The VISES of Garage Journal

[Joefriday]

Master Scott, Crotalus, meatsis, MB and grouseman
Gentlemen, thank you for the fast response and great advise. It seems the consensus is a big pass. By the way the asking price was $125 which I thought for a 6" Parker was great (assuming the vise was not so beat up).

Rob (Joefriday)
It looks like I am for sure moving to Virginia , as the vise desert here refuses to yield anything useable.
much obliged
007

Come on down.. Plenty for everyone, I'm sure. NY/NJ seems to be the real honey hole. Take a look at CL in those areas if you want to get sick.

 

[half_full]

How much bend and where? (doesn't look like much) If the pressure is landing where the groove is for the C-Clip (stress riser...) I would use heat, if not, probably not.

If done cold, set it up on 2x or 4x's and cushion the ram with maybe a piece of ply...

Thanks. My thought was to use wood to support. I'd like to not put any stress on the C-Clip groove. It just seems like a logical breaking point. I'll give it a shot tonight.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks. My thought was to use wood to support. I'd like to not put any stress on the C-Clip groove. It just seems like a logical breaking point. I'll give it a shot tonight.

I do mine this way. Heat really helps make it easier but cold bending is OK to. Just have to push farther. Good luck.

 

[MissileBear]

Rob (Joefriday)
It looks like I am for sure moving to Virginia , as the vise desert here refuses to yield anything useable.
much obliged
007

I think everyone feels that way - take a look at the post after yours. Half full picked up 2 vises for $5. There are a few other guys in MI that tend to do very well in the used vise dept.

The later C3's use the 800 base. If you can trust Ereplacement parts website it is 1984 up.

I've used ereplacement parts many, many times, and have yet to have a problem. Just make sure you cross reference part numbers and such...I've found that occasionally they have multiple part numbers/wrong descriptions.

Come on down.. Plenty for everyone, I'm sure. NY/NJ seems to be the real honey hole. Take a look at CL in those areas if you want to get sick.

Rob, you mean Eastern NY. The Central/Western side of the state has been pretty disappointing....I've passed on more vises than I can count due to either abuse or un-negotiable high prices (or both). I paid more than I wanted for nearly all the vises I own. This seems strange to me considering Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo were all very early industrial cities.

Now, Hudson Valley, the Northeast, ADK park, and downstate NY is full of vises. Ask Veeps/Meatsis/Joe.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Rob, you mean Eastern NY. The Central/Western side of the state has been pretty disappointing....I've passed on more vises than I can count due to either abuse or un-negotiable high prices (or both). I paid more than I wanted for nearly all the vises I own. This seems strange to me considering Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo were all very early industrial cities.

Now, Hudson Valley, the Northeast, ADK park, and downstate NY is full of vises. Ask Veeps/Meatsis/Joe.

Western pa is the same way. I go to Erie and buffalo three times a month. I've never brought anything back worth a hoot

 

[2009jeep]

parker vice I just cleaned up

 

[RG Rude]

parker vice I just cleaned up

Which Parker is it? I've never seen that before but I'm a newby

 

[gman007]

I think everyone feels that way - take a look at the post after yours. Half full picked up 2 vises for $5. There are a few other guys in MI that tend to do very well in the used vise dept.

MB
I live in western MI which seems to be pretty barren as far as vises go. The eastern MI specially around greater Detroit area is another story (being more industrialized and also having many businesses that unfortunately for the country having fallen on the hard times).

Now, in all honesty while I am willing to travel for a good vise, I will not travel east as I know that is the home turf of other fellow members and it is not honorable to knowingly poach a fellow member's turf.

This last vise that I was considering was about 2 hours drive south west of me and since I do not know any GJ members to be from that area, I was considering it. Again for the same reason that I do not know any GJ members north of me, I have traveled 1 hour north twice to get a vise.
007

 

[schor]

I found this one in the flint/lapeer area. Just finishing the slight touchups before I put it to use.

 

[Bretny]

I think everyone feels that way - take a look at the post after yours. Half full picked up 2 vises for $5. There are a few other guys in MI that tend to do very well in the used vise dept.



I've used ereplacement parts many, many times, and have yet to have a problem. Just make sure you cross reference part numbers and such...I've found that occasionally they have multiple part numbers/wrong descriptions.



Rob, you mean Eastern NY. The Central/Western side of the state has been pretty disappointing....I've passed on more vises than I can count due to either abuse or un-negotiable high prices (or both). I paid more than I wanted for nearly all the vises I own. This seems strange to me considering Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo were all very early industrial cities.

Now, Hudson Valley, the Northeast, ADK park, and downstate NY is full of vises. Ask Veeps/Meatsis/Joe.

Im in the hudson vally. No real large vises but alot of smaller ones with people demanding a large price.
Last week i got a 3.5in chas parker. $100, im ok with that price as its on decent shape and i do plan on useing it. Il post pictures later.
I think this area has alot of old tools due to being so close to NYC and it was former farm land to feed the people of nyc.

 

[Joefriday]

Rob, you mean Eastern NY. The Central/Western side of the state has been pretty disappointing....I've passed on more vises than I can count due to either abuse or un-negotiable high prices (or both). I paid more than I wanted for nearly all the vises I own. This seems strange to me considering Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo were all very early industrial cities.

Now, Hudson Valley, the Northeast, ADK park, and downstate NY is full of vises. Ask Veeps/Meatsis/Joe.

Right, "down state" NY is what I was really referring to.

I'm still at less than $50 for each of my vises but two so far.

Picked up this beauty today for $5..Ha.. Figured I could use some parts off it in the future.

Best,
Rob

 

[meatsis]

Here's a few I picked up in the last week. Athol 622 1/4. First I've seen. 2 1/4" jaws. Does anyone know if they made a 622? Next is a J. Allen vise/anvil combo. Vise jaws are 1 7/8" wide. Athol 325x. Starrett 325. Which is practically brand new. Prentiss 56. And a 4 1/2" Nutyp Sawyer. This one is paid for but I don't have it back at my shop yet.

 

[_vin_]

Hello all

Can anyone help with manufacture identification? Ther is a 5 under the mounting bracket of the heavier vise and 3 under the mounting bracket of the smaller vise.

 

[Joefriday]

Here's a few I picked up in the last week. Athol 622 1/4. First I've seen. 2 1/4" jaws. Does anyone know if they made a 622? Next is a J. Allen vise/anvil combo. Vise jaws are 1 7/8" wide. Athol 325x. Starrett 325. Which is practically brand new. Prentiss 56. And a 4 1/2" Nutyp Sawyer. This one is paid for but I don't have it back at my shop yet.

Ha... Right on que.. Nice pick-ups.

 

[KMScott]

Dang meatsis that is a nice haul. If I only knew what was around your location when I lived in Poughquag. The 622 and the Sawyer are on my list.

 

[schor]

A closeup.

I found this one in the flint/lapeer area. Just finishing the slight touchups before I put it to use.

 

[mcmlvif100]

MB
I live in western MI which seems to be pretty barren as far as vises go. The eastern MI specially around greater Detroit area is another story (being more industrialized and also having many businesses that unfortunately for the country having fallen on the hard times).

Now, in all honesty while I am willing to travel for a good vise, I will not travel east as I know that is the home turf of other fellow members and it is not honorable to knowingly poach a fellow member's turf.

This last vise that I was considering was about 2 hours drive south west of me and since I do not know any GJ members to be from that area, I was considering it. Again for the same reason that I do not know any GJ members north of me, I have traveled 1 hour north twice to get a vise.
007

Speaking only for myself but you seem to be overthinking this "no poaching" thing. First, there are GJ members all around you, including the NW Indiana area where the referenced Parker is located. For example, I think that WrenchGuy is in that general vicinity and he owns some awesome stuff including the vise in his avatar. Check out his public profile and some of his threads if you are curious.

I casually shop CL within 200 miles for vises / vices almost every day. Not a collector or restore and resell guy but am (slowly) equipping my shop with old USA made tools, including vises. Have bought a nice Wilton 9400 ($40) and less nice Prentiss ($45) in SW Michigan, probably close to you. My point -- sooner or later, you are going to find a vise that you really want and when you do, you shouldn't really worry about it (possibly) being in "our" neighbourhood.

 

[va.grouseman]

Yea Gman, look at Joe.striper, Bagged, and Meatsis.---Their busting on each other all the time for out scoring each other, but their still pretty civil with each other.---They all three
know the rules of the game, and they all three are very aware of the playing field, but if neither hunted more than 50 miles from home so as not to infringe upon or hurt the others feelings, there would be about 3000 less posts on this thread than there are.

It's not beating someone to the punch that's unethical, it's dealing under the table that going to brand a person.---People don't forget.

 

[FMC1959]

Hello all

Can anyone help with manufacture identification? Ther is a 5 under the mounting bracket of the heavier vise and 3 under the mounting bracket of the smaller vise.

I can't help you much, maybe the 3 & 5 are the jaw size?

From what I have heard from some that are more knowledgeable than I am, most post leg vises are homemade buy the blacksmith using it.Columbian, Indian and a few other MFR's did make some but if there are no other markings, pretty good chance it was homemade.

 

[G-ManBart]

Good Morning Gents

I have attached three photos of Parker 275 (that is all I have to go by and seller is several hours drive west of me, so it is not realistic just to go and see the vise). The seller states the jaw width as 6" and jaw opening as 12". I did a quick search and found some info based on past GJ posts

but no definitive information (photobucket issue did not help either). For example it appears that it might have a swivel jaw but I am not 100% sure. Also the numbering of the vise seems a bit odd, as I would have thought a Parker 275 might have 5" jaws (I know this is not 100% surefire rule but it seems to be generally through for Parkers). I have no idea about the weight either.

As for the condition of the vise itself, with all the heavy paint, it is not easy to judge what shape the vise is in. For example it seems the dynamic jaw might have been chewed up by a dog with steel teeth but I might be wrong. What do you think?

And there is the usual loaded question, a rough idea of what would be a good price assuming the dynamic jaw is not a complete goner.

Any advise and info will be greatly appreciated it.
Cheers
007

The whole back of the body of the vise has been broken off....it's not supposed to have a slope to it. I think the dynamic jaw has been welded. I wouldn't drive a couple of hours to look at it.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Does anyone know where I could find the spring clip that goes on the dynamic jaw on the back side where the threaded rod that holds the lever in place could be found? I managed to lose mine as I removed it not realizing how much pressure it was under. "Bink!" and across the shop it went into some place I can't locate.

Would a normal e-clip work in its place? It's a Craftsman Columbian vise.

Thanks,
John

 

[meatsis]

Dang meatsis that is a nice haul. If I only knew what was around your location when I lived in Poughquag. The 622 and the Sawyer are on my list.

Thanks Kevin. You should consider moving back. There's plenty of vises to keep you busy around here. It would be great to have your knowledge and craftsmanship over here on the east coast as well. Those vises I just posted are only a few that I've picked up recently. I've gotten very picky with the vises I buy nowadays.

 

[meatsis]

Im in the hudson vally. No real large vises but alot of smaller ones with people demanding a large price.
Last week i got a 3.5in chas parker. $100, im ok with that price as its on decent shape and i do plan on useing it. Il post pictures later.
I think this area has alot of old tools due to being so close to NYC and it was former farm land to feed the people of nyc.

Bretny there's plenty of big vises around here. You're just not looking hard enough. The problem is you need to be quick because they sell really fast. I'm in Dutchess as well. I know of a few 8"ers around me but I can't the owners to sell them. If you're really in need of a huge vise PM me.

 

[eddieK]

I happened upon a free Wilton vise yesterday. The main screw is bent. Should I apply heat to get it back in shape? I have a 20 ton shop press and torch set. Just don't want to screw it up.

The Craftsman was a whopping $5. It's a little sticky to turn. But, there's a ton of crud to clean off it.

How does one bend a main screw in the first place??? Trying to use the vise as a press?

 

[gman007]

The whole back of the body of the vise has been broken off....it's not supposed to have a slope to it. I think the dynamic jaw has been welded. I wouldn't drive a couple of hours to look at it.

Thanks for the advise gman, at this rate the vise for sure is a pass. It is too bad, if the vise was not in such a bad shape it looked like an interesting model with swivel jaw, 6 1/4" jaw width and 165 lb (per ad posted by meatsis).

 

[ed4banger]

Couple pics of a Morgan 140 I just finished. This vise was very strange, in that when I picked it up, it appeared by jaws and handle to have never really been used. It wasn't until I tore into it that I figured out why. This vise should never have left the factory. Although the spindle is not bent, it was so tight in the threads of the nut that I could hardly run the screw in and out through the nut. Used lapping compound to solve this first problem. Next problem I encountered was the nut was physically too long, so that it wouldn't float about in its slot once the locking pin was installed, so this caused felt resistance in the spindle. Shortened it a bit, problem solved. Then I discovered that the dynamic jaw was dragging along the outside of the nut, again causing resistance, more grinding. Its finally one finger operable, but I've never encountered problems like these in any old vise I've worked on.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Pics coming soon. I picked up an "American" USAAF massive non-swivel vise today. Thing has to weigh between 80-100lbs. The USAAF tag is riveted on the side and looks original which would put the vise between 1941 and 1947. It's in amazing shape. Not a dent anywhere. Jaw opens and closes smoothly. No rust. Story goes the seller snuck it home after his tour was up.

Also got a smaller USA Craftsman Columbian. Also in good shape. The guy was mostly a woodworker. Not sure why he thought a 100lbs vise was necessary but maybe he didn't know at the time or maybe he felt it was his "bonus."

 

[damnesia]

Jaw inserts for Parkers are not universal - on my Union Parker, each jaw was milled a bit different (the static jaw wouldn't fit on the dynamic jaw).

I think this has been brought up before in this thread.

Thanks for being the bearer of bad news , I just read up on this and it looks like you are correct. Oh well for 20$ I'm not really out much. I have a Bridgeport 2J2 and a Burke 333 horizontal mill maybe it's time to try my hand at making a set of jaws so this thing is at least usable. For a 4" vise it's very heavy and stout.

 

[Joefriday]

Looks great 4banger.. What color is that?

Best,
Rob

 

[ed4banger]

Looks great 4banger.. What color is that?

Best,
Rob

Thanks, Rust-oleum 7212 Hammered Light Blue

 

[Joefriday]

Thanks, Rust-oleum 7212 Hammered Light Blue

Cool.. thank you.

 

[G-ManBart]

MB

Now, in all honesty while I am willing to travel for a good vise, I will not travel east as I know that is the home turf of other fellow members and it is not honorable to knowingly poach a fellow member's turf.

You can head east...I won't recommend you for the no-fly list

Honestly, there are quite a few vise hounds around here who are on the forum, but don't really post, and don't really want anybody to know who they are, or what they have...pretty sure they go anywhere they can, and don't care.

If you see a vise for sale, and get to it quicker...good for you! If anybody has a problem with that....well, it's their problem, not yours.

 

[Rileysan]

I couldn't wait until I got home to post this. Hollands 26 in the front seat of my Camry. $60!

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[BrettJ74]

I couldn't wait until I got home to post this. Hollands 26 in the front seat of my Camry. $60!

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I guess he won't be calling me back on my $50 offer. Once in a while you are gonna have to leave some for the little guy Brian [emoji106] yet again nice score I saw 27" and about sh!t. You were my biggest worry. Now I just need to figure out how to disable Craigslist on any of your devices

 

[Rileysan]

I guess he won't be calling me back on my $50 offer. Once in a while you are gonna have to leave some for the little guy Brian [emoji106] yet again nice score I saw 27" and about sh!t. You were my biggest worry. Now I just need to figure out how to disable Craigslist on any of your devices

LOL! I thought about $50 but that was too common a number.

For those wondering, the seller is cleaning out a home they just bought. This was "offer or it goes in the dumpster "

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[Rileysan]

I'm paying in other ways. Traffic is ridiculous. It will be a while before I get home

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[trijeff]

I couldn't wait until I got home to post this. Hollands 26 in the front seat of my Camry. $60!

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Here's the obligatory YOU ****!! Dang that's a lot of iron for $60!

 

[Smokeshow69]

I'm paying in other ways. Traffic is ridiculous. It will be a while before I get home

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What are you talking about[emoji1] traffic in Oregon is fantastic and smooth sailing all the way [emoji23]


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[BrettJ74]

I'm paying in other ways. Traffic is ridiculous. It will be a while before I get home

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Good it's nice to hear.. At least I'm by the pool with a beer. Hope your AC works good.
You can Relax and bask in your glory with a cold one after some sufferage[emoji482]

 

[Rileysan]

Good it's nice to hear.. At least I'm by the pool with a beer. Hope your AC works good.
You can Relax and bask in your glory with a cold one after some sufferage[emoji482]

You have a pool?!? You ****!

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