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The VISES of Garage Journal

G

G-ManBart

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pdq67 said:
Please tell me if/where I can buy a decent "CHEAP" vice made out of either real cast-steel or ductile-iron.

A brand and price range please....

One that swivels with about 3" or 4" jaw width is all for my workbench.

I read not to buy the CHEAP HFT cast gray-iron vices because they break too easy so I want a better quality one if it won't cost me a pound of flesh...

I don't need an expensive heavy-duty one that a Machine Shop would use, just for my hobbies is all.

Thanks in advance,

pdq67
Click to expand...

I think cheap means something different to everyone, but if you're willing to spend $50-100 you can get a nice used 4" swivel base vise made in the U.S. without much trouble just looking on Craigslist. It's also possible that you live close enough to one of the vise addicts on this thread that they might have something for you....just depends on where you are.

As far as brands go, there are many, and some of the brands that are known for being a U.S. vise also make some of their less expensive models overseas now, so it can be confusing.

If I was looking for a solid, inexpensive, U.S. made vise in the 4" range and wanted the most vise for my dollar, I'd probably look for a Columbian or a U.S. made Craftsman vise. With that said, Reed, Wilton, Morgan, Prentiss, Parker, Athol, Rock Island, Yost, American Scale, and many others made great vises that can be had pretty reasonably. I saw this 4" Morgan the other day and for $90 I think it's a bargain (just as an example).

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/5653402120.html
 
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454ragtop

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Carver, MA
pdq67 said:
Please tell me if/where I can buy a decent "CHEAP" vice made out of either real cast-steel or ductile-iron.

A brand and price range please....

One that swivels with about 3" or 4" jaw width is all for my workbench.

I read not to buy the CHEAP HFT cast gray-iron vices because they break too easy so I want a better quality one if it won't cost me a pound of flesh...

I don't need an expensive heavy-duty one that a Machine Shop would use, just for my hobbies is all.

Thanks in advance,

pdq67
Click to expand...
As was mentioned, might want to add your location. The vise you seek is the most common, a medium duty vise in that size range is easy to come by. Myself, and I'm sure many others have many that would fit the bill, older Craftsman, Columbians, Parkers, Prentiss, any of the US makers would have produced something to meet your specs.
 
V

va.grouseman

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CRS, 454 nailed it.---My Lewis is a fixed jaw so no need for the dingus.---I'm thinking the dingus has something to do with the swiveling jaw release, but having never seen one operate, that's just a guess.---I almost pulled the trigger on one a couple of years ago with a swivel base, and swivel jaw, and restored with BLO finish, really nice, but he just wanted too much.---It was on EBay.

However mine is a combination Lewis minus the pipe jaws until I fix it with a pair.---I have a close-up of mine where the pipe jaws should be, plus pics that I borrowed from a Printess that's on EBay right now.---The Printess has the channel slide but the same kind of pipe jaws.---Just for comparison.---Mine's the dirty one.:thumbup:

Lewis and Prentiss were kissing cousins you know.:bounce:
 

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bulletpruf

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honza.vosalik said:
You might get some nice svěrák York in Czech Republic through sbazar.cz or aukro.cz
Click to expand...

There are a few deals there, it appears.

Here's a 6" York (150 mm) for $81 U.S. http://www.sbazar.cz/1983janavotrubova/detail/17528118-sverakyork Lousy picture, but looks like a lot of vise for the $$$ if it's undamaged.

And this one looks like a monster (no real way to tell) for $69. http://www.sbazar.cz/YachtPetr/detail/14877796-prodam-velky-sverak-podivejte-se-na-moji

I could fit about 20 of these in my suitcase - baby Leinen - 2.36" jaws - only $16! http://www.sbazar.cz/krsji/detail/17591451-maly-dilensky-sverak

Anyway, here's the search - you can scroll through severel pages worth - http://www.sbazar.cz/hledej/svěrák
 
C

CRSINMICH

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va.grouseman said:
CRS, 454 nailed it.---My Lewis is a fixed jaw so no need for the dingus.---I'm thinking the dingus has something to do with the swiveling jaw release, but having never seen one operate, that's just a guess.---I almost pulled the trigger on one a couple of years ago with a swivel base, and swivel jaw, and restored with BLO finish, really nice, but he just wanted too much.---It was on EBay.

However mine is a combination Lewis minus the pipe jaws until I fix it with a pair.---I have a close-up of mine where the pipe jaws should be, plus pics that I borrowed from a Printess that's on EBay right now.---The Printess has the channel slide but the same kind of pipe jaws.---Just for comparison.---Mine's the dirty one.:thumbup:
:
Click to expand...

grouseman: Thanks for the follow up info. Have you posted any of that on the Vise Manufacturer's thread? It seems like it would be a good addition to the odd bits of information there.

I know I've seen pipe jaws like that before. I hope it wasn't on a vise that I decided not to buy.
 
M

mike_paxton

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Dec 15, 2013
Messages
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Bought on Sunday a Columbian blacksmith post leg vise with 4-1/4 inch jaws, weight of 40 pounds and which stands 41-1/2 inches high.

Cleaned it up this morning.

Pics 1-7
 

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P

pdq67

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I'm in Columbia, MO!

The above post vice, (45491), is really what I want if I can find one! But I will take a good steel vice like asked about.

You can beat on a post vice with a 10 pound sledgehammer and not hurt it!

I had one back in HS as a kid along with my crank forge, post drill, and anvil., (early to mid '60's).

Mom sold the farm and I couldn't keep any of my stuff together so lost all of it.

pdq67
 
T

topop101

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I had to dig out a few of my Wilton's to send a customer some photo's to choose from . I thought I would share them here. Some day maybe I'll have enough time to show them all off , Parkers, Reeds, Prentiss, Athol's Columbians, ect. In the pic's there are babies, 3" 4", 4-1/2" C1. None have been restored I let the customer choose how they want them so no sparkle here.
 

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topop101

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pdq67 said:
I'm in Columbia, MO!

The above post vice, (45491), is really what I want if I can find one! But I will take a good steel vice like asked about.

You can beat on a post vice with a 10 pound sledgehammer and not hurt it!

I had one back in HS as a kid along with my crank forge, post drill, and anvil., (early to mid '60's).

Mom sold the farm and I couldn't keep any of my stuff together so lost all of it.

pdq67
Click to expand...

PDI have what you need. 5-1/4" Indian Chief post vise. Or one of the Wilton's posted above. Or one of the other many I have. I'm in your area
 
Last edited:
J

joe.striper

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My pickups today l-r: reed 204 1/2, 2" keystone, Parker 973 rotating base, Parker 954, parker 954, morgan 30.
 

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S

Shiftless

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East Bay SFO
At the other end of the vise spectrum, but keeping it American made, is this little Columbian 04 I brought home today.
Loosen up frozen fasteners with Kroil, Disassemble and wash down with industrial degreaser in water, rinse, rub with BLO.
I like the "experienced" look of the original paint so it will remain that way.
 

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V

va.grouseman

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Topop, really nice collection.---You are starting to look like Zoomie.---You do need a couple of #820s to round out your family.

Also Top, I have a 5 1/4'' Indian Chief to, but I couldn't part with mine.---I like it to much.---It's funny, the Indian posters bring a whole lot more than the Columbians but I read where Columbian made the Indians.---Go figure.
 
T

topop101

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va.grouseman said:
Topop, really nice collection.---You are starting to look like Zoomie.---You do need a couple of #820s to round out your family.

Also Top, I have a 5 1/4'' Indian Chief to, but I couldn't part with mine.---I like it to much.---It's funny, the Indian posters bring a whole lot more than the Columbians but I read where Columbian made the Indians.---Go figure.
Click to expand...

VA Thanks, I only have the 3 820's. Maybe you couldn't see then in my weed garden lol.
I've never heard that Columbian made Indian Chiefs ! I know they are built a lot heavier than the Columbian brand. My 5-1/4 tips the scale at around 90 pounds.
 
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CrotalusAtrox

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joe.striper said:
My pickups today l-r: reed 204 1/2, 2" keystone, Parker 973 rotating base, Parker 954, parker 954, morgan 30.
Click to expand...

I think Morgans are a top notch vice not as elegant as a Wilton but their quality is as good in my opinion. I have had three and they are very well made and the removable jaws make them great for restorations.
 
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va.grouseman

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Sorry Top, I saw those and thought they were little 2''ers but I misinterpreted the wording..---My brain don't know what it's reading half the time.

I'll try to find that piece that said Columbian made Indian Chief vises for you.
 
B

big daddy 3902

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Dec 22, 2014
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morning guys....found this 3" bench vise, V102 is the only id on it....might be another letter in front on the v, cant read it....light green color....seems like a little beast...any ideas?.....thx again
 

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V

va.grouseman

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Top, found it.---It was from an Indian Chief EBay description.---Auction ended 12-20-15.---Don't know how you could verify the info, but he makes it sound good.

I have to make one correction though.---He didn't say Columbian but Columbus Forge & Iron Co..---I knew that if it was more than 6 hours ago that I wouldn't get it right.:dunno:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/371502056878?rmvSB=true
 
A

autopts

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Chilang said:
I think Morgans are a top notch vice not as elegant as a Wilton but their quality is as good in my opinion. I have had three and they are very well made and the removable jaws make them great for restorations.
Click to expand...

+++1 on that!
 
D

drivesitfar

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VA: just think how bad your memory would be if you didn't have all these vises and the searches you do to learn more about them. i for one really appreciate all the information you give us and for all the cool vise pictures you keep showing up with on your little picnic table. even if you are not 100% right all the time you are still a great asset to this thread and GJ. thanks

also if you happen to find that information about the blacksmith vises there is a blacksmith vise thread in Vintage section that could use more information because there are so many homemade ones.

TOP: are you like me where you have vises stuffed everywhere since you don't have a big shop yet? or maybe so your wife can't see them all in one visit to your garage?:thumbup: thanks for sharing

ALL: going on two weeks since i bought a vise, but dang if i don't look still everyday. hope you all find and are using the one (or more) you like.

cheers
 
R

Rileysan

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Milwaukie, Oregon
big daddy 3902 said:
morning guys....found this 3" bench vise, V102 is the only id on it....might be another letter in front on the v, cant read it....light green color....seems like a little beast...any ideas?.....thx again
Click to expand...

Interesting vise - I've never seen one quite like that. My knee-jerk reaction is that it's Chinese, but it's beefier than the junk being sold today.

The Handle and screw look exactly like my 1990's Taiwan-made Olympia vise, which was actually really well made.

Are you thinking about buying it? If it's tight, I'd say it's probably worth $40 but not much more.

Now, if it's a vintage American made vise I'm not aware of, that's another story.

Brian
 
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bulletpruf

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B

bulletpruf

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zoomieport said:
Sounds like you should get a shipping container, fill if full of vises and anvils and share the wealth with your fellow GJ addicts! (I'll take the anvils!):beer:
Click to expand...

Anvils are cheap here, too. Here's a 154 pound anvil for about $240. Might be able to talk him down to $1/lb. http://www.kupujemprodajem.com/nakovanj-34756274-oglas.htm?filter_id=76553996

Dang it - here's 265 lbs for about $260! http://www.kupujemprodajem.com/nakovanj-120kg-34453125-oglas.htm?filter_id=76553996

And 220 lbs for about $300...
http://www.kupujemprodajem.com/Kovacki-nakovanj-100kg-34598137-oglas.htm?filter_id=76553996

Will have to post on the anvil thread...
 
Z

zoomieport

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bulletpruf said:
Anvils are cheap here, too. Here's a 154 pound anvil for about $240. Might be able to talk him down to $1/lb. http://www.kupujemprodajem.com/nakovanj-34756274-oglas.htm?filter_id=76553996

Dang it - here's 265 lbs for about $260! http://www.kupujemprodajem.com/nakovanj-120kg-34453125-oglas.htm?filter_id=76553996

And 220 lbs for about $300...
http://www.kupujemprodajem.com/Kovacki-nakovanj-100kg-34598137-oglas.htm?filter_id=76553996

Will have to post on the anvil thread...
Click to expand...

Now you are just being mean...:lol_hitti
 
D

drivesitfar

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BP: if vises and anvils are so reasonably priced how about their trucks? here's a plan buy a nice truck and fill it up with vises and anvils and drive it home. i'd kill to see your wife's face when you pull up with that load.

cheers and are you feeling a bit like a little kid in a candy store now?

GET: maybe we are just looking for special ones or getting pickier. :thumbup:

or maybe when you get to triple digits in them it's hard to find more space to put new purchases. Did you notice Joe's tarped carports he's not showing us what's inside? i'd have to get a steel container in my neighborhood adn i'm pretty certain the bride wouldn't approve. :bounce:
 
B

bulletpruf

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drivesitfar said:
BP: if vises and anvils are so reasonably priced how about their trucks? here's a plan buy a nice truck and fill it up with vises and anvils and drive it home. i'd kill to see your wife's face when you pull up with that load.

cheers and are you feeling a bit like a little kid in a candy store now?
Click to expand...

Definitely feeling like a kid in a candy store...here's the plan:

1. Purchase vintage truck. Something that will easily carry a few tons in the bed/box.

2. Purchase vises and anvils until truck can take no more.

3. Drive home to Italy.

4. Sell vises and anvils.
5. Use proceeds to cover purchase price for vises/anvils, truck, and divorce attorney:lol_hitti
 
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