The VISES of Garage Journal

[Whiskeymike]

I just finished building this stand. It’s my first, as I’ve always had small garbage vises just attached to my workbench, so we’ll see what I learn once I start using it. The vise is a Prentiss I picked up at a garage sale. There’s a tiny bit of info on the forum about it. Anyone able to tell me more? There’s a 3-20 which I believe is the model, and then there is also another number 5228. Any idea what that was? Looks like it might have been added after mfr.

Vise is well used but works great, any advice on cleaning it up would be appreciated.

 

[Outlawmws]

WM, you did know the static jaw swivels, right?

 

[gman007]

I just finishing building this stand. It’s my first, as I’ve always had small garbage vises just attached to my workbench, so we’ll see what I learn once I start using it. The vise is a Prentiss I picked up at a garage sale. There’s a tiny bit of info on the forum about it. Anyone able to tell me more? There’s a 3-20 which I believe is the model, and then there is also another number 8528. Any idea what that was? Looks like it might have been added after mfr.

Vise is well used but works great, any advice on cleaning it up would be appreciated.

Whiskey That is a very nice stand! If this was your first attempt, I love to see what are going to do next

 

[BMR24]

whiskey my guess is that 5288 was stamped in by the previous owner( problibly a fab shop or some other company) and is not original to the vise. Likely some sort of inventory number. Put paste wax or gear oil on the slide and swivel jaw and any other moving parts, and oil or paint the rest to your preference. You can get new jaws and some other parts from Kevin at benchvisejaws.com

 

[drivesitfar]

Whiskey: your Prentiss #20 probably left the factory in the late 1920's or 1930's. I don't have mine handy, but i think yours should have a 5 inch wide jaw and maybe weigh about 65 pounds and it has the cool swivel static jaw feature that i love on Prentiss vises. NICE LOOKING STAND TOO!!

007: i've seen a few Rock Island 577's with damage and since they were built very well it had to be user error. if that was close to me i'd see if he'd take a benjamin for it and i'd use it as my outside vise or use the parts if another 577 showed up.

thanks for all the support and the comic relief cause i have been reading along. it's my BDay today so not posting much, but i thought Whiskey might have needed some info on his Prentiss.

Twersty: yep one of your wood vises looks a little like a Sheldon, but that handle has me thinking some other brand and i can't recall off hand. maybe post it in the Woodworking 101 thread cause a few guys over there might have a wood vise that looks like yours. you can't go to wrong paying $15 for two wood vises, but i'm guessing you already knew that.

VA: I own a few Fulton vises and the company that took his over L.M.V and I think Fulton married a gal named Massey which might have been related to that vise company's founder.

ALL: well i probably could have bought a pretty nice vise for the cost of dinner last night, but first time i've ever had a desert with this design on my plate and a lit candle. since our 30th anniversary was also this week my bride's plate had a nice look to it too. BTW those words were tasty too.

I thought i'd also bring home a few vises to put on my big shelving unit and here's how i get some of my exercise by moving these little guys around.

cheers

 

[Whiskeymike]

Thanks guys.

Outlaw & Drive, I had read that it was a swivel jaw and noticed the line. But how do I pull that back pin safely?

 

[drivesitfar]

Whiskey: the pin should just pull up, but about 99% of these are rusted or hammered in place so maybe take a peak at the vise repair 101 thread and there are several ways to remove a stuck pin or swivel jaw.

in fact BMR just got his maybe close to 200 pound Prentiss #23 swivel jaw loose and hopefully yours won't be quite so stuck

 

[rusty65]

Thanks guys.

Outlaw & Drive, I had read that it was a swivel jaw and noticed the line. But how do I pull that back pin safely?

On that model you should be able to remove the pin by removing the swivel base and putting a long bolt or punch through the bolt hole that holds the base on underneath the vise. It allows access to the pins underside which is the smaller end.


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[Outlawmws]

BMR's was a rusted in place jaw, not a pin. (at least not the last bit)

WB: Start easy. light taps to the sides and front to back. get some good penetrating oil in their (kroil?) you may get lucky and it will just pop out. if not, try some heat and penetraint. give it some time to soak in. And don't rush...

 

[gman007]

Drives Happy birthday and wish you another 63 years of happiness and full of vises

 

[Fretters]

WB: Start easy. light taps to the sides and front to back. get some good penetrating oil in their (kroil?) you may get lucky and it will just pop out. if not, try some heat and penetraint. give it some time to soak in. And don't rush...

That's the approach I'd go with too. I was expecting that pin on my swivel jaw being a cow to remove, after seeing all the posts on here on the subject, and with it being as rusty as it was from spending years outside, but the pin came free with barely any protest after a good lube and some gentle taps.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Cool, sounds like a plan. Thanks guys

By the way, I found this really cool page on the background of Prentiss. http://toolarchives.com/node/137. Some of the patent links are really cool like the removable jaws.

 

[gman007]

Cool, sounds like a plan. Thanks guys

By the way, I found this really cool page on the background of Prentiss. http://toolarchives.com/node/137. Some of the patent links are really cool like the removable jaws.

Whiskey BTW, The very useful and cool website http://toolarchives.com belongs to equally cool GJ member twertsy

 

[va.grouseman]

Twersty, I read most of the individual articles concerning Mr. Fulton, his history, and the Co.s he was associated with.---I am astounded at the amount of info you were able to compile, on just this one subject even.---Your compilation of this website is a most valuable tool for information that all the members should take advantage of. Thanks for all the many hours of research that you have poured into this.

 

[KMScott]

Va could not say it any better. http://toolarchives.com shows how a tool website should be. Thanks Twertsy.

 

[va.grouseman]

KMS, I can't say enough about the Spreadsheet either, and all you fellows compiling that site.---Another invaluable tool for research in an ongoing/growing and progressive subject.---Both are the easiest way to redirect a new member, and seasoned alike, with concerning questions about a vise they have just acquired or are thinking about acquiring.---There are just so many brands and models within those brands that no one has all that info at their readiness except maybe a Sheldon Cooper, but I doubt vises would be his top interest.---Thank yaw for all the prior and ongoing work.

 

[trijeff]

Well, piling on, KMScott, I can't say enough about your jaws! Got these for a 1740 in progress and HOLY CAMOLE this is hands down the TOUGHEST material I have ever filed/sanded/polished while restoring vises. It was laughing at the files and sanding regime I typically use. I was not . Not quite finished up with the polish, but man, once it's on there that mirror finish will probably be on there for a good bit. All by way of saying I was trying to destroy these (in a controlled way of course) and it took a lot of abuse before even yielding in the slightest. Your products are absolutely amazing sir.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks VA, Jeff, A2 will polish up to a mirror finish. In injection Molds the polisher uses diamond paste in grits from 1-15 for the finish, Molds have to be held to a tolerance to meet the part print. So no buffing wheels, all hand work. Your jaw's looks great.

Tore down 5 York's today for restorations. I believe I have all the size's. 60mm,80mm,100mm,125mm and the 150mm ( Metric Conversion is 60mm/25.4 = 2.362). Pretty interesting how the Czech's built these vises. The Nut is held in by a single pin that is drilled and reamed to a light press fit. The Spindle thread will not hit the pin, yes the vise looses some opening but really you should not use vises opening 1-1/2 times the jaw width. The nut is made from a steel pipe and swedged at both ends, the back end is mushroomed out to keep from sliding forward during installation and the front is swedged smaller and threaded for the spindle.

The spindle has a radial groove cut where another precision hole is placed in the Dynamic Jaw Support for a Metric semi soft pin to ride in, very little backlash in all 5 sizes. They had to hit a pretty close dimension or trouble at assembly. Gonna make new jaws just for these. Gonna be a fun project.

The 80mm York has casted on the side under neath the Patent number saying ZAKONEM CHRANEND Maybe some one recognizes what that means.

Gonna try my luck creating the York Decal with Photo Shop, had good luck with the Wilton decals a while ago.

 

[Firewire]

Tore down 5 York's today for restorations. I believe I have all the size's. 60mm,80mm,100mm,125mm and the 150mm ( Metric Conversion is 60mm/25.4 = 2.362). Pretty interesting how the Czech's built these vises. The Nut is held in by a single pin that is drilled and reamed to a light press fit. The Spindle thread will not hit the pin, yes the vise looses some opening but really you should not use vises opening 1-1/2 times the jaw width. The nut is made from a steel pipe and swedged at both ends, the back end is mushroomed out to keep from sliding forward during installation and the front is swedged smaller and threaded for the spindle.

The spindle has a radial groove cut where another precision hole is placed in the Dynamic Jaw Support for a Metric semi soft pin to ride in, very little backlash in all 5 sizes. They had to hit a pretty close dimension or trouble at assembly. Gonna make new jaws just for these. Gonna be a fun project.

Interesting! Was the York bullet invented before the Wilton? This thread from another site seems to indicate such! Short York History

 

[jrobb316]

* What a Bummer!!!*
For a split second there, my heart skipped a beat when I saw this CL listing (even though it would have been a 3 hour round trip for me)

"Huge Vice 6" Jaws - Rock Island 577 - $150".

I do not have any RIs and specially a 6" 145 lb one for $150 was a no brainer!

And then at a closer look at the photos and huge braze job made me nauseous. Here is what seller says

"This is a Rock Island 577 vice made by the Birtman Electric Company.
It weights 145 lbs.
As you can see in the pics, it broke at some point and has been braised.
I have used it and clamped it as hard as humanly possible without a cheater on the handle and it shows no weakness. You can do the same before you buy it."

The odd thing is the handle bar is straight, so probably the damage is not due to tightening using a cheater bar but most likely some fxxxing gorilla took a sledge hammer or something to the piece that was held in the vise and in the process broke the dynamic jaw. I mean how else do you break a 145 lb RI?

I need that swivel base! Only a 50 mile swim straight across the big lake.

 

[gman007]

I need that swivel base! Only a 50 mile swim straight across the big lake.

I am sure you are aware that there is a ferry service between Milwaukee and Muskegon (Lake Express) but I believe it might not operate in winter month . I guess Lake Express does not want to be known as Titanic of Lake Michigan!

 

[jrobb316]

I am sure you are aware that there is a ferry service between Milwaukee and Muskegon (Lake Express) but I believe it might not operate in winter month

It's very cost prohibitive also. I only paid 75 bucks for my 577 with one broken off foot. I plan to TIG a buildup of silicone bronze and make a new foot.

 

[va.grouseman]

Alternate back stroke, breast stroke, back stroke, breast stroke, Jrobb, and you won't tire out so easily. Don't even have to worry about sharks.---Life jacket advised.

 

[Outlawmws]

• Buy it
• have a local PU.
• USPS Flat rate the part(s) you need...
• leave the parts with the local for "services rendered"

 

[noturavgm]

Here is a little before and after on that Chas Parker that was discussed a few pages ago. Did a quick cleanup and made a more functional collar for it.

Turns out it is definitely a No. 22. The upper 2 must have gotten cast poorly, or worn away over the years. Once it was stripped you could make out the base of the 2.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Kevin,

ZAKONEM CHRANEND I think a rough translation is "Protected by Law"

The one I have has "Moravia" stamped on the top of the dynamic jaw which is a region or state in the Czech Republic.

 

[gman007]

Here is a little before and after on that Chas Parker that was discussed a few pages ago. Did a quick cleanup and made a more functional collar for it.

Turns out it is definitely a No. 22. The upper 2 must have gotten cast poorly, or worn away over the years. Once it was stripped you could make out the base of the 2.

noturavgm It looks very nice and I like your choice of color, well done. Even from the small picture, I can see the traces of the second 2 but man someone must have taken a chisel or grinder or something to it!

 

[jonshonda]

I spy a nice block grinder. Someone is gaining GJ street cred.

 

[twertsy]

KMS, I can't say enough about the Spreadsheet either, and all you fellows compiling that site.---Another invaluable tool for research in an ongoing/growing and progressive subject.---Both are the easiest way to redirect a new member, and seasoned alike, with concerning questions about a vise they have just acquired or are thinking about acquiring.---There are just so many brands and models within those brands that no one has all that info at their readiness except maybe a Sheldon Cooper, but I doubt vises would be his top interest.---Thank yaw for all the prior and ongoing work.

First of all gents, appreciate the kudos.

Second, if I were more technical I'd be done with a "feed" of that spreadsheet straight into TA. But alas, I haven't quite been able to figure it out. I'll get it, but if I were a pro (or had a pro's help) it'd been done months ago.

 

[twertsy]

Twersty, I read most of the individual articles concerning Mr. Fulton, his history, and the Co.s he was associated with.---I am astounded at the amount of info you were able to compile, on just this one subject even.---Your compilation of this website is a most valuable tool for information that all the members should take advantage of. Thanks for all the many hours of research that you have poured into this.

I'm not sure if you saw this. I have been sporadically adding to this timeline for some time. But I think it's useful information on Fulton.

http://toolarchives.com/edwin-w-fulton-timeline

 

[KMScott]

Kevin,

ZAKONEM CHRANEND I think a rough translation is "Protected by Law"

The one I have has "Moravia" stamped on the top of the dynamic jaw which is a region or state in the Czech Republic.

Thanks GET, I have a couple with the same Moravia stamped on the jaw towers too.

 

[chrisnazzy]

I won't be making the 5 hour round trip but someone is going to get a sweet Wilton for $30 in Vegas today. That is if it's not already gone.

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/tls/d/bench-vice/6477704630.html

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[gman007]

I won't be making the 5 hour round trip but someone is going to get a sweet Wilton for $30 in Vegas today. That is if it's not already gone.


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I would say and the lucky guy should promptly visit one of the local establishment to continue his lucky streak ! The Wilton looks like one of the very early ones and may be a 4".

I can not exactly tell from the photo but the other vise looks like Asian (out of curiosity I tried to find the actual listing hoping to see a better photo but had no luck) and seller wants $30 for it too! Amazing!

 

[Bunk]

Gone!

 

[Provincial]

Here is a little before and after on that Chas Parker that was discussed a few pages ago. Did a quick cleanup and made a more functional collar for it.

Turns out it is definitely a No. 22. The upper 2 must have gotten cast poorly, or worn away over the years. Once it was stripped you could make out the base of the 2.

Most times when a detail is missing on a casting it is because the casting sand did not retain the shape from the pattern board. This is usually because of improper procedure in packing the sand against the pattern, but it also can be from improper handling of the sand mould, or even failure of the sand to stick together during the pour.

 

[CRSINMICH]

THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!​

Two days ago I posted Edwin Fulton's patent drawing from 1922 and commented that it looks like a Chinese Wonder Vise. I just now found this 1884 page about Howard Iron Works vises on Tool Archives (thanks again twertsy!) I noticed that at the bottom were two another vises that could be ancestors of the CWV.

 

[Colin Len]

I'm not a vise afficianado but just stumbled on this on craigslist and figured I'd share. Looks like a Wilton but I'm not sure, looks crazy beefy.
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/tls/d/huge-bench-vice/6471644608.html

 

[chrisnazzy]

I'm not a vise afficianado but just stumbled on this on craigslist and figured I'd share. Looks like a Wilton but I'm not sure, looks crazy beefy.
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/tls/d/huge-bench-vice/6471644608.html

Wilton C-3. 6" jaws and 192 pounds. Looks to be in very good condition except the missing pipe jaws and swivel lock downs.

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[dutchgray]

That does look to be a good deal IMO, combination vice missing the pipe jaws, and I reckon it is pretty big.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

All:
Here's a Reed 204A vise that I just finished. It must have been a factory second because the A from the model # was stamped instead of cast in the body.

This was a challenged vise that needed a swivel base bolt/bushing assembly, had damage to the slide, damage to one of the spindle handle ends, a bent swivel base handle and a frozen spindle retainer. I was told by the seller that was used in Arkla Industries; Evansville, IN. Division (former local manufacturer of gas grills). Circa. 1938?

I hope to soon find a good home for it. Here are some after pictures & a before picture: