old 6" Wilton vise

[riverpilot]

I got this old Wilton vise from a friend. I want to get a base for it but I don't know what model it is. It went through a fire and is seized so I looked online to find the best way to free it up and someone said equal parts automatic transmission fluid and acetone. The screw is free but the two main parts are seized. Can anyone tell me what model it is and where I can find a base for it?

 

[G-ManBart]

It actually says on it that it's a No. 6, which fits with the 6" jaws. Acetone and transmission fluid is a really good choice for penetrating stuff that's stuck. If you can set the vise so it's upright, with the handle on top, and squirt the mixture where the slide enters the body of the vise, and let it sit, that's probably a good start....keep adding to it, and after a day or so see if you can get the slide to move.

If that doesn't work there are other things to try, and it would probably be good to post this over on the vise repair thread because some of the guys on there have seen everything imaginable!

I'll send you a PM about the swivel base.

 

[Packard V8]

Good project and you asked for suggestions.

1. Since it's cast iron and already been through a fire, heat works wonders in freeing up stuck parts. Bolt it to a bench (a piece of sheet metal under it will deflect most of the heat) and use a torch with a rosebud tip end-to-end on the fixed base cylinder. Have a helper to hold the torch while you turn the handle both directions. This usually frees the slide.

When apart, run it through the shot blaster with duct tape covering the slide. If no access to a shot blaster, use a wire wheel. When clean, wipe down with oil and put it to work.

2. The vise is perfectly functional without a swivel base. Bolt it down through all three holes and it's ready to work.

jack vines

 

[drivesitfar]

Jack: i like your thinking, but pretty sure you can only bolt it down with 2 bolts and not 3.

RP(riverpilot): all good suggestions so far and if you have a bucket of diesel or vinegar to set it in for a week that might be an easier method. make sure to rinse off any residue vinegar and dry completely otherwise vinegar can eat cast iron after a while. don't use a press even though some members have had some luck using one to separate rusted parts because i've seen a lot more wiltons broken from using that method.

also as far as getting a swivel base for it if you might want to build a stand and have 360 degree access that is what i would do or just mount it with 2 bolts because honestly most of us rarely use the swivel option. and a lot of us have 2 or more vises in our garages and shops.

also welcome to the forum and hope you stick around to learn something and maybe teach us or others what you know and have learned.

 

[Davefr]

Good project and you asked for suggestions.

2. The vise is perfectly functional without a swivel base. Bolt it down through all three holes and it's ready to work.

jack vines

^^^I agree 100%. I almost never swivel a swivel vise. Mount it properly in the corner of a workbench and the swivel will probably never be needed.

That looks like a nice clean Wilton. At least the fire stripped off the old paint!!

Another option is to throw it in a tote with 10-15% feed grade (ie cheap) Molasses and water. Check it once a week until it frees up. Don't be impatient.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ +1 on throwing the entire vise in tub full of something.

Heck I'd use diesel fuel and just put lid of tote back on.

Nice score OP on 6" Wilton that likely be last large vise you'll ever need !!

 

[riverpilot]

Thanks you guys for all the input, I think I will soak it for a good long time before I attempt to take it apart, like a week or more. I really don't want to damage it.
I'm guessing the base would be difficult to find but I would like to have one for it. In the end I will probably bolt it directly to my bench anyway.

 

[G-ManBart]

Thanks you guys for all the input, I think I will soak it for a good long time before I attempt to take it apart, like a week or more. I really don't want to damage it.
I'm guessing the base would be difficult to find but I would like to have one for it. In the end I will probably bolt it directly to my bench anyway.

I'm almost certain you can find the correct base for it. Autopts here is one source to check with.

 

[Bcom]

Wow! That thing looks pretty nice for going through a fire

 

[straightcut]

I had a Wilton C-1 that the dynamic jaw had rusted solid. The previous owner had cranked the handle in an attempt to free it, which sheared the three screws holding the horseshoe washer to the dynamic jaw. That's easy to do, but not recommended.

With the spindle removed, I knocked out the back cover and dropped the vise into an electrolysis bath overnight. After removing and drying, I soaked the slide area with Kano Kroil several times over a two week period. It was left in a garage (and garages get very hot in the summer, here in Phoenix). Finally, I attached it with chains to a Hi Lift Jack with a JackMate attachment and managed to separate the two pieces without too much effort. It would be easier with a second pair of hands, but I was able to manage it alone.

Regarding the swivel base, I would double check the part numbers here (make sure this is the correct diagram):
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/wi...chinist-vise-parts-c-32774_155485_155576.html
Then, do a google search for the part numbers for the outer and inner ring to find the best prices. I have purchased swivels in that manner, then purchased the swivel locks from our GJ member/friend, Kevin because his parts are superior to even oem Wilton parts
http://www.wiltonviseparts.net/600s...l-clamps-x-2-tall-with-5-8-11-threads-single/
You won't be sorry with the quality of Kevin's parts!

Congratulations on a great vise! Good luck with the quest to get it back in action on your bench!

 

[riverpilot]

Hey guys I got it un-stuck. It was a lot of work but well worth it.
Thanks for all the input and advice. For now I have it mounted to the corner of my bench but I still would like to get a swivel base someday.
By the way, nothing was stamped on the steel bar stock inside, no date.
Any way of telling when it was made?