The VISES of Garage Journal

[G-ManBart]

i know of a Chas Parker vise 994, working and in good condition for $100. is it a good deal, sorry i new to the vise world.

Matt

The 994 is one of their Big Bear models....pretty cool. In good condition, with no cracks or welds, and if the jaws are good, I'd happily pay $100 for that vise.

The big thing with buying a Parker, aside from looking for damage/repairs comes down to the jaws. They are not readily replaced....as far as I know, only KMScott (http://www.benchvisejaws.com) is making replacements and that generally means shipping your vise to him since they're all pretty much a custom fit. The shipping alone will get expensive, and then you still have to pay for the work, so it usually only makes sense on a rare vise, or one that has sentimental value.

If you get it, make sure to post pics!

 

[vintage nut]

A local machine shop would most likely be able to make Parker jaws as well. I've thought of a few alternative ways to cut them that don't involve grinding that could be done by any machine shop.
Going to a job shop for a set of jaws would probably be equally unaffordable though

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[visedog]

Check out my new 6" drill press vise. I has 6" jaws and 6" opening and weighs 45 lb.

 

[454ragtop]

I am thinking old Athol 614 or 614.5.......A 614 Measures real close to that pattern the vise base is a tad smaller but that may be by design.

I was going to post the same thing, my Athol 614 looks like a real close match. It's bolted to a bench though, so tough to get exact measurements, but it sure looks close.

 

[trijeff]

I was going to post the same thing, my Athol 614 looks like a real close match. It's bolted to a bench though, so tough to get exact measurements, but it sure looks close.

Had this 614 and gave to a friend so can't measure, but do not believe it would fit due to cornered lip (versus chamfer) and rounded back mounting tab (versus more pointy)

 

[1NRO]

I'll second the Prentiss coachmakers being a likely fitment, I'm not near mine to check but I'd say you have the stand for my vise!

 

[KMScott]

I have a couple Athol bases to show, I believe the pattern fits a Athol too but will not cross out what dansem mentioned. The jaw widths and model numbers are 4" jaw/713 Athol and the other with a repaired foot is 5" jaws and a 717 Athol. I have a couple more Athols buried but do not have time to dig them out. Zoomie with all the vises you have there has to be one that fits even if you have to drill and tap new holes. Cool stand.

 

[Outlawmws]

Now I think that's much closer! the 4 looks a tad small and the 5 is big so did Athol make a 4-1/2"? I only have one Athol and its a wing nut swivel... (and A much newer Starret swivel base...)

 

[KMScott]

OK, Who wants to fix this one. Yes another Reed 109 with jaw issues. Mark, Vintage nut, Carla. Any way you just have to repair these big guys. Vise is in S. Carolina and owner will ship. I will take this project on unless I have takers, send me a quote. Why did Reed have jaw issues with the 109's. This one is easier then Demomans but still needs to be machined to accept new jaws.

Vintage nut,
A local machine shop would most likely be able to make Parker jaws as well. I've thought of a few alternative ways to cut them that don't involve grinding that could be done by any machine shop.
Going to a job shop for a set of jaws would probably be equally unaffordable though

I too thought of alternative ways and having them cut with a Wire EDM is a real nice way of sawing the shape out but if you ever run a wire you know it is tuff to reset up and skim a couple thousands off to nail the angle and fit. Another way is to create a custom cutter and machine them on a Horizontal mill like they did years ago but again adjusting the cutter takes another set up on the tool and cutter grinder. Another way is to have it cut on a 5th axis CNC but who wants to pay that bill. All alternative ways I know of are very expensive. Please share your alternative ways because I would love to make them easier with less setups and always want to learn a new machining practice.

Thanks G-Man for the plug.

 

[topop101]

Well, okay--I can see why I missed the patent date on that puppy. I'm glad you found it and that it's in your collection now.

Blue Bomber Yeah it's worn and in a different location than my No. 1. I'm going to seal it up with some BLO and hopefully preserve it from further wear for a decade or 3!

 

[drivesitfar]

Zoomie: i was going to let you and the guys figure out the mystery cause as you know i'm not a huge Parker fan and it's one of the vises if i do end up buying i'll probably pass on right away to somebody that loves them. that said they are great vises it's just I have to draw a line in the sand someplace or damn if i won't need a 3rd mortgage to pay for a vise museum.

anyway i was at my storage unit and look what was sitting on the shelf next to the door. it's a PARKER 106.5 and a BIG UN, but it's got a welded dynamic if i recall correctly and it's missing a retainer. other than that it's not in terrible shape. i think this might be the one and i actually threw a tape on it for you.

KM: i'm guessing the old guys hit those big REEDS with the biggest sledgehammers money could buy if they needed something bent or loosened. i grew up with loggers and even at 5-10 when i was up in the woods and in the shops with my Gramps a lot i still remember guys putting a 3 or 4 foot wrench on a bolt and adding maybe 3 to 5 feet of 2 or 3 inch pipe and seeing 2 or 3 guys laying all their weight on the end of the handles. they didn't have Kroil and everything rusts up here in the PNW so some of the smarter guys would heat it, but out in the woods that wasn't always an option. i've actually got a 35 pound sledgehammer head that i bet would do some real damage to a vise or bolt. it's so heavy i've broken two handles and it's waiting for me to put on a fiberglass one.

gotta love those big REEDS and Rock Islands though cause it's amazing any of them survived.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Now I think that's much closer! the 4 looks a tad small and the 5 is big so did Athol make a 4-1/2"? I only have one Athol and its a wing nut swivel... (and A much newer Starret swivel base...)

They made a 614 1/2 sold one about six months ago.

 

[VISEs]

OK, Who wants to fix this one. Yes another Reed 109 with jaw issues. Mark, Vintage nut, Carla. Any way you just have to repair these big guys. Vise is in S. Carolina and owner will ship. I will take this project on unless I have takers, send me a quote. Why did Reed have jaw issues with the 109's. This one is easier then Demomans but still needs to be machined to accept new jaws.



Vintage nut,

A local machine shop would most likely be able to make Parker jaws as well. I've thought of a few alternative ways to cut them that don't involve grinding that could be done by any machine shop.

Going to a job shop for a set of jaws would probably be equally unaffordable though



I too thought of alternative ways and having them cut with a Wire EDM is a real nice way of sawing the shape out but if you ever run a wire you know it is tuff to reset up and skim a couple thousands off to nail the angle and fit. Another way is to create a custom cutter and machine them on a Horizontal mill like they did years ago but again adjusting the cutter takes another set up on the tool and cutter grinder. Another way is to have it cut on a 5th axis CNC but who wants to pay that bill. All alternative ways I know of are very expensive. Please share your alternative ways because I would love to make them easier with less setups and always want to learn a new machining practice.



Thanks G-Man for the plug.

I've got a cousin that has jaws just like that! Ha!


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[VISEs]

Here is one of my German post vises. Quite different than any others I've seen.


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[va.grouseman]

KMS, that is some beautiful work on that 109.---I am assuming that is Demo's.---You made a treasure there my friend.

 

[va.grouseman]

VISEs, that thing is awesome.---I want it.---You can find the most unusual vises anywhere.---And it's in great shape to boot.---I got to expand my hunting grounds.

 

[ganymede]

View media item 69783

 

[RMERR]

Some vise restos I recently finished

Hi my name is Roger, I'm a new member and I thought I'd share some pics of some recent small vise restorations I just finished.

First is a Wilton Baby Bullet. Actually finished this about a year ago, kind of got me started on this. I had Kevin from mountain products do the handle and also used his terrific reproduction parts throughout. I had a machine shop I've worked with for many years fab a custom Aluminum pedestal to my specs/drawing. I had pockets machined into the base to hold 2 extra sets of jaws. I don't actually use it, it's just to sit on my coffee table and look cool.





The next is another Wilton of an unknown cast material. Looks like pot metal, but it's too heavy. Kevin thought it might be Magnesium. It's mounted to an older Pow-R-Arm which I also restored. Two inch jaws with another new handle installed by Kevin. Also just for the coffee table.





I'm at the image limit so I'll put the others in a new post.
Roger

 

[RG Rude]

Nice presentation RMERR!!

 

[trijeff]

Roger! Welcome to the insanity Glad you found the Rev KMScott, he is idolized here for sure/good reason.

Love those pedestals you made, esp. the pocket for the extra jaws on the baby ... clever and handy!! Oh, and also that you get to keep them on the coffee table!

 

[RMERR]

More small restos...

Following my other post, here's a small Columbian #92. Again a new handle from Kevin and another custom Aluminum pedestal to my specs. Two inch non-replaceable jaws, it's with the others on the table.




Last is a very small German vise by G. Boley. A recent Craigslist purchase, it didn't need a lot as it was in near mint condition. Gave it good cleaning anyway and 3M'd the stainless base which the previous owner had made. The precision on this thing is incredible. Jaws are 30mm, paint is original. Previous owner enjoyed it over 20 yrs just as I intend to, another cool coffee table babel to reach down and play with once in a while.




Here the gang all together with the ever present soda can for scale.


Thanks for looking, I also have a big Wilton on a large stainless pedestal in my shop, will post some pics of that later.
Roger

 

[KMScott]

Drives, it is hard to imagine beating on a 9" vise with a heavy sledge. trijeff thanks for kind words but really do not deserve it. Va same to you. I quoted the Reed 109 but no answer yet. I just wish I was rich and could just fix vises all day for nothing but gotta put food on the table. Roger, whow, you should have mentioned I did work for you before, I remember the baby you restored. I sure like how you display those small vises. I remember making the handle for the Columbian and thought what is this handle for, maybe a lock down, I can not remember if I added the handle to the spindle, if not great job peening the handle in place. Most the time I do not see the finished results. Very nice and welcome to GJ.

 

[drivesitfar]

RM: very nice stuff. welcome to the forum and happy to have another quality vise person on GJ.

Gany:

Zoomie: sorry i just looked closer at your measurements and i thought you had measurements of 7.5 inches between the holes so the vise you are looking for is smaller than my Parker. I can't recall if Athol and Parker were the only vises with that slope under the static, but i think there might have been others. as far as i know Parker was the only big vise company making their own stands and the one Joe posted i think has Parker's name on it.

KM: yep i agree, but i actually saw that happen. maybe not with the 35 pound sledge like i own, but a 10 or 12 pounder. getting the machine back up and running was more important than saving a vise as far as the workers were concerned. also the blacksmith vises that their parents and grandparents were using when they were growing up were beating on those vises so the guys in the 1920's and pre WWII had that mentality.

 

[EPA7]

Nothing too fancy, but an 86 lb import combo vise--just what I was looking for.

 

[vintage nut]

Kmscott, the two ideas I had come to mind are grinding a tool for a flycutter after roughing it out with an endmill. The other is using a shaper. It'd be a bit tedious to get it fit exactly right, but should be doable. At least another option for cutting that odd profile.

If I ever find a Parker with bad jaws I'll give it a try.

Drives, that Parker was quite the vise. I didn't get a good enough look at the crack today.. A new dynamic jaw would definitely be best. Might be possible to repair it, provided it wouldn't see the hardest use.

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[vintage nut]

Quite the haul of treasures in the truck. I'll post pictures of some of it tomorrow, provided it doesn't sink the island

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[Shiftless]

Glad to see all the fine work being done as well as all the new members. Welcome.

RMERR:
I envy your ability to display those beauties on your coffee table. You are a lucky man!
(or do you live alone?)

vintage nut:
Can't wait to see your haul.

Odd manufacturer fans:
Here is my newest find. Crane Co. out of Chicago...the same guys who outfitted what are now known as "modern" bathrooms starting in the 1920's or thereabouts. The company goes back to 1855. Their factory somehow survived the great Chicago fire of 1871.
Haven't cleaned it much yet...just brushed away dirt to reveal the lettering and squirted some oil on the threads to get them to operate. When I bought it ($20) it was almost completely locked up.

 

[Outlawmws]

I've been thinking about the tools Parker used to cut both the jaws and the jaw caps.

I think they made two "mating" cutters. Grind them to match with no air gap use one to cut the jaws and one for the caps. they should wear fairly evenly and when they get past the acceptable fit, hand them off to the tool grinder for a refresh and use a fresh pair to keep cutting.

I know woodworkers use cutters like that for various fits, so it would mean it was known technology even back then.

 

[Shiftless]

I believe outlaw is on to something there. Good thinking.
Like when you rip boards to clean 'em up for edge glue ups, you can flip the next one over so any variation from a perfect 90 degrees cancels out.

 

[RG Rude]

Quite the haul of treasures in the truck. I'll post pictures of some of it tomorrow, provided it doesn't sink the island

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I did not have your luck. Went and looked at this Rock Island 91A but the guy wouldn't budge off his price.

 

[Shiftless]

RG:
Looks to me that it is in excellent shape considering its age. Jaw size is about 3 inches right? After reading this thread for a few months or years, it is easy to fall into the "I want a YOU **** price" trap expecting all sellers to almost give away stuff super cheap. If you can get that for $50-75 go for it.

 

[RG Rude]

RG:
Looks to me that it is in excellent shape considering its age. Jaw size is about 3 inches right? After reading this thread for a few months or years, it is easy to fall into the "I want a YOU **** price" trap expecting all sellers to almost give away stuff super cheap. If you can get that for $50-75 go for it.

You are spot on as to what I was willing to pay. The vise was in very good shape with no obvious damage. Just dirt, grease and surface rust. He was sticking with $130. I'm going to keep an eye on it and hit him up again in a week or so. He knew what he had and he said he'd keep it before letting it go for under his price. Of course he may have been "Trumping" me for a good deal for him. He was a nice fellow and it was down the road just a few miles.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

All,
A little while back I restored a Prentiss No. 54 Bulldog vise. This was a challenging restoration.
I finally got around to creating a thread to tell about it.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6435131&posted=1#post6435131

I hope it is a fun read for you guys & gals.

 

[drivesitfar]

Dave: cool looking vise and if imported probably from Europe, but guessing it's US made. it's static jaw is welded on, but if cheap enough i'd buy it if that helps.

Mark: great write up and pictures on that thread and i'll take the time to read it more later when i have a bit more time. you sir have skills and of course a love for old vises that need some or a lot of work. WELL DONE!

Vintage: hope you enjoyed your short visit and as always wishing we could have had more time together. good luck with the STUFF and BEE CAREFUL and don't hurt yourself.

cheers

 

[vintage nut]

Just need a few friends to come over now... At least 300# a piece, should make a great vise stand.
Drilled and tapped them for eye bolts to give something to lift from.

More to come...

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[Outlawmws]

Dave I agree; if an import, Id say from across the Atlantic.

 

[bl00]

Found this oddball on craigslist, can't recall seeing one like it before.

.........

 

[Cope]

Found this oddball on craigslist, can't recall seeing one like it before. Is this an older import vise? The main body looks small given the jaws. I see some writing on the front of dynamic jaw, what looks like a DR and possibly a 4.

https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/6078806182.html

b100 just posted an ad for a vise that looks like yours.

 

[jreb10]

After a lengthy dry spell I finally picked up a new vise. It appeared late last night on CL. I spotted it early this AM and sent a reply. I was pleasantly surprised to get a quick response as my Saturday schedule was pretty full with no room for vise pickups after mid-morning. We were able to meet and I picked it up for $75.

It is a Hartmann and uses a locking lever. It is stuck closed, but the rust inside does not look too bad, and the handle still moves back and forth. It looks like an interesting vise.

 

[SRU1436]

I just picked up this guy today, my first Parker. I think $100 wasn't a bad deal, every thing works, the jaws are still good.