The VISES of Garage Journal

[Shiftless]

Drives:

GMan: I kinda thought it said CALIF but the only old vise makers I could think of off hand was BARCALO (SP?) in Oakland, CA. and I think they moved factory or supplier across the big pond years ago.

Were you thinking of "Babco" ?
Their vises were marked "Oakland" (a city only a few miles from me) long after they were being cast in Asia (Japan, Taiwan, China). I suppose if a company maintains an office in Oakland, they can legally cast their office address on the vise. Seems sneaky to me...

Here is a pic of a broken one for sale on the local C/L

 

[CwazyWabbit]

CW
View media item 60646View media item 60647
If you look at the 1913 catalogue page 71 bottom right its dimensionally very close to that No4 but it should be with the other model F's above.
We need to find more catalogues.

Cheers for those pictures.

I see it now, that would also mean there's an even smaller one to look out for with the number 0. It's a shame that Fig 1896 seems to have been forgotten, it's even listed in the index of illustrations as being on that page :-/

The quick release set up looks the same as the usual ones we see, I don't suppose the parts from you broken No5 fit it? Or did that get repaired?

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I had a trawl through ebay.de and there is one the same though my efforts to translate to see if the seller mentions the manufacturer fell short

No one recognized the same logo on this either. The HSB is Hibbard-Spencer-Bartlett, the
True Value Hardware chain. I'm guessing it was imported in the 50,s or 60,s

 

[G-ManBart]

Yes it does, original paint, some surface rust, not many signs of use at all, very crisp...

Nice! The one thing I notice is that yours doesn't have a cross pin just behind the spindle the way the one I looked at does. I'm wondering if the machine shop modified this one so the "speed part" didn't work?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you lift up the spindle it allows you to quickly move the dynamic in or out, right?

If that's the case, the one I looked at appears to have had a hole drilled from left to right for a cross bolt/pin that prevents the screw from moving upwards, but fit loose enough that you could just push the pin out of the way.

In one way it makes me want it less, but then it sort of makes me want it as a user I wouldn't worry about.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

It could be the half nut was getting worn out and the screw was riding up and out of the nut. The cross pin on top would keep it in place .

 

[zoomieport]

Nice! The one thing I notice is that yours doesn't have a cross pin just behind the spindle the way the one I looked at does. I'm wondering if the machine shop modified this one so the "speed part" didn't work?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you lift up the spindle it allows you to quickly move the dynamic in or out, right?

If that's the case, the one I looked at appears to have had a hole drilled from left to right for a cross bolt/pin that prevents the screw from moving upwards, but fit loose enough that you could just push the pin out of the way.

In one way it makes me want it less, but then it sort of makes me want it as a user I wouldn't worry about.

You are correct, when you raise the spindle, it works as a "quick release, quick set".
It's a well made, very solid vise, it would be a nice user for sure.
I got it because it was unique and very stout.

 

[jakemac]

Scored a Reed 204R today. My first pug nosed vise.
They were originally asking $75, but offered it up for $60. I bundled it with a few other things and walked out $80 poorer.

Other than a little rust on the bare metal, some dirt and a little over spray, the vise is in great condition and runs smoothly. Original grey paint.

So, I ran into one of my estate sale regulars this morning. While we were waiting in line he asked if I had gone to this sale. He had been there on the first day and was eyeing the vise, but didn't want to pay the $75. It was the same model as the one his father used to have, so he wasn't too happy when I told him I got it on the second day for much less as part of a bundle. But, he did have a smerk on his face and a twinkle in his eye as he asked if I'd take $10 for it. Needless to say, he's still disappointed.

 

[drivesitfar]

Shift: that's the name. yes I agree about the location being stamped on a vise should be where it's made and not just assembled or shipped from. I think Irwin has even put on SHEFFIELD on their new vises because there is a city in CHINA with that name. some of the guys across the pond can confirm or deny that comment if they know.

Zoomie & GMan: so the Cardinal vise is a quick release? interesting and you say it releases by pulling up and sliding out the dynamic instead of a lever or just turning the handle counter clockwise to release it?

interesting vise to say the least. old school, made in California and quick release. so guessing that company or vises might have been started by an English guy maybe after WWII by the looks of the style and age of the vise?

 

[Beowulf]

I'm buying a new house and thought I needed s new vise. Looking at the 75th anniversary edition 1755. Price $399. It is black and comes with a bash sledge. The price seems lower than normal 1755 which makes me worry it is a cheapened version. Love to hear the forum's thoughts.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Specia...172898?hash=item5b20e91fe2:g:xjIAAOSwUuFW0QyF

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

So had to go up to my facility in North Phoenix today and decided to hit a few yard sales before the general Contractor got in, very good decision on my part. Guy has a bunch of good yard sale stuff, old gun books some camping gear a Craftsman drill bit box with bits and a few odds and ends. I ask him after I buy the craftsman drill bits if he has any vises he laughs and says just a little one, and pulls it out from the bottom of a milk crate that has a bunch of cable in it, I say how much he says 2 bucks. Good day today.

 

[joe.striper]

So had to go up to my facility in North Phoenix today and decided to hit a few yard sales before the general Contractor got in, very good decision on my part. Guy has a bunch of good yard sale stuff, old gun books some camping gear a Craftsman drill bit box with bits and a few odds and ends. I ask him after I buy the craftsman drill bits if he has any vises he laughs and says just a little one, and pulls it out from the bottom of a milk crate that has a bunch of cable in it, I say how much he says 2 bucks. Good day today.

YOU SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK MIGHTILY.:

 

[Loydski29]

Chilang you **** lol! Nice score!

 

[Thrumcap]

So had to go up to my facility in North Phoenix today and decided to hit a few yard sales before the general Contractor got in, very good decision on my part. Guy has a bunch of good yard sale stuff, old gun books some camping gear a Craftsman drill bit box with bits and a few odds and ends. I ask him after I buy the craftsman drill bits if he has any vises he laughs and says just a little one, and pulls it out from the bottom of a milk crate that has a bunch of cable in it, I say how much he says 2 bucks. Good day today.

The suckage off this just set the clocks back in Canada 30 minutes.

Thrumcap

 

[dutchgray]

CW
The QR parts would be quite a lot smaller on the 4 than on a 5 if I had them.
If I wanted to I could make some but it would take much time and I doubt I could ever get a perfect spring. Vice actually works well as it is.

 

[CwazyWabbit]

I guess it's not many turns to open a vice that small.

 

[CwazyWabbit]

Even I know Chilang ***** for that deal

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

I thought I got lucky when I found a Charles Parker 974 in great shape for $45 dollars I still cant believe I found it. Today I would like to change my profile to Rabbits foot. Its not bad to **** at something sometimes

 

[CRSINMICH]

The suckage off this just set the clocks back in Canada 30 minutes.

Thrumcap

45 minutes in Newfoundland

 

[S4cruiser]

If that guy who sold it to you only knew how much it would bring on eBay...but he probably could care less!!

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by Drivesitfar.

Zoomie & GMan: so the Cardinal vise is a quick release? interesting and you say it releases by pulling up and sliding out the dynamic instead of a lever or just turning the handle counter clockwise to release it?
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Drive, here's a few more that use that same slide mechanism.---I'm wondering who/what Co., first patented and perfected the ''half nut, quick set concept''.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

VA. Where have you been hiding that Parker ? That is NICE !!! That's agot to be worth a bunch of "Gold Monkeys"

 

[CRSINMICH]

VA: Something about your question sparked a memory and I found this. A man named John Simpson of Cleveland, Ohio was granted a patent for a quick adjust mechanism on November 14, 1871. It uses a half-nut (labeled C in the drawing). Athol used it for some of their early vises. I have a No. 46 with that mechanism.

EDIT: It was originally issued October 3, 1871 and re-issued on November 14 for some reason.

 

[va.grouseman]

CRS, can you post a pic of the #46, or is it at the bottom of a pile, like some of mine?

 

[G-ManBart]

Originally posted by Drivesitfar.

Zoomie & GMan: so the Cardinal vise is a quick release? interesting and you say it releases by pulling up and sliding out the dynamic instead of a lever or just turning the handle counter clockwise to release it?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not 100% certain that's how the Cardinal works, but I think so. The front of the dynamic jaw is machined flat for the spindle to move up and down. I can only assume that lifting it up raises it out of a half-nut to release. It appears they modified the vise with a cross bolt that will prevent the spindle/screw from moving upwards when it place (loose fit so easily removable). All of this makes me want to go back and buy that vise more!

 

[va.grouseman]

G-Man, you know what Nike says, ''JUST DO IT.''

 

[CRSINMICH]

VA: I have some pictures but none of them show the mechanism and yeah, it is on the bottom of the pile. I almost didn't buy it at the flea market because the dynamic and slide were loose when I picked it up by the handle. I noticed that there was a gap between the top of the slide and the top of the hole in the static jaw. Something sparked a memory then too so I looked closer and gave the man $25. It's a swivel jaw too but someone bolted it. This should be a fun resto.

 

[joe.striper]

OK, need more shelving, out of space, again!

Picked up this cadet today. First one I've ever had. Pd 20. Also bout a fixed base early 4.5" Reed in good shape, pd 20. Almost done with the Cfman 5196. Pics soon.

I found these broken and damaged vises at a junkyard. Does anyone need these pipe jaws? Email me if you do....

 

[drivesitfar]

VA: maybe this company was the first quick release in the US. I hear my Massey is a quick release and we had it dated in the late 1800's. i'd check it out but every time I pull a vise out of a corner it seems I have some member wanting to buy it or I start thinking of selling it. I think that one will be going with me just like my baby bullet on the power arm with clamp.

GMan: sound like there is something hinky with your vise, but if I were you it might be worth looking at and taking more pictures even if you don't buy it and bring it home. also that guy might have something else in the corners. I bought maybe 20 vises from one guy in maybe 5 trips to his farm and every time i'd show up he'd bring something else out of hiding and that's how I got my massey. some of the vises had issues once I got them home and will be great parts vises or i'll fix them as I have time and acquire the skills. just saying he might have a swivel jaw vise sitting under the bench or a 8 inch wide jaw one under a barrel at the back of his property.

cheers and have a great weekend.

is it still a little dark in the rabbit hole??

JOE: get a few shelving units like this one or my 550 pound Lyon Cabinet

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Took apart the baby bullet no issues on getting it apart but am a bit disappointed that there is a drill hole in the slide. It doesn't go all the way through but I am sure it take s some value away from it. I think I am going to go back to the guys and ask for 1/2 my money back. Cleaned up pretty nice, feel like a giant when you work on it.

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[freudianfloyd]

Garage sale find.....

Not exactly a valuable vise, and it's a small 3" vise, but I thought it was cool. Seems to be in great shape. Almost no wear at all.

Anybody know anything about Craftsman 5240 vises? I paid $5.

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[Evergreentree]

Drove past a good looking garage sale today, decide to swing back and take a look after work. Couldn't believe it was still open at 4:30.Anyways, asked the guy if he had any vises, and he asked how big I was looking for. I said every size. He said he didn't want to drag them out, because they were to heavy to mess with. He took me into his garage and there were sitting 4. Two reeds, one newer cman, and a Asian jobby.

Got a great deal. My first reeds! And a two for one deal! 203 1/2, and a 205 1/2. The picture doesn't do the 205 1/2 justice. Probabably my heaviest vise at the moment.

 

[Evergreentree]

I'm wondering about the 205 1/2 though. Looks like it had a base at one point. Normal threaded hole in the bottom, but it does have a 3rd mounting hole under the slide. Maybe someone drilled that out? Really clean work. Anyone know what's up?

Yes yes, the handle.

 

[Evergreentree]

Chilang-the baby is not worth keeping. I'll adopt it and take it off your hands!

Pretty sweet stuff man!

I know reeds are at the top of some of your lists guys, has to be lacking the base...right?

 

[drivesitfar]

EG: REED has a simple numbering system. 100 series are non swivel and the last # is the jaw size. 200 series like yours is should have a swivel base, but it's big enough to make a stand for and mount it with the 3 bolts and get a better 360 degree access.

funny you say you stopped at a garage sale at the end of the day and found those. I just stopped in to a garage sale that was at the end of a cul de sac I couldn't see from where I turned into it and they had a sale there a few months ago that looked like just clothes in the garage. dang it if I didn't just walk up there today and saw that they didn't have any tools so as I was paying the $2 for a nice little metal container I said didn't the person have any tools. she walks me out back to the 500 foot shop that had tools and the BIG vise and better tools went earlier today. I could have at least seen them if I would have walked up to the garage and asked a few months ago. live and learn.

have a great weekend all.

Chilang: it's too hot and too much gas to drive back to return the little baby so how about just putting it in a USPS flat rate box and i'll pay shipping and double your investment. WELL DONE and for a new guy on the vise thread a few months ago I have to ask have you seen GMan and Loydski and a few others on your way down that RABBIT HOLE to find a few of us. JOE thinks he's the king so if you get there don't be surprised if he want's half your vises for taxes.

cheers

 

[Evergreentree]

Drives-figured you'd chime in about it. I know you dig them. Easy numbering. Now I know.

That's exactly why I bought it. It's the perfect canidate to mount to a stand, and keep outside year round and watch it battle the elements and the dirty jobs, and not feel terribly bad about it. I did contact reed for a repop, just to see what it'll cost for chits and giggles, so we'll see what they say. Have a way to age the reeds?

 

[drivesitfar]

EG: you'll probably have to pay twice as much for a NEW swivel base for the 205.5 than you did for both vises, but good to check. my guess is both of yours were made in the 1930's and that's open for discussion. the handle on the 205.5 also looks like a replacement so yes that would be an awesome outside vise.

 

[scooternut]

Drove past a good looking garage sale today, decide to swing back and take a look after work. Couldn't believe it was still open at 4:30.Anyways, asked the guy if he had any vises, and he asked how big I was looking for. I said every size. He said he didn't want to drag them out, because they were to heavy to mess with. He took me into his garage and there were sitting 4. Two reeds, one newer cman, and a Asian jobby.

Got a great deal. My first reeds! And a two for one deal! 203 1/2, and a 205 1/2. The picture doesn't do the 205 1/2 justice. Probabably my heaviest vise at the moment.

Nice grab on the Reeds. What he ^ said about the 200 series.

FYI, ENCO has a promo until 11PM free shipping and 15% off no minimum. They have steel balls and steel stock. for your new REED handle. Promo codes are DOUBLE OFFER

 

[Evergreentree]

Thanks drives-outside it goes then. I only have 3 1/2"ers outside. Been Lookin for a big beefy good working beater, this is perfect. Besides the base and handle, very nice working, and nice. A vise collector can't have a complete piece of cr@p outside to beat on!

Thanks scooter, haven't even heard of enco. Can't find the steel balls and stock.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: Enco had the best price for Wilton copper jaw covers I found a few years ago and haven't checked for any recently, but I think they are a big mail order store out of Nevada. not sure what prices are today, but if they are having a special that might be another item to look for and buy if priced ok.

 

[joe.striper]

Finished the 5196 tonight. Stump pics coming tomorrow...but til then...