The VISES of Garage Journal

[Smokeshow69]

You found it! When I saw it, I knew it was unusual. Glad you took it home!

I'll state the obvious: The model number "600 S.J." almost certainly means Swivel Jaw. The seller had no idea what a swivel jaw was, let alone the fact that vise had one. I would have sworn it was a Prentiss or Rock Island vise.

Brian

Nice pick up oregonrockcrusher ! It went to a great home and will be fixed correctly !


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[royce]

It is a very unusual "Wilton"?. I went back this morning Brian and got to talking to the very good guy from Reno who had it for sale. He thought it was an 8" vise until we measured. I was glad it was still there. It does need some repair to the screw and nut but doable. Still not sure what it is either but here are a few more pics with a Rock Island 577 for scale. No small 6" this one. Ed.

Ed ,
I'll eat my hat if that was not made by American Scale

Royce

PS I can take measurements off this one for comparison, if you would like

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Rock crusher, you can see one in the (Wilton 600 S. J. (Swivel Jaw), thread, and Drivesitfar had one that you can see in the (Who made this 170 pound Wilton Swivel Jaw vise that has 6 inch jaws??), thread.

As far as I know yours is only the 3rd 600 S.J. to surface to date.---And as best we can figure, A. S. made them for Wilton or Wilton borrowed their design.

The A. S. #79 is a 6'' swivel jaw of the same design but is 190 lbs..

Thank you for that info VA. Gives me something more to go on and likely solves the who cast it question. The Wilton badge looks to have been hastily formed to fit the AS pattern and sloppily inserted leaving the casting, which is generally good, a little rough where the name sits.

Nice pick up oregonrockcrusher ! It went to a great home and will be fixed correctly !


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Thanks Smoke...missed you at the show.

Ed ,
I'll eat my hat if that was not made by American Scale

Royce

PS I can take measurements off this one for comparison, if you would like

I'm pretty sure hat won't be on your menu Royce. That AS #79 looks like a dead ringer. This is the second AS I've come up with lately cast for another manufacturer. First was the Morgan just a few weeks ago. Thanks All. Ed.

 

[mike_paxton]

Also a leg vice, can anyone tell me where to look for identifying it?

Hawkerxj:

A lot of the blacksmith post leg vises aren't marked.

On the Columbian, they marked it on the hanger (pic 2).

Mike

 

[gman007]

Got this today for my birthday from my father in law. He knew I had been looking for a decent Wilton for a while and found this one, cleaned it and painted it. It's not perfect, but it will make a great user which is what I was looking for.

Sunset
Do you think your father in law would be willing to adopt another son in law (I am very well behaved and respectful of my elders ) as my birthday is coming up and I am very much partial to Wilton Bullet vises? Alternatively if he is not, is it possible to rent him long enough for him to find and restore a Wilton Bullet vise on time for my birthday?

But seriously I hope you gave the gentleman a good hug, he must be hell of a nice guy! And that is a good looking vise too.
007

 

[KMScott]

Just finished painting the German Super vise, and cleaning the ship builders vise. I believe the vise to be a 1906 era J Parkinson English made. eye candy Sandman

Pretty unique vises Sandman, need jaws on that ship builders vise. How heavy is the ships vise? Love that handle. Nice find, did you get it here in the States?

Oregon, very unique Wilton, those are A-Scale jaws, only 6" C style jaws with 4 screws, but you guys have that figured that out.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4634303&postcount=25101

I remember working on those jaws.

 

[Outlawmws]

Speaking of drives, anyone hear from him? he hasn't posted a word since the 14th; over two weeks... that's a long silence.

 

[gman007]

I just want to say--- Guys be honest with vise sellers. Dont try to rip them off too much because your honesty may open doors to other things the seller has. I was honest with an older gentleman the other day that carried around an oxygen tank and could hardly speak.I sat down and chatted with the guy for about 45min just about old cars and what not. Doing this for the old man got him to willing drop the price on his vise a entire $200 drop. I paid $20.

Bcom
You raise an interesting moral dilemma (at least in my book). I am not talking about winning a bid in an auction where the seller can ask for minimum starting bid or reserve etc. In other words they are aware what they are doing, but rather when buying an item in person and the seller might not know the fair value of the item. If they are aware of the value, then for me it is not a problem haggling over it for the best price.

The closest I have come to this situation was when the seller was asking $50 for a CP 955. When I met the young fellow, it turned out that both he and his bride were recent vets (Afghanistan and Iraq) and had found the vise in the house that they had just bought. The vise was too big for his needs so he was selling it. Now every time I look at this vise it bugs me, thinking should I have paid more, say $85 (based on $1/per lb rule) . The fact that they were also vets does not help my moral dilemma either. So sometimes a bargain might not turn out to be a bargain
007

 

[Joefriday]

Here is an interesting vise that showed up at a local swap meet. A 6" swivel back jaw "Wilton"? What's the consensus on this? The swivel jaw design is very American scale style. Couldn't find it in a catalog yet. Name plate appears to be cast in and not added. Ed.

Looks a bit like this one to my untrained eyes:

 

[vintage nut]

Searched the thread and didn't see any mention of a Record 114, so I figured I'd some pics. It was in pretty rough shape when I picked it up, I'm just starting into a clean up on it. Also a leg vice, can anyone tell me where to look for identifying it?

I'd go over the box (nut) with a wire wheel. It looks exactly as I'd imagine a baby version of my Peter Wright to look, and they had their name stamped on the screw box. Some of the others had a name stamped somewhere on one of the legs

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[excelsisba]

Hey guys, been a while. I've been crazy busy and haven't done much to that old Columbian other than clean it up...
Anyhow, picked up this Athol 623 at an antique mart for $15. Can't seem to find a lot of information on how to date these. I see way more 632 1/2. Anyhow it's cleaning up real nice. The base is frozen so I guess I'll be doing a series of penetrating oil soakings. I've got the base screw soaking in some liquid wrench for now. I went the wire wheel route this time instead of electrolysis because of the old paint. I was worried there might have been a repair hiding underneath the paint but all is well, no repairs. Looks like someone painted it without cleaning it or prepping the surface. Jaws look like they have good life left in them as well! Not bad for $15!
Would love to hear any info you guys have on it. Just like hearing the history of things.

 

[BrettJ74]

Speaking of drives, anyone hear from him? he hasn't posted a word since the 14th; over two weeks... that's a long silence.

He had PM'd me on the 14th as well and said he might have to make a trip South towards the Portland area, hope all is well.

 

[02superduty]

My latest vise I believe is a Handy 3A, made in England I found one similar by looking at the spread sheet. I believe FMC made the spread sheet. Thanks. It is in the condition I found it in. 4 1/2" jaws (1 serrated 1 smooth). If I am incorrect please let me know.
Thanks John

 

[Rileysan]

Speaking of drives, anyone hear from him? he hasn't posted a word since the 14th; over two weeks... that's a long silence.

We texted each other on Saturday. I'll let him speak for himself, but he's fine - just busy

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[Private Lugnutz]

No markings except No.34 and a patent No. HELP Please.

dodge610,
Here is a Parker No. 31 and it has "PARKER" forged into it exactly where yours has the patent number forged into it. Pics in this post: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6608266&postcount=56877

 

[Outlawmws]

We texted each other on Saturday. I'll let him speak for himself, but he's fine - just busy

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That's the important part...

 

[bcul01]

Re-Commissioned Vise

Just finished my first restoration. Learned a lot and have plenty of room for improvement, but I am glad I can put this big boy to work.

My father-in-law purchased a large metal welding table at a military surplus auction years ago and this Columbian 504C was attached. It sat under a shed for the last +15 years, giving me lots of fun trying to take it apart for a thorough cleaning. I am going to clean up the lettering this week and bolt it down.

 

[gman007]

Ok vice guru's need a little help picked this up at garage sale probably paid to much got it for $20.00. No markings except No.34 and a patent No. HELP Please.


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dodge
As AngryBeaver and Private Lugnutz have already pointed out that is a CP 34. Here are some photos of it clearly showing it is CP (photo #2) but interestingly yours (photo #3 below) unlike in the photo that I have posted (photo# 2) does not seem to just say Parker on the garter but rather something that is hard to make out
007

 

[Private Lugnutz]

unlike in the photo that I have posted (photo# 2) does not seem to just say Parker on the garter but rather something that is hard to make out
007

According to Dodge it's the patent number.

 

[Fretters]

My latest vise I believe is a Handy 3A, made in England I found one similar by looking at the spread sheet. I believe FMC made the spread sheet. Thanks. It is in the condition I found it in. 4 1/2" jaws (1 serrated 1 smooth). If I am incorrect please let me know.
Thanks John

Yup, that's a Parkinson Handy. It'll have a cast in nut, and Rd689821 on the side. An older one too, as it has the rounded knob.

 

[02superduty]

Thanks Fretters

 

[dodge610]

Thanks so much guys now I feel like I did not get taken on the price.


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[Smokeshow69]

Speaking of drives, anyone hear from him? he hasn't posted a word since the 14th; over two weeks... that's a long silence.

Yes hopefully all is well with drives! I posted pictures of my craftsman 5196 in his thread about those vises but heard nothing back. He and I have talked a lot about those so I would have thought he would of said something ? Hoping all is well with him and maybe he has been so busy using all the cool stuff he has that he has not had time to post [emoji38]


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[joe.striper]

I paid up on Saturday for this 3 axis machinist vise with 2" jaws made by the Universal Vise Company.. I have three of these in the 5" version but this is my very first 2". These are just soooo well made.

So 2" jaws, 3 axis of rotation. Extremely tight tolerances. Just a beautiful thing!

 

[Rileysan]

Yes hopefully all is well with drives! I posted pictures of my craftsman 5196 in his thread about those vises but heard nothing back. He and I have talked a lot about those so I would have thought he would of said something ? Hoping all is well with him and maybe he has been so busy using all the cool stuff he has that he has not had time to post [emoji38]


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I was beginning to think he was jealous of your Craftsman vise, Smoke, but it wasn't so

I spoke to Drives today and he's doing fine. He's been really busy with his house and is trying to stay focused. Life has a way of doing that to us!

Brian

 

[zoomieport]

I paid up on Saturday for this 3 axis machinist vise with 2" jaws made by the Universal Vise Company.. I have three of these in the 5" version but this is my very first 2". These are just soooo well made.

So 2" jaws, 3 axis of rotation. Extremely tight tolerances. Just a beautiful thing!

Hey Joe,

Your mini-Prentiss looks great on eBay, "shiny like a new dime"!
Well done, Sir.

Take care,
Mike

 

[Smokeshow69]

I was beginning to think he was jealous of your Craftsman vise, Smoke, but it wasn't so



I spoke to Drives today and he's doing fine. He's been really busy with his house and is trying to stay focused. Life has a way of doing that to us!



Brian

Boy I don't know what that is like at all [emoji1] I have purchased 3 vintage craftsman drill presses and my 5196 and have had time for none of them and I have been getting my summer projects knocked out[emoji23] I was painting fence on Saturday and Sunday instead of going to the swap meet with you and Ed [emoji41]


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[Private Lugnutz]

I'm wondering why the Parker oval slide vises that gman007 and dodge610 own don't have the slide support shown in the 1926 ad that AngryBeaver posted, while mine does. Could theirs be later? Or earlier?

 

[Joefriday]

Howdy gents.. last project. Rock Island 573

Lots of numbers stamped on this. Inside the jaws are stamped too. (10.43)(12.01). They seem to correspond to the numbers on the slide and base.

Best,
Rob

 

[Outlawmws]

Possibly broken off?

 

[sandman54]

I acquired this A S #79 a few weeks ago it should be here in a few days. Had to make a pit stop at Master Scott's for some new jaws and a little tune up. Kevin did his usual superb work, thank u Kevin! Sandman

 

[gman007]

Howdy gents.. last project. Rock Island 573

Lots of numbers stamped on this. Inside the jaws are stamped too. (10.43)(12.01). They seem to correspond to the numbers on the slide and base.

Best,
Rob

Rob
Yet another nice looking vise and restoration looks good too. I am however very jealous!

Please tell me, are your roads paved with vises? I mean do you just go to the neighborhood convenient store and get a 12 pack plus 4 nice old vises to go (probably for less than 12 pack) ? I have to search for months if not years to find one semi descent vise in my neck of the wood, where as in Virginia it seems they grow on trees!

I think it is time for me to move from current vise desert to greener vise pastures . Virginia here I come
007

 

[Bcom]

According to Dodge it's the patent number.

Im trying to figure out where you found my quote at? I just seem you comment by accident here and if that was a comment i made about something,i don't even remember it. How old of a comment of mine are you responding to?

 

[Joefriday]

Rob
Yet another nice looking vise and restoration looks good too. I am however very jealous!

Please tell me, are your roads paved with vises? I mean do you just go to the neighborhood convenient store and get a 12 pack plus 4 nice old vises to go (probably for less than 12 pack) ? I have to search for months if not years to find one semi descent vise in my neck of the wood, where as in Virginia it seems they grow on trees!

I think it is time for me to move from current vise desert to greener vise pastures . Virginia here I come
007

Thank you 007. I appreciate the comments. Probably beginners luck really. I'm sure that there are plenty of vises around here but it's a matter of having time to beat the bushes..which I really don't have. But the hunt for the right item at the right price is all part of the sport.

There is a lot of industry in my area so that is probably a benefit. The 573 I just lucked into when I went to look at the 143 I posted a few days ago. The 143 was a wreck but the seller had this 573 buried in his garage.

Anyway, come on down to Va. Whatever it is that you are collecting, there is plenty for everyone.

Best,
Rob

PS. Next in line for clean-up:

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Sorry, Bcom. It wasn't your comment. It was gman007's. I misquoted by mistake. I've corrected it now.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Howdy gents.. last project. Rock Island 573



Lots of numbers stamped on this. Inside the jaws are stamped too. (10.43)(12.01). They seem to correspond to the numbers on the slide and base.



Best,

Rob

I love your restorations and color choices! I am wondering how you paint the area around the metal tag ? Do you have a technique for removing it and putting it back on or do you just mask it and paint it ? I have a craftsman 5196 that has an inset heritage logo that will get a resto at some point and I am looking at that tag wondering how I will tackle this one ?



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[rusty65]

Just curious if any one has any information on Phoenix watch makers vises. I've seen more then a few on eBay but not too many sales ads or old literature. It seems like 1in or so is the most common model. Here is a picture of a 1in jaw for reference not my picture.

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[Shiftless]

I found an old Craftsman 5210 at an estate sale last week. Paid the full $15 asking price! Even though exposed screw vises are not prime collector material, the original paint made me want to save it.
It had led a hard life down in the basement but still wore its original paint and showed a little fragment of the Craftsman name decal on the front of the dynamic jaw tower. At the sale it was up to me to remove it from a beat up old bench. It was held down with square headed lag screws. Definately vintage! Pre- WWII?
A quick clean up and a bit of buffing on the handles and it will go up on the shelf.

The arched script CRAFTSMAN sure looks like the Rock Island branding style, doesn't it?

 

[Shiftless]

BLO will preserve the paint and makes it look a bit more presentable. In time, the fresh looking steel will darken with the BLO treatment. Yes, the dynamic is a bit out of alignment. Somebody in the past evidently asked more of this homeowner grade vise than it was ready to deliver.
But with a good cleaning and a few dabs of Mobil One synthetic grease, it now runs in and out smoothly and easily with one finger power.