The VISES of Garage Journal

[G-ManBart]

Here is a pic of my 5191. Pretty beefy dynamic support shelf. ala Athol.

I think the 519X series had average, at best dynamic supports.

The smaller models seem to have larger supports relative to their jaw size than the larger models, but none come close to what an Athol/Starrett would have.

Here are a couple of 5196 with missing dynamic supports, and I've seen at least three others in the last year. One was on eBay and two were on local Craigslist.

Then there's the Athol 94 I restored a while back....nobody puts a dynamic support on like Athol/Starrett did.

 

[jonshonda]

Even though I bought a 5" fuller and am in the process of restoring it, I don't know if I want it in the garage. Just not that impressed by it I guess.

I found this semi local to me. Hoping to get it for around $100. Guy said he bought it from someone who owned a shop making cedar strip canoes.

 

[gman007]

Hi All
Does anyone know if Starrett Athol No. 924 was ever sold without the swivel base or did it always come with a swivel base?
Thx much
007

 

[jonshonda]

Isn't their naming convention involving swivels always w/ a "2" as a second number. So a 914 would be the same vise sans swivel, a 924 has the swivel?

 

[meatsis]

Hi All
Does anyone know if Starrett Athol No. 924 was ever sold without the swivel base or did it always come with a swivel base?
Thx much
007

My guess would be they were sold with or without the base. Here's one of my 6" Starrett's. Even with the swivel base off, there's still 3 mounting holes.

 

[meatsis]

Isn't their naming convention involving swivels always w/ a "2" as a second number. So a 914 would be the same vise sans swivel, a 924 has the swivel?

I've never seen a Starrett 914, 915 etc. You're thinking of the older Athols numbering system.

 

[rusty65]

Hi All

Does anyone know if Starrett Athol No. 924 was ever sold without the swivel base or did it always come with a swivel base?

Thx much

007

If your referring to this model the answer is yes.


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[meatsis]

I think the 519X series had average, at best dynamic supports.

The smaller models seem to have larger supports relative to their jaw size than the larger models, but none come close to what an Athol/Starrett would have.

Here are a couple of 5196 with missing dynamic supports, and I've seen at least three others in the last year. One was on eBay and two were on local Craigslist.

Then there's the Athol 94 I restored a while back....nobody puts a dynamic support on like Athol/Starrett did.

The only vise with a bigger dynamic support than the Athols, that I've seen, is on the really old, really BIG Parkers. Here's a Parker 60X for example. The dynamic support on this vise is waaay bigger than the supports on any of my 8" Athols.

 

[gman007]

If your referring to this model the answer is yes.


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meatsis and rusty
Thank you for the info, prompt response and confirmation.

rusty
Yes I was referring to the model in the photo.


I do not want to start a debate here as I know there are some here (no names mentioned specially if they live across the pond) that like their vises with fixed base and many like them with swivel base.

I am in general in the swivel base camp but I have nothing against fix base vises as long as they were manufactured and sold that way. In other words they were not vises that came with base but now are missing the base.

The one 924 Starrett that I got my eyes on is without the base. Even though my preference would have been to get it with the base, I guess a fixed version is better than nothing.

The difficult part now is to figure out the fair price differential between the fixed and swivel version. Many times trying to buy (assuming one can find one in the first place) a swivel base separately from the vise costs nearly as much as the vise itself.
007

 

[brassgod]

This may not be the right spot, but I'm sure the right people will see it here.

I came across this auction for Eaton-Heim in Hutchinson, KS. There are several other lots that include vises, as well as others with great cabinets, grinders, etc.

http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=12384024&convertTo=USD

I have absolutely no affiliation with any party involved. I just saw some industrial sized Wilton and Reeds in the pictures and thought somebody could pick these up at a fraction of what they are selling for. If I were a bit closer and had the means to pick up that much equipment, i would probably already be on my way.

Maybe post it in the Hot Deals Forum.

I'd be interested if it were near me.

 

[G-ManBart]

The only vise with a bigger dynamic support than the Athols, that I've seen, is on the really old, really BIG Parkers. Here's a Parker 60X for example. The dynamic support on this vise is waaay bigger than the supports on any of my 8" Athols.

Yeah, can't argue with that. I've only seen one or two of the really old, really big Parkers in person and the dynamic support is massive. Parker kept pretty larger dynamic supports throughout, so even the newer models had pretty darned stout dynamic supports when compared to most of the other companies.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Life in 2017. Found this thread. Caught the bug. Bought a Columbian vise. Restored. Joined GJ to brag about it. Sigh ...

And yes, I want to leave it unpainted - love the raw steel look! I am in AZ, so stuff doesn't rust here unless you put it outside during the rains.

If anyone has any tips on determining the age of this vise, I would appreciate it!

You may want to put a little Boiled Linseed Oil on it to keep it from rusting I am in AZ also and they can get some light surface rust on them. As far as date I couldn't tell you

 

[gregaz]

You may want to put a little Boiled Linseed Oil on it to keep it from rusting I am in AZ also and they can get some light surface rust on them. As far as date I couldn't tell you

Thank you. I had considered using used diesel oil on some C clamps I bought and restored - I assume Boiled Linseed Oil does the same thing?

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Was seized up when I started

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[rusty65]

Was seized up when I started

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You got that Wilton looking nice. A lot better then what you started with for sure. I might have a swivel base that fits it if your interested.


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[G-ManBart]

You got that Wilton looking nice. A lot better then what you started with for sure. I might have a swivel base that fits it if your interested.

If he's not, I am!

 

[G-ManBart]

The Wilton magnet sucked in a No. 4 Pat Pen today. The kicker is on the front of the dynamic is has USAAF, which stands for U.S. Army Air Forces! A real WWII veteran of a vise!

As best I can tell, Wilton applied for their patent in 1941 and it was issued in March of 1942. That puts this vise in the first year of production give or take. It has the correct straight-line jaws and no cracks, damage, etc. At some point someone replaced the jaw screws with hex socket cap screws, but that doesn't bother me a bit. The swivel lock acorn nuts are seized and soaking in Kroil.

The only way this could be better would be if it had original paint/stickers which is next to impossible at this point.

For your evening viewing pleasure....

 

[Flinter987]

I bought my first one today! Nothing fancy, a wilton clone Taskmaster 5.

 

[Outlawmws]

Bcom, The 519X were made when the FTC vigorously enforced the rules about imports bearing their country of origin. US made stuff didn't have that requirements IIR.

There are even fewer features that line up with imports than the current suspects.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

You got that Wilton looking nice. A lot better then what you started with for sure. I might have a swivel base that fits it if your interested.


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Thanks. I think I pm'ed you about the base but not sure tapatalk confuses me. I'm interested.

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[bagged89s10]

meatsis and rusty

Thank you for the info, prompt response and confirmation.



rusty

Yes I was referring to the model in the photo.





I do not want to start a debate here as I know there are some here (no names mentioned specially if they live across the pond) that like their vises with fixed base and many like them with swivel base.



I am in general in the swivel base camp but I have nothing against fix base vises as long as they were manufactured and sold that way. In other words they were not vises that came with base but now are missing the base.



The one 924 Starrett that I got my eyes on is without the base. Even though my preference would have been to get it with the base, I guess a fixed version is better than nothing.



The difficult part now is to figure out the fair price differential between the fixed and swivel version. Many times trying to buy (assuming one can find one in the first place) a swivel base separately from the vise costs nearly as much as the vise itself.

007

There must have been many of them sold without a swivel base because I have one as well. Well I have a 924-1/2.

 

[va.grouseman]

Nice one G-Man.---Excellent shape for the age.



Flinter, that old Taskmaster is in good shape to, just needs a little sprucing up.---They make good work-horse vises.---The way to get the full value out of a Taskmaster is to work it.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Someone posted this when I was looking at a Starrett recently.

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[damnesia]

I forgot I picked this up a while back, and just found it in my shop. I believe it's an early Stanley Rule and Level Victor Jersey 2" vise but I haven't cleaned the slide to see if the info is on there. This thing is surprisingly heavy, even the slide is cast. Made just like the nice big vises. I'm going to clean it, try my hand at Japanning and put it on the end of my lathe bench. With it's smooth jaws and small size, I can use it to file, sand, etc. parts. This thing is awesome, but I wish I could bolt it down.

I assume Stanley didn't case there own vises, any idea who made this?

 

[Flinter987]

Thanks grouseman! I am planning to both things you said - spruce it up and use it! I'll post a pic when it's done!

 

[KMScott]

The Wilton magnet sucked in a No. 4 Pat Pen today. The kicker is on the front of the dynamic is has USAAF, which stands for U.S. Army Air Forces! A real WWII veteran of a vise!

As best I can tell, Wilton applied for their patent in 1941 and it was issued in March of 1942. That puts this vise in the first year of production give or take. It has the correct straight-line jaws and no cracks, damage, etc. At some point someone replaced the jaw screws with hex socket cap screws, but that doesn't bother me a bit. The swivel lock acorn nuts are seized and soaking in Kroil.

The only way this could be better would be if it had original paint/stickers which is next to impossible at this point.

For your evening viewing pleasure....

Nice pickup G-Man, those are my favorites of Wilton vises.

 

[trijeff]

I forgot I picked this up a while back, and just found it in my shop. I believe it's an early Stanley Rule and Level Victor Jersey 2" vise but I haven't cleaned the slide to see if the info is on there. This thing is surprisingly heavy, even the slide is cast. Made just like the nice big vises. I'm going to clean it, try my hand at Japanning and put it on the end of my lathe bench. With it's smooth jaws and small size, I can use it to file, sand, etc. parts. This thing is awesome, but I wish I could bolt it down.

I assume Stanley didn't case there own vises, any idea who made this?

You can bolt it down, just cut off the base! I didn't drill holes in this one, it is a business card holder, but it would be pretty easy.

 

[gman007]

There must have been many of them sold without a swivel base because I have one as well. Well I have a 924-1/2.

bagged
While I still stand by my preference for one with the base, in my humble opinion this dual purpose (fixed and swivel ) design looks a bit "funky". The swivel base looks almost like an after thought or like someone cobbled a donor base for the vise.

The swivel base is circular but the base of the vise is tear shaped with an ear sticking out up front. The swivel base design does not detract the functionality but just looks awkward (may be I am subconsciously nitpicking in case I can not get my hand on one as I would love to have one ).
007

 

[gman007]

Someone posted this when I was looking at a Starrett recently.

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chris
Thanks for the info, very informative. Boy these were pretty pricy, $110 in 1975 is like (per some online inflation calculators) $500 today!
007

 

[Bcom]

Bcom, The 519X were made when the FTC vigorously enforced the rules about imports bearing their country of origin. US made stuff didn't have that requirements IIR.

There are even fewer features that line up with imports than the current suspects.

Ok thanks for the info. The square base and spindle nose still has me scratching my head wondering where these 519x came from. Anyone ever notice the spindle nose on a 519x looks like a vintage coffee thermos?


best free image hosting

 

[f_jimenez]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the thread and would really appreciate any help bowdown:

I came across to a PARKER'S VISE near where i live and would like to know if 120$CAD is a fair price to pay; following is the link with pictures.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autres-outi...er/1297072012?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

The only problem with the Vise is that i don't really notice the Jaws shape on the clamps; so i'm kind of shy to pulling the trigger on that one.

Thanks in advance.

 

[G-ManBart]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the thread and would really appreciate any help bowdown:

I came across to a PARKER'S VISE near where i live and would like to know if 120$CAD is a fair price to pay; following is the link with pictures.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autres-outi...er/1297072012?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

The only problem with the Vise is that i don't really notice the Jaws shape on the clamps; so i'm kind of shy to pulling the trigger on that one.

Thanks in advance.

It appears the jaws are there, but I'd want to see them in person. Parker jaws can be replaced, but if you're not a machinist, the cost will exceed that of buying another vise.

 

[jrobb316]

Hi All
Does anyone know if Starrett Athol No. 924 was ever sold without the swivel base or did it always come with a swivel base?
Thx much
007

Here is a catalog page listing both flavors. The base is an add on to the non swivel vise. Same as Morgan's since the 1960s.

I'll throw my hat in the rock island camp for 519xs. I have a 5197 and it has too many features and even looks a little similar to a 574 if you have 2 pics.

 

[DFB]

Here is a catalog page listing both flavors. The base is an add on to the non swivel vise. Same as Morgan's since the 1960s.

I'll throw my hat in the rock island camp for 519xs. I have a 5197 and it has too many features and even looks a little similar to a 574 if you have 2 pics.

Gee thks for that catalog page linkup

I asked the same question about the swivel base being an option in another thread, one I had started when I picked up a sweet little Starrett Athol 923 (with no swivel base ) for $50 a few weeks back.


I was also curious about any differences with the 923 and the 923 1/2 besides the obvious jaw width and if the bases were maybe interchangeable or were model specific.

 

[gman007]

Here is a catalog page listing both flavors. The base is an add on to the non swivel vise. Same as Morgan's since the 1960s.

I'll throw my hat in the rock island camp for 519xs. I have a 5197 and it has too many features and even looks a little similar to a 574 if you have 2 pics.

Thx Much for the catalog

 

[jrobb316]

I would doubt the bases would be the same. The body will be larger even with .5 on the jaws. Watch eBay, they show up from time to time. I had a 924 I sold stationary and have another 924 with a swivel (which I really don't need) on my toolbox at work. Very stout vises, top shelf for sure.

 

[gman007]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the thread and would really appreciate any help bowdown:

I came across to a PARKER'S VISE near where i live and would like to know if 120$CAD is a fair price to pay; following is the link with pictures.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autres-outi...er/1297072012?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

The only problem with the Vise is that i don't really notice the Jaws shape on the clamps; so i'm kind of shy to pulling the trigger on that one.

Thanks in advance.

f_jim
The condition does not look too bad (it even has the handle brake screw in the nose- hopefully the spring and brake pad are still inside the nose), and from one of the photos you can barley see a fuzzy glimpse of the jaw inserts which do not look too bad but like Gman said earlier you really need to see the vise up close and carefully check it out.

Now it looks like this is a Parker Model # 804 (fixed based) 4". Based on my limited knowledge, it seems the 4" Parkers with swivel base weigh around 50-60 lb (my 204 and 974 weigh around 60 lb) and obviously the fixed ones weigh less (for example my 5" Parker 955 fixed base weighs 85 lb but the 5" 975 with swivel base weighs 105 lb). For this size fixed base parker at $120 CAD (about $100 USD) depending where you live, your might be getting an OK deal (see below).

Based on past comments regarding availability and prices of vises on this tread, it seems definition of a good deal for a vise among other factors depends on

A- What is availability of old vises where you live.
By the way it is a good idea to include your location in your profile. Even though your profile does not state your location, based on the ad (it is from Laval, northern suburbs of Montreal), I am guessing you are somewhere in Quebec most likely within greater Montreal.

For reference, in my geographic location, personally I would consider $30-40 USD a GOOD deal for this vise. You have to judge what is a good deal where you live.

B- How bad do you want the vise.

If old US made vises are rare in your vicinity and you want this vise, I would go and check it out (you can always state to the seller that you will only buy it if it passes inspection).
007

 

[KMScott]

For reference, in my geographic location, personally I would consider $30-40 USD a GOOD deal for this vise. You have to judge what is a good deal where you live.

Wow, really. Is this what they sell for in Michigan. I think a $100 is a fair price for that vise with no repairs.

 

[jonshonda]

Just wrapped up my first vice resto.

 

[Bcom]

f_jim
The condition does not look too bad (it even has the handle brake screw in the nose- hopefully the spring and brake pad are still inside the nose), and from one of the photos you can barley see a fuzzy glimpse of the jaw inserts which do not look too bad but like Gman said earlier you really need to see the vise up close and carefully check it out.


007

Anyway,I don't know if this would help the OP or you 007 but the spindle handle brake is easily fixed with a set screw, spring and a ball bearing. I had the same problem on my 974 Parker, missing the spring and pad but thanks to everyone in here, they told me how to rebuild it with minimal effort. Found a random ball bearing on my garage floor and found a random small spring in my bolts bucket and it worked great!����