The VISES of Garage Journal

[wrenchguy]

Why were you hoping for a union Parker? In my experience they're not nearly as good as the older ones.

Please share some of ur issues with union/parkers. I've got a few users and seem stout as any of my others. Are their psi numbers questionable? thanks.

 

[lis2323]

Here's my "auction find". 6" jaws/160 pounds.




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[chrisnazzy]

lis2323...

Thank you although I didn't make it. Picked up the vise and stand in well used condition and just gave them both a good cleaning, fresh paint and hardware.

BTW..... that Reed 4C is awesome.

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[AngryBeaver]

Here's my "auction find". 6" jaws/160 pounds.




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Nice score. That's an old Columbian. Same as the 206 M3 or same as the ridgid 60cpn. Reed got the rights when Wilton sold them off

I want a 6" one myself

 

[AngryBeaver]

Can someone refresh me on the technique you have found best for painting the raised letters


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Paint pens from any industrial supply
House. The ones from hobby lobby are meant for arts and crafts.

 

[TinkTinkForge]

Some new ones. Around 30 2" ers it might be time to start hunting the big ones.


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[TinkTinkForge]

Picked up this drop forged no. 3


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[Outlawmws]

I feel sorry for you. There's no way I'd want to move a 4C. I wouldn't take one for free.

Best,
Rob

PS. Damn! I'm flat out lying. I need a 4C

He has a truck with a loading crane for these deals...

 

[MissileBear]

Please share some of ur issues with union/parkers. I've got a few users and seem stout as any of my others. Are their psi numbers questionable? thanks.

If you look back at some of my older posts in this thread, you'll see a Union Parker I restored for my brother. Simply put, it was just really sloppy. Pictures will show how poor the castings, grinding, and machining were. Not nearly to the mfg standards of the pre-union Parkers.

 

[Bcom]

Why were you hoping for a union Parker? In my experience they're not nearly as good as the older ones.

Because I don't have one yet.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you look back at some of my older posts in this thread, you'll see a Union Parker I restored for my brother. Simply put, it was just really sloppy. Pictures will show how poor the castings, grinding, and machining were. Not nearly to the mfg standards of the pre-union Parkers.

I think that depends on the "era" of the UP. I suspect the earlier ones were OK, and then things deteriorated... (seems to often be the way of takeovers...)

 

[Bcom]

Meat--- I suppose I was also wanting a Union Parker after seeing the one Doc had on his website for sale some time ago. It was a beautiful piece.

 

[Bcom]

Here's my "auction find". 6" jaws/160 pounds.




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That's real neat. As far as i know there are very few of these NOS 4CA Reed vises left out in the world that dealers are trying to sell off since Reed quit making them. Very cool that you have the box too. Heck I'd keep the box myself and not throw it out

 

[honza.vosalik]

I stopped by a garage sale on the way to work this morning. my eye got the attention of a Wilton 600. No swivel base, firm price $500. I checked out ebay and found at least two for $600 with the swivel base. since I am not in a need for a vise of that size, I decided to pass since I did not want to pay the full price . But it is a beast that would be great to have!

 

[mgmlvks]

Well - Newbie here with a Vise Vice and some vises under my control! The vehicle maintenance garage of my employer is under my control - and today was "Look at the Vises" day! Appears that we have two Reed Vises - a 104R and a 105R that - ummm - need some help. Pics below, Questions as well. I have tried to read and look at pics and do some reading - but asking here as well. The vises were an incidental part of my visit today - so I had inappropriate clothing to get up close and personal with the vises.

1. What is the approximate age of these? I know they have been our possession since the early 1970's, and probably since the 1950's at a previous location.
2. Tell me about the jaws. I did not see inserts. Staff says they don't hold all that well at this point.
3. I want to have them take apart and clean and do a basic tune-up on them this winter - any advice on what to do/not do with these?

 

[lis2323]

Nice score. That's an old Columbian. Same as the 206 M3 or same as the ridgid 60cpn. Reed got the rights when Wilton sold them off

I want a 6" one myself

Thanks for the good info!

Terry


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[Tennessee Cattleman]

Here's my "auction find". 6" jaws/160 pounds.




That's a vise, should last you a lifetime and still be going strong. Congratulations on the 4CA.

 

[damnesia]

Please share some of ur issues with union/parkers. I've got a few users and seem stout as any of my others. Are their psi numbers questionable? thanks.

I recently bought a union parker that needs to be cleaned and painted. I got it cleaned up enough to work and it seems like a very nice vice. And for a 4" vise, it's very heavy and stout. Even in rough shape this thing has no noticeable slop. The only downside I can see with them is you can't get jaw inserts for them. The ones on mine are missing and the screws are broken off in the holes, so I'm going to try my hand at milling some up. I feel confident I can make usable smooth ones, but I'd like to have the teeth on them. Seems like the teeth will be very tedious to mill manually. I'm hoping to find some tips on doing it, but so far can't find much. Maybe some of the guys that make jaws, but not for this vise, might be kind and give some pointers on doing it.

 

[KMScott]

Well - Newbie here with a Vise Vice and some vises under my control! The vehicle maintenance garage of my employer is under my control - and today was "Look at the Vises" day! Appears that we have two Reed Vises - a 104R and a 105R that - ummm - need some help. Pics below, Questions as well. I have tried to read and look at pics and do some reading - but asking here as well. The vises were an incidental part of my visit today - so I had inappropriate clothing to get up close and personal with the vises.

1. What is the approximate age of these? I know they have been our possession since the early 1970's, and probably since the 1950's at a previous location.
2. Tell me about the jaws. I did not see inserts. Staff says they don't hold all that well at this point.
3. I want to have them take apart and clean and do a basic tune-up on them this winter - any advice on what to do/not do with these?

The jaws are cast in, you need a machine shop with a heavy milling machine to cut out the jaws and then add screw holes to accept custom or jaws for the Reed vise you have. Note how I use the sides of carbide end mills and take .010 each time since the jaws are so hard. Using the ends of end mills does not work well. I did this guy a couple months ago but made custom jaws to fit.

I do not know the age of your vises, leave that to the collectors, once you take it apart you will see what the vise needs to get it back in tip top shape, everyone I do needs something different. Good luck.

 

[meatsis]

Please share some of ur issues with union/parkers. I've got a few users and seem stout as any of my others. Are their psi numbers questionable? thanks.

Wrenchguy I never said they weren't stout. I live 50 miles from Meriden CT so I come across Parkers more often than any other brand. I literally pass on several parkers a week usually due to being all beat up or the price is too high . Or both. Like I said in my previous post, in my experience the (newer) union parkers never seem as nice as the older ones. Mainly because of the all the slop to them. Side to side, up and down, back and forth. I also don't like how they changed the front spindle retainer to a flat piece. They also changed the swivel base hold downs. Getting rid of the wrench. I'm wasn't trying to say they're not good vises. I just think the older ones were built better. Just my opinion.

 

[damnesia]

The jaws are cast in, you need a machine shop with a heavy milling machine to cut out the jaws and then add screw holes to accept custom or jaws for the Reed vise you have. Note how I use the sides of carbide end mills and take .010 each time since the jaws are so hard. Using the ends of end mills does not work well. I did this guy a couple months ago but made custom jaws to fit.

I do not know the age of your vises, leave that to the collectors, once you take it apart you will see what the vise needs to get it back in tip top shape, everyone I do needs something different. Good luck.

This actually answers my above question about jaws for my union parker. I'm not restoring it, just want to use it. So maybe a more simple solution would be to buy jaws that are close and mill the vise so the jaws fit. Thanks KMScott

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Paramo no 6 I had to make a new jaw for it old one was missing. Painted it. Gonna be trying to sell it
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[tool_scrounge]

Please share some of ur issues with union/parkers. I've got a few users and seem stout as any of my others. Are their psi numbers questionable? thanks.

I have a Parker Union 595A (5" jaws, fixed base). Probably one of the later ones since it has no screw retention plate and more standard jaws. Overall a pretty nice vise. The finish is nicer on the earlier ones I have owned. But it is a keeper.

Link to thread with photos:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245705

 

[Johnny J]

Hello, did you ever figure out what brand your big vise is with T49 and T050 on the side. I have the same vise and am really curious. Thank You

 

[G-ManBart]

Hello, did you ever figure out what brand your big vise is with T49 and T050 on the side. I have the same vise and am really curious. Thank You

Hi Johnny,

Welcome! You're going to have to quote an exact post or the person you're asking won't know...too many posts in this thread to keep track.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Can anyone tell me what the approximate weight is of an LS Starrett Athol 924 1/2. Found one for sale locally on FB. Currently asking $125 and I think I would be more interested under $100. I've been looking for a large heavy duty vise to restore and its hard to tell how big this guy actually is.

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[KMScott]

Can anyone tell me what the approximate weight is of an LS Starrett Athol 924 1/2. Found one for sale locally on FB. Currently asking $125 and I think I would be more interested under $100. I've been looking for a large heavy duty vise to restore and its hard to tell how big this guy actually is.

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It's big, it's heavy and worth more then $125 with good jaws. Even without jaws it could be worth $125 if not beat to death.

 

[chrisnazzy]

It's big, it's heavy and worth more then $125 with good jaws. Even without jaws it could be worth $125 if not beat to death.

KMScott.....Thanks for the reply. I'm going to go take a look after work today. Hard to tell about the jaws from this pic but overall it looks like it's in really good shape.

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[KMScott]

My opinion is the Starretts are the vest bench vise America made as a production sold vise. Even the casting looks like Nodular Iron. Quality is tops. Hope you got it.

 

[Joefriday]

Sorry guys.. Have to pick your brains quick if I may. Wilton 400 worth $100?

Sorry, I don't like to ask value questions but I'm clueless here and I'm contemplating buying it if its a good deal.

Best,
Rob

 

[tool_scrounge]

Sorry guys.. Have to pick your brains quick if I may. Wilton 400 worth $100?

Sorry, I don't like to ask value questions but I'm clueless here and I'm contemplating buying it if its a good deal.

Best,
Rob

Yes. In my neck of the woods it would sell for $100 very quickly, presuming nothing is wrong with it.

 

[rusty65]

Sorry guys.. Have to pick your brains quick if I may. Wilton 400 worth $100?

Sorry, I don't like to ask value questions but I'm clueless here and I'm contemplating buying it if its a good deal.

Best,
Rob

I bet that vise isn't even 20 years old and it's a Wilton bullet so I'll let you decide if it's worth 100 bucks. New runs over 500 so......... Run fast lol.

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[Joefriday]

OK, thank you sirs.

Best,
Rob

 

[RG Rude]

Can anyone tell me what the approximate weight is of an LS Starrett Athol 924 1/2. Found one for sale locally on FB. Currently asking $125 and I think I would be more interested under $100. I've been looking for a large heavy duty vise to restore and its hard to tell how big this guy actually is.

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I think that Starrett looks pretty good at $125. Can you physically check it before you buy it?

 

[Johnny J]

Hello. I sent a Generic Hail Mary as to what brand of Vise I purchased. The only identifier on it is a T49 on the secured base and a T050 on the other half with the handle. Its over 200lbs! The jaws are 7" and the throat opens over a foot. Any help would be appreciated. I cant stand not knowing.

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by KMScott.

It's big, it's heavy and worth more then $125 with good jaws. Even without jaws it could be worth $125 if not beat to death
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What he said!! +1



Previously posted by Rusty65

I bet that vise isn't even 20 years old and it's a Wilton bullet so I'll let you decide if it's worth 100 bucks. New runs over 500 so......... Run fast lol.
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What he said!! +1

 

[va.grouseman]

Johnny J, your vise has some Charles Parker features and some Simplex features also.---It has seen some pretty heavy use but a grinder can take care of some of that.---One good thing is when you get ready to weld the slide, you probably won't even have to V grind it.---I believe it is ready for a bead.---It probably was a contracted job for a specific corporation.

 

[lis2323]

Hello. I sent a Generic Hail Mary as to what brand of Vise I purchased. The only identifier on it is a T49 on the secured base and a T050 on the other half with the handle. Its over 200lbs! The jaws are 7" and the throat opens over a foot. Any help would be appreciated. I cant stand not knowing.

Can't help you with identification, but if you ever discover the "welder" who did his thing on the vice's jaws, please SHOOT him.


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[Joefriday]

Thank you for the adVISE sirs. I just picked it up and I have a better understanding as to why the bullet vises are popular. This thing is pretty cool.

The seller just picked it up at a garage sale earlier today and made a quick flip.

Thank you again.

Best,

Rob

 

[lis2323]

You guys are fortunate. Up here in the Pacific NW I've never actually SEEN a Wilton Bullet let alone come across one for sale.

Seems like the industrial jobbers were more prone to Record distributors here in B.C.


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