The VISES of Garage Journal

[chrisnazzy]

Angry Beaver,
You have a NICE vise there for sure ! If, you can find one if those a 542-BX will be easy. It's a 4.5" jaw and is about 79#. The one on the left is going to my best friend, and I'll be buried with the one on the right ! I've had this chat with a few friends and we all have some 150 pound plus 6 inch vises.....we all agree that a 4.5 combo vise is the perfect daily driver vise for the common man, and you can easily move it without killing yourself or a few hours !
How did you find your big Rocky ?

So first off the pic of your pair of 542bx's is pretty awesome and congratulations on picking both of them up. Glad a little more wire wheelin' exposed the date stamp.

You're spot on with the statement about 4.5" combo vises being a favorite "user" vise which brings me to my second point. You may want to consider restoring a different old American vise for your friend and hang on to these two 542's. I've heard several GJ'ers mention that having two identical vises has some potential benefits. You could mount one on each side of a bench and be able to clamp long pipe or boards in both at the same time. RI 542's having a stout set of pipe jaws only makes them an even better suited candidate for this. Plus there really is something to be said for Rock Island's quality and durability.

Is a 4.5" vise on both ends of your bench as good as having a 9" vise? I'm sure we would all like to have a 300+ lb. Reed 109 or Hollands 19 but in reality a couple of 4.5" combos is probably more useful!

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[AngryBeaver]

Angry Beaver,
You have a NICE vise there for sure ! If, you can find one if those a 542-BX will be easy. It's a 4.5" jaw and is about 79#. The one on the left is going to my best friend, and I'll be buried with the one on the right ! I've had this chat with a few friends and we all have some 150 pound plus 6 inch vises.....we all agree that a 4.5 combo vise is the perfect daily driver vise for the common man, and you can easily move it without killing yourself or a few hours !
How did you find your big Rocky ?

my 450 wilton is my user.... love my 204-1/2 columbian also...been looking for its bigger brother for about a year and found a crusty pic of a combo vise in cleveland... thought it was smaller than what it is... but now that I have it I don't feel the love for the columbian combos nearly as much. I've found a few 542's but none with a Birtman tag to match mine the 543 is big... it just got mounted to a 1" thick top fab table. (that my kubota BX will not pick up to move now) lol

 

[chrisnazzy]

Now speaking of 9" vises can anyone shed light on this pic for me. I stumbled upon it googling an American Scale model number I saw in a CL ad with no pic. This monster wasn't it but I'm at a loss for info on this vise. The attached info in the pic says 9" American Scale 400+ lbs. Clearly visible in the pic the yard stick is cut off at 32" and this vise is clearly 4 inches or so bigger than it or the pallet. I've seen pics of a Reed 109 and Holland's 19 9" vises and I don't think they are this big but I dunno. Thoughts?

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[va.grouseman]

Now speaking of 9" vises can anyone shed light on this pic for me. I stumbled upon it googling an American Scale model number I saw in a CL ad with no pic. This monster wasn't it but I'm at a loss for info on this vise. The attached info in the pic says 9" American Scale 400+ lbs. Clearly visible in the pic the yard stick is cut off at 32" and this vise is clearly 4 inches or so bigger than it or the pallet. I've seen pics of a Reed 109 and Holland's 19 9" vises and I don't think they are this big but I dunno. Thoughts?

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Chris, that post was first posted by B100 on page 68, post 1353.---The pic is now being held hostage by PB but it can still be seen on Google or Pinterest.---You can still read what B100 had to say about it.---PB hasn't figured out how to hold the entire post hostage as of yet, but I'm sure they are working on it.

 

[trijeff]

Chris, that post was first posted by B100 on page 68, post 1353.---The pic is now being held hostage by PB but it can still be seen on Google or Pinterest.---You can still read what B100 had to say about it.---PB hasn't figured out how to hold the entire post hostage as of yet, but I'm sure they are working on it.

Here's the text from that post for easy reference:

Hard to find Huge Railroad Vice,Approximate Weightt.350 pounds.This vise came out of the N&BRR repair/machine shop.Jaws are 8 3/8" x 2 1/2".Closed it is 34".Base is about 11".16" high.The handle is25 1/2" long.Red Seal is on one side.The other side-Coaly & Co.,Kansas City.I cannot make out the No.Looks like 8 8.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: more information on American Scale vise #'s is on page #91 of the vise repair 101 thread in case anybody needs it or it's not on the newer thread that FMC started.

here's the specs on that monster:

No88(?): AM Scale / Red Seal, 8 3/8" jaw, 350lbs, 34" overall length, 16" high, handle 25 1/2" [ebay listing said it had Coaly & Co.,KC Mo on one side, but the pic shows AM SCALE CO]

 

[chrisnazzy]

Chris, that post was first posted by B100 on page 68, post 1353.---The pic is now being held hostage by PB but it can still be seen on Google or Pinterest.---You can still read what B100 had to say about it.---PB hasn't figured out how to hold the entire post hostage as of yet, but I'm sure they are working on it.

Va: very impressive sir. I did go back to that post and read it earlier after you first posted where to find it. Thank You!

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[jrobb316]

i think that vice beens on wisconsin c-list off and on for years now. i'd try getting it 4 less, missing p-jaws and all.

jrobb from milwaukee should know it?

I have not seen it, sorry. I am not usually searching in the Northland though.

 

[ALLFAST]

ChrisNazzy,
The very first vise I bought (in the large class) off CL was a Hollands 44-1/2. It has the swivel rear tail. I was going to give my friend this one, but couldn't bring myself to it. Then this second, and.just slightly nicer 542-BX appeared and the decision was made ! The idea about the 2 same vises is sound, but I can use the Hollands if I need to gangup on the clamping power.....it's also a 4.5 inch.
The first Rock Island that I dealt with was a derelict 577 that I drug home (I'm still giving it TLC;it needs minor machining, jaw tuning, and some TIG brazing for cosmetic purposes. The quality, and heft of these Rockys is just awesome. A fellow GJ. member I've become buddies with scored a 574 at a garage sale near his home. It was made in the early 40s. He is a lifelong aviation mechanic ,machinist and pilot. He never saw a RI until the one he recently bought (he started in aviation in the Military pre-1964, and is a toolnut).....he is very impressed with the RI product now !

 

[twertsy]

Does the construct of this vise look familiar to anyone else? Here's the very brief history of the company: https://toolarchives.com/node/4665

 

[Razorhunter]

Hey guys has anyone else found numbers stamped into their Reed vise in this location? I found this 1072 stamped into mine. Don't think its an ordinary casting number.

 

[Razorhunter]

Damn my fault guys. Oncw again I've forgotten to turn my phone sideways when snapping the pic to avoid the canted photo outcome that I always seem to have on this forum. So annoying.

 

[454ragtop]

Does the construct of this vise look familiar to anyone else? Here's the very brief history of the company: https://toolarchives.com/node/4665

The "meatball" and jaws look like Prentiss.

 

[meatsis]

Does the construct of this vise look familiar to anyone else? Here's the very brief history of the company: https://toolarchives.com/node/4665

Looks like a rock Island to me.

 

[drivesitfar]

Twertsy: I agree with Meatsis on this vise because the jaws and meatball look like a Rock Island made vise. also is your vise collection going to rival your wrench and toolbox collection? thanks again for doing all the extra research you do and i'm guessing you like this stuff is maybe part of the reason you do it.

RAZOR: I'd have to look at some of my Reed vises to see if any of mine are stamped like that. since you didn't post all your vise in that post i'm guessing since it's a swivel jaw vise that it's much older than a 1972 so probably a part # on the vise or maybe a user's inventory # since it almost looks like hand stamped.

 

[Razorhunter]

Drives, I am fairly certain my 406R is older than 1972. Anyine know when Reed stopped production on the 406R and other ones like the 106, 206 etc? IOW's, when did Reed stop production on these older vises, and turn to only making tgmhe 2C, 3C, 4C, like they do now?

 

[eddieK]

The "meatball" and jaws look like Prentiss.

It looks like Prentiss except for the dynamic support

 

[eddieK]

So - what do we have here?

 

[drivesitfar]

Razor: I'm not certain, but Reed might still make 106's and other models other than the C series vises. Reed changed to the big REED LOGO i'm thinking in the late 60's or early 70's (a good REED thread would be nice if anybody would like to start one). depending on the ball shape on the end of your main screw and whether or not it has a split nut might help some of us give you a better idea on the age of yours if you post up a few more pictures cause i'm not sure how far i'd have to go back in the thread to find your 406 pics.

i'm thinking that Reed quit making the swivel jaw vises in the early 50's if not before that cause they were more popular with woodworkers than mechanics once the auto business took off after WWII.

Eddie: that's a light duty wilton open screw vise with a light duty swiveler they made more so for woodworking. do you see the screw holes in the jaws? that is where you can screw on wood jaws and get a good grip on your wood piece or small piece of metal too. not that uncommon, but nice that it says MADE IN USA on it.

 

[eddieK]

Thanks Drives -

I picked up an Athol 614 at an estate sale for 20...and they threw this in with it.

 

[ptgarcia]

So - what do we have here?

Through some soft jaws on there and that might be good for gunsmithing.

 

[jonhdw]

Here’s a cool swivel jaw Columbian 404-1/2 I snagged up the other day. Anyone know where I can find some good replacement jaws? And maybe a swivel pin too?

 

[AngryBeaver]

Drives, I am fairly certain my 406R is older than 1972. Anyine know when Reed stopped production on the 406R and other ones like the 106, 206 etc? IOW's, when did Reed stop production on these older vises, and turn to only making tgmhe 2C, 3C, 4C, like they do now?

reed quit making all vises together. not up on the reed history but 50s I believe. the 1CA 2CA 3CA 4CA are columbian made. same as the 203-1/2,204-1/2,205 and 206. Wilton bought the columbian name and kept producing them up until about a year ago. 2ca is not a 2c.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Here’s a cool swivel jaw Columbian 404-1/2 I snagged up the other day. Anyone know where I can find some good replacement jaws? And maybe a swivel pin too?

should be the same jaws as a 204-1/2. there was a few sets on eBay and I think Autopts can still get them. pricey but still available for the time being. The Dr is on vacation but he might have some swivel pins. nice vise

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives those aren't really screw holes in the little Wilton. The jaws had pins and simply slipped on and off, and new from the factory, They came with a couple sets, including some pipe jaws. I used mine as a ground clap/part holder for welding for > 20 years before I gave it to a friend, stand and all. the holes could probably be used for screws, but the outside surfaces are not parallel to the inside jaw surfaces, so you would want to either countersink or spot face the outside.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Here is an American Scale 524 that I've ended up with. 6" jaws and weighs #157. It needs a little work and another swivel lock assembly but most of it is pretty clean. It has 31 stamped into both jaw towers. Not sure what that is there for. A few pics. Ed.

 

[Razorhunter]

Can someone tell me more about the massive Ridgid 8" vises? How long were they made, and were they only sold overseas or something? The American Flag displayed one that one of our members here owns is literally the only one I've ever seen. I even Googled Ridgid 80sn vise and could not come up with any other info. The sn model vises appear to be fairly modern in design, so that alone had me wondering when they were made, and for how long, etc. Can anyone share more info on these vises?

 

[va.grouseman]

Jonhdw, what do you want replacement jaws for.---Those look fine from what I can see in the pics.---If you get new ones, I got dibs on the ones you take off.---Those look better than 90% of the ones that guys inherit with their latest acquisitions.

 

[va.grouseman]

Razor, try Twertsy's the Tool Archive.



Desmond-Stephan Manufacturing Company | The Tool Archives
toolarchives.com/node/81

Simplex history. 1923 Simplex Tool Company of Woonsocket came to market with the "Simplex Gray" bench vise. The claimed improvement was the all steel slide which would eliminate ... 1964 Sold by Desmond Stephan to The Ridge Tool Co (RIDGID is a trade name of Ridge) - (Ridge became part of Emerson in 1966).


Razor, I know that some of the vintage Rigid vises were made by Columbian and some were made by Desmond Stevens Simplex.---Now I think they are made across the pond.

 

[jonhdw]

Jonhdw, what do you want replacement jaws for.---Those look fine from what I can see in the pics.---If you get new ones, I got dibs on the ones you take off.---Those look better than 90% of the ones that guys inherit with their latest acquisitions.

Yeah I should have taken pics of the jaw faces. They aren’t worn out but they are pretty worn.

 

[va.grouseman]

Razor, here's one posted by EOC_Jason on page 439.---Check the links.



https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=265246&d=1372283895


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=265245&d=1372283895


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=265242&d=1372283895


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=265248&d=1372283895


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=265247&d=1372283895


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=265243&d=1372283895

 

[Outlawmws]

This is the pic that really lets you know how BIG that sucker is!

 

[Razorhunter]

Ok so the vise is stamped Made In USA and not Germany etc. Very surprised at how rare these vises seem to be, or at least how few of them I've ever seen (even the smaller ones) I've rarely seen them.

 

[NJVice]

is that a 4.5" jaw or 4"? want to sell one of them? MY 130lb 543B is my favorite vise and want a smaller brother to it

N.J.VICE . IS THAT THE ONE IN THE PICTURE YOU WANT TO SELL. WHAT MODEL IS IT. IS IT IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.



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[SRU1436]

 

[SRU1436]

 

[SRU1436]

This is my daily user RI. I acquired it from my grandfather about 10 or so years ago after he passed away. I don't know how long he had it but if i had to guess, at least as long as Ive been alive which is 44 years. I still have the pipe jaws, the main jaws are in excellent shape and you can see it was made in 3/45. Im assuming this is the original paint, which looks something similar to battleship gray. I've debated restoring it but I don't think I will anytime soon as it has a nice working patina.

 

[Shiftless]

SRU:
Good thinking. Keep it the way you got it. Things are only original once. Since yours has the Birtman Electric tag, it was made after Birtman bought RI in 1930. So your vise was cast in 1930 or later.
If you were born in 1974, you can be sure that your grandfather bought it long before you were born or purchased it second hand. Production stopped in 1959 according to what I have read.

Outlaw:
Thanks for posting that pic. Some guys use beer bottles for size comparison in their pics. The forklift really ups the ante.

 

[ALLFAST]

SRU,

You have a NICE vise there. Thanks for the extra photos. You could simply give it a thorough cleaning (of the painted surfaces) and spray a protective coat of semi gloss or satin clear engine enamel (duplicolor ceramic or rustoleum are VG) and see how it looks. It would.preserve that working patina, and if you end up disliking it (slim chance a it's your heirloom piece ;-) ) you can always change it. I usually clean with concentrated Krud Kutter or Simple Green, and keep scrubbing until the rags come.out clean, then a final clean water rinse. Then a preclean er or denatured alcohol scrub before the clear. It looks like a yellow green in the photos.

 

[wrenchguy]

RE: Ridge 80 SN vise.

i've been able to salvage some photos of this vise when i first got it and its redo. thanks for looking.

in the van.


big enuff 2 put ur arm thru w/ it closed!




stand markings.


comparing it to a morgan 80 on the right.




ridgid leadscrew nut on the right.


finished, it weighs 1350 lbs