The VISES of Garage Journal

[va.grouseman]

Gert, here's some info on your Rock Island.

Check out the ("Vice, Whintey punch. Prices? worth?") thread.---Posts 5 through 9.

I was right, it was B100's post.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=171362&d=1330296617

 

[cbacres]

Here's some pics of the Rock Island I picked up. I may have to work at getting this in shape as the threaded rod may be bent, gets a little stiff and loose while turning. Being the handle is not the original, the vise may of been over tourqed at some point. Jaws don't look bad, need to be removed and cleaned up. It's a heavy sucker for its size.

It has a brass tag saying manufactured by Birtman Electrical Company, Rock Island Division.

Found some stamped numbers, 487 and a 0 off to the side, same numbers on the slide.

Hers some overall shots.

 

[PghJKB]

PghJKB and Dansem, here's a sample of that 94.


Gert, I have the same kind of RI., but smaller.---I think they have a center post like the Versa-Vise that a cam binds against as you tighten down on something, rendering it nonswiveling.---Pretty good idea.---Someone on here had a cut-away AD on one, and you could see just how they work.---Might have been B100.---If I can find it again I'll post.





All three of those on the tailgate have the same swiveling system.

VA
Is that patent date on the RI Oct. 5, 1907? Or are my eyes THAT bad?

If so, that was a Saturday, and patents are issued on Tuesday!

Someone must have been smoking something...

JKB

 

[mtwaterguy]

So I started off with this Parker. Nice swivel jaw vise, just kind of small so I never mounted it to the bench.



On a trip to PDX i ran across this 2C.



Before I could even get the Reed off my Dodge this 3C showed up on CL. Had to use my cherry picker to get it unloaded. Finally got it mounted today. I guess the Parker and the Reed need to find new homes. Anybody looking?

 

[Hemi49]

[[B[/B][/I]

Hemi - nice vise racks.

Thanks Gert
Hemi

 

[dkjwall]

I picked up this 1765 for $315 U.S. Did I do alright? I'm quite sure it's the real thing. Wilton badge appears to be missing.

Derek.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SweetD]

Well, I finally did it...I replaced my beloved Prentiss #92 with my Craftsman #5187 on my bench.

The Craftsman is dated from 1943-47, and is a much stouter vise than the Prentiss #92 (not that the #92 isn't stout). The jaws are 1/2" wider and overall the thing is just beefy. Made by Reed for Sears Craftsman, back when sh!t was real LOL...:







I have to find another spot for the Prentiss, but it's been a long time coming to put the C-Man to use. I still need to restore it (maybe)...the guy I bought it from used it outdoors on his welding bench. Amazing that it's in such great condition (minus the silver spraybomb)...

Oiled her up for now...



Dave

 

[Ralf99]

Look what I found:

Rock Island no 24 automatic swivel vise!



Wanna tell you a story

About a vise I found

When it comes to clamping

Oh, she steels the show

She aint exactly pretty

Aint exactly small

155 lbs, 6 inch jaws, 27 inch long, automatic swivel base and jaw.

You could say she got it all !! (could not resist to throw in some ACDC)

Now that's a Whole Lotta Rosie!

 

[dkroth]

I picked up this 1765 for $315 U.S. Did I do alright? I'm quite sure it's the real thing. Wilton badge appears to be missing.

Derek,

$315 is near the top of the market, but that vise looks in very good condition. Has it ever even been mounted properly? The chipped jaw can be changed out, obviously, or just flip it around.

It's the real deal. See the Made in USA case on the side. Yeah, missing the Wilton label, but so what?

 

[dkjwall]

Well that's good. Maybe I will flip the jaws to hide the chip. That's a good idea. These Vises go for what, $530 new? I feel like I did okay. Thanks for the info!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[drivesitfar]

Sweet D: how wide are the jaws on your 5187. you are absolutely correct in saying the old Craftsmans made by Reed are awesome. the ones made by Rock Island are in the same boat and of course the 519x series that we might not ever know who made them. looks great

Hemi: nothing like building some stout shelving for your vise family. nicely done and looking forward to more pictures as you have time.

MT: Send me an email if you don't find a home for your Reed 2C and let me know what you need for it or maybe a trade?? does the C3 weigh 220 pounds or did you weigh it? any pictures?

DK: asking a bunch of guys that own a lot of vises if you paid too much you might not get the best answer. what i can say is it costs more new and i'd rather own an older one in great shape which yours appears to be. did you pull out the dynamic jaw and can you post a picture and tell us the date on the slide that i'm guessing is 80's or maybe 90's? it IS a solid vise and should do almost any job in most of our shops or garages.

JKB: could that be 1901 on VA's vise? also thanks for digging up the patent and picture on that old Parker.

 

[SweetD]

Sweet D:how wide are the jaws on your 5187.

4 1/2 inches exactly. The thing is super stout for its size.

 

[Ralf99]

Scored well at the local flea market this morning - a very lightly (if at all) used Record No. 3 (4").

I think it's got a great patina and it will remain untouched.
The swivel base is a Gearwrench branded unit I picked up in an earlier haul.

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

Bottlecap, the first one went for $1100.00 with $200.00 shipping, and that's the one I should have bought.---The first one is usually the cheapest and then everyone wants in on it and the price goes up.---Best I remember the latter ones went for $1500.00 and $1600.00, but probably went to local Canadians.---That's where they were located and why it was $200.00 shipping for me and probably much cheaper shipping for them.---Still should have bought one.---A NOS, 926, over 200 lbs., quality vise would be worth a mite more retail.

I bought a NOS 800S Wilton for $1300.00 and shipping finally cost me $1450.00.---Guy on EBay had 4 of those.---I bought the first one and the last one went for $1950.00 plus shipping.

That 926 you have is a rare bird.---You're in a small fraternity with that one.---Their on my very short list.

. Wow! Thanks for all that info. I was quite happy to get, l even lost a night or 2 sleep over it, ( imagine loosing sleep over a vise, women just don't get it haha) It was a exciting day when I got it home I'll tell the story some day how I got it, I was sitting on it for almost 4 yrs when I first came across it. Also I like to know when starrett stopped production of them.

 

[Mr_P]

I'm not sure if it is or not but seriously??!! I've been on the hunt for a couple years for a vice project that was reasonably priced. And just today I picked up that ^^^^ 600N, but paid good money for it

And you go and post a vice that's 15 minutes from me

Sorry about that LX. I seen this one earlier this week while just browsing thru my old stomping grounds, and just as I saw your socal location so I remembered to post that among the vise guys. The wilt on you bought can be easily sold if you did end up getting that rusty project. But do so with caution as per Out law's advice

 

[drivesitfar]

LX: if it was me i'd keep that 6 inch Wilton that is a beast and maybe make a stand for it to get 360 degree access. or put it on some steel tubing and maybe make a trailer hitch type mount on the front and end of your bench to have two options for positions. I personally like those old 6 inch bullets where the jaws bolt in from the back of the jaw and yours looks great.

i'd pass on that old Parker Mr. P posted unless you need a parts vise because as mentioned that fix is usually made because of a break in some part of the static.

SweetD: i have the Reed 204.5 that is your vises relative and couldn't remember the # of the Craftsman that has the same size jaws. i know i have some Rock Island Craftsman vises and some 519x's, but don't think i've found a Craftsman made by Reed yet.

nice find.

 

[LXCam]

Sorry about that LX. I seen this one earlier this week while just browsing thru my old stomping grounds, and just as I saw your socal location so I remembered to post that among the vise guys. The wilt on you bought can be easily sold if you did end up getting that rusty project. But do so with caution as per Out law's advice

Ahhh, it's all good my friend. I'm by no means sad about my latest find. It would have been great to come across one at those some unreal price. But this one is truly in almost perfect shape. Nothing is beat up, it's smooth as butter and other then a repaint at some point I'd like to get some different jaws as these as smooth ones. The only way I'd sell this is if I came across a 800S or something close to it. And now I can dedicate some soft jaws to my other vise, it's a total win-win.

 

[LXCam]

LX: if it was me i'd keep that 6 inch Wilton that is a beast and maybe make a stand for it to get 360 degree access. or put it on some steel tubing and maybe make a trailer hitch type mount on the front and end of your bench to have two options for positions. I personally like those old 6 inch bullets where the jaws bolt in from the back of the jaw and yours looks great.

i'd pass on that old Parker Mr. P posted unless you need a parts vise because as mentioned that fix is usually made because of a break in some part of the static.

.

Good advice as always. Unfortunately a stand won't work for my with how my shop is set up. This will work fine on my bench and I'll make it to where it can mount is various positions sort of like a swivel base.

I do have one question for you though. I'd like to get some different jaws for it. Looking for Wilton parts had me on what I thought was a factory Wilton site, but every link directed me to ebay listings.

Thanks, Cam

 

[Shiftless]

Cam:
By all means, check out the website of one of our members whose work is absolutely superb. (KMScott)

http://www.wiltonviseparts.net/

 

[LXCam]

Cam:
By all means, check out the website of one of our members whose work is absolutely superb. KMScott

http://www.wiltonviseparts.net/

Most excellent, will do.

 

[drivesitfar]

LX: yes, I agree that KMScott is the magician when it comes to making vise jaws. he has a web site and he might also have an Ebay store too.

 

[exmaxima1]

On a trip to PDX i ran across this 2C.

I have the same version 2C. Not sure exactly where it fits: it has the split retainer ring on the spindle, but has a rounded "meatball" nose. The newer models with that split ring have the blunted nose.

Can we ask what it cost you?

 

[topop101]

Vise racks

Today I got to spend some time working on the vise storage rack in my garage...Got the lowest shelf installed along with placing a few vises to keep it from blowing away........There will be 2 more full length shelves and 2 half length shelves.......My garage has been a real mess lately so it will be nice to get things better organized....
Hemi

Yep... Some one's hooked baaaad!

 

[topop101]

Picked up a mate to my other Wilton. But this one seems to be a bit more stout.

Well I guess!lol

 

[topop101]

I picked three vise's up this week . Zyliss, Littco No. 112 and a 930 Wilton dated 6 -46. All pretty decent bargains. Spent 32 altogether . It's the first Zyliss I have ever had. It's covered in glue and varnish so maybe it will work better after it's cleaned up a bit... the verdict is still out on it. Any one else had or have one of these??

 

[d.mcfarland]

That's a 12 oz drink container I believe.

 

[drivesitfar]

MC: is that your Starrett?

TOP: yes, the Zyliss was actually the first vise i ever bought when i moved into my house almost 30 years ago. i still own it and couple of it's relatives. great vise and i've yet to use all it's options.

you can mount it to a bench, sawhorse or even your deck railing and simple to use.

i'm sure you'll have it cleaned up and like new shortly.

 

[Ralf99]

The Zyliss vice looks and feels a bit cheesy, but in practice is a surprisingly stout albeit light duty clamping system as Drives has said. I have used one quite extensively while doing renovations on my sister's house and became fond of the ability to clamp it to almost any surface from the kitchen table to a window sill. Just don't expect it to stand up to too many hammer blows.

 

[Outlawmws]

Top, while the Zylys is an interesting approach to clamping things in different ways, its by GJ standards light duty. At its best with wood and light alloys. you don't want to be trying to bend metal and the like with one.

My oldest friend's Brother swore by one, but he was not a fabricator; he was into woodworking and did quite a bit with it. I have one, but its never really been used. It would be great for indoor crafts and model making and the like. If I ever setup an indoor work room it will probably find a place and some use.

 

[Shiftless]

topop:

"Spent 32 altogether"

Are you kidding me? A swivelling Wilton bullet, even just a 3 incher, alone is easily worth 2, maybe 3 times what you paid. Anything else is a pure bonus!
Nice score.

 

[dansem]

Re: Parker 92

Amazon sells the reprint

 

[dansem]

CwazyWabbit:

Amazon sells a reprint of the 1902 Buck & Hickman catalog

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by PghJKB.

VA
Is that patent date on the RI Oct. 5, 1907? Or are my eyes THAT bad?

Pgh, it sure looks like a 7 but might be a deformed 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Originally posted by Bottlecapdigger.

Also I like to know when starrett stopped production of them.



Bottlecap, type ("Starrett") in the search bar and check out Outlaws Starrett vise history in post #4.---Excellent read.

Then type ("Athol Vise Co.") in the search bar and see where they were made.---Post #1.
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LXCam, check out the jaws on my 326.---KMScott specials.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=518748&d=1453463422

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=518749&d=1453463422

 

[CwazyWabbit]

CwazyWabbit:

Amazon sells a reprint of the 1902 Buck & Hickman catalog

Is that reprint limited to the American tools? Are there many pages of vises in it?

Cheers

 

[Gert]

Now that's a Whole Lotta Rosie!

 

[Hemi49]

Yep... Some one's hooked baaaad!

Haha
Hemi

 

[topop101]

Cleaned up the Zyliss . It was pretty much covered in glue and varnish from the estate. Screwing it in and out wasn't easy . I shook like a dog shitin peach pits .... Gave it a MS bath and buffed up the slide shafts and she's good as new. Surprisingly smooth. I like the idea of this machine and the utility of it. Light weight, portable and versatile. However after seen the condition it was in when I picked it I'm sure it wasn't designed for gluing and spraying finish. It's also limited , without shimming , on how thick of surface it can be mounted on. Only from 1-2 inches . Nothing thinner than 1 " or thicker than 2". All my bench's are 2"+ ... Saw horses and such would be perfect though.

 

[drivesitfar]

Top: here's a couple videos about the Zyliss and it's close cousin you might find interesting. yes it's not a Wilton C2 but it does have it's uses. it's also easy to take out with you on your tractor or in your truck. i like it better than my workmate, but it's not a be all do all vise. as i've mentioned i've yet to use a few of it's attachments. in one of the videos the guy sets it up with a drill and turns it into a lathe.

just saw your post as i posted this. also would be great for you to attach to the tailgate of your truck in case you need to do something when you are at work or on the road.

 

[topop101]

Top: here's a couple videos about the Zyliss and it's close cousin you might find interesting. yes it's not a Wilton C2 but it does have it's uses. it's also easy to take out with you on your tractor or in your truck. i like it better than my workmate, but it's not a be all do all vise. as i've mentioned i've yet to use a few of it's attachments. in one of the videos the guy sets it up with a drill and turns it into a lathe.

just saw your post as i posted this. also would be great for you to attach to the tailgate of your truck in case you need to do something when you are at work or on the road.

Drives Thanks for the links. These are a nice useable machines and the portability is a huge plus along with being affordable. I'm not sure what they cost new but used they can be had for usually under a $100.00.

 

[drivesitfar]

Top: I saw and i liked it when the guy at a local home show was selling them 30 years ago and i think i paid $200 in that range. i'm not sure what they are new, but when googling saw that one of them is made in China now and can break and the 300 pound guy writing the post in Woodworker's forum said his old one he could put all hit strength into his old one and it wouldn't break.

I've never beat on mine (much), but it holds wood, golf clubs, saw and lawnmower blades nicely. you can put it on a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 and screw one end of the 2 by onto your deck and have it at the ready sticking out from your deck or just clamp it to a saw horse. now that i'm going to put a big old Rock Island with a busted off foot outside i probably won't need the Zyliss as much outside, but as you saw in the video it does have a few uses. yours looks like it was WELL USED (ABUSED SOME TOO) and i'll let you tell me (us) how you like it.