The VISES of Garage Journal

[matemike]

Didn't feel the need to start a new thread.

I'm looking into getting a new Wilton vise. Might do the GJ honorable thing and restore one later down the road, but that's not my intention right now. I'm looking for their smallest bullet vise and the 300S is it. I like that it's only 28 lbs. The biggest drawback I see is that it only opens to 4 3/4". My Irwin opens to 6" and I like that I can clamp 2x6's in it laying flat. So I'll keep it around.

But I'm leaning toward their Tradesman vises even though their smallest one of that series is larger than 300s. The 4 1/2" tradesman weighs in at 42 lbs, however it only opens to 4". But it has the pipe clamp. Nice!
And I'll add that size for size the Tradesman vises are much cheaper that their machinist vises even though the Tradesmans do come with the pipe clamp. Not sure why, anyone want to explain why? Either way, I'm leaning towards the tradesman series for those reasons.

Then I came across this Wilton special edition 5 1/2" black tradesman vise.

http://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/p/...esman-vise-b-a-s-h-20416-sledge-hammer/63200A

I'm a sucker for special editions, especially when they come with the extra goodie being a 4lb BASH hammer. This one opens to 5", so that's a plus and it has the pipe clamp, another big plus. But the darn thing weighs 53 lbs. I think I'd want to beef up my bench just for piece of mind.

So this brings up my question. Is there any love for a black Wilton special edition amongst vise enthusiasts? On the screen I think it looks a little weird, but it could grow on me and it would be unique if anything.

 

[mike_paxton]

Man, I was excited to show off my home-made, at least it looks home-made (in the US I imagine just because that's where I bought it), with jaw opening with of 12 inches. The widest I currently own! But then I go through the last ten or so pages on this thread, only to see Evilunclegrimace had posted his #27 Hollands with what looks like a 17 inch Jaw opening! DANG!

Anyway, enough words, more pictures……

Here is my new to me, home-made looking, big *** vise!

The jaws are 6”x6”. It has a similar mounting style as a woodworking vise, but the dynamic jaw can swivel to accommodate odd pieces. How odd? Well possibly odd enough to shape into prosthetic limbs, or so says the flea market seller who sold it to me.



Someone please correct me, if this is a type of vise seen here before. I had not seen one like it, so that’s why I bought it (for only $35; it weighs 50 Lbs). Also, if it is a commercial style vise, please provide details to who the manufacture/age of it is. I did not see any maker’s marks on it.

Mr_P:

Other day, was looking over a Buss Case Clamp restoration up on the Old Wood Working Machine site.

http://www.owwm.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=166145&hilit=buss+case+clamp

There seems to be some similarities to your posted pics and the parts you have.

If not a member of OWWM, you can see one that sold in 2014 at the following site.

http://auction.repocast.com/details.cfm?ID=1691370#photos

BTW, I'm glad you bought it and I'd have been guilty of doing the same as well, if I was so lucky!!!

Mike

 

[mike_paxton]

I picked this old guy up yesterday at an estate for 45.00. 1887 pat. Parker No 376 Coach makers /wood workers rear swiveler. Very minty , not a hammer ding any where just a few paint drips. Pin and rear jaw are free, handle break works great. This may be the best condition of any old vise I have bought in 20 + years.

Topop101:

That Parker 376 is a beauty!!!

Good pick and pics!!!

Mike

 

[joe.striper]

Jake: i'm still looking to get my hands on a York so nice find. what's with the one picture at a time postings? new Ipad or ??

looks like the great vise and about the right size for maybe putting on a cart or rolling toolbox?

interesting term you used for the dust cap.

Chilang: i'd love to have you stop by for about a week to shine some of mine up. seems like you do an amazing job on the ones you've found that only takes you a few hours. my so called COLLECTION is dwindling, but mostly going to GJ members that NEED them so far for either their benches or to finish up their collections. I have a few left though in case you get tired of the 120 degree summers and need a 80 degree day or two. cheers.

VA: I didn't know the newer 800s Wiltons weighed more, but i'd still rather own on with the jaws bolted in from the back of their towers like the ones AutoPts posted.

Drivesit, dont get any ideas on that York. Jake and I have been communicating and that bad boy has a home in MY collection.

 

[zkling]

Re: The heavy chamfer under old non swiveler vises

I may be wrong but I believe that radius could be stronger than the original.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

You are, the extra material was there for casting strength. At least he put a radius in vs a sharp corner which would have been a huge stress riser.

 

[jakemac]

Re: The heavy chamfer under old non swiveler vises

We always complain about that heavy chamfer under the stationary vises like this #79 Parker with 6" jaws.

<a href="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-7Hh7vrT/A"><img src="https://visejaws.smugmug.com/Chas-Parker-Vises/i-7Hh7vrT/0/M/Parker%2079%20%284%29-M.jpg" alt=""></a>


I spent a good hour this afternoon setting this big guy up on my mill. The biggest problem is getting it clamped down solid.



Why the heavy chamfer is anyone's guess but here is my remedy. After roughing out the mass of casting.






I added a 1/2 inch radius and made it much easier to install on a bench or stand while still leaving enough material there for strength. The radius will be easier to match on the mounting plate or bench.



I'll machine all the casting irregulars of the bottom before pulling this heavy vise off the machine. Working on these old heavy vises are a lot of fun but honestly having the access to the right machinery makes the job easier. I am going to build a stand for this guy and have it as my user vise. Got a good start on the new jaws earlier today.

I've been trying to decide if I like this, or if it horrifies me to the bone.
I keep thinking - "That poor vise", but then again it is more useful.
I just can't make up my mind.

All I know is, some poor tool researcher down the road is going to be very confused.

 

[joe.striper]

I ran into these 2 Wilton 800S's. It's rare seeing a pair together. 27" long, 200 and some LBS. If anyone's interested let me know........................
You guys are doing some marvelous restorations out there

Auto, just caught up on this thread. Wow, those Big Wiltons are sweet! Are you keeping one and selling the other? All I know is they are NICE!!!

 

[drivesitfar]

Top: WELL DONE and great find with the old coachmaker's Parker with swivel jaw. I just moved my Simplex 420P Coachmaker's vise last night from it's prior resting spot and took out the dynamic and i'm thinking it opened up almost 2 feet and maybe 18 inches with it still sticking out the static jaw. I bet yours will open up a ways too.

Joe: do I need to cut and paste and show what you just posted elsewhere? you don't have any more ROOM for vises or tools. or are you planning on building a 40 x 120 on your neighbor's lot after you burn down his house? that York might fit in a flat rate USPS box so a local sale isn't required.

P: nice find and does look homemade. you've been gone for a bit so don't make yourself a stranger even if you stopped buying a vise a day.

Zoomie: welcome back to you too. did you manage to get a few of those power arms for $60? too good of a deal to pass up if they were in decent shape.

 

[PureLeaf]

Anyone near Waco? It sure is pink!

https://waco.craigslist.org/tls/5511000706.html

 

[jask]

Man, I was excited to show off my home-made, at least it looks home-made (in the US I imagine just because that's where I bought it), with jaw opening with of 12 inches. The widest I currently own! But then I go through the last ten or so pages on this thread, only to see Evilunclegrimace had posted his #27 Hollands with what looks like a 17 inch Jaw opening! DANG!

Anyway, enough words, more pictures…….......
......
Someone please correct me, if this is a type of vise seen here before. I had not seen one like it, so that’s why I bought it (for only $35; it weighs 50 Lbs). Also, if it is a commercial style vise, please provide details to who the manufacture/age of it is. I did not see any maker’s marks on it.

That is indeed a good copy of a Prosthetic vise, I have one like this:
http://cascade-usadev.com/prosthetic-bench-vise.html

last time I checked they were around 700$, which is probably why the previous owner built the one you have. A really useful vise to a woodworker or paddle/ gunstock maker. most people put a layer or 3/16" dense soling rubber on the jaw faces.

 

[DWise]

A good friend gave me this Wilton Scout. Unfortunately it is missing one jaw. I don't need it so I'll probably list it in the vise parts thread or classifieds.

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by Drivesitfar.

Joe:do I need to cut and paste and show what you just posted elsewhere? you don't have any more ROOM for vises or tools. or are you planning on building a 40 x 120 on your neighbor's lot after you burn down his house? that York might fit in a flat rate USPS box so a local sale isn't required.
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Drive, you and Joe need to meet in Libertyville Il.. and settle this matter.---That's half-way for both of you.---But be sure and record it for posterity.

 

[Outlawmws]

Anyone near Waco? It sure is pink!

https://waco.craigslist.org/tls/5511000706.html

That may be more red that the pic shows. I did one in Red to match the factory finish, and the pics all looked about that shade...

 

[joe.striper]

Im working in my shop roday when one of my minions shows up, opens his trunk and pulls this out. 6" Reed fixed base. Cost me $150. Now where to put it....

 

[Outlawmws]

Im working in my shop roday when one of my minions shows up, opens his trunk and pulls this out. 6" Reed fixed base. Cost me $150. Now where to put it....

Time to build a storage shed?

 

[Outlawmws]

Time to build a storage shed?

With a basement and attic?

Hmm guilty on two counts... (Shhh)

 

[bagged89s10]

Im working in my shop roday when one of my minions shows up, opens his trunk and pulls this out. 6" Reed fixed base. Cost me $150. Now where to put it....

Joe, it's really getting ridiculous with all the vises you've been buying.

All good stuff though!

 

[Mr_P]

Wow, Thanks Mike, now I want a Buss Case Clamp! That thing is sweet. Looks real nice after the refurbish, here it is for all to see just in case others didn't click on the OWWM site....

Drives, I'm trying to stop myself from buying but at a good price, I just can't help myself.


Jask, WOW! $700 is higher than most wilton's out there. I called fillauer just now and left a voicemail for them to call me tomorrow to find out what current prices are for that type of vise. Here's the fillauer version for all to see....

 

[Outlawmws]

Hmmm that seems like it would be really easy to make one from the bed of an old wood lathe...

I'll have to remember that if my oldest daughter follows through with wanting to remake/refinish furniture more seriously.

 

[Lobo74]

Picked up the Craftsman 506-51800 at a second hand store yesterday.

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[PureLeaf]

Picked up the Craftsman 506-51800 at a second hand store yesterday.

Gorgeous vise. What're you going to do about the worn out jaws?

 

[Outlawmws]

Gorgeous vise. What're you going to do about the worn out jaws?

What makes you say they are worn out? They need a good wire wheeling, but I'm not seeing it...

 

[Lobo74]

Yeah I think just a good brushing. Haven't got that far yet. I just wiped it down a little. And I think the jaws look a little better than what the picture looks like.

 

[topop101]

Didn't feel the need to start a new thread.

I'm looking into getting a new Wilton vise. Might do the GJ honorable thing and restore one later down the road, but that's not my intention right now. I'm looking for their smallest bullet vise and the 300S is it. I like that it's only 28 lbs. The biggest drawback I see is that it only opens to 4 3/4". My Irwin opens to 6" and I like that I can clamp 2x6's in it laying flat. So I'll keep it around.

But I'm leaning toward their Tradesman vises even though their smallest one of that series is larger than 300s. The 4 1/2" tradesman weighs in at 42 lbs, however it only opens to 4". But it has the pipe clamp. Nice!
And I'll add that size for size the Tradesman vises are much cheaper that their machinist vises even though the Tradesmans do come with the pipe clamp. Not sure why, anyone want to explain why? Either way, I'm leaning towards the tradesman series for those reasons.

Then I came across this Wilton special edition 5 1/2" black tradesman vise.

http://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/p/...esman-vise-b-a-s-h-20416-sledge-hammer/63200A

I'm a sucker for special editions, especially when they come with the extra goodie being a 4lb BASH hammer. This one opens to 5", so that's a plus and it has the pipe clamp, another big plus. But the darn thing weighs 53 lbs. I think I'd want to beef up my bench just for piece of mind.

So this brings up my question. Is there any love for a black Wilton special edition amongst vise enthusiasts? On the screen I think it looks a little weird, but it could grow on me and it would be unique if anything.

4 bills isn't a terrible price. Maybe they put a better paint job on the 75 anniversary vise then they do on there regular stock. The free beater makes it even better!!!

 

[topop101]

Topop101:

That Parker 376 is a beauty!!!

Good pick and pics!!!

Mike

Thanks Mike! I'm going to enjoy this one a while!

 

[topop101]

Top: WELL DONE and great find with the old coachmaker's Parker with swivel jaw. I just moved my Simplex 420P Coachmaker's vise last night from it's prior resting spot and took out the dynamic and i'm thinking it opened up almost 2 feet and maybe 18 inches with it still sticking out the static jaw. I bet yours will open up a ways too.

Joe: do I need to cut and paste and show what you just posted elsewhere? you don't have any more ROOM for vises or tools. or are you planning on building a 40 x 120 on your neighbor's lot after you burn down his house? that York might fit in a flat rate USPS box so a local sale isn't required.

P: nice find and does look homemade. you've been gone for a bit so don't make yourself a stranger even if you stopped buying a vise a day.

Zoomie: welcome back to you too. did you manage to get a few of those power arms for $60? too good of a deal to pass up if they were in decent shape.

Drives my lil guy only opens 7" . It has 3-7/8" jaws. I'm going to try some TSP to remove the "Extra " paint . Hopefully the original paint is lead and won't come off with TSP.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Good day for me, not a Joe Stripper day where they pay him to take Parkers off their hands but a good day none the less.
Craftsman 51830 Dad gave me he got at a yard sale so I am sure he paid next to nothing he never says what he pays.
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[GETRIDAONE]

It seems you are well on your way to being a "Viseaholic"

 

[va.grouseman]

Get, that boy has crossed the point of no return.

 

[02superduty]

Chilang is the Joestriper of the southwest.

 

[tedsters]

Been awhile since I posted a vise, here's a half way decent little Morgan 87
I picked up and probably one of the first with the pipe jaws still in it, this was filthier then heck when I got it all I did was cleaned it up with some totally awesome have not used no stripper or wire brushed it yet, first Morgan I have owned I am keeping this one, the tolerances are unbelievably close not sure if I want to paint it or leave it naked.
Please forgive the quality of the pics there from a $70 tablet my Macbook broke
The jaws are in good shape just need cleaned up

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

VA is a new acronym for Vise Anonymous.
(So when was the first time you used a Vise) Well it all started in Metal shop in high school and got progressively worse as I got older, now all I think about is my next vise.
Hell I will be board with thins in a few years and on to something else. It was a lot more fun when I was chasing women and drinking expensive whiskey but this is a hell of a lot cheaper.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Been awhile since I posted a vise, here's a half way decent little Morgan 87
I picked up and probably one of the first with the pipe jaws still in it, this was filthier then heck when I got it all I did was cleaned it up with some totally awesome have not used no stripper or wire brushed it yet, first Morgan I have owned I am keeping this one, the tolerances are unbelievably close not sure if I want to paint it or leave it naked.
Please forgive the quality of the pics there from a $70 tablet my Macbook broke
The jaws are in good shape just need cleaned up

I have the 88 they look nice painted but bare steal looks good also. Here is mine painted red, jaws came out great. I may have it sold it will be tough to give it up.

 

[va.grouseman]

Beautiful specimen Ted.---Would look great natural with BLO.---JMO.

 

[zkling]

Back to the Wilton 800s, what is the slide diameter on those? Or does anyone know for certain if the machinist series bullet vises are a consistent scale between the sizes?

 

[Motorman55]

Here's my little Erie Tool Works Model # 00-H Vise. Soon to be cleaned and painted. I'm thinking something other then black so it shows up better on the bench.

 

[tedsters]

I have the 88 they look nice painted but bare steal looks good also. Here is mine painted red, jaws came out great. I may have it sold it will be tough to give it up.

Back to the Wilton 800s, what is the slide diameter on those? Or does anyone know for certain if the machinist series bullet vises are a consistent scale between the sizes?

Beautiful specimen Ted.---Would look great natural with BLO.---JMO.

chi that is a nice 88 you have some nice vises, you do good work.

va I think that's what I want to do with this 87 is use the BLO on it, never used it though

 

[Jcrapola]

Back to the Wilton 800s, what is the slide diameter on those? Or does anyone know for certain if the machinist series bullet vises are a consistent scale between the sizes?

I saw a couple of those great big Wiltons a few months ago. And the scale of them is hard to describe. I had only seen photos of an 8" vise up to that point, and I was not prepared for how massive they are. A friend summed it up, "pictures don't describe the Grand Canyon either"....

 

[Shiftless]

Unusual feature...
Anybody ever seen this before?

Seen on C/L for $30

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/tls/5501539462.html

 

[autopts]

Joe, it looks kind of like a Columbian to me, jaw support doesn't look as massive as you usually see on an Athol, IMO. If nothing else, figured you needed a bump, post got lost in the offset vise excitement.
Jim

joe I'm think 454ragtop might be on to something. I can't think of any USA vise with thin jaws like that except Columbian.