The VISES of Garage Journal

[jimreed2160]

I need some help with this one. It looks like 19th century and is in great shape. I think it has its original japan finish. The front has a real Parker look to it.

Smooth 4" jaws held in with 3 slotted screws.

As best as I can tell the collar casting says
PAT'D NOV 25 1887

The model number cast into the static is NO 4000

It is very heavy--maybe 25-35 lbs. Perhaps for sheet metal? or carriage work? Need help from the experts.

 

[joe.striper]

OK, this is a big vise. i was trying to find a maker when I looked really hard at the teeth of the jaws!!! HOLEY MOLEY!!!That was a lot of misspent time right there!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VISE-7-FIXE...162894?hash=item2ef7c1b58e:g:pSAAAOSw5cNYMylh

 

[joe.striper]

I need some help with this one. It looks like 19th century and is in great shape. I think it has its original japan finish. The front has a real Parker look to it.

Smooth 4" jaws held in with 3 slotted screws.

As best as I can tell the collar casting says
PAT'D NOV 25 1887

The model number cast into the static is NO 4000

It is very heavy--maybe 25-35 lbs. Perhaps for sheet metal? or carriage work? Need help from the experts.

Parker Carriage Makers or a tinsmith vise. I believe it has many coats of paint. Always desirable and collectible. Nice vise.

 

[RedVise]

I made a shelf to display my small vises and some of the restored ones. No sooner made the piece for the Colton pattern vises and hand vises, came across another hand vise I couldn't pass up.

Nice, like the clamp on vises.

Brian

 

[G-ManBart]

OK, this is a big vise. i was trying to find a maker when I looked really hard at the teeth of the jaws!!! HOLEY MOLEY!!!That was a lot of misspent time right there!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VISE-7-FIXE...162894?hash=item2ef7c1b58e:g:pSAAAOSw5cNYMylh

I passed on that one quite some time ago....the seller was asking $500. I doubt the current seller (different guy) paid that much. The fact is has no markings, the handle looks cobbled together, and the screw protrudes out the back with a spring and washer on it was enough to discourage me.

 

[jimreed2160]

Thanks for the lightning fast ID, Joe. Looks like I need to move this one into the #1 cleanup spot.

 

[dutchgray]

nia573
The Swindens is a great find, they are very desirable and yours being unused would sell for big money on eBay, its probably the most useful vice you could have, I still haven't managed to get one myself.

 

[zoomieport]

Hi All,
New to the forum, although I lurk on occasion.

I just picked up a vise this week and figured I would add it here and hopefully someone can help identify it a little bit. I spent hours searching yesterday, but obviously didn't make it through the billion posts in this thread. If it should be in a different thread, let me know, I'm new.

As far as I can tell it has no real makers mark, so its probably an import, but it does have some striking resemblances to a Morgan 45. The only writing, as you can see, is on the side "4 1/2 Standard Vise", and yes, it does in fact have 4.5" jaws. Sounds pretty generic, but I'm hoping maybe it is something decent. It actually has a very nice feel to it, no real slop or backlash, jaws line up well.

bfallard,

Welcome!
You have lurked yourself into someone that knows a rebadged Morgan when they see one.

Take Care!
ZOOM

 

[zoomieport]

Nice Stephens you got there Zoomie. I remember you once posted a bunch of your small or "mini" vises. I can't recall if they were all Stephens or a mix with Prentiss, nice collection.

BTW, I have seen brochures that have STEPHENS and some brochures that have STEVENS; do you have any that have Stevens on the vise?

Back in the day, Prentiss bought out many manufacturers and have seen the odd Prentiss vise brochure that looked like the Stephens cam lock type vise; do you (or anyone) have a Prentiss branded vise like these?

I have 6 little Prentisses (Prenti, Prentiss', Prentiss's, whatever...) and 2 of the Stephens's's's's's (whatever...), plus the swivel jaw attachment and they are all clearly marked STEPHENS... The Prentisses (am I really trying to spell again?) on the other hand...

Take care!
ZOOM

 

[bagged89s10]

I need some help with this one. It looks like 19th century and is in great shape. I think it has its original japan finish. The front has a real Parker look to it.

Smooth 4" jaws held in with 3 slotted screws.

As best as I can tell the collar casting says
PAT'D NOV 25 1887

The model number cast into the static is NO 4000

It is very heavy--maybe 25-35 lbs. Perhaps for sheet metal? or carriage work? Need help from the experts.

Like Joe said it's a Parker. They called them Coach Makers vises.

There is an ad on this post. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98279
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1090&pictureid=8910

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I need some help with this one. It looks like 19th century and is in great shape. I think it has its original japan finish.

As best as I can tell the collar casting says
PAT'D NOV 25 1887

The date is Nov. 26 1867 and is for the collar arrangement and slot in the screw to move the jaws back out. I think the ?000 numbering system was used around 1900. That vise should be useful in your wood working.

 

[bfallard]

bfallard,

Welcome!
You have lurked yourself into someone that knows a rebadged Morgan when they see one.

Take Care!
ZOOM

Thanks Zoom,
Was it pretty common for Morgan to private label or rebadge?
Any ideas on how to determine the age?

I was planning on picking this up as a junky vise to give to my brother, but now I'm tempted to clean it up and hang on to it.... this forum is trouble.... how many do I need? Already have a 5" Columbian and a 3.5" Wilton bullet. Now I'm really collecting vices.

 

[joe.striper]

I need some help with this one. It looks like 19th century and is in great shape. I think it has its original japan finish.

As best as I can tell the collar casting says
PAT'D NOV 25 1887

The date is Nov. 26 1867 and is for the collar arrangement and slot in the screw to move the jaws back out. I think the ?000 numbering system was used around 1900. That vise should be useful in your wood working.

Drop that baby into a container of pure simple green and in 3 days it will be naked and beautiful.

 

[rusty65]

Just curious if anyone might have any info on this vise. It has 2 1/8 jaws / opening is 2 1/4. The only markings I have found seem to be W.H. Co 1800. And the lead screw appears to be cast in place some how it doesn't have a traditional collar and doesn't seem to be removable.





Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[kwoswalt99]

I'm gonna guess Athol, and that it says 1900 instead of 1800.

 

[va.grouseman]

OK, this is a big vise. i was trying to find a maker when I looked really hard at the teeth of the jaws!!! HOLEY MOLEY!!!That was a lot of misspent time right there!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VISE-7-FIXE...162894?hash=item2ef7c1b58e:g:pSAAAOSw5cNYMylh

Looks like a lot of hacksaw work Joe.---Not bad hacksaw work though.---Maybe go back over it with the edge of a file and make pointed serration.---But would it be worth it.

 

[joe.striper]

Looks like a lot of hacksaw work Joe.---Not bad hacksaw work though.---Maybe go back over it with the edge of a file and make pointed serration.---But would it be worth it.

I think there may be some wiggilin' going on there if it is clamped hard. I dont know VA......

 

[joe.striper]

Just curious if anyone might have any info on this vise. It has 2 1/8 jaws / opening is 2 1/4. The only markings I have found seem to be W.H. Co 1800. And the lead screw appears to be cast in place some how it doesn't have a traditional collar and doesn't seem to be removable.





Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

I know how to take it apart. I think I know how to do it....just gotta remember....I agree 1900 on the date....damn ***** to getvild.

 

[va.grouseman]

Originally posted by Bfallard.

As far as I can tell it has no real makers mark, so its probably an import, but it does have some striking resemblances to a Morgan 45.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bfallard, I agree with Zoomie.---Standard is a rebranded Morgan or one of their series'.

As matter of fact, I think that all 4 of these vises are kin folk.

 

[bfallard]

va.grouseman,
Thats good news. After searching for 4 hours yesterday, I was starting to think I wasted $40 on an import. Now, it seems like I got a decent price on it. Appreciate the pics and thanks for the help!

Very cool stack of 4, btw.

-Bryan

 

[drivesitfar]

BF: there was a thread on Standard brand vises maybe a couple years ago so do a search either here in General tools or Google it and that sometimes works better on old threads. i know who started the thread if you can't find it just PM me and i'll try to look it up under his GJ name/handle.

you did well for your investment.

 

[bfallard]

BF: there was a thread on Standard brand vises maybe a couple years ago so do a search either here in General tools or Google it and that sometimes works better on old threads. i know who started the thread if you can't find it just PM me and i'll try to look it up under his GJ name/handle.

you did well for your investment.

I found and just read that thread. Interesting. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! Previously I had done what was mentioned at the beginning of that thread which was to google "Standard Vise", to no avail. I knew there were people on here that would be able to direct my search. Thanks again to everyone. If I find time to clean it up and restore it, I'll post up some pics (but that might not happen for awhile).

 

[Loydski29]

Saw this on eBay thought I would share.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/322332744245

 

[kwoswalt99]

Nice Desmond Stephan.

 

[buckwheat_la]

So I am in need of your guys help (and it is all your fault, lol) As I started looking into Vises I researched and dug around here and became a bit of a pack rat where Vises are concerned so now I am totally going to throw myself at the mercy of you Vise experts Tomorrow A.M. where I am going to put up all the Vises I have collected up here with pics and get you to help me choose 3 for my shop and home.

 

[drivesitfar]

BF: hope that thread helped you with your STANDARD vise. yes typing in standard vise might get you a billion sites to visit. post up a few pictures of yours and a link to that thread since you found it when you are posting the pictures if you have time.

Loydski: nice find and not surprising the price is up there either. if it was an old REED or ROCK ISLAND 8 incher it would maybe get more of my attention. not sure under all that paint that there isn't any issues either so if anybody is wanting a big 8 inch vise like that or any of them you might want to see them in person. I know those big vises and especially the 8 inchers would be used to HAMMER ON and as a PRESS more than once. i saw one with 4 welds on it and they guy originally got it in great shape, but kept putting tractor parts in it to straighten it out. he said every time he broke it he just got out the welder and he said it worked better than new. of course he took a $1500 vise and i didn't even offer him $50 or $100 for the parts.

ALL: Besides GETRIDOFONE is anybody else painting their vises with the wrinkled paint and having any success? do tell your secrets and show some pictures cause there isn't much information about that anywhere that i've been able to find.

just finishing up a pallet/crate with another 150 pounder heading out to a GJ member's shop via Fastenal. not that these pallet/crates have ever been damaged by Fastenal yet, but as you can see i tend to maybe overbuild them just in case so the vise makes it to the buyer's home like i sent it to him. i'll post up a few more pictures on making a pallet/crate on the shipping thread and feel free to post up yours too if you guys have some to share. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338752&page=2

 

[buckwheat_la]

Hey guys (at least for anyone who cares)

Two smaller vises (1 of which will get mounted to my work bench in my basement)

Red one is a wilton with a swivel base

I believe the other is a Henry

 

[454ragtop]

Bottom vise looks like the better of the 2. That Wilton is at the bottom of the barrel, and in fact appears to have been repaired where the bar enters the dynamic jaw.

 

[buckwheat_la]

For medium vises I have 3 to choose from (technically 4 which I will explain).

There is a very clean Record (england made)

A older RAE with swivel base (this is my favorite and Canadian made)

A Eron

 

[buckwheat_la]

The last one is not even in contention. A friend told me he saw a heavy vise for $50 bucks and I told him to pick it up.....it works but I am pretty sure is Chinese or India made

 

[buckwheat_la]

Bottom vise looks like the better of the 2. That Wilton is at the bottom of the barrel, and in fact appears to have been repaired where the bar enters the dynamic jaw.

I never noticed that. I will look closer at it when I get to the shop

 

[drivesitfar]

BW: so if you really would like some help you might also put in your next posts with the vises you are thinking of keeping by telling us what you plan to do in your garage or shop. some of us have just 2 vises set up and some of have 7 with more than a few at the ready.

have you taken a look at the vise stands thread where you can maybe make a trailer hitch mount to use more than one vise in the same spot? here's one of my favorite benches set up for just that.

 

[bfallard]

Here's the link to the thread about "Standard Vise (s)"
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267796&highlight=Standard+brand+vises

Pictures of my find are in post # 49290, page 2465

 

[jreb10]

ALL: Besides GETRIDOFONE is anybody else painting their vises with the wrinkled paint and having any success? do tell your secrets and show some pictures cause there isn't much information about that anywhere that i've been able to find.

I wrinkle-painted a Desmond Simplex combination vise a year or two ago, I did like the result very much:





I don't know how to make paint wrinkle, so I used VHT Wrinkle Plus paint, in this example #SP204. It comes in Red, Blue, Grey, and Black the last time I checked. I did do some experimentation before hand to get the hang of it.

It needs to go down thick, and it needs warms temps to wrinkle. Since it is a thick coat it takes a few weeks to cure since I was just putting it out in the sun at the height of summer. I am sure an oven could speed things up.

An important thing I learned is to be aware of inside and outside edges and corners as they impact paint thickness and hence the degree of wrinkling. In my case the paint got a bit too thick on the inside corner by the base, and wrinkled more than I would have liked. Still not too bad.



Overall I am a fan of the wrinkled look and will do more of it in the future.

 

[drivesitfar]

JReb: i found with almost any painting that PREP and good temperatures is what can make them work best. thanks for the 411 on how you did your WRINKLE on that cool old DESMOND which by the way is one very well built vise that doesn't get enough respect. i own one of their Coachmaker vises and it's a BEAST. thanks

ALL: i know others have tried and maybe had or didn't have success with WRINKLE paint so post them up if you have time. here's GET's black Rock Island and i think he did a green wrinkle maybe on a big Parker lately but it didn't show up when i searched WRINKLE. both look amazing.

TJ: anyway to make the BRIGHT GREEN a wrinkle look?

 

[Can I try?]

drivesitfar In a recent post, you recommended BW look at the vise stands thread. Do you recommend a particular thread? I did a search, and it yielded a multitude of threads on vise stands, but no one thread appeared to be the vise stand thread. Thank you.

 

[drivesitfar]

CIT: here's the biggest one (i think) that has a lot of member's posts on it and some great ideas. take a peek and make a post or PM me and let me know if it helped.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252799&highlight=vise+stands

ALL: speaking of vise stands this one I would rate right up there if not my favorite it would be very close to it. Royce made this stand almost entirely out of scraps. talk about being able to put your vises in a few different angles.

 

[jimreed2160]

I just could not stand looking at the ancient Parker with white paint splattered on it. I flicked off the paint with a pocketknife, polished it with a Scotchbrite pad, and finished with Simple Green. Underneath it all is what looks like its original japan finish. I will break it down later for a better cleaning but I want to just add some BLO and preserve the japan. Then it gets mounted for its new woodworking job.

 

[Outlawmws]

Jim, with that much of the finish left on one that old I'd on;y go after the remaining rust with maybe Evaporust. Then maybe BLO over that. Cool Vise!

 

[Can I try?]

Drives Thank you! I subscribed to the thread you recommended. For some reason when I searched I just came up with a bunch of 1, 2, and 3-page threads.