The VISES of Garage Journal

[drivesitfar]

Slotard: there was a youtube video of a guy making a 10 inch wide jaw 200+ pound vise that I viewed a couple years ago. sorry I can't find it today, but he made it with plate. I also think another member here made an offset vise out of plate steel and I think he lives in Australia because it resembled a Dawn.

Good luck and you have my support. BTW what part of the world do you live since it isn't in your GJ profile?

Riley: so is it legal to cast and copy a 100+ year old vise where the company is not existent any longer? have you thought about making a 300 pound vise at work as a side project and would the boss approve or want a duplicate?

KM: as many parts as you've made on your ailing machine in your shop it seems like with the right tools and materials you could make an entire vise from scratch. any desire to do so and any particular design?

ALL: since we have drawings I wonder if making the 695 pound RR Pittsburgh vise might be a good vise to make for several members that might like to own one of the mythical beasts.

 

[slotard]

I would've figured it was easy enough to guess region based on where the CL listings I posted are, but I added that.

I'd be very surprised if there were any legal issues when copying a design that old. Patents don't last anywhere near that long. I wouldn't feel right making money off a production item, but clearly lots of companies don't mind.

Do we have reasonable engineering drawings or just the small ad?

 

[drivesitfar]

Slot: i'm on a lot of threads here so a quick look at your location is a nice reminder in case I forget some of the details especially since you are a fairly new member or don't post often on many of the threads I read. I like that GJ has improved my failing memory, but I'm still liable to have a SENIOR MOMENT at any time.

I think somebody posted the patent on the RR Pittsburgh vise or maybe it was just more literature. I don't have it handy because on different computer at the moment. that would be a nice one to try on, but maybe casting a 200 pound smaller version first might have some merit so we don't waste so much material perfecting the design. I think VA has the salesman sample that might help too. he made the mistake of not putting a chain on it when he tried telling us he found the 695 pounder a year or more ago.

 

[Outlawmws]

Slot, There are some factory made plate vises you can use as model. IMO the mild steel issue is secondary to structural design of the vise. I remember Dawn made some, and at least one American company did.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I am done with the Parkinson 3C. I found that the one piece brake shoe was probably broken because there was no bushing in the center swivel bolt allowing for a 1/4" or more of movement. A new bushing and some filing got the base centered.The brake shoe took the force of some BFH bashing I'm sure. I was going to braze it back together but could never get it it past dull red and the braze would not flow. I heated it with the torch and MIG welded it. The pin had to be filed a bit to get the center, and lock bolts to align. The next thing was a new lock down handle and one new handle knob. The jaws are a bit rough but I turned down some new screws and installed them. Last thing was a lame attempt at a decal

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice!

Considering where the load is in the brake, the weld should be fine.

 

[KMScott]

Nice job GET. it is amazing the flex in cast material, yes yours broke but what about all the others. Your handles and knobs are looking top notch.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Thanks, I have been watching you all these years. After welding inside and out on the thin part I put a 5/16" pin in the middle and welded it top,bottom and outside. A little grinding and it was done.

 

[S4cruiser]

Looking at a Parker 386 tomorrow that appears to be in very nice shape. Guy is asking a decent chunk of change, but anything old is few far b/w in my area. Hell, there is hardly anything forsale.

Would 250 be a stretch from a value perspective? It's a bigassvise at 174lbs.

 

[PghJKB]

Slot: i'm on a lot of threads here so a quick look at your location is a nice reminder in case I forget some of the details especially since you are a fairly new member or don't post often on many of the threads I read. I like that GJ has improved my failing memory, but I'm still liable to have a SENIOR MOMENT at any time.

I think somebody posted the patent on the RR Pittsburgh vise or maybe it was just more literature. I don't have it handy because on different computer at the moment. that would be a nice one to try on, but maybe casting a 200 pound smaller version first might have some merit so we don't waste so much material perfecting the design. I think VA has the salesman sample that might help too. he made the mistake of not putting a chain on it when he tried telling us he found the 695 pounder a year or more ago.

Drives
I posted two pieces of literature, do not recall seeing the patent here. That will change.

Here is the USPTO link to the patent.

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNu...6S1=0742096.PN.%26OS=pn/742096%26RS=PN/742096

It was patented by J.R.Long of Akron, (and some other places) Ohio. John R. Long was one of the, if not THE, most prolific patenters of vises and improvements to vises. By my count he held twenty five vise related patents.

His other vise patents include the Versa Vise, the Permutation vise (the vise in your Rock Island ad a few pages ago), the Pinch Bug, and a number of Pittsburgh like pipe and machine vises.

The full .PDF for the original Pittsburgh patent exceeds the size limit for .pdf uploads, so I am attaching just the first page. Please excuse the partial colorization, I am working on producing a color version.

BTW - As originally sold, the Pittsburgh Automatic Vise had 3" jaws, VA's (and I think Demo might have one) was a standard offering.

Here is the USPTO link to an improvement to the Pittsburgh that Long patented in 1916:

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNu...1=1168318.PN.%26OS=pn/1168318%26RS=PN/1168318

Also attached is the ad introducing the Pittsburgh Automatic Vise to the world. From a 1907 edition of Automobile Dealer and Repairer.

JKB

 

[Fretters]

I am done with the Parkinson 3C. I found that the one piece brake shoe was probably broken because there was no bushing in the center swivel bolt allowing for a 1/4" or more of movement. A new bushing and some filing got the base centered.The brake shoe took the force of some BFH bashing I'm sure. I was going to braze it back together but could never get it it past dull red and the braze would not flow. I heated it with the torch and MIG welded it. The pin had to be filed a bit to get the center, and lock bolts to align. The next thing was a new lock down handle and one new handle knob. The jaws are a bit rough but I turned down some new screws and installed them. Last thing was a lame attempt at a decal

Nicely done. Looks very nice.

 

[CatYellow]

Here's a vise I have attached to my summertime / outdoor bench. Based on my Google-fu it doesn't seem too common these days. As you can see it could use some love but I hope you guys get a kick out of it. Anyone know where to procure a new handle?

 

[bl00]

Would 250 be a stretch from a value perspective? It's a bigassvise at 174lbs.

I'd have no problem buying that for $250. It has a swivel jaw too if you didn't notice.

 

[drivesitfar]

Get: nicely done on the restore and especially welding the broken swivel base. Is that that famous ARREST ME RED color??

JKB: that out to get those vise makers started. thanks

Cat: nice Wilton C2 is a great vise and not that rare, but a good vise all the same. what is rare is the swivel base you or the prior owner built for the original one that i'm guessing was broken or missing. also welcome to the group.

if you want to tell us more about how that swivel base works and how it came to be please do with a few more pictures. thanks

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Looking at a Parker 386 tomorrow that appears to be in very nice shape. Guy is asking a decent chunk of change, but anything old is few far b/w in my area. Hell, there is hardly anything forsale.

Would 250 be a stretch from a value perspective? It's a bigassvise at 174lbs.

250$ is very reasonable, assuming that there are no breaks, cracks or weld repairs. Remember several posts back of the auction winner who got the worn out 5" Reed for 410$.

 

[S4cruiser]

Thanks guys - looking at it 1:00 tomo...likely coming home with me as long as nothing major is wrong.

Guy had it for over 20 years and got it from an old horse ferrier. I noticed it was a swivel jaw but the guy never used it that way so the pin is either frozen or who knows. He said there are no welds or cracks.

Fingers crossed that it doesn't turn out to be junk.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Fretters, Drives, Thanks for the nice comments. I thought it was the same paint I used on my York which seemed a shade or two darker ? Banner Red is the color.

I guessing the base on Cat's Wilton is a cast iron impeller from a pump ?

S4, Hope you come home with that big Parker tomorrow. It looks in really good shape.

 

[va.grouseman]

Slotard, here's one you can copy.---Probably won't give much under stress, and probably doesn't have a patent so your conscience would be clean if you sold it for a couple of gold monkeys.---If you are still worried about the stress factor, you could fabricate it out of 2" plate steel.---Might need a buddy to help you move it around.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=154488&d=1322894111

The original URL:
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...ww.arboristsite.com/firewood...ent/128868.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Drive, here's that 695 lb. monster and it's guts.---Scale it up about 6 times and Voila

You are right, I can never pull off a good gag because I always forget some little detail which blows the whole thing.---In this case a real little piece of chain.

 

[organ]

Cool!

 

[Outlawmws]

Looking at a Parker 386 tomorrow that appears to be in very nice shape. Guy is asking a decent chunk of change, but anything old is few far b/w in my area. Hell, there is hardly anything forsale.

Would 250 be a stretch from a value perspective? It's a bigassvise at 174lbs.

Not a bit IMO.

 

[CatYellow]

Drives, thanks for the welcome. The base started at this shop long before me, and unfortunately does not swivel. It is made out of two pieces of channel welded to plate. As it is outdoors these days I tacked the nuts for theft protection. I have another Wilton bullet in my bay, but it is significantly more modern.

 

[drivesitfar]

VA: that's some vise and you almost pulled off that ruse when you first posted it saying you had found the 695 pounder. maybe because we know you seem to have a vacuum set up that can find a 200+ pound vise anywhere in the US and Canada. Riley hasn't chimed up yet which would be awesome if he could cast one and i'm close enough to drive a few thousand pounds of NOS 75 year old steel to him. what would one pay to have one cast and maybe i'll take the orders to help get this project along. email me if you have it or PM me with requests.

CAT: that C2 is a pretty nice and expensive vise to be sitting outside. not sure you know that but if you put a stand on it and spiffed it up it might be worth $400 without a swivel base. anyway post up more pictures as you have time and if you want to and of your other vises too if you like.

 

[autopts]

Just found these 2 Wiltons for $100 each. Picking up more vises later. .could be s good day. Model 1740 and 9350 Schiller Park

You ****! You really do!

 

[Ridjobradi]

Here is picture with the patent number, but there is no date on the outside of the casting.

On another note, I am about 240# and in pretty good shape. I don't have a problem moving the 4C around, yet.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Looking at a Parker 386 tomorrow that appears to be in very nice shape. Guy is asking a decent chunk of change, but anything old is few far b/w in my area. Hell, there is hardly anything forsale.

Would 250 be a stretch from a value perspective? It's a bigassvise at 174lbs.

Hah! I wish you luck man!

I just started searching for Parker 386's on GJ after seeing the same ad. I won't even worry about contacting him since you've already set up a meeting.

Looks to be a very nice vise. I hope it goes home with you.

On the odd chance it doesn't, you mind letting me have a crack at it?

 

[mike_paxton]

Thanks guys - looking at it 1:00 tomo...likely coming home with me as long as nothing major is wrong.

Guy had it for over 20 years and got it from an old horse ferrier. I noticed it was a swivel jaw but the guy never used it that way so the pin is either frozen or who knows. He said there are no welds or cracks.

Fingers crossed that it doesn't turn out to be junk.

S4Cruiser:

I also had a swivel jaw with pin in it that hadn't ever been extracted by the machinist shop who previously owned it.

With patience was able to get pin extracted using PB Blaster and slight daily taps to the pin till eventually it came loose. With mine, I didn't have access to the bottom of the vise, as vise was welded in place onto heavy duty stand.

Funny thing was once I pulled the pin and took the dynamic jaw out, found a previous owner marks stamped underneath it. It's one of reason I've kept it as my user.

Good luck with your purchase as well.

Mike

 

[S4cruiser]

Jarhead: definitely let you know if I pass.

Mike: thanks for the tips.

Hopefully I'll be posting pics later today!

 

[Fordriver6]

Here is the promised detailed teardown of the Parker 273 swivel jaw I bought yesterday.

I actually had the thing apart already, but with PB Blaster all over the vise and my hands didn't get many pictures. So I'm doing a detailed teardown after the fact.

First pic is of the vise fully assembled.


Step one is to remove the dynamic jaw. It was fairly stiff due to rust. Came out easily enough though.


Then I removed the collar screw, which was tight. I put a tight fitting flat screwdriver in it, hit the handle with a hammer to shock it, then put a pair of channellocks on it. Originally had a buddy hold the dynamic jaw so I could get enough pressure to turn the screw out.




Next up is the cross pin for the swivel jaw. Simply took the proper 5/16 punch and knocked it out.


Now to remove the base. The bolt on bottom is 1 3/8" and I don't have an impact socket that size, not a regular 1/2" drive socket for that matter. So I put a 1/2" to 3/4" impact adapter on my 1/2" impact and put a 3/4" drive socket on it. I know regular sockets are not meant for impact use, but a quick squeeze got the bolt out with no drama. Had to tap the mounting ears with a hammer to get the base to come off.


Had to hit the lock down lever with a hammer both ways to get it to loosen up enough to thread off. Then took the punch to the lock ring.



Speaking of the lock ring, looks like it has two screw heads in it. Most likely imprinted from screws in the casting mold.


The lock down lever was interesting. Has screws in both ends. One came out without the use of tools. Was loose enough to turn out bare hand. The other required putting it in another vise and using the same method I used to get the collar screw off. (Apologies KMScott, have gotten the swivel base lock down handles finished yet on the C1)



Next thing on the list is removing the pin holding the main but in place in its dovetail. Again using the proper punch it just knocks out.


The nut itself was wedged in pretty tight so had to drive it out as well.


Almost done!!! Time to drive out the swivel jaw pin. With the main nut out of the way, took the 5/16 punch and put it up through the base mounting hole up to the bottom of the swivel jaw pin. Hard to see in the pics but it has some angle too it. Drove right out.



Last step is to drive/pry out the the swivel jaw itself. Again the trusty punch is used along with a re-purposed, previously mangled New Britain screwdriver blade.



Here it is fully disassembled.


I'll get it cleaned up and decide whether to paint it or put BLO on it. Either way this one is getting bolted down and used.
Won't be able to get any pictures of me wire wheeling it clean, but I'll be sure to post plenty of re-assembled pictures.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[FMC1959]

thanks guys will get the vise and probably another as has been suggested..my neighbor said something about he might have a extra vise laying around he bought and never mounted that I could have..

dbowling, I am behind on pages for this thread, sure you got a lot of info, including VA's pics of his # 54.

I found this catalog page that has your 55 to go along with whatever info you have collected on this nice RI vise.

I hope you got the vise, good luck

 

[slotard]

Picked up this Reed 106 today. The seller claims he got it 30+ years ago from a factory that's been around since early 1900s, hasn't used it since he retired 15 years ago. He was awfully surprised that I managed to lift it solo, but I'm a lot younger than him... 130lb isn't outrageous for a 180lb guy.

It's gonna be fun to get out of the car... didn't really wanna drive 100mi total in the truck at 10mpg vs 40mpg in the car. I'll probably get a bigger friend to give me a hand. It'll get some minor cleanup, probably nothing more than cleaners and a scotchbrite pad, then some BLO and see how it looks. Not planning on a wire wheel or anything aggressive, just wanna knock the loose rust off.

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked up this Reed 106 today. The seller claims he got it 30+ years ago from a factory that's been around since early 1900s, hasn't used it since he retired 15 years ago. He was awfully surprised that I managed to lift it solo, but I'm a lot younger than him... 130lb isn't outrageous for a 180lb guy.

It's gonna be fun to get out of the car... didn't really wanna drive 100mi total in the truck at 10mpg vs 40mpg in the car. I'll probably get a bigger friend to give me a hand. It'll get some minor cleanup, probably nothing more than cleaners and a scotchbrite pad, then some BLO and see how it looks. Not planning on a wire wheel or anything aggressive, just wanna knock the loose rust off.

Awesome find! Unscrew the dynamic jaw all the way out and carry it in 2 pieces. Should be more manageable.

 

[slotard]

Not sure I'll be able to do that in the car but I'll try. I got it in solo but that's easier.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Jarhead: definitely let you know if I pass.

Mike: thanks for the tips.

Hopefully I'll be posting pics later today!

Thanks man! I appreciate it. Hope it works out for you.

Mind if I ask what the S4 in your user name refers to?

 

[FigureItOut]

Just bought my first big vise and second good one. Picked this up for $20 today. The concrete form has to go with it so I'll pick it up tomorrow. Haven't decided what I'm going to do with it yet. Guy was busy so I didn't get much for pictures.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[drivesitfar]

FR: thanks a lot for showing the process you did to take your swivel jaw Parker vise apart and for making the same posts over on the Vise Repair 101 thread. good luck on the finish and looks like it will clean up nicely.

Ridjo: if you want to post more pictures while you are taking that Reed 4C apart please do and over on the vise repair 101 thread because I don't recall anybody showing how to take that one apart on that thread yet. even if they have watching another 190 pound vise restored will get a few views. good luck and thanks for the close up picture of the Patent #.

Slotard: WELL DONE. just an fyi. since I've lifted many a 150 pound vise out of that spot in the passenger's floor board maybe put a piece of rubber pad or carpet on your car's carpet and step so you can slide the Reed a bit closer so you won't have to reach as far to pick it up. good luck and i'm guessing you won't have any issues taking it out of your car or spiffing it up. happy to hear it stuck around for you until the weekend when you could pick it up and surprised it did.

OUT: first off i'm guessing you will take that big Athol off the drum with cement so you wont damage the vise if it falls? then WTF are you going to do to move that drum full of cement? the vise is a great vise, but unless you have a trailer you can roll that drum up on I might bring a jackhammer and haul it away in pieces. unless of course you want to keep the stand.

 

[slotard]

I realized I could get it out intact, wasn't too bad once I got the angle a little better. Once I pulled it apart I found it had obviously been a mouse home at some point. It needs some serious cleaning as is expected for something that hasn't been used in well over a decade. I wiped it down with some BLO as it was dry, I need to take it to my mom's, pressure wash the gunk out, clean it up a little more, and then see how it feels. It's not bad now, but not great either.

He said he mostly used it as a press for ball joints. The screw looks good, though. Since ball joints don't tend to require all that much force (I've done them with china vises before with no problem) I guess it isn't as abusive as using it for other things.

I was moderately surprised that the jaws are cast in, is that normal?

Can anyone give a reasonable age estimate from that?

 

[FigureItOut]

OUT: first off i'm guessing you will take that big Athol off the drum with cement so you wont damage the vise if it falls? then WTF are you going to do to move that drum full of cement? the vise is a great vise, but unless you have a trailer you can roll that drum up on I might bring a jackhammer and haul it away in pieces. unless of course you want to keep the stand.

I think for now I'll keep it on the stand to use until I have time to do something with it. I'll decide tomorrow but I might just break up the concrete to take it all off. I have a trailer with a little 1000 lb crane so moving it safely shouldn't be too difficult. I'm not sure I trust the anchors so I'll have to figure out how to hook the concrete, probably take the vise off and anchor a d-ring or two on it.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

First Vise Restoration.

It is a less desired Wilton but I only paid 8 bucks for it at a yard sale so I figured I would give it a face lift.

 

[slotard]

COO?

How did it look when you picked it up?

Hard to go wrong with an enclosed screw vise for $8 though.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

It wasn't bad it had a bit of rust not much, the rotating bolt was striped, the screws that hold that jaws had to be drilled out and the main screw had a little bow in it, took me a few evenings. I striped the old paint wire brushed it, cleaned it with acetone applied two coats of primer and three coats of navy blue and there you have it.