The VISES of Garage Journal
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trijeff
Well-known member
That's a Prentiss, probably a 54 or similar. Looks like the dynamic jaw is messed up, but KMScott here has new ones available.
SRU1436
ALLIANCE MEMBER
This Columbian I got for free, It was neglected and left outside. After becoming a member here and have a few cool vises myself, I decided to make an electrolysis tank. I used the Columbian as the test case. I did not do the best job with the paint removal, and I forgot to do the swivel lock (ill do that later). Once out of the electrolysis tank i gave it a quick once over with boiled linseed oil. It didn't turn out too bad. Probably give her a paint job and use her occasionally.
Sdflcorran
Member
Anyone ever taken little kids with them on a 90 minute drive to possibly buy a Wilton? That's what I'm considering this weekend while the wife is out of town.
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No, but I've taken one of our dogs on a 90 minute ride to sell a Wilton...he enjoyed the treat he got for being so good
A couple of things come to mind. First off, while eBay will usually get you the highest price, you pay them 10%, and then PayPal another 2.9% of the total price including any shipping. If you can sell it another way, you might wind up with more money in hand for your friend.
The vise itself is in great condition and most/many 100lb+ vises have lived a hard life since normally they are bought by businesses who put them to work and the people using them don't really care much about them.
That puts you in a tough spot. As it sits, the vise is more than good enough to lube and bolt on a bench/stand and go to work at a company looking for a bargain rather than spend $1,700 on a new C3. They won't care that it hasn't been painted and polished, and might appreciate the fact they can see the history, and obvious lack of use.
I've sold a number of 5" and larger Wiltons to companies lately, and they all make the comment "it doesn't have to be pretty for our uses" but I typically deliver something looking closer to new anyway because I want to be associated with nice work.
If you sell to someone who simply wants a big bad vise for bragging rights, they're probably going to want it painted, polished and looking better than new.
I might just remove the jaws, spindle, and swivel locks, then clean them up nicely the reassemble it and put it up for sale with the original paint. It'll look nice, won't look "dirty" and will still be an original vise that isn't hiding damage or repairs under fresh paint.
I think you might be surprised at the response you'd get listing it locally....heck, if I was within a couple of hours I'd make you an offer!
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Vintage: your Morgans look great and i'm guessing you might need one about 4.5 inch to fit in the middle? BETTER GET A BIGGER BENCH!! it might have to be a NON SWIVELER though.
WELL DONE!!
VA: i think we've all tried to breed vises and i'd like to see what all those 8 inch 2nd cousins you have on the CHAIN GANG would produce. thanks for sharing those pictures cause they never get old.
SD: if it counts i used to load up our little ones (3 of the 5 kids) and take them PREVIEWING real estate all across the state of WASHINGTON and sometimes across the boarder or OREGON. you'd think they'd hate it now that the are all over 26, but actually they always remind me how much fun they had and they actually PREVIEW on their own for fun now.
welcome to the forum and you'll fit right in. just an FYI last week I drove 8.5 hours to pick up a REED 106 and it was a lot less stressful than an hour drive in traffic late last night in the rain where everybody was hydroplaning and crashing all around me.
have fun with the kids and don't forget to stop and get them ICE CREAM or something good to eat.
cheers
WELL DONE!!
VA: i think we've all tried to breed vises and i'd like to see what all those 8 inch 2nd cousins you have on the CHAIN GANG would produce. thanks for sharing those pictures cause they never get old.
SD: if it counts i used to load up our little ones (3 of the 5 kids) and take them PREVIEWING real estate all across the state of WASHINGTON and sometimes across the boarder or OREGON. you'd think they'd hate it now that the are all over 26, but actually they always remind me how much fun they had and they actually PREVIEW on their own for fun now.
welcome to the forum and you'll fit right in. just an FYI last week I drove 8.5 hours to pick up a REED 106 and it was a lot less stressful than an hour drive in traffic late last night in the rain where everybody was hydroplaning and crashing all around me.
have fun with the kids and don't forget to stop and get them ICE CREAM or something good to eat.
cheers
ritestuff
Well-known member
Thanks Bart, that's the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'm leaning toward doing what you said and giving it a good cleaning and putting it out there as original. I'm sure that there are some who would appreciate a freshly painted "show piece", but if it were me doing the buying, I'd be curious as to what was hiding under the fresh paint. Selling it as "original" eliminates any questions and shows that there is nothing to hide.
A friend picked up this Vanderman No.5 steam fitter vise and is having trouble locating any info on it. Some info on the lower numbered Vanderman's is out there, and of course that monster No. 3 that popped up here a few weeks ago. Having difficulty finding info on No. 5 - anyone seen one of these?
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
Tone: i have only seen Vanderman's #0, #1, & #3's listed and i've only seen pictures of the #0 & #3. I didn't know they made a #5, but that might be one of the nicest 100+ year old castings i've seen. yours looks pristine under that surface rust and i think that might be the first what looks like original nut that bolts under the workbench too.
here's the catalog page i saved and maybe one of the other members has some information on it. NICE FIND!!!
here's the catalog page i saved and maybe one of the other members has some information on it. NICE FIND!!!
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vintage nut
Well-known member
Drives if I had space for a bigger bench I'd have one! My two belt grinders take up the rest of it..
4.5" Morgan could be nice
Although I recall seeing a few other things I'd like even more. Not sure if one of them is something you'd part with though lol
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4.5" Morgan could be nice
Although I recall seeing a few other things I'd like even more. Not sure if one of them is something you'd part with though lol
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vintage nut
Well-known member
That vanderman must be an absolute beast! The one I saw at drives place is easily the heaviest vise of its size I've ever seen. Even made my dad's reed 32 look light for a 4.5"
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trijeff
Well-known member
Wow, wish there was a soda can in that Vanderman photo because that sucker must be HUUUUUUUGE! If a No. 3 is 160lbs, that No. 5 must be 300+
born lucky
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2007
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- 165
Reed 204 1/2 The Golden One
Next highlight the letters and most important a orginal GM brass plate. This was used by GM in the days.
!
Next highlight the letters and most important a orginal GM brass plate. This was used by GM in the days.
!
meatsis
Well-known member
IDK man that doesn't look like a 300 pounder to me. Look at the leaf on the ground next to the vise. Unless that leaf is over a foot long, my guess would be in the 100-150 lb range.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Meatsis: I'm thinking the same thing, but it is fairly big cause the handle on the bolt for the underneath the bench swivel part looks pretty small and i bet it's at least 4 inches and maybe 6 inches. what really has me shaking my head is the #5 cause since i bought my Vanderman a few years ago and did some research and watch for them all over the USA i haven't seen one bigger than a #3.
ALL: anybody else know more about these VANDERMANS STEAMFITTER'S that maybe were the best and maybe the most expensive vises made in the late 1800's?
ALL: anybody else know more about these VANDERMANS STEAMFITTER'S that maybe were the best and maybe the most expensive vises made in the late 1800's?
Great info thanks!
He says it weighs in at 88lbs
I though the Vanderman vises went up in rating as well, but this one "only" clocks in at 88lbs
He can't find anything either...hopefully some has some info!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
So its more like a #1.. Maybe they changed the numbering system somewhere along the road...
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Tone: can you get your friend to send you more pictures to post and maybe measure the jaw width too. those PIPE JAWS on that 100+ year old vise look brand new not to mention how nice the main screw and the rest of the vise is. was it ever mounted on a bench?
thanks for the weight cause that helps and i think my #1 weighs right at 100 pounds
one possibility is since a full # on Vanderman's vises was 25 pounds maybe the 5 is a .5 for to fit in between the 75 pound #0 and the 100 pound #1?
just a WAG, but thought it might make sense. i know the catalog page says different weights than that, but i recall the #1 on a different catalog page being a 100, #2 being 125 and a #3 being 150 pounds so just guessing a #0 might be 75 cause i think i saw a picture of one and not no little thing.
thanks for the weight cause that helps and i think my #1 weighs right at 100 pounds
one possibility is since a full # on Vanderman's vises was 25 pounds maybe the 5 is a .5 for to fit in between the 75 pound #0 and the 100 pound #1?
just a WAG, but thought it might make sense. i know the catalog page says different weights than that, but i recall the #1 on a different catalog page being a 100, #2 being 125 and a #3 being 150 pounds so just guessing a #0 might be 75 cause i think i saw a picture of one and not no little thing.
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Bellaireroad
Well-known member
I have a number three, and googled up the patents a while back. The two notches in the back were for bending pipe, and the vise came with cylinder piece that fit in the notch. The cylinder was split length wise so it was actually two pieces. The outside was straight, but the inside had a bend to faciliate pipe bending. I have a pdf of the patent somewhere, not sure how to post it.
They are way overbuilt. The screw on mine is about 1.75", and the nut is at least 6 inches long and cast into the body. The slide is forged steel, and cast into the dynamic jaw. The clamping jaws are riveted in place, the pipe jaws are removable. Mine weighs 165.
Interesting thing about the number 5 , is that the makers mark is cast on the opposite side of the vise from all the others I've seen, and doesn't have a date, or patent info. It also lists East Hampton as the location of manufacture, while all the others I've seen show Willamantic, and Willamantic is listed in the original patent application.
Vanderman died at a relatively early age, perhaps the business was sold to another manufacturer, or perhaps they started in East Hampton. A little investigation might bring some answers. Very interesting and thanks for posting
bagged89s10
Well-known member
trijeff
Well-known member
Likewise! Great post
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Drives, your catalog page says the #1 is 90 lb, so his at 88 is well within tolerance (since the bath scales often used are often off...) I suspect you mis-remembred your weight. (or had a scale that was really off)
Decided to join up here Because I really wanna find out more about this literal chunk of history. I am not knowledgeable in vise terminology so stick with me here.
I took a closer look at this No 5 this evening and it does say "NO 5" so i guess it's not a 0.5 or something of the sort. the jaws are 5" and it opens up to 10 1/2". the teeth are really sharp. one tooth on the lower set for pipe is chipped and the very top of the stationary side is mushed back. It does have paint on it! kind of a yellowish peach color.
HISTORY: So from what ive gathered with a little bit of researching Vanderman Mfg Co., they were started in the late 1880's in Williantic Connecticut and made other things besides vises. They made the afore mentioned model No 0, 1, 2 and 3. no mention of No. 5 let alone a No. 4. In 1966 someone bought Vanderman and they moved to East Hampton Connecticut where they are located today.
Now since this vise is labeled "East Hampton Conn." I'm guessing it is at maximum 51 years old. The lock down washer is dome shaped and the handle seems to be original as it matches the main vise handle. Got a picture with a 25' stanley tape for scale. The "2" stamped on the back end of the slide is interesting.
I took a closer look at this No 5 this evening and it does say "NO 5" so i guess it's not a 0.5 or something of the sort. the jaws are 5" and it opens up to 10 1/2". the teeth are really sharp. one tooth on the lower set for pipe is chipped and the very top of the stationary side is mushed back. It does have paint on it! kind of a yellowish peach color.
HISTORY: So from what ive gathered with a little bit of researching Vanderman Mfg Co., they were started in the late 1880's in Williantic Connecticut and made other things besides vises. They made the afore mentioned model No 0, 1, 2 and 3. no mention of No. 5 let alone a No. 4. In 1966 someone bought Vanderman and they moved to East Hampton Connecticut where they are located today.
Now since this vise is labeled "East Hampton Conn." I'm guessing it is at maximum 51 years old. The lock down washer is dome shaped and the handle seems to be original as it matches the main vise handle. Got a picture with a 25' stanley tape for scale. The "2" stamped on the back end of the slide is interesting.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
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bagged89s10
Well-known member
With new jaws from Dr. Scott I presume?
Yes jaws and end cap from kmscott. This is the style I've been waiting for with the domed swivel locks, and anvil pad. Date stamped 3-51.
PghJKB
Well-known member
Bellaireroad
Here are the images from Vanderman's patent of 1884 and a URL to the full patent at USPTO.
URL:
http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNu...6S1=0303345.PN.%26OS=pn/303345%26RS=PN/303345
Vanderman had several others, but no time right now for more.
JKB
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Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Thanks,
for the OP, forgot to mention , the slide is SOLID forged steel, since it doesn't cover the screw. This, along with the huge screw and nut, essentially makes it an 8 inch vise with six inch jaws
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Rock Island 574 cleaned up, painted and lubed (Permatex anti seize on the screw, Johnsons wax on the slide and base). Paint is Rustoleum "Light Machine Gray", probably not an exact match to the factory primer-like gray on the inside, but close enough for me. Next up are a swivel lock handle and a set of new dentures.
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vintage nut
Well-known member
Well one of those vandermans is on my wishlist...
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I can tell you that vanderman vises have two different style castings regarding their "badging". Additionally their numbering system changed over the years as well. The Vanderman no.3 is the same size as the vanderman no.6
I speculate that the no.5 is the same size as the no.2
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damnesia
Well-known member
Earlier in the week, I posted some pics for a Columbian 124-1/2 "Coachmakers" vise but just saw the posting and somehow I must have deleted a paragraph. I'll ask about it now. Anyone know where I can get a set of smooth face jaws for it? I emailed with a gentleman from benchvisejaws.com and he's not interested in making them. So that option is out. Any ideas?
drivesitfar
Well-known member
J13: thanks for joining GJ and welcome to the forum. your #5 Vanderman is a sweet vise that is for certain. i've never seen that # on any so the WAG (wild A** Guess) was the .5.
i have seen catalog page that had Vanderman #1 at 100 pounds, #2 at 150 and #3 at 200 pounds, but i can't find it. it might be in my crashed laptop or i'll keep searching.
i don't use a scale that is more than a pound off or i'll donate it cause i don't need approximate weights.
that said i'm going off of memory with my Vanderman #1 weighing 100 pounds and i'm pretty sure it weighs all of that cause i don't like moving it. i also found this Vanderman catalog page that FMC posted when he was posting it for Parker 800 #'d vises.
when i saw the catalog page with #1, #2 & #3 weighing 50 pounds apart there wasn't a #0 on it.
anybody else have Vanderman vises they can give weights, jaw width and maybe any catalog or newspaper articles please do.
have a great weekend
i have seen catalog page that had Vanderman #1 at 100 pounds, #2 at 150 and #3 at 200 pounds, but i can't find it. it might be in my crashed laptop or i'll keep searching.
i don't use a scale that is more than a pound off or i'll donate it cause i don't need approximate weights.
that said i'm going off of memory with my Vanderman #1 weighing 100 pounds and i'm pretty sure it weighs all of that cause i don't like moving it. i also found this Vanderman catalog page that FMC posted when he was posting it for Parker 800 #'d vises.
when i saw the catalog page with #1, #2 & #3 weighing 50 pounds apart there wasn't a #0 on it.
anybody else have Vanderman vises they can give weights, jaw width and maybe any catalog or newspaper articles please do.
have a great weekend
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sandman54
Well-known member
I too have a #3, have had it several years never seen anything in the way of a larger Vanderman. Just a brute of a vise Sandman.
Oregon rock crusher
Well-known member
I picked up this #3 at the Great Oregon Steam Up swap meet last year. I put it on the scale when I got home and was just a bit over #150 but I had the pipe jaws removed and I didn't have the bottom bolt assembly. I think the #160 shown in the catalog is right for a complete #3. Ed.
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va.grouseman
Well-known member
G-MAN, stop drooling and drag out the cash.
I have it's swiveling brother.
I have it's swiveling brother.
cretedog
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Shouldn't be any standing around involved G-Man... Load that baby up!
Shouldn't be any standing around involved G-Man... Load that baby up!
I'm not drooling now....slide is frozen solid and was before they painted it.
It's at an auction and it may be hours before they get to it....not sure how long I will wait.