The VISES of Garage Journal

[Rockford73]

Rockford: Congrats on your Columbian. Check out the Vise Repair thread for ideas for dealing with stuck pins and slides. Is the massive Emmert that you mentioned a Tiger? Please post some pictures of all of your vises if you have them.

CRSINMICH:

No, my Emmert isn't a Tiger, although I have seen several. I actually have an Emmert 6A Universal Machinists Vise. It is a quasi-preposterous three-jawed affair where each pair of jaws rotates into position and the body of the vise rotates 90 degrees, from horizontal to vertical. One pair of jaws is serrated, one smooth, and the third is a pin jaw meant to hole odd shapes. I bought it as a mate to my other Emmert, a turtle-back patternmakers vise. I will post pictures of some of the other vises I have, but attached are a couple of pictures of the Emmerts.

I'll definitely check out the repair thread for ideas. I have a large electrolysis set-up hooked to a welding power supply and also a small bottle of inhibited HCl. One of these approaches usually works, but I doubt it will help free the taper pin in the jaw. I'm hopeful that liquid nitrogen will shrink it out.

 

[Outlawmws]

Look at the nose. I believe this is a Millers Falls from up here in New England. Now, how about shipping me a gallon of some gumbo?

This ^^ However, those were sold under so many different names its not even funny. another clue (but not an absolute) is how the main screw is captured, I've seen several methods including a side set screw.

MF is the only one I've noted that actually stamped something in. Paper stickers was the norm.

What width jaw does it have?

Oh yeah; suggestion: DO NOT tap those slide pins out to neatly clean everything. They are a PITA to get back in straight...

 

[slotard]

Well, I found something reasonable today. Not a great price but a cool vise, and it'll do for now. It'll likely go on the truck (needs some oil on it - any suggestions?), so I still want to find a bigger swivel vise for the shop. I suspect this was a swivel at one point.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Slotard,
That's a good looking vise of yours. For oil, you can use a 50/50 mix of ATF/acetone to free it up. If it's going on a truck, just keep it oiled.
If I'm not mistaken, that vise is missing its swivel base.

 

[Outlawmws]

Get the rust off and coat with BLO (Boiled Linseed oil) - Lots of it... (In coats)

Nice find! I like the DS in full Machinist trim (they also sold a lot of mechanics vises with the formed slide)

Hmm, is that missing the jaw support?

 

[slotard]

I agree it's missing the swivel, that's why I said it was once on one.

It moves reasonably as-is, no freeing up needed.

It does appear something was broken off under the slide, is that what you mean by jaw support?

 

[Outlawmws]

Rock I can see where that three jaw Emmert is pretty preposterous, but I would be happy to trade you a less preposterous vise, so you don't get funny looks when people come into your shop and see it. We GJ members got to watch each other's back...

 

[Outlawmws]

I agree it's missing the swivel, that's why I said it was once on one.

It moves reasonably as-is, no freeing up needed.

It does appear something was broken off under the slide, is that what you mean by jaw support?

Yep, look at most any other machinist vise...

 

[McBrownie]

Picked up two more vises tonight. First one is a Wilton C1. Regular and pipe jaws are present and in good shape. Only thing missing is the rear cap.

Next is a Parker 913 1/2. Still has the wrench for the swivel base. Jaws are in good shape on this one as well.

Paid $300 total for both. Not a screaming deal but I don't think it's a terrible price. Especially considering that here in the mountains of Virginia these vises are few and far between. There are no really big manufacturing cities anywhere close and Richmond is over an hour and not a manufacturing city.

I'll do a restoration on the Parker and document it here and on the repair thread. Not sure what I'm gonna do with the C1 yet. Most likely plan is bolt it down and use it as is for a while.

Ford,

Two great vises. Your Parker is a 973 1/2. I have it's ancestor, a Parker 203, and the next size up, a 974. The old numbering system of Parker was not intuitive and the 203 has 3 1/2" jaws. I really like that size.

 

[Fordriver6]

Ford,

Two great vises. Your Parker is a 973 1/2. I have it's ancestor, a Parker 203, and the next size up, a 974. The old numbering system of Parker was not intuitive and the 203 has 3 1/2" jaws. I really like that size.

Looked like a "1" under all the patina. Thanks for the heads up. [emoji106]

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[slotard]

Any guesses as to age on the vise I just picked up?

I'm hoping the missing jaw support isn't too important, it doesn't appear it would play much of a role as far as strength goes but I could be wrong.

 

[02superduty]

Oooohhh. Your first minion!

Not my first. Just a little more low key about it.

 

[autopts]

What do you guys think this vise is worth on eBay?

Parker 383-1/2

bagged That's Parker looks super nice from the side and its not your every day 974. If that vise were mine and I was putting it on the Auction Block of the World. Providing you left the original Patina on it, I would have to set a reserve with a "But it now". Getting a ball park on a 383 might be rough and as you know, unlike bullets they don't get the roar of the crowd however occasionally one surprises me. One very nice find.

 

[CRSINMICH]

CRSINMICH:

No, my Emmert isn't a Tiger, although I have seen several. I actually have an Emmert 6A Universal Machinists Vise. It is a quasi-preposterous three-jawed affair where each pair of jaws rotates into position and the body of the vise rotates 90 degrees, from horizontal to vertical. One pair of jaws is serrated, one smooth, and the third is a pin jaw meant to hole odd shapes. I bought it as a mate to my other Emmert, a turtle-back patternmakers vise. I will post pictures of some of the other vises I have, but attached are a couple of pictures of the Emmerts.

I'll definitely check out the repair thread for ideas. I have a large electrolysis set-up hooked to a welding power supply and also a small bottle of inhibited HCl. One of these approaches usually works, but I doubt it will help free the taper pin in the jaw. I'm hopeful that liquid nitrogen will shrink it out.

Rockford: I know about the odd looking Emmert Machinists Vise. I'm in the process of restoring one now. Did you restore yours? If so then you did a great job. I guessed that you were talking about the Tiger because you described it a "massive". I have a Tiger too, but it's way down on the restoration list. I'm looking for a pattern makers so that I can complete the series. They're not hard to find but they are hard to afford.

I've heard about pins dropping out after electrolysis but I don't think they were swivel jaw pins. Liquid nitrogen will shrink warts but that's probably not applicable here. I used to say that swivel pins come in two types - stuck and missing. Recently I added a third type: Jury-rigged.

Thanks for the pix!

 

[Outlawmws]

Any guesses as to age on the vise I just picked up?

I'm hoping the missing jaw support isn't too important, it doesn't appear it would play much of a role as far as strength goes but I could be wrong.

It's actually an important part to keep the D jaw from snapping off the slide. When the vise is clamping the force of the two jaws in compression translates to a downward force on the slide, so the support does just that; counters that downward force.

I'd want to make a piece to both bolt and weld/braze on to get something under it.

 

[bareass172]

Look at the nose. I believe this is a Millers Falls from up here in New England. Now, how about shipping me a gallon of some gumbo?

I think the best I could do would be to give you my recipe and let you take a run at it...

This ^^ However, those were sold under so many different names its not even funny. another clue (but not an absolute) is how the main screw is captured, I've seen several methods including a side set screw.

MF is the only one I've noted that actually stamped something in. Paper stickers was the norm.

What width jaw does it have?

Oh yeah; suggestion: DO NOT tap those slide pins out to neatly clean everything. They are a PITA to get back in straight...

I wonder which particular flavor this might be if it is a MF. I did some digging and I can't find a MF yet with that knob screw instead of a slide handle. In fact, everyone I find with the knob is a Goodell Pratt, but the knob is the only similarity. I wonder if the knob specifies a particular brand or era.
I'll have to check the main screw and jaw width tomorrow when I get back to it. Kinda annoyed with myself as I meant to put something in the pics for scale and measure the jaws and I forgot.
Thank you very much for the tip on the pins, in they will stay.
Gonna keep google image searching...

 

[macgee]

I saw that. I'm having trouble finding country of manufacture, I saw India somewhere but not sure if that's right. I'd rather go with US made (or Western Europe).

I hear you but this is one of those exceptions, take a look at what balane did to one and his comments.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4709148&postcount=26345

Otherwise stay patient and advise finding one that will not require crazy hours to get working properly again. There will always be another vise out there.

Like this one: Reed #204-1/2 Machinist Vise ($80)
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/5466598340.html

 

[exmaxima1]

Exmaxima,

How do you like your Paramo? I really like them and actually think they are nicer (better finished) than Record vise's. Had a couple and love my tiny No.1.

GJ member MohawkDave (Thank you Dave) very kindly gave me a 6" Paramo vise I have never seen before and still can't find any info on. It's a No.72 with a keyed top slide like the 114X Athol I posted yesterday and it's a lighter duty version of a typical 6" Paramo vise. The vise was worn hard and put away wet but after some cleaning up, the vise still works great with zero backlash and jaws still line up. I'm impressed as this thing has seen a lot of use.

I love my Paramo, and the only issue I had was with the spindle head wearing into the dynamic jaw. It was galling up even with the grease I used. I installed a roller thrust washer bearing and now its the smoothest vise I own. You can easily apply lots of force, with no binding or backlash.

 

[nutsnbolts]

I am looking for a small vise for my workbench. I don't know much about them so please forgive my ignorance.

My garage is tiny, we live in a townhouse and it was built for a mini car. (My wife's Subaru Outback won't fit in it). The bench is 6 feet long and about 30 inches deep. I buy a lot of used tool lots on Ebay and, without fail, there are always a few pieces in the bunch with previous owner engravings. I want a small vise that I can mount on one end of the bench so I can grind marks off with my Dremel tool.

I would prefer to buy a great older vise, as I prefer the look of them. I found this on Craigslist, but it looks like a big one. I would like something like this only smaller. Any suggestions?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/5465470319.html

 

[mike_paxton]

All,

I just finished my antique Sheldon woodworking vise restoration. .

Mark in Indiana:

Great job on restoring of the WW vise.

BTW, I saw a similar WW vise, but not sure if it's same mfg due to some differences.

I'll post the only two owner pics I have of it.

Would appreciate your thoughts on whether you think it's same mfg as your WW vise.

Mike

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I think the best I could do would be to give you my recipe and let you take a run at it...


I wonder which particular flavor this might be if it is a MF. I did some digging and I can't find a MF yet with that knob screw instead of a slide handle. In fact, everyone I find with the knob is a Goodell Pratt, but the knob is the only similarity. I wonder if the knob specifies a particular brand or era.
I'll have to check the main screw and jaw width tomorrow when I get back to it. Kinda annoyed with myself as I meant to put something in the pics for scale and measure the jaws and I forgot.
Thank you very much for the tip on the pins, in they will stay.
Gonna keep google image searching...[/QUOTE

"No Gumbo for Joe"
Send that recipe to Outlaw for posting the Sears catalog and me for finding it. It looks like a Dunlap but made by who ??

 

[HCNDM]

@ nutsnbolts

I reckon you don't bend the handle without using a breaker bar and putting undue stress on the vise movement.

Could someone that knows Wilton's confirm whether that's a US made or a China?

From what I have read on this thread 75 would seem steep to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Mark in Indiana:

Great job on restoring of the WW vise.

BTW, I saw a similar WW vise, but not sure if it's same mfg due to some differences.

I'll post the only two owner pics I have of it.

Would appreciate your thoughts on whether you think it's same mfg as your WW vise.

Mike

Mike,
Thanks for your nkind words.
I believe that the vise you're asking about is the same mine.

 

[macgee]

I am looking for a small vise for my workbench. I don't know much about them so please forgive my ignorance.

My garage is tiny, we live in a townhouse and it was built for a mini car. (My wife's Subaru Outback won't fit in it). The bench is 6 feet long and about 30 inches deep. I buy a lot of used tool lots on Ebay and, without fail, there are always a few pieces in the bunch with previous owner engravings. I want a small vise that I can mount on one end of the bench so I can grind marks off with my Dremel tool.

I would prefer to buy a great older vise, as I prefer the look of them. I found this on Craigslist, but it looks like a big one. I would like something like this only smaller. Any suggestions?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/5465470319.html

@ nutsnbolts

I reckon you don't bend the handle without using a breaker bar and putting undue stress on the vise movement.

Could someone that knows Wilton's confirm whether that's a US made or a China?

From what I have read on this thread 75 would seem steep to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, I would say $75 is a bit steep and this one could very well be made in Asia, it's not marked USA. I can't say for sure but the casting isn't Wilton's best and the bent handle tells me it not the strongest metal in the handle and the pinched ends on the swivel handle is a cheap style and typical of asian vise's. There was definitely a crossover when Wilton started to make vise's in Asia during that vise's era so the question is valid.

It's also looks too big for what your looking for. I would look for a 3" vise which maybe hard to find on craigslist but they're usually cheap to ship if it can fit a large USPS. I recently sold a 3" Wilton Cadet which would be perfect for you and it fit in a flat rate box. also a Chas Parker 973 or swivel #20 or #22 would be nice.

There is always this local one but it will need a restore, it looks big but it's a 3" vise. It's a classic and it's cheap.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/tls/5434691137.html

Also possibly a clamp-on Stanley Sweetheart Vise or a small Athol in the same style if your only occasionally cleaning up small pieces or only needing small light duty clamping. When not using, you could store it out of the way, I would also invest in a pair of soft jaw caps.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-EARLY-VINTAGE-STANLEY-VISE-740-WITH-ANVIL-SWEATHEART-LOGO-/401076428772?hash=item5d62049fe4:g:SFoAAOSwGotWrmV-

 

[mike_paxton]

Mike,
Thanks for your nkind words.
I believe that the vise you're asking about is the same mine.

MarkinIndiana:

I'm suppose to look at it later this afternoon.

If I do end up buying it, I hope you don't mind sharing some of the steps you did to get yours looking so nice.

Mike

 

[Outlawmws]

I think the best I could do would be to give you my recipe and let you take a run at it...


I wonder which particular flavor this might be if it is a MF. I did some digging and I can't find a MF yet with that knob screw instead of a slide handle. In fact, everyone I find with the knob is a Goodell Pratt, but the knob is the only similarity. I wonder if the knob specifies a particular brand or era.
I'll have to check the main screw and jaw width tomorrow when I get back to it. Kinda annoyed with myself as I meant to put something in the pics for scale and measure the jaws and I forgot.
Thank you very much for the tip on the pins, in they will stay.
Gonna keep google image searching...[/QUOTE

"No Gumbo for Joe"
Send that recipe to Outlaw for posting the Sears catalog and me for finding it. It looks like a Dunlap but made by who ??

Get: Nice detective work! I think you nailed it!

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thanks for all your input guys! I really don't know much about these; I wouldn't have known to look for things like a bent handle. I appreciate the help.

Drivesitfar reached out to me and said he thinks he might have a good one for me to start with, so I think I will be good. I trust his knowledge in this area.

 

[Jcrapola]

Topop101 got banned? How does one get banned? He was always helpful, and informative. Wth?

 

[Outlawmws]

The usual way is to get into a fight in Free Parking and say something stupid.

 

[Jcrapola]

Just like that? No allowances made for contributions made to the general knowledge base?
Shudder to think what he may have said...

 

[Outlawmws]

This place is sort of a zero tolerance zone. Once in a while a spat will cause a thread lock, or posts to be deleted. But past whatever the threshold is, it's the ax...

As to what he said, I wouldn't know, I don't venture into Free Parking too much...

 

[Mark in Indiana]

MarkinIndiana:

I'm suppose to look at it later this afternoon.

If I do end up buying it, I hope you don't mind sharing some of the steps you did to get yours looking so nice.

Mike

Mike,
I just removed all of the rustmwith my wire wheel machine. Then I repainted it. I did mask the tongue & groove slides so they would stay bare. The slides, spindle and dog was coated with furniture polish for lubrication and rust prevention.

.......or you could just buy mine and reverse engineer it.

 

[mike_paxton]

Mike,
I just removed all of the rustmwith my wire wheel machine. Then I repainted it. I did mask the tongue & groove slides so they would stay bare. The slides, spindle and dog was coated with furniture polish for lubrication and rust prevention.

.......or you could just buy mine and reverse engineer it.

MarkinIndiana:

Just got back and did buy the Sheldon 37 WW vise. Prior owner had cleaned and painted it, so for now will leave as is.

It now can stay with the Sheldon Quick Release WW vise I bought a couple months back.

Mike

 

[A E Numan]

This is the newest addition to my little vise family, It's a Rock Island No 93 with 4 inch wide jaws. I have cleaned off the back of the slide looking for a date but I cant see any indication of when it was born. It seams to be in nice shape! I can't see any cracks or other damage. It has cast in smooth jaws, I think it will clean up nicely!

 

[drivesitfar]

AE: Nice find.ready to sell me back my old c2 now? I like rock island maybe as much as I like Reed and Wilton C series vises.

All: I stayed out of free parking for almost 18 months after I joined because it always seemed to have threads where trolls, spammers and guys venting about their problems would post. I can't say that doesn't happen now but I've met and emailed a lot of members I met in free parking that are great people.

I can't believe topop1 was banned because that's a mistake. He's a great guy and member so somebody must have po'd him if he posted something that bad. In all my posts I can only remember one of mine ever being deleted and it was on this thread a week ago when I commented to oldie's post about never liking any of the choices we get to vote on without being specific about any candidates.

I'll send a pm to Ryan to reinstate toppop1 and some of you might want to the same that's if he wants to come back now.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

MarkinIndiana:

Just got back and did buy the Sheldon 37 WW vise. Prior owner had cleaned and painted it, so for now will leave as is.

It now can stay with the Sheldon Quick Release WW vise I bought a couple months back.

Mike

Great find. I'd enjoy it as is also

 

[Blue Frog]

I picked up a plastic tub full of small vises, hand screws, and various clamps at an on-line auction last week. I'm just now getting around to sorting them out, taking pictures, etc. Of particular note is a small vise that one friend pointed out stating, "Here's a baby Wilton."

Here's a picture showing that baby Wilton next to a vintage Columbian with the same jaw size; the Columbian - about 25 lb; the Wilton - probably about 2 lb.





Marking on the Columbian





and the one on the Wilton





but the Wilton had one more





Hmmm.



Blue

 

[bagged89s10]

Got rid of my Parker 383-1/2 today and moved some vises around. I really love the look of my Oswego 88. I need to get this guy mounted on a stand .

 

[joe.striper]

Wow what a couple of days. I bought everything you see here for $380.

Stephens 3" vise. Complete original condition

Columbian 3.5"

Wilton 3500

Eron 150, 6" vise

Reed 4.5" exposed screw

Littlestown 4"

Wilton 745

Athol 88... 2.5"

I love days like this!!

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ ^ Great haul there JS !!! . .

Just LOVE that little 2.5" Athol 88 . . . . perfect size for basement workbench.

NEED . . . MORE PICS . . . of the unusual vise with the side handle.