

I bought that Hollands at a flea market 25 years ago.
It has been an absolute work horse.
Really a great bench vise.

But I do agree replaceable jaws would be nice.

 

[va.grouseman]

Agreed on the Hollands.---Notice the foundation they put under their swivelers.---Thickest base of any I think.---Reed may tie or come in a close second.











Going to lift it out and get some better pics when it gets a little warmer.

 

[KMScott]

KMScott, that looks GREAT!

Wow, do you have pics of the restore as you were working on it? How it looked when you started, etc?

I noticed it looks like your vise is in really good shape, and has smooth jaws. Mine was abused a bit, and was made with teeth on the jaws.

Also, did you replace the handle?

It was a little rough, replaced the handles on the lock down and spindle, the spindle handle was welded together.

It had smooth jaws but were chewed up a little so I side wheeled them on my surface grinder in one set up so they were parallel and straight. These are the vises machinist likes to grab stuff without marring our work. I have machined out the hard casted in jaws and replaced them with custom made jaws. But this one I didn't. Have fun with yours, look forward to seeing it when you get it done.

exmaxima1, I purchased this Hollands 27H for $150 and it weights 230lbs. It is a big one and finished up real nice. Unlock the lock down and move it with two fingers. Locks down real tight.

 

[bagged89s10]

I don't refinish vises.
They are in constant use.

I guess you need more vises then.

 

[va.grouseman]

The 27 is awesome KM.---When I get to mine, I'll be pleased if it turns out 1/3 that good.

 

[KMScott]

The 27 is awesome KM.---When I get to mine, I'll be pleased if it turns out 1/3 that good.

Thanks VA, I could muscle mine around if I took it apart. Your 8" is gonna be real heavy 275-300 lbs?.

 

[Shiftless]

Yeah, 2000 pages!
We have quite a community going here, guys!

Bagged:




Quote:
Originally Posted by Reversepolarity
I don't refinish vises.
They are in constant use.

I guess you need more vises then.

 

[oldldh]

Damn ---

I missed it!!!

Oh well...

I'll start the next thousand...

WE ALL DUN GUD!!!

Hooray for the "Vises Thread"!!!

 

[joe.striper]

Damn ---

I missed it!!!

Oh well...

I'll start the next thousand...

WE ALL DUN GUD!!!

Hooray for the "Vises Thread"!!!

You da' man OLDLDH. Older than the dirt on my Stephens vise slide. Of course you need to start the next 1000!!

 

[bluebolt]

Shiftless, nice score on the # 40,000 post LOL.

I also agree with KMScott, Hollands has a real nice swivel base, nicest I have seen. I sold my Hollands 24 last year because I have too many vises LOL.

 

[topop101]

Here my favorite of my vises.
Mounts in the shop, to back of truck, side of welding trailer, and next to my forge.

Versatile, and tough as nails.

Great post vie. Any info on the maker?

 

[topop101]

Thanks Tops and happy to send a drawing of the jaw in question, really do not make jaws out of brass. Hate the stuff.


Ok I'll email you for the info...I need to place an order also.

 

[G20-Budo]

It was a little rough, replaced the handles on the lock down and spindle, the spindle handle was welded together.

It had smooth jaws but were chewed up a little so I side wheeled them on my surface grinder in one set up so they were parallel and straight. These are the vises machinist likes to grab stuff without marring our work. I have machined out the hard casted in jaws and replaced them with custom made jaws. But this one I didn't. Have fun with yours, look forward to seeing it when you get it done.

exmaxima1, I purchased this Hollands 27H for $150 and it weights 230lbs. It is a big one and finished up real nice. Unlock the lock down and move it with two fingers. Locks down real tight.

KM, how the heck were you able to get the jaws flat and level by grinding/sanding them like that?

And that 27H turned out SWEET! Great work there. Ok, I'm gonna go back to polishing my handle tomorrow! I hope 24 1/2 turns out at least half as nice as your two Hollands. One thing I see I should do is get an angle grinder and smooth out the tops and sides of my vise, they have a LOT of character in them right now.

 

[Reversepolarity]

Great post vie. Any info on the maker?

It is a Warren tool & forge co.
Quickwerk vice.

6" jaws.
95 pounds

 

[G20-Budo]

It is a Warren tool & forge co.
Quickwerk vice.

6" jaws.
95 pounds

Nice RP, my father has a nice similar to that and he loves it. Says it's tough as nails, and he picked it up at a barn sale, cheap.

He uses it mostly when welding.

 

[Reversepolarity]

Yeah, I will take a leg vise over a bench vise anyday.
Much tougher being forged and not cast.

The screw is also free floating. So all force is transfered down the leg.

They can take a beating. And with an 18" handle they have a ton of gripping force.

 

[NJ Marty]

One of my minions fond this one. Clearly some condition issues. I think it is a Prentiss because of the split slide. I think there are cracks in the towers where the pipe jaws would fit. Clearly a pre-1900 vise. Bolt through the counter.

Anyone have an idea on who made this??

Joe, I have the same vise on my bench installed in as found condition. It is a superb well built vise and I am thinking Parker. I didn't think I would be a fan of the bolt through but have no problem now. Its not to hard to swivel and when its tight it will not move.

 

[Craptain]

Damn NJ Marty, that is a helluva bench you fastened it to. Old but mighty solid looking.

 

[NJ Marty]

Damn NJ Marty, that is a helluva bench you fastened it to. Old but mighty solid looking.

Craptain, thanks for the compliment on the bench.
It is one of my favorite finds, probably as old as the vise and very solid with a 4 inch old growth top. Saved it from doom as the good old blue collar house was to be pushed over for an ugly stucco eyesore soon after estate sale was done with. Took myself and two friends to get it out of the basement.

 

[topop101]

It is a Warren tool & forge co.
Quickwerk vice.

6" jaws.
95 pounds

That's what I thought it was! I Have the mini version. 4 " jaws only 37 " tall and 48 pounds.

Here's a shot of all my current post vise. Warren , Columbian and one ??? still

 

[jrobb316]

Thanks Tops and happy to send a drawing of the jaw in question, really do not make jaws out of brass. Hate the stuff.



Thanks oldie, I keep getting questions on this model and now I can answer and not feel so dumb.



Thanks exmaxima, exactly the model in question. Just found out the customer wants to sell his vise and decided not to order any parts. Sure appreciate all the help guys.

What is the best material to make a soft jaw out of? Pure copper? Aluminum?

 

[drivesitfar]

JRobb: either of those would be great. i bought a bunch of Wilton copper 6 inch jaw covers and don't have many left, but they work great. Yost sells some pretty cool aluminum jaws if you don't want to or have time to make them that seemed reasonable. i think my Wilton 6 inch jaws are close to $100 now that the guy on Ebay ran out of the few hundred he had for a lot less.

good luck

Marty: is the other old vise mounted on the other side of the bench and isn't that a Parker too or do tell? nice to see that old bench again and it's a keeper. nice save.

G20: long time no hear and good to see you are surviving the cold and all those little ones you have. are you going to paint your Holland's or BLO?

ALL: congrats to the 2000 pages and i remember joining when it was 500 pages and i rarely miss a day checking out the cool old vises or posts you guys (and gals) find. here's to another 2000 and hope i'm still around when that day comes in a couple years.