The VISES of Garage Journal

[thederbyengineer]

The spoils from tonight. The "gas money" 974 1/2-A Parker is near mint! The other Parker turned out to be a 954, it's in decent shape nothing a little sanding and filing can't clean up. The Ridge tool, well we had to reschedule the purchase, because holiday plans got in the way. I'll post more pictures tomorrow with probably a few questions.

 

[BMR24]

That Reed 105 could still be useful, just not nearly as valuable as it would be in tact. How often do you use the full capacity of even a small vise, let alone a 5"er? It wouldn't be any good in a fab shop, but just fine in the average joes garage.

 

[Roo19]

Well if anyone in my neck of the woods Southwest TEXAS, would like to sell me or donate to me a qulity gagarge DIY'er type of vise I would appreciate that. That way I don't throw my $$ away on some garbage from a store.

Hook'em

 

[BMR24]

I picked up this Athol last night, I LIKE it. Ill post some photos once im done with it, any suggestions on color, I'm all ears.














Too bad its not new enough to have replaceable jaws, I'm trying to decide if its worth it to mill out the faces and buy some of Kevin's. id like any input you guys have on that idea as well.

 

[thederbyengineer]

That Reed 105 could still be useful, just not nearly as valuable as it would be in tact. How often do you use the full capacity of even a small vise, let alone a 5"er? It wouldn't be any good in a fab shop, but just fine in the average joes garage.

If one was so inclined could you dowel and braze on new steel? It wouldn't be as strong as OEM but it would increase the usage of the vise. Machining it all back square is not an issue for me as I'm a hobby machinist. Was just curious if it could be done and worth it.

 

[gman007]

The spoils from tonight. The "gas money" 974 1/2-A Parker is near mint! The other Parker turned out to be a 954, it's in decent shape nothing a little sanding and filing can't clean up. The Ridge tool, well we had to reschedule the purchase, because holiday plans got in the way. I'll post more pictures tomorrow with probably a few questions.

Wow this is indeed a nice haul and doubly so for just “gas money”

 

[BMR24]

If one was so inclined could you dowel and braze on new steel? It wouldn't be as strong as OEM but it would increase the usage of the vise. Machining it all back square is not an issue for me as I'm a hobby machinist. Was just curious if it could be done and worth it.

That would be a good question for KMScott, i have no doubt that it can be done, just not sure what all it would entail. And you'd have to have a much better setup than I do.

 

[BMR24]

The spoils from tonight. The "gas money" 974 1/2-A Parker is near mint! The other Parker turned out to be a 954, it's in decent shape nothing a little sanding and filing can't clean up. The Ridge tool, well we had to reschedule the purchase, because holiday plans got in the way. I'll post more pictures tomorrow with probably a few questions.

i think this deserves a YOU ****!!!

 

[trijeff]

I picked up this Athol last night, I LIKE it. Ill post some photos once im done with it, any suggestions on color, I'm all ears.














Too bad its not new enough to have replaceable jaws, I'm trying to decide if its worth it to mill out the faces and buy some of Kevin's. id like any input you guys have on that idea as well.

My vote is boiled linseed oil! Here is a 614 I did and then gave to a friend (I got it for $20).

But your vise, your choice!

Then again, I don't have vises I don't use. Doing otherwise would be like dating Jessica Alba and sleeping on the couch.

 

[chrisnazzy]

i think this deserves a YOU ****!!!

No No No. He called it a "you ****" deal when first posting about it. I was sure self suckage was both greatly frowned upon and grounds for disqualification for a "you ****" award.

Ha Ha too much fun! All joking aside a nice pair of Parkers for a great price.

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[BMR24]

trijeff i was thinking that as well, but dangit, all of my vises i want to finish with BLO.

 

[Outlawmws]

Tell me if there is any value in a big ol’ Reed that’s has a busted slide(?)



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I would imagine it has some value as far as the parts that are good such as screw, retaining nut, bolt , static jaw and body but as a functioning vise it might be of limited use.

If the price is low you might get it for its good parts and either trade them or hope to find another exact model that might need some of these parts. Personally I find the later to be a long shot.

That Reed 105 could still be useful, just not nearly as valuable as it would be in tact. How often do you use the full capacity of even a small vise, let alone a 5"er? It wouldn't be any good in a fab shop, but just fine in the average joes garage.

If one was so inclined could you dowel and braze on new steel? It wouldn't be as strong as OEM but it would increase the usage of the vise. Machining it all back square is not an issue for me as I'm a hobby machinist. Was just curious if it could be done and worth it.

That would be a good question for KMScott, i have no doubt that it can be done, just not sure what all it would entail. And you'd have to have a much better setup than I do.

Missing that part of the slide damages its value, but that is about it.

Functionally that section doesn't do anything and missing it does not compromise the strength a bit. Cosmetic damage only.

Why? When you tighten the vise the slide places pressure on the top of the slide at the back of the body of the vise, and on the bottom of the "rails" of the slide at the front of the main body, and on the support ledge.

Even at full extension its not hurting it at all.

Cosmetic repair is very doable, but many won't bother.

For a semi-heavy weight user, in a fab shop or for welding/grinding I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

The main factor is what its cost/value is cosmetically challenged.

It was probability knocked off a bench or dropped and landed on that corner.

Looking closer at the pic, It appears that BOTH corners are gone, so the real Q is what the other side looks like. If broken much further than the visible side, that could be an issue, but the same or less, not...

 

[drivesitfar]

Surly: if that Reed is not too expensive i'd buy it to use cause that piece missing really wouldn't keep it from being useful. more cosmetic and a value killer, but when it dropped or when the slide was damaged what did it do to the main screw and vise nut inside is maybe the real question.

TJ: so you USE ALL YOUR VISES?? So do you have an action shot of the Prentiss 98 working other than holding the baby PRENTISS?

BMR: I vote for BLO, but i like my vises NAKED just like ...

also i think you would ruin the look of that good looking vise with new cut in jaws. if you need more GRIP maybe a pair of copper or aluminum jaw covers or some have actually hand filed back in some grooves, but i'd go with copper and maybe have a good grip without damaging the part you are holding.

 

[Outlawmws]

BMR, It sort of depends on what you will use it for and where. if a fab/grinding/welding vise, BLO has its attraction, but so does a good durable paint.

I see your shop is open studs; is there any sort of color scheme?

 

[thederbyengineer]

No No No. He called it a "you ****" deal when first posting about it. I was sure self suckage was both greatly frowned upon and grounds for disqualification for a "you ****" award.

Ha Ha too much fun! All joking aside a nice pair of Parkers for a great price.

I'm glad you have my back on this. My first two Parker's cost me pennys but we all know how luck can go. There will be a future purchase that I'll just have to have and probably over pay because it completes the set.

 

[BMR24]

Outlaw the current focus on the shop is organization. the Utility aspect of things drives my decisions. If i had the money to insulate, it would be a tough decision because all i need to do now is nail in a 2x4 and i have a shelf.

To be honest, I'm thinking I'll sell this one when I'm done with it, having 2 or 3 vises is very handy, but i don't want to end up getting a shipping container or something to house a bunch of unused gems. These tools were made for using, and with the exception of a few pristine ones they should be put back into service

 

[MrSurly]

The Reed is listed here for $115. To me that seems out of line for a damaged vise but I don’t know anything about this stuff so I’ll ask y’all; are there enough parts in this to make that a good price?
(I’m not a buyer for this thing, just trying to learn about them)


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[drivesitfar]

Surly: it might be worth that, but most of us own more than a few old USA made vises so if it were me maybe $40 to $60 might be the range i'd consider it if the main screw and vise nut weren't damaged.

I read the entire thread when i joined a few years ago, but if i didn't have time to keep up on it daily reading the entire thread now might take a month so keep asking questions. it sounds like you have a decent idea on quality and value so do as your gut tells you and know that welds, broken or missing parts DO AFFECT THE VALUE.

cheers

 

[chrisnazzy]

I picked up this Athol last night, I LIKE it. Ill post some photos once im done with it, any suggestions on color, I'm all ears.














Too bad its not new enough to have replaceable jaws, I'm trying to decide if its worth it to mill out the faces and buy some of Kevin's. id like any input you guys have on that idea as well.

Those jaws do look a little rough. I've got an Athol 624N that has smooth cast in jaws and I was fortunate that they are in really nice shape.

If I was working on the one you have I would have them machined smooth. Another frequent participant in this thread CrotalusAtrox did that with an Athol 614. It came out really nice.

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[Outlawmws]

115 seem high to me for damaged goods, even for cosmetic damage. It really would depend on how bad you need a larger vise, how easy they are to come by in your area, and things like that (some areas get s premium for vises...).

It has to be your call. would you be happy to pay that? If not either make an offer you are happy with, or walk away...

 

[BMR24]

Around here you can usually get around a 4" vise for $100-$150 and thats usually not a deal. I'm sure that if you can't talk the seller down then the $115 could be better spent as long as you don't need a vise right now. However it is a much better buy than anything that your local store will be selling

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw the current focus on the shop is organization. the Utility aspect of things drives my decisions. If i had the money to insulate, it would be a tough decision because all i need to do now is nail in a 2x4 and i have a shelf.

To be honest, I'm thinking I'll sell this one when I'm done with it, having 2 or 3 vises is very handy, but i don't want to end up getting a shipping container or something to house a bunch of unused gems. These tools were made for using, and with the exception of a few pristine ones they should be put back into service

For what you describe, I'd also lean to BLO then. Get it cleaned up, and then keep it from rusting.

Painting a vise can have a negative aspect when selling: I had one guy flat tell me "too bad you painted it. I might have been interested" Sort of implying I painted it to hide something... (I got my price anyway...) some Love a fresh paint job, and for a while SO extreme green made for good sales on Eprey. Different strokes and all that...

 

[Swingpress]

Question for the vise wizards.

Saw one of these at a consignment store today priced at $75.
Columbian 503-1/2

Should I have snagged it? It struck me as a little high but I was unsure because vises are a little out of my wheelhouse but I'd like to try my hand a restoring/cleaning one. If it was a good deal I can probably go back in the morning and snag it.

 

[trijeff]

TJ: so you USE ALL YOUR VISES?? So do you have an action shot of the Prentiss 98 working other than holding the baby PRENTISS?

P98 still isn't finshed yet, I am taking eons on this monster. Really not that much left to do, but all my flippers take precedence and I have 13 to refinish and get out the door. Last twelve months were shot due to new house and kid, if I get two houra per week to myself and my own projects it's considered a major victory. So basically it will never be done but, if that magical moment somehow arrives it will 100% see use.



Then again, I don't have vises I don't use. Doing otherwise would be like dating Jessica Alba and sleeping on the couch.

 

[drivesitfar]

Chris: if i had the skills and the mill or machine to make jaws on my Athols or any other vise that might be one method I'd like that CA did to his. WOW!!

CA: i can't recall you posting that so would you mind posting up a few more pictures and maybe how you did that? WELL DONE!!

TJ: congrats on the move and the new little addition to your family. i barely remember some years in my mid 30's with 2 teenagers and 3 in diapers so best of luck with your little one and your projects. we just became EMPTY NESTERS last month and our 30 aniversary is next month. good luck

Swing: average deal cause Columbian doesn't draw the big dollars like Wilton or a few other brands. that said if you NEED A VISE it's a lot better vise than what you can buy new at any store for that price if it isn't broken or welded. from my chair it looks like it just needs cleaning up.

 

[Provincial]

Swingpress, I recently bought the Craftsman version of that vise for $25.00 in similar shape. You should pay less than $40.00 for that vise.

 

[jrobb316]

Does anyone have a photo of a Rock Island 232 vise? I have one that is unmarked that I'm trying to identify, this seems to be the only comparable one on the spreadsheet but there is no photo attached. Image search isn't bringing up the 232 specifically.
Thanks again

Search for a 231. I have one of those and there are pics out there.

 

[jonshonda]

I had been eyeing up at nice Starrett 623-1/2 and was going to drive a few hours to buy it this wknd. Well.....waited too long and someone else snagged it!! Anyone want to give me a good Xmas deal on a nice swivel vise to cheer me up?!

 

[drivesitfar]

JON: go in your GJ profile and put in your location first of all which might help us help you or get you better answers to some of your questions you might ask here or on other threads. ok?

also while you are in there click on AVATAR and you can download a picture to show up under your name like the Bison made of scraps does on mine.

the Starrett vises are awesome, but i'm sure somebody here might have one to make you smile or PM me and i'll see if I have one.

ALL: some of you that don't read this thread daily or maybe even if you do might want to go in your GJ profile and change the settings to 100 posts per page view that the GJ owners added a few months ago. it's great for searching or catching up on a fast moving thread. or if you want to read a long thread and have the time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS all you that have the vice for vises and to those that will have or don't.

cheers

 

[BMR24]

For what you describe, I'd also lean to BLO then. Get it cleaned up, and then keep it from rusting.

Painting a vise can have a negative aspect when selling: I had one guy flat tell me "too bad you painted it. I might have been interested" Sort of implying I painted it to hide something... (I got my price anyway...) some Love a fresh paint job, and for a while SO extreme green made for good sales on Eprey. Different strokes and all that...

I've herd that collectors don't like paint, I figured if I do paint a vise I'll just take lots of clear before, during, and after photos to show the condition.

 

[thederbyengineer]

So here's the 954 not to bad $55. The left side has a few saw marks, the slide has some dings and dents. I was personally attracted to this one because of the styling of the buttresses.

 

[jrobb316]

I had been eyeing up at nice Starrett 623-1/2 and was going to drive a few hours to buy it this wknd. Well.....waited too long and someone else snagged it!! Anyone want to give me a good Xmas deal on a nice swivel vise to cheer me up?!

PM me, I have a 924 with swivel I may sell. We are both in WI, so we could be neighbors or 6 hours away. I'm in the Milwaukee area.

 

[thederbyengineer]

And the "Gas Money" Parker No. 974 1/2-A. She's a beaut. There's normal wear and tear on the handle, but it's not bent. The original tag is there but someone tried to clean the paint off and scratched it up a bit. And I believe it's pitting on top of the slide not hammering.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I had been eyeing up at nice Starrett 623-1/2 and was going to drive a few hours to buy it this wknd. Well.....waited too long and someone else snagged it!! Anyone want to give me a good Xmas deal on a nice swivel vise to cheer me up?!

I have a beautiful 924 id sell if the price was right. I doubt you'll find a stouter 4" vise...

 

[ROCKNMUD]

Cleaned up pretty good including new jaws from Bcom - thanks, Bcom! I could polish the handle, but it's going up on CL. I'm drowning in stuff.



How much?

 

[honza.vosalik]

Just picked up this Reed 203 1/2 with PG&E stamping.

 

[KMScott]

Wrapped up 2 months of spare time restorations/builds when I finished these four vises. I have a dozen or so of clamp-on vises and wanted to have some fun and removed the clamp on and replace them with Parker copy swivel bases. I might have the smallest one ever made for the Athol #4 vise. Less then 1-1/2" jaws width on the smallest and 2-1/2 on the largest 765 Stanley. Went through everything and tightened them u the best I could, Stanly makes a different type of shim where the spindle handle rotates on steel instead of cast. I remade them in Bronze to tighten up the backlash. Each vise was time consuming, it is easier to restore a 4" vise. Replaced the jaw faces with serrated and smooth jaws. New handles and tightened up the nut to help with backlash. Built the wrenches and lock assembly. I sure like the lock down brake pad setup, fairly easy to make and works so good. I hope you enjoy.

 

[Outlawmws]

Those are awesome Dr. Scott!

 

[thederbyengineer]

KMScott those have to be the cutest yet completely awesome set of vises. They look like salesman samples. I know there's a word for them but I can't think of it. You could play Euchre with those. Everyone gets their own vise to hold their hand. Amazing job.

 

[trijeff]

HOLY F-BALLS, Kevin!!!

Then again, I don't have vises I don't use. Doing otherwise would be like dating Jessica Alba and sleeping on the couch.