The VISES of Garage Journal

[^&right]

My grandfather gave me this for my workshop I was building before he died. Told me to grab his anvil, but it grew legs and walked.

Dad stripped it down for me, I blasted and powder coated it. Means more to me than any other tool in my shop. It was in my Grandfathers hog shed on his workbench for decades. 500 acre farm back in the day. Its fixed a lot of stuff and not its new again. He also gave me a blacksmith leg/post vice but its gonna need soaking for a few months in penetrant to get unstuck. Found it outside under brush where its been sitting for years.

Sorry for the size, I have no idea how to make it smaller.

https://scontent-ord1-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/t31.0-8/12764892_10153948359349539_3296933928102480284_o.jpg

https://scontent-ord1-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/t31.0-8/12593707_10153948359344539_6027224549185674090_o.jpg

 

[Mark in Indiana]

^&right,
Unable to see your pictures.

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged:

That's a coincidence.

$100 is also the exact amount I paid for this 9350 I bought last week. I didn't pay any shipping but I did drive 30 miles each way. Not too bad.

I overpaid at $133 with shipping.


But I'll make it look like this.

 

[Outlawmws]

^&right,
Unable to see your pictures.

I can, not sure if he fixed them since...


^&right, Since it was your grandfathers, take good are of it! I think it has Asian antecedents; hopefully Taiwan and Not Chicom, but either way, those are prone to breakage, so no pounding and no cheaters! At least yours looks like a reasonably clean casting.

 

[KMScott]

Wrapped up my Parker #22 vise this weekend. Under 4" jaws. Went through this one and rebuilt it to almost new. The swivel base components were a treat to make. I have a 974 base that I used as a master. After I created the geometry I then scaled down the base to match this vise, the 974 is 7-1/8 at the swivel portion that the Static sits on, the #22 is 6-1/16. I do believe a master vise is created by the vise builder and then scaled either up or down with minimal changes made. I did add another clamp ear instead of the three used on the 974 base. I like four tie downs better than the three on many vises out there. Every vise I work on I do a a different kind of spindle nut block. I like the spindle nuts to be a tied in but also float some for the miss alignment of the spindle.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CCJv6vd/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CCJv6vd/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%282%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CB9RDJ8/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CB9RDJ8/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2811%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>

Built a new set of jaws and a 5/8 wrench.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-5693rD2/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-5693rD2/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2816%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-W3F8Jdg/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-W3F8Jdg/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2820%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>

Made a new handle, fixed the spring loaded handle by replacing the bronze pusher with a 1/4 ball bearing. The set screw is a 9/32:18 thread. Then I replaced all the shim spacers with a aluminum bronze washer, and adjusted the backlash. This one came out around .010 clearance. About 12 to 2 o'clock movement which is where I liked it.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-mQSW556/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-mQSW556/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2813%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-NXLfDmt/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-NXLfDmt/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2821%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>

This was a fun one to Restore.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-K9HNpzw/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-K9HNpzw/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2812%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-nXSnXjH/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-nXSnXjH/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2814%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>

 

[Shiftless]

Kevin:
Another masterpiece!
Fantastic work!

 

[zkling]

Phenomenal work as always!!!

Mind sharing how you go about cutting the internal hex on the wrench? I'm guessing it's a little more than the old, small end mill and file method? Custom broach?

 

[drivesitfar]

KM: AMAZING work as per the usual. is your old CNC machine up and running on all cylinders again or did you buy a new machine? just curious with all the vises you have done which one is your favorite and do you have one or any that you'll never sell?

 

[bluebolt]

Thanks for the swivel pin drawing KMScott and gorgeous work on that Parker like always!

 

[KMScott]

Mind sharing how you go about cutting the internal hex on the wrench? I'm guessing it's a little more than the old, small end mill and file method? Custom broach?

I drill holes and find a endmill as large as I can to clean up the corners, machined it no broaching, it took just a minute of file work.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Vise-Repairs/i-LNTCpw3/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Vise-Repairs/i-LNTCpw3/0/S/Parker_wrench-S.png" alt=""></a>

Thanks Shift, Zkling, Drives and Blue for your comments. I have plenty of hours in these restores but I really enjoy working on them. Machine is broke again. The speed changer is just plume wore out. I am at a handy cap with two speeds, 1400 rpm high range and 160 rpm at low range. Just do not have another three weeks of down time to repair, still catching up from the last time it broke.

 

[va.grouseman]

KM, you're not a machinist, you're an artist.---22 is beautiful.---Is that a keeper?

 

[KMScott]

KM, you're not a machinist, you're an artist.---22 is beautiful.---Is that a keeper?

Thanks va, no I am not keeping this one. But if I had a bench that needs a vise I might think about keeping this one. I just like working on them. Finished this guy last week. The pipe jaws are for a 2C Reed, funny how the pipe jaws on the Reed;s are the same ones for the Wilton combo vises. I had to add the pin holes rather then using the clips.

 

[Outlawmws]

Wrapped up my Parker #22 vise this weekend. Under 4" jaws. Went through this one and rebuilt it to almost new.


This was a fun one to Restore.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-K9HNpzw/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-K9HNpzw/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2812%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-nXSnXjH/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-nXSnXjH/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2814%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>

 

[Hemi49]

Dr. Scott,
Beautiful restoration and modifications......World class.....
Hemi

 

[oldldh]

Reverend Scott...

You really are beginning to piss me off...

Why can't you screw one up, every so often???

 

[macgee]

Wrapped up my Parker #22 vise this weekend. Under 4" jaws. Went through this one and rebuilt it to almost new. The swivel base components were a treat to make. I have a 974 base that I used as a master. After I created the geometry I then scaled down the base to match this vise, the 974 is 7-1/8 at the swivel portion that the Static sits on, the #22 is 6-1/16. I do believe a master vise is created by the vise builder and then scaled either up or down with minimal changes made. I did add another clamp ear instead of the three used on the 974 base. I like four tie downs better than the three on many vises out there. Every vise I work on I do a a different kind of spindle nut block. I like the spindle nuts to be a tied in but also float some for the miss alignment of the spindle.

Ok, Kevin you need to knock this off and soon. Please start posting a lot of other vises that look like nothing like the #22 you just finished because your going to make me look bad when I finish my #22. How can I possibly compete with that?

 

[joe.striper]

Great work Kevin. Your attention to detail is fantastic.

 

[joe.striper]

So allow me to vent about ahole Craigslist sellers. Pictured below is a vise that has been on CL for over a year. It is continually renewed but never comes off. I have called at least 10 times on this. I have had friends call, but the seller NEVER CALLS BACK! We always offer full price. I'm tempted to flag him. Soooooo frustrating!!!

I know it has damage, but it is a rare Craftsman.

 

[bagged89s10]

Wrapped up my Parker #22 vise this weekend. Under 4" jaws. Went through this one and rebuilt it to almost new. The swivel base components were a treat to make. I have a 974 base that I used as a master. After I created the geometry I then scaled down the base to match this vise, the 974 is 7-1/8 at the swivel portion that the Static sits on, the #22 is 6-1/16. I do believe a master vise is created by the vise builder and then scaled either up or down with minimal changes made. I did add another clamp ear instead of the three used on the 974 base. I like four tie downs better than the three on many vises out there. Every vise I work on I do a a different kind of spindle nut block. I like the spindle nuts to be a tied in but also float some for the miss alignment of the spindle.



<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CCJv6vd/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CCJv6vd/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%282%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CB9RDJ8/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-CB9RDJ8/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2811%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>



Built a new set of jaws and a 5/8 wrench.



<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-5693rD2/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-5693rD2/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2816%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-W3F8Jdg/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-W3F8Jdg/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2820%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>



Made a new handle, fixed the spring loaded handle by replacing the bronze pusher with a 1/4 ball bearing. The set screw is a 9/32:18 thread. Then I replaced all the shim spacers with a aluminum bronze washer, and adjusted the backlash. This one came out around .010 clearance. About 12 to 2 o'clock movement which is where I liked it.



<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-mQSW556/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-mQSW556/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2813%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-NXLfDmt/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-NXLfDmt/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2821%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>



This was a fun one to Restore.



<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-K9HNpzw/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-K9HNpzw/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2812%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a> <a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-nXSnXjH/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-nXSnXjH/0/S/Parker%2022%20-2-21-16%20%2814%29-S.jpg" alt=""></a>

Awesome restoration Kevin. A new base and new jaws, I bet this one took forever. I can't find one thing wrong with it.

Cool color too. What is it?

 

[bagged89s10]

Kevin, have you ever noticed the jaw shelf on some Parkers being off? I had two parker 955 side-by-side. The jaws on one lined up perfectly parallel when closed. The other one , the top of the jaws hit just before the bottoms. After taking the jaws off both, the jaws are machined exactly the same, but I noticed the dynamic side jaw shelf slightly off parallel. It looks like the front of the Jaw shelf was just machined or cast slightly off. The jaws are almost perfect so I want to try and file or belt sand the shelf just enough so the jaw can fit in slightly deeper on the top so it will be parallel. I'll add pictures tonight.

 

[KMScott]

Reverend Scott...

You really are beginning to piss me off...

Why can't you screw one up, every so often???

OK, I did screw up one of the brake shoes, you had to remind me, missed cutting an angle, it is hidden. oldie, no one in my trade is perfect especially me. Shucks, the swivel lock I made twice.

Thanks to Hemi, Joe, macgee, outlaw and bags.

Paint is Valspar satin leafy rise. Balane used it on his 5" Parker. I like it so I bought a case of it.

Macgee, your vise is in very good shape, am sure it will finish great.

I did find some pure nickle welding rod in my pile of welding rods and used this rod on the Parker #22. I never used pure nickle before and it flows real nice on this casting. The only bad thing is it comes out very shiny and bright, could not use it on a bare casting without painting.

 

[Rileysan]

Next to the Ridge, he had an enormous 8" vise from "a steel foundry near Chicago". He was CERTAIN it had been custom built at the foundry. Anyone ever hear of such a thing?
I saw the vise and it is HUGE! The last pic has the 6" Ridge in the photo for scale.

The Midwest has some amazing foundries and I have had the pleasure of visiting a few. Most foundries - like the one I work for - have an engineering team and machine shop and are capable of making just about anything. We cast and machine a lot of parts for machines that are either A) so old, parts are no longer available, or B) overly expensive or have long lead times from the OEM.

I'm not saying this was or was not mad by the foundry it came from, just that it's plausible.

What did you think it is? There was no ID markings that i saw. Just a couple numbers.. Why would foundry making a tool for their shop cast numbers into it?
I do not doubt the vise was purchased (removed, stolen, whatever) from a foundry. But, shop made? Im not so sure...

It's closer to a rock island, especially if you look at the casting lines, screw eye and screw "awning" on the front of the dynamic jaw. What throws me is the lack of extra support for the static jaw shelf that was so common on rock islands. I think the key is going to be the casting numbers.

The numbers are most likely pattern numbers, not model numbers.

Once patterns are made, identifying numbers are added to each pattern to match them up (in this case "68" and "68A" constitute the two halves of a vise).

Just my two cents ...

Brian

 

[bagged89s10]

Thanks to Hemi, Joe, macgee, outlaw and bags.

Paint is Valspar satin leafy rise. Balane used it on his 5" Parker. I like it so I bought a case of it./QUOTE]

Yes now I remember. That's the color I was looking for but ended up using Krylon satin Jade. I like the Leafy Green better. I might have to buy a case too.

 

[zkling]

The numbers are most likely pattern numbers, not model numbers.

Once patterns are made, identifying numbers are added to each pattern to match them up (in this case "68" and "68A" constitute the two halves of a vise).

Just my two cents ...

Brian

I agree on the pattern numbers, but I was just saying if we could find similar uses of the same number pattern on other sizes, it could help to narrow down the maker. I guess the other side is completely blank.

 

[va.grouseman]

Well I don't know what the 68 is, but at 16 inches high and 8 1/4 jaws, I'd say that is a pretty hefty chunk of iron unless it has those hollow towers like Columbians.---I'd like to see it heading to Virginia.

 

[organ]

Scott, do you case harden your jaws or is that just some kinda finish?

 

[macgee]

Kevin, have you ever noticed the jaw shelf on some Parkers being off? I had two parker 955 side-by-side. The jaws on one lined up perfectly parallel when closed. The other one , the top of the jaws hit just before the bottoms. After taking the jaws off both, the jaws are machined exactly the same, but I noticed the dynamic side jaw shelf slightly off parallel. It looks like the front of the Jaw shelf was just machined or cast slightly off. The jaws are almost perfect so I want to try and file or belt sand the shelf just enough so the jaw can fit in slightly deeper on the top so it will be parallel. I'll add pictures tonight.

Interesting your saying that. The two C. Parkers vise's that I have do exactly the same thing. The tops slightly hit first with a small gap below. The jaws are both parallel (L to R).

let me know it's the same as yours. The two vise's I have appeared to be in good shape.

 

[macgee]

Thanks,

Macgee, your vise is in very good shape, am sure it will finish great.

Thank You Kevin,

I have a favor to ask, do you have any pics of the underside of the work you did to the vise to adapt it to the new swivels base? It's the work you did with the nickel welding.

I'm curious what I may have to do to the underside to my #22.

Thank You

PS> Here's the vise prior to paint being stripped

 

[Jcrapola]

Rileysan: nice to get the perspective from a person that knows the intricacies of foundry work. Thanks! (I was hoping you would chime in.)

Zkling : I can confirm the vise had no marks on the other side.

Grouseman: It doesnt appear that it will be moving. He told me he turned down an offer of $3000 for one of his 8" Wiltons! He also said this vise is the largest he had ever seen, and "I would NEVER sell it".

 

[va.grouseman]

Turned down $3000.00 for his Wilton.---WOW---Now there's a man that loves his vises and don't want to have to go searching to replace one.

 

[richeyc2000]

Someday I'll restore one to look as good as Kevin's vices. [emoji1303] Someday!!

 

[Thrumcap]

Interesting your saying that. The two C. Parkers vise's that I have do exactly the same thing. The tops slightly hit first with a small gap below. The jaws are both parallel (L to R).

let me know it's the same as yours. The two vise's I have appeared to be in good shape.

My 289 1/2 has the same setup. I was thinking about taking a silicon cast of the jaw set angle before I send off to Rev. Scott eventually for a new set so they will be flush.
I'm not being a vice-o-holic lately...reduced to lurker status while I install a new basement floor

Thrumcap

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Someday I'll restore one to look as good as Scott's vices. [emoji1303] Someday!!

I hate posting after Kevin, he is a hard act to follow.

A 974 is probably the most common Parker vise you see but it should get some attention to. I have one Parker with part of the original paint left, it was close to Hunter Green and that's why I choose the color.

 

[Thrumcap]

So allow me to vent about ahole Craigslist sellers. Pictured below is a vise that has been on CL for over a year. It is continually renewed but never comes off. I have called at least 10 times on this. I have had friends call, but the seller NEVER CALLS BACK! We always offer full price. I'm tempted to flag him. Soooooo frustrating!!!

I know it has damage, but it is a rare Craftsman.

Or the expert trollers, trailing the shiny cast iron hook in the water and waiting for big casino...forever....
I've been eyeballing a big RAE for the last year or so....
I just upped the offer by $5 after 8 months...
It's a 4.5 hour trip, one way...
Let's see if we can hear the explosion from here

Thrumcap

 

[drivesitfar]

JC: i bet the old guy's prices for the HUGE VISES might also be because your eyeballs were flying out of their sockets like every other person that has seen them and knew what they were looking at.

REV: i'm sorry to ask this again, but with all the vises you've put your magical touch on and helped others with their's do you have a favorite or maybe a top 5 to mention?

GET: you can post anytime because your skills and vises are excellent. nicely done again.

 

[Jcrapola]

Drives: he also had this craftsman. Looked completely unused. Like never been closed on anything kinda unused. He wouldn't let it go for less than $100. I only had $75 left (after buying the 7" jaw whateveritis vise). I pointed out the dust and the obvious place of complete unimportance. I was there for almost 2 hrs. No move from $100. No way. If it wasn't a 2.5 hr drive I would go back and rescue it....

 

[drivesitfar]

JC: this is where a Paypal account comes in handy. you could have handed him the $75 and sent him a $25 Paypal from your phone or if he could wait until you got back home to do it on your computer. it's not a 519x version of a Craftsman vise, but i've got one similar that is in great shape too and great quality. i'm thinking this version was made by Columbian.

the one you posted looks like mine. i think mine is 4.5 inches wide.

 

[KMScott]

I hate posting after Kevin, he is a hard act to follow.

A 974 is probably the most common Parker vise you see but it should get some attention to. I have one Parker with part of the original paint left, it was close to Hunter Green and that's why I choose the color.

Yours is great too. I like that color. Nice job.

 

[Outlawmws]

Interesting your saying that. The two C. Parkers vise's that I have do exactly the same thing. The tops slightly hit first with a small gap below. The jaws are both parallel (L to R).

let me know it's the same as yours. The two vise's I have appeared to be in good shape.

My 974 (primary vise for almost 30 years...) does the same thing. It has 20-25 thou clearance on the bottom when the tops touch.

I think it was on purpose.

Get, beautiful job on the 974. Once upon a time mine was as shiny, if not so colorful (machinery grey, but it has worn well!)

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Drives, Kevin, Outlaw, Thanks
I have two more 4" Parkers and the jaws seem to meet fine on them.