The VISES of Garage Journal

[ALLFAST]

I still need to take some more as found pictures, but I first mentioned finding a missing screw on the right side of the jaw insert of the dynamic.

Minor panic set in when I took one of the other screws (all in very good original shape) and it wouldn't thread. I am thrilled to report that I just spent under 5 minutes chasing that hole with a 6 dollar Irwin 5/16-18NC tap. The tap went in and out perfectly square and with just the right amount of resistance. The flutes of the tap were filled with years of black grime.

Everyt turn of the tap was increasingly solid and perfectly firm. It just felt right. I put the same original screw back in and it's 110% tip-top ! I sure dodged the bullet on this one.

I need to get some proper screws from Kevin.

I'll post more pictures this evening.

Shawn

 

[va.grouseman]

FMC, we haven't actually seen the 209 yet, so technically it doesn't exist yet.---A pic is worth a thousand ("I'm pretty sures").

 

[Fretters]

With respect to a larger Record/Paramo with an originally equipped swivel base, is the swivel considered something that was exclusively shipped to the states, or it just wasn't a popular feature in the UK?

TIA.

Just never seemed to be a commonly desired feature over here. Swivel bases were available, but usually as an addon or optional extra, rather than as part of a vice by default.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I still need to take some more as found pictures, but I first mentioned finding a missing screw on the right side of the jaw insert of the dynamic.

Minor panic set in when I took one of the other screws (all in very good original shape) and it wouldn't thread. I am thrilled to report that I just spent under 5 minutes chasing that hole with a 6 dollar Irwin 5/16-18NC tap. The tap went in and out perfectly square and with just the right amount of resistance. The flutes of the tap were filled with years of black grime.

Everyt turn of the tap was increasingly solid and perfectly firm. It just felt right. I put the same original screw back in and it's 110% tip-top ! I sure dodged the bullet on this one.

I need to get some proper screws from Kevin.


I'll post more pictures this evening.

Shawn

Allfast:
You should be able to make your own jaw face screws with some 5/16"-18 hex head bolts, some tools and a little patience. During a Prentiss restoration, I had to make my own. Check out Page 8 of the link below. A bench grinder, a cordless drill, and an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel is all you really need.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=358095

Cheers

 

[trijeff]

Fantastic score!!! I agree with VA, looks in great shape. You should take different angle pics when you have a chance and post them

About a year or two ago, VA or Oldie, or possibly someone else had posted a unicorn list of IIRC 3 vises seen in brochures, but no one ever having one. Thoughts were that possibly they were never actually made. I remember for sure the Reed 408 and 209, which just recently popped up in the past couple of weeks.

I can't remember if the other vise was the Cman 5198, which showed up shortly thereafter, or if it was something else.

Anyone remember? (I think right now the only BIG vise we have seen an ad for but not a real example of might be the 700 pound Pittsburgh)

On the flip side, I have a vise that I have never seen in print after a rather extensive search ... the Prentiss 98. By features, mainly the split ring base, as far as I can tell it was likely produced in the mid to late 1930s or after. But just can't find it ANYWHERE ... ads, price lists, RR/similar journals, etc. Haven't even seen a picture of one in a shop the way we have with the Hollands and a few other monsters.

 

[MissileBear]

FMC, we haven't actually seen the 209 yet, so technically it doesn't exist yet.---A pic is worth a thousand ("I'm pretty sures").

I thought there was a real low res cell phone pic of the 209 that showed the number cast into the side?

 

[RG Rude]

All,

Here's my Baby Bison-Bial 1250-63 vise that just got finished. I guess it could be called a calf. I won it at an auction for 9$. With the precise jaw movement, small size & swivel base feature, I plan to make a set of aluminum jaw covers and use it for very small, delicate workpieces.

Here is a before picture and some after pictures for your review:

Cheers

That looks great Mark. Did you powder coat?

 

[Bellaireroad]

I just have my 12 year old son, who is eager but still skinny, to help move it. I went all sorts of Egyptian-building-the-pyramids on moving it.

More pics sure would be nice...eye candy!


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[VISEs]

Here are photos of the giant Reed 408 I picked up recently. Right in front of it, for scale, is an Athol 114 4" vise. Other than the swivel jaw pin, which is frozen in place and is getting the penetrating oil twice a day, everything is smooth and easy to operate. As big as it is, I can open and close it with one finger. Of course, it takes two hands and some oomph to swivel it around and the dynamic jaw itself seems to weigh a ton. The post centered directly beneath it is a treated 4x6".



Any ideas as to the age of it?

I'd like to offer $2,250 for it


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[trekgod3]

Here's my first attempt at restoring a vise. It's a 4" Mighty brand made in China vise that I got for $50 (yes I know, too much).

Before:


Strip down and repaint:



Reassembly and a light coat of heavy purple grease:

 

[Bellaireroad]

Here's my first attempt at restoring a vise. It's a 4" Mighty brand made in China vise that I got for $50 (yes I know, too much).

Before:


Strip down and repaint:



Reassembly and a light coat of heavy purple grease:

Looks brand new [emoji1303]


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[KMScott]

More pic's of the 408 would be nice, I hear it was heavy. Heavy is a good thing. I wrapped up a couple Parkers today. They came to me with the jaws missing and of course used without jaws. I had to build up the jaw supports and hand work the welds to the original shape. I thought doing two at one time would be easy but again, Parker jaws are not all the same and even when they are the same vise. If you are missing jaws and see some on e-bay just remember what I am saying. They both are for GJ members and the one from Kansas (You know who that is) needed a handle, custom collar and the jaws. Happy to get these done and soon on there way back to the owners.

 

[rk_tek]

I picked up this Reed No. 0 pipe vise along with the hammers and a few other odds and ends and a basket of about 200 springs at a yard sale this weekend. It's not much of a pipe vice, but I rarely need over 1-1/2" anyway. And a small inadequate pipe vise is still better than none. I'm giving it a soak in muratic acid and will repaint it as it's quite rusty, but it still functions smoothly for being this crusty

 

[6pony6]

While trying to organize the garage and shed today, I got my vises together for a family photo. Nothing rare and groundbreaking here, just my small collection.

From L to R: Unknown clamp vise, Rock Is, Wilton, Rock Is, Craftsman, Columbian, Chief, Athol, Wilton, Reed, Wilton Bullet with a 2" Baby Bullet on top.

 

[meatsis]

More pic's of the 408 would be nice, I hear it was heavy. Heavy is a good thing. I wrapped up a couple Parkers today. They came to me with the jaws missing and of course used without jaws. I had to build up the jaw supports and hand work the welds to the original shape. I thought doing two at one time would be easy but again, Parker jaws are not all the same and even when they are the same vise. If you are missing jaws and see some on e-bay just remember what I am saying. They both are for GJ members and the one from Kansas (You know who that is) needed a handle, custom collar and the jaws. Happy to get these done and soon on there way back to the owners.

WOW those came out great! Those jaws look awesome!

 

[VISEs]

More pic's of the 408 would be nice, I hear it was heavy. Heavy is a good thing. I wrapped up a couple Parkers today. They came to me with the jaws missing and of course used without jaws. I had to build up the jaw supports and hand work the welds to the original shape. I thought doing two at one time would be easy but again, Parker jaws are not all the same and even when they are the same vise. If you are missing jaws and see some on e-bay just remember what I am saying. They both are for GJ members and the one from Kansas (You know who that is) needed a handle, custom collar and the jaws. Happy to get these done and soon on there way back to the owners.

Better than a sports illustrated swim suite magazine! Wow!


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[oldldh]

Better than a "Sports Illustrated" swim suit magazine! Wow!

VISEs ---

My son, I bow to no one in my admiration for Reverend Scott's work...

But...

Perhaps you need to talk to a professional...

Or...

Change your dosage...

Or...

Something...

 

[KMScott]

Thanks Guys, oldie you are the best. I am still chuckling.

 

[VISEs]

VISEs ---

My son, I bow to no one in my admiration for Reverend Scott's work...

But...

Perhaps you need to talk to a professional...

Or...

Change your dosage...

Or...

Something...

I guess a lot of this depends on what you already have taking care of you at home....no need for the magazine under my roof! Ha!


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[trijeff]

More pic's of the 408 would be nice, I hear it was heavy. Heavy is a good thing. I wrapped up a couple Parkers today. They came to me with the jaws missing and of course used without jaws. I had to build up the jaw supports and hand work the welds to the original shape. I thought doing two at one time would be easy but again, Parker jaws are not all the same and even when they are the same vise. If you are missing jaws and see some on e-bay just remember what I am saying. They both are for GJ members and the one from Kansas (You know who that is) needed a handle, custom collar and the jaws. Happy to get these done and soon on there way back to the owners.

HOLY CAMOLE that is some really nice work there Kevin. Jaws are amazing, just amazing.

 

[Outlawmws]

I guess a lot of this depends on what you already have taking care of you at home....no need for the magazine under my roof! Ha!


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Has to be said: Pics or it didn't happen!

'Cause:

 

[vintage nut]

Looking through my new KBC tools catalog tonight. Damn near had a heart attack when I saw what Wilton's are new these days


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[eddieK]

On the flip side, I have a vise that I have never seen in print after a rather extensive search ... the Prentiss 98. By features, mainly the split ring base, as far as I can tell it was likely produced in the mid to late 1930s or after. But just can't find it ANYWHERE ... ads, price lists, RR/similar journals, etc. Haven't even seen a picture of one in a shop the way we have with the Hollands and a few other monsters.

Maybe this is it?

image upload no compression

 

[Mark in Indiana]

That looks great Mark. Did you powder coat?

Thanks RG.
I normally use Rustloeum or Krylon rattle cans. The quality is consistent and good availability of colors.

 

[eddieK]

More pic's of the 408 would be nice, I hear it was heavy. Heavy is a good thing. I wrapped up a couple Parkers today. They came to me with the jaws missing and of course used without jaws. I had to build up the jaw supports and hand work the welds to the original shape. I thought doing two at one time would be easy but again, Parker jaws are not all the same and even when they are the same vise. If you are missing jaws and see some on e-bay just remember what I am saying. They both are for GJ members and the one from Kansas (You know who that is) needed a handle, custom collar and the jaws. Happy to get these done and soon on there way back to the owners.

Kevin - that is some fine craftsmanship right there...

I am so in love with those double rotating parkers as well.

 

[trijeff]

Maybe this is it?

image upload no compression

The 98 is a swivel base, that one is a stationary base, so nope.

 

[ALLFAST]

Kevin,
Those two are head turners for sure (well, most things here tend to be !). Outstanding work as usual Kevin.
66 Pony....that's a growing little collection...you should call the workbench the little workbench that could....
Vintage Nut. ...those are insane prices

 

[Bellaireroad]

The 98 is a swivel base, that one is a stationary base, so nope.

It is a great picture though


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[ALLFAST]

Mark,

I just finished reading the entire writeup of yours. That's some outstanding information! I loved all of it, especially how you true up the leadscrew. I may attempt the screw myself and see if my results are acceptable. I bookmarked your whole thread. Thanks for pointing this out to me. I really appreciate it. Pretty much everything I get (tools, machines, vintage cars, etc) holds "Underdog" status for me. It's that extreme pleasure of saving some abused item from the scrapyard and bringing it back from death that does it for me. Thanks again-Shawn

 

[G-ManBart]

Looking through my new KBC tools catalog tonight. Damn near had a heart attack when I saw what Wilton's are new these days

If those prices are in US $, they're terrible...like not even remotely what you can actually get them for without any sort of special deal.

 

[vintage nut]

If those prices are in US $, they're terrible...like not even remotely what you can actually get them for without any sort of special deal.

It's Canadian $, but they still seemed high. I always thought new bullets ranged from $600-2500 or so

$1000 for a 3" vise is definitely too high

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[ALLFAST]

I'm having some brain fade today. Is it ok to post (and reserve sequential posts) a vise refurbishment here at the vises of GJ or should it go on an entirely new GJ topic, ooorrrrrr over at the vise repairs bureau of the GJ ?

 

[eddieK]

It is a great picture though


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My home screen shot...I favor Prentiss

Rumor has it that the guy on the right is Drivesitfar

 

[Shiftless]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[G-ManBart]

I'm having some brain fade today. Is it ok to post (and reserve sequential posts) a vise refurbishment here at the vises of GJ or should it go on an entirely new GJ topic, ooorrrrrr over at the vise repairs bureau of the GJ ?

I don't think there's a formal rule, but reserving sequential posts seems like a bit much since this thread is already so long it's awkward at times. I usually do a before and after here and any more than that make it it's own thread. The nice thing there is it's a lot easier to search for, and find, the exact topic if it's an individual thread.

 

[FMC1959]

Maybe this is it?

image upload no compression

The 98 is a swivel base, that one is a stationary base, so nope.

And it also has a swivel, which the 98 does not...still a nice looking vise.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm having some brain fade today. Is it ok to post (and reserve sequential posts) a vise refurbishment here at the vises of GJ or should it go on an entirely new GJ topic, ooorrrrrr over at the vise repairs bureau of the GJ ?

I don't think there's a formal rule, but reserving sequential posts seems like a bit much since this thread is already so long it's awkward at times. I usually do a before and after here and any more than that make it it's own thread. The nice thing there is it's a lot easier to search for, and find, the exact topic if it's an individual thread.

I think any work but most are unlikely to go back in his thread to see an edited post as they won';t get a notice for a new post. better in here IMO is to post the before, then bookmark and quote it when you do the after.

The vise repair thread does have reserving posts as a suggestion, but again I think the above applies for a better use.

With your own thread it makes the best sense, as its likely to be shorter as Gman said...

 

[ALLFAST]

Outlaw,and GMan......It makes more sense all around for me to start a new thread as stated, with references as noted. I'll be posting some befores of Mr.Paramo here in the next couple hours.

Thanks guys.

 

[drivesitfar]

AllFast: i'd post before and after restoration pictures over on the Vise Repair 101 thread cause I still get lots of members telling me they read it from front to back. this thread is getting so large about the only person able to find something is VA and with member's posts being eliminated or deleted because of deaths and being banned even his searches are getting harder for him.

one of the main reasons i started the Vise Repair 101 thread was so that members would be able to have a thread to see all sorts of repairs and the members that might be able to help would have it on their watch lists. sure it's getting big so searching on it is getting a little harder, but before i started that thread i recall looking for a thread of a Wilton 600SJ that i knew was on GJ's forum and it almost took me most of a week of searching to find it and i think i found it by using GOOGLE's search engine. The little threads that get started and disappear quickly are pretty hard to find after a while and a lot of members like me don't post on them much unless it's a rare or unique vise or if it has something different going on with it. on the 101 thread i'll try and so will other members if there are questions if we have time and see them. a lot of us visit that thread for reference and when limited on searching times it's usually got several posts relevant to the answers we are looking for.

Eddie: i think that is my twin brother!!

Vises: have you seen the Reed 209 in person? sounds like you want to take a drive to MISSISSIPPI soon and maybe you might want to add a 200 pound vise to the deal cause it sounds like the 300 pounder is just a bit too big.

good luck

ALL: i didn't blow up that old picture, but for some of you that own one isn't that a Prentiss #58 8 inch 240 pounder sitting on that bench?

 

[G-ManBart]

Outlaw,and GMan......It makes more sense all around for me to start a new thread as stated, with references as noted. I'll be posting some befores of Mr.Paramo here in the next couple hours.

Thanks guys.

Look forward to it....I keep missing out on both Paramos and Records, but I'll get one eventually!