The VISES of Garage Journal

[drivesitfar]

Shift: I totally agree that new little clamp on display shelf is COOL and once you get the rest of your vises in the other little cubby holes please post or email me a family photo. WELL DONE!!

Firewire: you're very welcome. if you have a few minutes (or maybe an hour or two) here's a thread I started a couple years ago that the other members posted up their vise stands and mounting ideas on.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252799&highlight=vise+stands

Hit: it looks like you had the right stuff to paint the lettering one of the ways the guys talk about and I think with a little practice you'll get better results. did you paint the main screw red or was that the way a vise was when you bought it cause you shouldn't paint the screws or machined parts and most of the guys don't paint the swivel nuts or hubs of the main screw either. i don't think many if any of these guys restoring vises are getting wealthy restoring vises, but if you can learn something, turn a great old vise into a usable tool and make a little to buy another vise or tool or a meal you might have fun learning why we all like vises (vices). also just an FYI all WILTON VISES are not the bullet or tradesman models that are their best quality ones. they have a cheap import models that aren't even close to the quality.

Bcom: interesting point about your Craftsman vise that looks like your Wilton Tradesman

 

[CRSINMICH]

Here is the clamp on vise stand I put together using 2 pieces of reclaimed redwood 2x6s. I ran them through my surface planer and gave them 2 coats of Watco oil.
The feet are 2 adjustable wrenches. The one on the left is a Coes and the other is somewhat different but it still makes an unusual and interesting support. I have a few more vises to clamp onto the board.

Shift: I think you've gone full Steam Punk. (Is that still a thing?) You should show the other members what else you have done with vintage wrenches lately. Very clever guy!

p.s. Is that a Brazilian clamp-on by any chance?

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

How does this look? I tried my best with what I had, what paint does everyone use for detailing like this?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Try Paint Pens they make it much easier.

 

[hitthewall79]

Shift: I totally agree that new little clamp on display shelf is COOL and once you get the rest of your vises in the other little cubby holes please post or email me a family photo. WELL DONE!!

Firewire: you're very welcome. if you have a few minutes (or maybe an hour or two) here's a thread I started a couple years ago that the other members posted up their vise stands and mounting ideas on.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252799&highlight=vise+stands

Hit: it looks like you had the right stuff to paint the lettering one of the ways the guys talk about and I think with a little practice you'll get better results. did you paint the main screw red or was that the way a vise was when you bought it cause you shouldn't paint the screws or machined parts and most of the guys don't paint the swivel nuts or hubs of the main screw either. i don't think many if any of these guys restoring vises are getting wealthy restoring vises, but if you can learn something, turn a great old vise into a usable tool and make a little to buy another vise or tool or a meal you might have fun learning why we all like vises (vices). also just an FYI all WILTON VISES are not the bullet or tradesman models that are their best quality ones. they have a cheap import models that aren't even close to the quality.

Bcom: interesting point about your Craftsman vise that looks like your Wilton Tradesman

Yup, I'm learning that now about the wiltons, here I thought all wiltons were amazing, but it turns out they had that import line. How do you tell the imports from the real wiltons?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[hitthewall79]

Try Paint Pens they make it much easier.

Are you talking about the kind of paint pens that you use for automotive detailing to fix tiny Knicks and stuff like that?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[gman007]

Yup, I'm learning that now about the wiltons, here I thought all wiltons were amazing, but it turns out they had that import line. How do you tell the imports from the real wiltons?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Hit This is my observation and might not be completely accurate but here are some rules of thumb that I follow
1- Usually imports have no clear COO label (at least no clearly cast "Made in")
2- The lower end vises (say mechanics and non-bullets) are most likely are made in China
3- If it is less than say $300 (new) is most likely made in China

The Wilton experts here might provide better guideline

 

[drivesitfar]

Crs: I wish i was closer to your VISE HEAVEN cause I've got to say you picked up two vises in my top 20 for peanuts. if you might want to trade for some clamps, planes, a grandkid or just ask if you haven't already bolted them down.

Hit: How will you know which WILTONS are the cheap ones? YOU'LL JUST KNOW and i just wanted to tell you that they have two versions of QUALITY!! Wilton also makes their version of the CHINESE WONDER VISE that you've probably seen several of on guy's welding benches.

 

[Shiftless]

Shift: I think you've gone full Steam Punk. (Is that still a thing?) You should show the other members what else you have done with vintage wrenches lately. Very clever guy!

p.s. Is that a Brazilian clamp-on by any chance?

Good eye CRS That’s a Biehl number zero made in Brazil.

(As requested, here is another repurposed wrench project I finished last week.)

The DOE wrench came from the one dollar box at a local garage sale. It’s a Williams Superrench model 1731 probably made in the 1940’s. Lots of scars no doubt from somebody using it as a hammer. Mounting details available for anybody interested via P.M.
The door is access to the crawl space in my basement.

 

[hitthewall79]

Got a lead on a Reed! These are all the pictures the guy has, and he can't give me a model number, but he said it has 5 inch Jaws. Anyone have an idea on what model it is? He's asking 100

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

Model No is right there on the side: 205

If not cracked/welded, jump on it.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Model No is right there on the side: 205

If not cracked/welded, jump on it.

What he said!

 

[hitthewall79]

What he said!

Holy f/:&

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Shiftless]

Pick up that 205 right now. Don’t stall around or negotiate. That’s a great deal as long as there are no breaks or weld repairs.

 

[gman007]

Pick up that 205 right now. Don’t stall around or negotiate. That’s a great deal as long as there are no breaks or weld repairs.

Hit like Outlaw and Shift said, San major issues while @ $100 it might not earn a you **** award it is still a darn good deal and no brainer, I would be all over it right away before it is gone!

 

[wrenchguy]

Got a lead on a Reed! These are all the pictures the guy has, and he can't give me a model number, but he said it has 5 inch Jaws. Anyone have an idea on what model it is? He's asking 100.

no 1 mentioned its a nice older 1 in the traditional style.

 

[gman007]

Got a lead on a Reed! These are all the pictures the guy has, and he can't give me a model number, but he said it has 5 inch Jaws. Anyone have an idea on what model it is? He's asking 100.

no 1 mentioned its a nice older 1 in the traditional style.

Possibly made around 1914-1930, There is no photo of the right face, but it should have three patent dates 1908,1912, and 1914 inscribed on it

 

[va.grouseman]

Hitt, Perfect size, best brand of Old American Iron there is, JMO, excellent price.---Should be on your bench by now.---If not broke and welded that is.

 

[va.grouseman]

So according to the CPI Calculator, the 209 should be worth $2,725.99.---When a Wilton 800S, at 238 lbs., is going for anywhere from $3000.00 to $4400.00, I'd say the 209, at 327 lbs., would be priced pretty reasonably.---Yaw find me one, I'll write the check right now.

 

[hitthewall79]

Hitt, Perfect size, best brand of Old American Iron there is, JMO, excellent price.---Should be on your bench by now.---If not broke and welded that is.

My 92 f150 had a massive failure on the way to training this morning, so now I'm sitting at home, talking to the guy, going to pick it up sometime this afternoon

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[RG Rude]

Did you pick up the 205??

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Just scored a Morgan 140

Buddy is moving and is giving it to me [emoji41]


How do I tell its age?


NWOHIOCHEVYGUY

Still dreaming

 

[hitthewall79]

Did you pick up the 205??

Both of these are sitting in the bed of my truck (Reed 404 1/2 and Reed 205) and I also picked this up too, anybody have any clue on this?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

You mean Morgan? Free is great!

 

[Outlawmws]

Old, possibly pre WWII Craftsman.

What is the model number? 115? If so: Packard Electric (Division of General Motors) Purchased by Delco in 1932

If it's running very hot, you may not wan't to run it long periods of time, as it was designed for 110V and these days we are getting 120-122...

 

[Outlawmws]

ps: Post more pics in the Long C Craftsman thread!

 

[Shiftless]

hit:
Post that photo over on the “show us your vintage grinders” thread and I bet you will get more details.

 

[twagler]

Spotted this vise for sale in the wilds of Quebec, Canada. The only description given by seller is; Grosse étau en parfaite condition" which as you might guess means "Big vise in perfect condition".

It's a bit unusual in that it appears that it has a fixed front jaw & rear dynamic jaw, maybe sliding on dovetail ways, although it's hard to tell for sure from the pictures. I've googled for similar images without success - anyone ever seen one like this? From the appearance is it likely to be North American, Asian, or European?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Outlawmws]

Hmm, Lots of questions on that grinder! Why:

• The Pillow blocks between the wheels and motor housing?
• two switches? Why?
• Odd motor guards - Fabricated?
• Is this an open frame motor?

 

[hitthewall79]

Hmm, Lots of questions on that grinder! Why:

• The Pillow blocks between the wheels and motor housing?
• two switches? Why?
• Odd motor guards - Fabricated?
• Is this an open frame motor?

Forgive my ignorance, but this is my first bench grinder, so...

1. What are the pillow blocks?

2. From what the previous owner told me, one is for the grinder, and one is for the lights that sit above

3. Where are the motor guards?

4. How would I tell if this is an open frame motor or not?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

Moved the the convo to the grinders thread... (since this since Vises_)

 

[hitthewall79]

Moved the the convo to the grinders thread... (since this since Vises_)

Thank you! Now back to the vises... Heres a question I have yet to ask... Do they go for more money once they're restored, or is their value more dependant on the brand/model number?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[RagTopTA]

Its freezing cold here this weekend, and I'm actually off work. So no fleas or sales to hit. I have been working on n the old Craftsman vise. After decrusting it, and finally getting it all apart. I find the main screw and the screw barrel are both bent. I have no clue how but I need to get them both straightened back out. the dynamic jaw/slide will now slide into the main body, but only about 4-5 inches freely. it then is in a bind from being bent. What are you guys ideas on how to get this thing straightened back out? Heres a couple of pics that kind of show the bend. I put a square to the dynamic body and they measured the bottom to the square. Looks to be bent downwards about a half inch on the end.

 

[hitthewall79]

Its freezing cold here this weekend, and I'm actually off work. So no fleas or sales to hit. I have been working on n the old Craftsman vise. After decrusting it, and finally getting it all apart. I find the main screw and the screw barrel are both bent. I have no clue how but I need to get them both straightened back out. the dynamic jaw/slide will now slide into the main body, but only about 4-5 inches freely. it then is in a bind from being bent. What are you guys ideas on how to get this thing straightened back out? Heres a couple of pics that kind of show the bend. I put a square to the dynamic body and they measured the bottom to the square. Looks to be bent downwards about a half inch on the end.

I can send you plans for a simple forge, if you wanna try and warm it up to bend it back straight

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[RagTopTA]

I can send you plans for a simple forge, if you wanna try and warm it up to bend it back straight

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

My buddy does some blacksmithing and has a forge. didn't think of that... He would prob be the one to see bout it huh. I really want to fix this vise up and use it.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Hit: good job picking up those 2 Reeds. I would strongly suggest you pick which one you like the best and make it your forever vise. Doesn't mean you can't have others but both of those will serve you well for decades to come. Maybe completely restore 1 and just clean up the other one and make it your everyday user. One thing I've learned over the last year, you have to use your vise(s) to work on and restore vises.

Either way, if you're going to buy quality Reed vises you're gonna make a bunch of grown men (and women) cry in here if you don't restore them right. That is, you need to keep reading on here and do those old hunks of American iron justice. That starts with completely stripping them down and other than a short soak in something, usually entails several hours with various wire wheels on an angle grinder or drill.

If you decide to use one of them you can just bring it down to bare metal, lube it up and coat everything in boiled linseed oil. If you want to fancy one up hone your paint skills and give it a paint job that'll turn heads!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[CRSINMICH]

twagler: It's hard to be certain but I would bet that it is either a Boley or a Leinen vice. Both were made in Germany and may have been the same company.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Are you talking about the kind of paint pens that you use for automotive detailing to fix tiny Knicks and stuff like that?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

They are made by Sharpie all the big box stores carry them

 

[lis2323]

I picked up this Samsonia Perfect No 38 Model J (5" jaws -45#). I THINK it's supposed to be a quick adjust but the lever mechanism is missing and I can't figure out how it's supposed to work

Quite a bit of info available on the vise itself but can't seem to find any pics of the underside. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[hitthewall79]

I picked up this Samsonia Perfect No 38 Model J (5" jaws -45#). I THINK it's supposed to be a quick adjust but the lever mechanism is missing and I can't figure out how it's supposed to work

Quite a bit of info available on the vise itself but can't seem to find any pics of the underside. Any help would be appreciated.

If it's a quick adjust, here's how it works on the athol

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[lis2323]

Its freezing cold here this weekend, and I'm actually off work. So no fleas or sales to hit. I have been working on n the old Craftsman vise. After decrusting it, and finally getting it all apart. I find the main screw and the screw barrel are both bent. I have no clue how but I need to get them both straightened back out. the dynamic jaw/slide will now slide into the main body, but only about 4-5 inches freely. it then is in a bind from being bent. What are you guys ideas on how to get this thing straightened back out? Heres a couple of pics that kind of show the bend. I put a square to the dynamic body and they measured the bottom to the square. Looks to be bent downwards about a half inch on the end.

I'd be inclined to NOT use a forge to heat. Might be better to use an oxy acetylene or oxy propane torch to concentrate the heat at the bend rather than heat the WHOLE slide and set it up in a hydraulic press to straighten.