The VISES of Garage Journal

[MayerMR]

Hey fellas, any idea where I could pick up a replacement Charles Parker vise lockdown handle like this one?

Link to the eBay ad for the above photo: https://www.ebay.com/itm/C-PARKER-M...341369?hash=item48a7694cf9:g:Z2IAAOSw~QRaA4NT

I just purchased this little sucker on a whim last night. Looks to be pretty darn old and in pretty good shape. Shame about the missing handle(s) though. I'm sure Kevin will help me replace the missing main screw handle though

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-early...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648

 

[wazzabie]

Leg vises are built differently than bench vises. They are meant to be hammered on and take the downward forces exerted on them by the hammering action. The missing leg could likely be replaced but it won't help the value unless one does a *real* good job replicating the replacement. You'll want the leg to be a solid piece of metal rather than a pipe, I believe.

Maybe then build something like this to support it.

 

[Razorhunter]

I've seen many of those blacksmith post vises without legs that were designed and advertised as "wagon mount" vises, for mounting on a wagon somehow. Ort of like our modern day hitch mount vises. Obviously not exactly the same physically, but the concept was the same. I do not know if the one above was one however.

 

[Outlawmws]

The purpose of the leg is to take the hammer blow force and transfer it to the ground, so you do want the leg pretty solid. This was part of what made these so durable. being all forged also helped.

Something along the lines of that pic will work but I would make up a solid leg similar to the original. For as user, its fine. As mentioned it will put a crimp in the resale value.

As to who made it, look for any makers marks but many had no makers marks, and many were made by the blacksmiths.

 

[chrisnazzy]

So if anyone ever wondered if a new (1998-current) Wilton 600 screw would work in a pre 1998 600, the answer is technically no.

GJ member 2slow had an extra screw/handle assembly that he provided to me very graciously for just the cost of shipping. There's nothing terribly wrong with mine but I jumped on the opportunity to replace with a brand new part. There is only a slight bend in the new one that I planned on having straightened. Unfortunately the screw is about 1 1/2" longer.

So here is the question of the day. Would you......

1.) revert back to my original plan of cleaning up and polishing the original and then continue the search for someone in need of a new handle for a post 1998 Wilton 600 or....

2.) There is a very good local machine shop that I take wheels to from time to time for work. I was going to ask my friend there to straighten the handle. I could just ask him to cut it down to the correct length as well. I'm really on the fence as it will look very nice with its new handle once I get it finished up and painted plus I liked the idea of having the basically NOS handle and my original one completely polished out.

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[Razorhunter]

Gentlemen,
Last week I mentioned I was soon going to post up my personal favorite, #1 vise" of all time. So it just so happens that the vise just arrived, its Friday night, and its literally fresh out of the crate, so I figure it is time.
Here it is guys, a new (to me), nearly unused Reed 204 1/2R. Quite possibly, (in my humble OPINION of course), the best vise ever made. Ok, so let me be honest and admit its not necessarily THE "best" vise ever made, partly because I'm not in a position make that determination, and also partly because I also feel that a Reed 2C or a Craftsman 519X series vise are right there with the 204 1/2R as being the most perfectly sized and designed vises ever made. Again, this is all just the opinions of one single country boy from Georgi!
I realize there is nothing super spectacular or otherwise exciting about a Reed 204 1/2R, but I can say that this is a true gem of a 204 1/2R. It is by far the closest to "mint" out-of-production vise I've ever acquired, and it is also the "tightest" vise I've ever obtained. Tighter even, than any brand new, out of the box Wilton I've ever owned, and I've owned a few. Take a lool at the one pic showing the handle/spindle just hanging in mid air. The split collar is backed off mind you, and is not holding the spindle in this position. Thats how tight the nut to acme spindle thread fit is. There's virtually no backlash to speak of. Its almost as if this vise were never used at all. The split collars 4 spanner slots show no tool marks, or evidence of ever having been removed and I may have actually just removed/cleaned out what remnance of original lube from Reed. This cannot be confirmed however, but it sure seemed like the light gunk I just cleaned off the vise nut was actualy originl Reed factory lube. Who knows though, maybe I'm just dreaming. I probably am! Either way, this is the nearest to factory mint vise I've ever owned, aside from vises that are still in production.

 

[MayerMR]

Gentlemen,
Last week I mentioned I was soon going to post up my personal favorite, #1 vise" of all time. So it just so happens that the vise just arrived, its Friday night, and its literally fresh out of the crate, so I figure it is time.
Here it is guys, a new (to me), nearly unused Reed 204 1/2R. Quite possibly, (in my humble OPINION of course), the best vise ever made. Ok, so let me be honest and admit its not necessarily THE "best" vise ever made, partly because I'm not in a position make that determination, and also partly because I also feel that a Reed 2C or a Craftsman 519X series vise are right there with the 204 1/2R as being the most perfectly sized and designed vises ever made. Again, this is all just the opinions of one single country boy from Georgi!
I realize there is nothing super spectacular or otherwise exciting about a Reed 204 1/2R, but I can say that this is a true gem of a 204 1/2R. It is by far the closest to "mint" out-of-production vise I've ever acquired, and it is also the "tightest" vise I've ever obtained. Tighter even, than any brand new, out of the box Wilton I've ever owned, and I've owned a few. Take a lool at the one pic showing the handle/spindle just hanging in mid air. The split collar is backed off mind you, and is not holding the spindle in this position. Thats how tight the nut to acme spindle thread fit is. There's virtually no backlash to speak of. Its almost as if this vise were never used at all. The split collars 4 spanner slots show no tool marks, or evidence of ever having been removed and I may have actually just removed/cleaned out what remnance of original lube from Reed. This cannot be confirmed however, but it sure seemed like the light gunk I just cleaned off the vise nut was actualy originl Reed factory lube. Who knows though, maybe I'm just dreaming. I probably am! Either way, this is the nearest to factory mint vise I've ever owned, aside from vises that are still in production.

Beautiful vise Razor, nice find!

 

[Razorhunter]

Note the few light dings on the slide. I'm guessing someone bolted it down to a bench and just never really used it. Those damn kids with their hammers will ALWAYS find something to beat on though. Just like me when I was a kid. I guess its karma coming back on me for all the destruction I did as a kid!

 

[Fretters]

Can this be restored so that the leg is added back to it? Maybe use a pipe that slips over it and then weld it on. What is the purpose of the leg?

You want a solid leg, then either weld that directly to the remaining stub, else slip a piece of pipe over the two pieces and weld that on to join them. I'd personally go with the latter option. A bit more of a robust repair, IMHO.

As mentioned by others, the leg is there to take the brunt, when something in the vice is being given a damn good thrashing.

 

[va.grouseman]

Razor, that Reed is near mint.---Did it cost you nearly a mint?

 

[Razorhunter]

VA,
Good question, and one I'd be asking too! Full disclosure, I paid $325 for it, so deem it what you will
Yes, I overpaid, but I was willing to pony up for this one given its condition, and that a 4 1/2" Reed is just about the perfect all around vise to use/have. I'd been looking for a near mint 4 1/2" Reed for quite some time and this is one I'll use for the rest of my life, and years from now it will still be in basically the same condition that it is now. I take care of vises, even when using them hard. I generally keep one beater around, but even it doesn't get "abused" persay. I never understand why guys always beat the hell out of their nice vises. Generally, no matter the task at hand, it can usually be done without destroying the vise. Some people just don't care.

 

[Fretters]

It can always be done without destroying the vice. Always good to see another person who treats their gear with care.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I picked up a 3-1/2" Samson swivel base vise this morning at the flea market.

View media item 82338
A quick search here uncovered quite a few examples of other Samson models. I didn't see any quite like this. This one is marked on the slide with a stamped "SAMSON" and a stamped big asterisk mark (*), with a forged-in "MADE IN U.S.A." behind the swivel lever. Is this a Rock Island Sears jobbie or something else?

 

[va.grouseman]

Here's a post by B100 back in 2015.

bl00
03-10-2015, 06:37 PM
Samson was the trade name for Sears vises before they began using the Craftsman name. All the Samson vises I've seen appear to match the Rock Island vises of the time, so I assume that's who was making them.

 

[va.grouseman]

Razor, I'd pay that for a Reed that nice.---I'd like to see what it would cost in current retail if you could extrapolate the values.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Here are a few I have found

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Couple more

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

And these two

 

[Clarkmag]

This is a Sheldon 423.

I got it from Ebay for ~ $200 delivered.

As near as I can tell is is copy or an OEM Wilton pattern makers turret vise.

It works very well and would be the end result of years of manufacturing experience. The Sheldons are so rare, I would think OEM is more likely.

From looking at wiltons, I may have it upside down. It is supposed to be mounted under the bench so the woodworking vise swings up level with the top of the bench.

 

[walrus]

Got this for free, is it a wilton?

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[GETRIDAONE]

It is a Wilton 745. Free is good ! To bad one jaw is missing.

 

[walrus]

It is a Wilton 745. Free is good ! To bad one jaw is missing.

Thanks, it needs some work but if I can find jaws should make a nice vise

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[gman007]

And these two

CA Fantastic haul and all quality vises and in great shape too! What did you do, rob the Fort Knox of vises ?

 

[va.grouseman]

What he said Crot.---Really nice stuff.---You've done some serious scouring the countryside for choice iron lately.---Surely you didn't find all those in one pile.

 

[MayerMR]

Thanks, it needs some work but if I can find jaws should make a nice vise

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Do yourself and that vise an enormous favor and by a set of the hardened steel jaws from Kevin at Wilton Vise Parts. About $20 more than the **** steel ones from China but worth every penny and then some.

 

[va.grouseman]

Clark, nice pull on the Sheldon.---I love the *********** on those and the Wilton look-a-likes.


Walrus, glass half full on the missing insert.---Could be part of the reason you got it free.---And like you said, that's an easy fix.

 

[Outlawmws]

Clark, you might have the "copy of the Wilton" backwards also. I'd suspect Wilton copied Sheldon?

Cool find!

 

[1foxracing]

Made a road trip to Michigan today to pick up these 2 Polish beauties. Was hoping one of the experts here can tell me more about them.
First is this 4" Fowler, looks to have been very lightly used with most of the original decals in place.

Next one is this 6" model, no branding on it but the familiar FPU is in the casting.

The guy couldn't believe I drove all that way for a couple old Polish vises so he tossed this old hand grinder in with them as well.

 

[wazzabie]

Has anyone heard of a vise with the name Canadian? Its an old vintage vise.

 

[BuckHenry]

Those polish vises are very nicely made. I used to have one, and was very impressed with it. I can't tell you a whole lot about them, but I did a little digging when I first found mine. FPU was the maker, and I believe they are still making vises of this type today. They were imported by several companies in the 50's (not sure when they stopped). They were a real bargain at that time. I recall seeing an old add where a 4 inch model only cost a few dollars more than the cheap little 3.5 inch exposed screw home owner vises; much less than a quality american made vise. I believe that style is called a toolmaker's vise.

 

[trijeff]

Hydraulic Wilton, looks like a 600. $200. If you live in Southern CA then you are lucky!

https://letgo.onelink.me/O2PG/d78eb87c

 

[va.grouseman]

Has anyone heard of a vise with the name Canadian? Its an old vintage vise.

Wazz, I found a Drilla, Canada on page 631, and Rae, Canada on page 198, but I can't recall one just called Canadian.





http://josey.smugmug.com/Other/Rae-Vise/i-5Jrs2r7/0/L/Rae Vise 009-L.jpg

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=178110&d=1333172606

 

[va.grouseman]

Trijeff, that is a buy even if one had to tack on some shipping.---I have one but it's only 4 1/2'' jaw, and I paid more than 2 Benjamin's for it.

 

[Outlawmws]

Picked up a couple today, A Will Burt Versa Vise (Bull nose jaws) and a clamp on "Rail" type hobby/Jewelers vise. Both from the same place I got a bunch of other stuff with these two so I'd call it $20 for both.

Notice the pipe jaws are near pristine on the versa vise, lots of surface rust and it was apparently outside but not in direct rain. I found the pipe jaws on the "tools table" and I'd guess they were taken off when new and never used... The miracle is that I found them at all!

The Versa Vise has 3-1/2" jaws, the clamp-on 1-1/2".

Decent finds, I just wish the Versa Vise had the Parrot jaws...

 

[Brorex]

I picked up my first and second Wilton ever today. Guy was selling the C2 and told me about the 450 also. Paid 250 for the pair. Not sure if the price was way too high or what. There is no vises around here for sale. The base on the 450 is cracked, I think I found a few on eBay reasonable. The C2 is in good shape besides someone welded a different jaw into the static jaw. Not sure if I can very carefully cut that out and get a new set of jaws or not. What do you guys think?

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[MayerMR]

I picked up my first and second Wilton ever today. Guy was selling the C2 and told me about the 450 also. Paid 250 for the pair. Not sure if the price was way too high or what. There is no vises around here for sale. The base on the 450 is cracked, I think I found a few on eBay reasonable. The C2 is in good shape besides someone welded a different jaw into the static jaw. Not sure if I can very carefully cut that out and get a new set of jaws or not. What do you guys think?

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Nice finds! And both are repairable. I think you should try to have the base welded up. I welded up the base on my Desmond Simplex about 10 yrs ago after cutting a groove in it and it has held up wonderfully. And that was before I knew all the rules about welding cast iron. Just a regular ole MIG.

As far as the C2, I'd suggest taking the paint off with a wire wheel so you can see what's going on. Then get a cutting wheel on a grinder and excise that jaw as carefully as you can leaving as much of the original casting as you can. Whatever is left you can shape later as needed.

Good luck and post updates!

*Edit* And ya, you did real good paying $250 for both of those. I've paid more for a single 4 1/2" Wilton bullet...ergh, I'm jeal-happy for you!

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

What he said Crot.---Really nice stuff.---You've done some serious scouring the countryside for choice iron lately.---Surely you didn't find all those in one pile.

Wish it was all at one place, help keep the miles off the truck. Found them here and there its been fun.

 

[eddieK]

Picked up a Parker no.69 and an Athol 624-1/2 yesterday for $80. Then today I grabbed a Columbian 603-1/2 for $40. Pretty stoked. The Parker is a little rough, but the other two are in nice shape.

 

[Fretters]

Not sure if I can very carefully cut that out and get a new set of jaws or not. What do you guys think?

A weld isn't going to be much more than skin deep, so to speak, so easy enough to remove. You'll have plenty of good mounting surface left, and you can always use a filler to cosmetically rebuild where you've ground out the weld.

A thin slitting disc and aiming at the insert rather than the jaw though, and you should be able to remove that whilst leaving a surface you can mostly grind back to form, so minimal cosmetic damage.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Made a road trip to Michigan today to pick up these 2 Polish beauties. Was hoping one of the experts here can tell me more about them.
First is this 4" Fowler, looks to have been very lightly used with most of the original decals in place.

Next one is this 6" model, no branding on it but the familiar FPU is in the casting.

The guy couldn't believe I drove all that way for a couple old Polish vises so he tossed this old hand grinder in with them as well.

1Fox:
Congratulations! Great score on those vises. Manufactured by Bison-Bial, I believe that they are some of the most underrated vises around. I have a 80mm and a 100mm FPU. I'm on the lookout for both 125mm & 150mm FPU vises (at a reasonable price) to complete the family.

Here's a link to a 80mm FPU restoration that I did a while back:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331362
There's a little information on the history as well as the steps that I took.

I may be wrong, but I think that "Fowler" decal on the one vise is just a sticker from a machinist's gauge box.

I've only known Bison-Bial to make Bison, FPU & Rapid vises. They also make some models of Interstate vises sold by MSC, but there are some Chinese knock-offs that look similar to the Polish ones.

You really got lucky because many larger FPU vises end up with a broken section of the moving body at the dovetail, from abuse.

Are there any date codes on top of the stationary jaw?

Cheers