The VISES of Garage Journal

[Bcom]

More great work from the G-man!

Bcom:
IIWY, I would give that Cadet more than a quick check before laying down any cash. I bought a Chicago 9400 more than a year ago that looked like that (plus it was frozen shut) and I got it unstuck but still haven't been able to get it to slide smoothly. However on the plus side it had almost perfect jaws, a fine swivel base and all the handles were straight. I paid $60.

KMS:
Another for your Prentiss 19. One of my favorite makers. Love the color!

I had no intentions to buy that cadet. A cadet was mentioned by previous posters and i just added to the convo

 

[va.grouseman]

previously posted by Gungatim.

I never used it and as it had a broken post on one side and it just sat in the way so I answered a CL wanted ad and sold it to a guy for $35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


You sold that for $35.00?

 

[gungatim]

You paid a dollar for that!

if you hang out at farm auctions, near the end, big heavy stuff goes for nothing. you can kind of see the base it was on in the first pic, it was an old woodworking machine cast base, steel frame with the sides removed and a butcher block top. I just wanted the base, wasn't really into old 'arn much back then (about 10 yrs. ago). same auction I got my set of cutting torches/tanks/cart for $75 and my 6x6 solid maple work bench for a buck...but I also lost a bit too, picked up a Dixie chopper and some Hobart commercial meat machines for $35 x3, hoping to make a buck. they were filled with rat piss and completely rusted solid...

it's all fun though...

 

[va.grouseman]

Man what a difference 10 years makes.---If you find one at a farm auction for 100 bucks today, you better dive on it or hide it so nobody else can see it.

 

[Bcom]

Anyone? Anyone? I went and picked up another 9450 the other day and the guy i got it from was a woodworker and had a good size shop. He took me over to his bench and showed me a big woodworkers vise. He said it was an Emmert Turtleback. I personally dont know anything about woodworkers vises. Was it anything special?

 

[gungatim]

Anyone? Anyone? I went and picked up another 9450 the other day and the guy i got it from was a woodworker and had a good size shop. He took me over to his bench and showed me a big woodworkers vise. He said it was an Emmert Turtleback. I personally dont know anything about woodworkers vises. Was it anything special?

well I do know that the turtleback is a very valuable vise. when I was on the woodworking forums a lot, those were one of the holy grail's....check out OWWM, I believe they allow woodworking vices on there (I got yelled at for posting my emmert because it was a metal working vice)...

 

[gungatim]

Man what a difference 10 years makes.---If you find one at a farm auction for 100 bucks today, you better dive on it or hide it so nobody else can see it.

yeah, that's because of this site...now everyone wants tools. used to be able to pick that stuff up for almost nothing...I blame GJ! (ok, and the fact that in 10 yrs. we've been flooded with cheap Asian **** and the good US made stuff is drying up)

 

[va.grouseman]

yeah, that's because of this site...now everyone wants tools. used to be able to pick that stuff up for almost nothing...I blame GJ! (ok, and the fact that in 10 yrs. we've been flooded with cheap Asian **** and the good US made stuff is drying up)

YES and YES.

 

[bluebolt]

Sometimes you get a good deal and sometimes you screw up. I stopped by a place selling antiques and stuff. I spied this Reed 203 1/2R and the Wilton 9350. The Reed is stuck closed and will be a project. The Wilton looked OK, I unscrewed it about an inch and the teeth on the jaws looked good and no obvious damage. I was in a hurry to make it to a hospital appointment so I made what I thought was a decent deal.

Then I got home and unscrewed the Wilton the rest of the way

Plus the rest of the slide is stuck inside the main body.

Now I need some beer, or two or three...

Well on a good note I got the Reed unstuck today and screwed all the way out. Beadblasted key areas, Kroil in the front oil hole and propane torch heat and a medium ball peen hammer on the handle to get it move and some WD40for a general lube.

Still have to get the swivel lock unstuck, remove the large center swivel bolt, remove the split nut collar screw and collar.

 

[econotrk]

(I got yelled at for posting my emmert because it was a metal working vice)...

That must've been before the OMWM (Old Metal Working Machines) side was introduced, members post their machinist vises over there.

 

[joe.striper]

anyone seen one of these before. a re-badged Vanderman I'm pretty sure, but a little different. Ive never seen one before

 

[joe.striper]

since I posted a few days ago been following this long thead, got me thinking about some of my vices and getting to restore a few.

but here's a pic of one I had but sold a couple years ago. paid $1 for it at auction--it was on a nice stand I repurposed for a grinder. I never used it and as it had a broken post on one side and it just sat in the way so I answered a CL wanted ad and sold it to a guy for $35...

it's an odd one I haven't seen on here yet (unless I missed it). Emmert from early teens, 3 separate jaws that spin, and it flips up. you can see the broken round piece in the 2nd pic.

kinda wish I kept it now, seeing how you guys are able to restore these things so beautifully...but it went to a good home.

Ive restored 3 of those and sold each one for around $500. I like them. I'm looking for a small one now.

 

[macgee]

I am now the proud owner of a Wilton Cadet!

Nice find, I had a similar one that I cleaned up. Mine was totally black from dirt & grime when I got it and found this color underneath it.

I like them. I wish I still had it.

 

[gungatim]

That must've been before the OMWM (Old Metal Working Machines) side was introduced, members post their machinist vises over there.

yeah must be, I didn't know they had a metal working side, stopped hanging out when they got so opinionated...

 

[wrenchguy]

yeah must be, I didn't know they had a metal working side, stopped hanging out when they got so opinionated...

this.

 

[06 DIESEL]

Well guys, I have a Rock Island 577 that has treated me well but I just saw a Rock Island 853 for sale locally and want to get your advise on it. I tried to search and did not find a single post about a 853. Here are the pictures that were provided with the for sale add.

https://scontent.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15894653_1141765349274877_5815467934610059921_n.jpg?oh=04da1d099a270999192dd06824bcaeb8&oe=58E49382

https://scontent.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15894923_1141804032604342_5645878364338317292_n.jpg?oh=cc80b61ac8f56365766a2cf83e9299ff&oe=58EB547D

How much is this vise worth? It appears to be in good condition.

Here is my 577 after my restoration

https://scontent.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/558085_4460360223364_1914371446_n.jpg?oh=83555510b455c5bb9f266fb3c0f34a5b&oe=59212EA2

Here is my 577 in the shape I bought it in

https://scontent.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46982_4424542207936_909077901_n.jpg?oh=321af3b0b75b66f96c417f07733060af&oe=58D9CB6B

 

[Shiftless]

06:
That Rock Island you are considering certainly looks like a low mileage well cared for example. Let me be the first to remind you that value is highly variable depending on location. Definately over $100 here. $200 is the most I would go if it was close. Others might think that too high. There are so many stories of fantastically low prices for great vises that many guys are just holding out for the "you ****" deals and keeping their money in their pockets.

My RI 572 (Birtman Electric) seems to have a much more prominent dynamic jaw support than that 853. Kinda hard to tell from the pic. Is that normal? Does anybody know?
The swivel back jaw function is a cool feature. Do you plan to use the vise or have it for display?

(BTW, great job on the 577 resto!)

 

[nnnnnate]

I just bought a 4" jawed Athol off CL and it should be arriving tomorrow. Its my first vise and since I bought it via online pictures don't know what to expect. I want to mount it on a bench and at some point would like to build a beast welding bench but now I have one made from 2x4s and MDF. I'll get to my question, what kind of bench do I need to be able to use this vise?

Is a 2x4 build bench usable for an old school vise? Should I expect to build a metal bench before I can get reasonable use out of the vise? Thought?

 

[06 DIESEL]

Seller is asking $175 for that 853. If I get it I will use it, I use my 577 currently as my only vise, it would be nice to get another one to be able to use and the adjustable angle jaw seems like a nice feature, I never knew there was that option.

 

[bluebolt]

Seller is asking $175 for that 853. If I get it I will use it, I use my 577 currently as my only vise, it would be nice to get another one to be able to use and the adjustable angle jaw seems like a nice feature, I never knew there was that option.

I would pay $175 for that vise in a heartbeat providing there is no hidden damage.

 

[rusty65]

My guess is the rock island 853 has 5in jaws? Considering a RI 851 has 3 1/2 in jaws and as long there aren't any repairs I'd pay 150-175 all day long for a nice swivel jaw RI.


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[4Nines]

I finally got the big beast stood up and can't wait to get it on a scale! I'm going to get it cleaned up and then mounted on the end of my work table. Even the handle on this thing is serious. Gotta watch your fingers when it slides from one end to another

 

[G-ManBart]

Seller is asking $175 for that 853. If I get it I will use it, I use my 577 currently as my only vise, it would be nice to get another one to be able to use and the adjustable angle jaw seems like a nice feature, I never knew there was that option.

I'd pay $175 for that 853....very clean. The jaws fit nicely, and it's not beat to death (really at all).

 

[Shiftless]

nate:
Welcome!
And let me say that of course you can use a 2x4 built bench with that vise.
Define "reasonable use"
I don't weld so my wooden bench is all I ever had. 2x4s properly fastened together will hold just about any weight you want to throw on them. I built a ladder frame 30 inches by 84 inches lag screwed into the wall framing on the back and supported by a 4x4 on each front corner.
For 30 years all I had on top was a single layer of 3/4 inch MDF.
I recently upgraded to a layer of 2x6 boards with a topper of 1/4 inch tempered hardboard.
Just make sure to put some blocking under the point of attachment for your new vise. That way you will have some "meat" to drill through to get your vise fastened down with through
I have had several 100 pound plus vises right in the center with no problems.

There is a workbench thread on GJ you might want to check out.

49:
Pretty ******** to need an overhead hoist to move a vise around.
But not a bad idea...The 160 pound Reed I am still working on requires disassembly for me to lift it. It is currently on a furniture dolly on the floor.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

nate:
Welcome!
And let me say that of course you can use a 2x4 built bench with that vise.
Define "reasonable use"
I don't weld so my wooden bench is all I ever had. 2x4s properly fastened together will hold just about any weight you want to throw on them. I built a ladder frame 30 inches by 84 inches lag screwed into the wall framing on the back and supported by a 4x4 on each front corner.
For 30 years all I had on top was a single layer of 3/4 inch MDF.
I recently upgraded to a layer of 2x6 boards with a topper of 1/4 inch tempered hardboard.
Just make sure to put some blocking under the point of attachment for your new vise. That way you will have some "meat" to drill through to get your vise fastened down with through
I have had several 100 pound plus vises right in the center with no problems.

There is a workbench thread on GJ you might want to check out.

49:
Pretty ******** to need an overhead hoist to move a vise around.
But not a bad idea...The 160 pound Reed I am still working on requires disassembly for me to lift it. It is currently on a furniture dolly on the floor.

Shiftless

When are you going to get that REED done cant wait to see it. Do you have any progress pics?

 

[va.grouseman]

06, you better go check out the R. I.---If there's nothing repaired or anything cracked or broken, you better get it.---If you pass, they will be lined up behind you and thanking you for your decision.---But as always, JMO.

 

[dreep]

Happy New Year, folks. Five acquisitions over the past 6 weeks, so thougth I would share each in the as-purchased condition:

First, a nice Prentiss Bull Dog 59 coachmaker's vise, 48#, 4 1/4" jaws. Heavy coat of paint over the name & number, a few saw marks on the tops of the jaws, but its never been abused from the looks of it.

Next is a little 16#, 2 7/8" A & M co (Athol) no. 89 (two photos). This one is also pretty nice. Slight bend in the handle, but it doesn't look like the vise has been hammered on at all, and only about a half-turn of backlash, as I got it (for $33.50).

Third, a Prentiss No. 92, 52#, 4 1/8" jaws. This one has been beat up a bit, but the slide, jaws and workings seem to be in good shape. Lots of backlash, so I will have some work to do. I couldn't resist it, since it's one of the fancy script Prentiss's, and I will probably put it directly to work in my shop.

Next, a 28#, 4" Monarch 215, in pretty good shape. Lots of paint, dirt, but not much sign of abuse. The backlash is pretty low at about 1/4 turn. Marked PV Co on the very end of the dynamic jaw, under, around the handle knob.

Finally, a little Athol 102 1/4. Couldn't resist this one, either, since it's in great shape overall.

 

[Tomthumb717]

Diesel - I live local to you and also saw that on CL this day. I thought about going to get it but really don't NEED it. However, if your gonna keep it and use it go tonight because it wont last long if anyone with any knowledge sees what kind of shape it is in.

 

[joe.striper]

Bought these 2 5" vises today. Re-badged Reed and Simplex. Pd $100 for both. The Craftsman is really nice. This was a really crazy pic. I'll post more of the crazy stuff I got on the Tag Sale thread.

 

[Shiftless]

Joe:
New Year...new avatar

CA
Thanks for the interest in my progress or lack of progress. Here is a pic of how it sits right now. I followed Carla's suggestion about fabbing up a puller to attack the stuck pin from the top. That is a piece of inch and a quarter galvanized pipe I taper cut to make the "bushing" to bear on the sloped top of the jaw tower. I drilled and tapped a 3/8 hole in the stuck pin and threaded on a manifold stud. (probably Grade 5) On top is a 3/8 inch nut that I am tightening down with a 24 inch breaker bar.

(The camera angle makes it look like I didn't center the stack of washers...actually I did)

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I see a fishing pole in there with the "viess"
That was my hobby before cars and then vises. Fishing is more frustrating than a vise that doesn't go back together good.

 

[joe.striper]

I see a fishing pole in there with the "viess"
That was my hobby before cars and then vises. Fishing is more frustrating than a vise that doesn't go back together good.

Bought a Penn International 975 reel for my brother as a gift from the same seller. Reel and rod $50. Reel is super condition.

 

[joe.striper]

Joe:
New Year...new avatar

Snapped that from my car at 70 mph in RI. Thought it would make,a great avatar

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Looks like a Shimano Calcutta or a Penn on a G-Loomis rod. Must of been hunting stripers

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Beat me too it

 

[drivesitfar]

4Nines: is that your 12 inch jaw 500 pounder?

06: you have my vote to buy that Rock Island and if it was close to me i'd own it by now.

Shift: keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you and your big Reed.

GMAN: good luck on the new web site!!

 

[wrenchguy]

I agree with nick, nice, real nice.

nice site too.

 

[MissileBear]

Seller backed out on the Hollands 14 1/2 because he said he needed it and didn't have a replacement :/

It just so happens I picked up that Craftsman 5" 506-51810 yesterday in amazing condition. The vise hardly looks used - it was in a box under a desk and had been there for 20 years. Going to propose a trade with the owner of the Hollands and see what he says.

 

[4Nines]

4Nines: is that your 12 inch jaw 500 pounder?

That's the one! I will get some pictures of it next to some 8'' vises for scale. It's insane how large this thing is.

Here's a little Reed 3 1/2'' that I'm going to start cleaning up on my Columbian 508.

 

[Tomthumb717]

4Nines - Nice Columbian