The VISES of Garage Journal

[Fretters]

Steel', you only need to drill the tip of the pin if it's flared/mushroomed. Just deep enough to remove the centre from the flared portion, so that the wall of the pin can readily collapse as you tap it through. I normally use a dulled centre punch placed into the divot left by the drill tip to start punching something through, when using that method.

Except of the P98 none of my daily users have been cleaned, disassembled or even greased. And like KMScott, not one of them is bolted down. I'm like the car mechanic with the broken down car.

Even though mine took around twenty years to receive a freshen up, she was stripped, cleaned & lubed straight off. Tools should be looked after if reliability & longevity are desired.

Wouldn't dream of having a frequent use vice unbolted. Accidents have a bad habit of happening, without actively encouraging them.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Thanks everyone!

Writing up that first post, I forgot to mention how completely stoked I am with that vise. It is so substantial and well made. I find myself going to my work area and just kind of "fondling" the pieces and playing with the swivel jaw.


chrisnazzy: I am hoping that i can drive it out from the bottom as i tried getting into the area from the top but is was recessed to far back to get a good angle on the punch. Also, that newer 403 1/2R looks great. I am torn on the color but I am kind of thinking the sage green used on industrial machinery. Oh decisions, decisions.

gman007: Drilling is always an option but I would like to save that for a last ditch effort.


Thanks,
Frank

If you like Sage Green this is my Parker 433 1/2A that I finished in Rustoleum Gloss Sage Green and my daughter did the lettering in Graphite Metallic.

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[trijeff]

Fretters ... unbolted does not mean not clamped. I've never used a vise that wasn't secured in some fashion. Typically three big @ss c-clamps.

And if it took you 20 years, I still got a little left to go

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[BMR24]

Even though mine took around twenty years to receive a freshen up, she was stripped, cleaned & lubed straight off. Tools should be looked after if reliability & longevity are desired.

Wouldn't dream of having a frequent use vice unbolted. Accidents have a bad habit of happening, without actively encouraging them.

 

[va.grouseman]

Trijeff, somehow I just knew you had more sense than to yank on a 200lb vise that's just setting on the edge of a bench unsecured..---Because anyone that don't, deserves what's coming.---As I was reading your post, I said to myself, no, no, he's got more sense than that.---You cleared that up.---Oh, and I can see the convivence of clamping one for mobility sake because once bolted, it's there.


I have a 220lb. lead filled Columbian, and buddy it's bolted down hard with 3/4'' bolts cause I don't aim for that thing to kiss my toes.

 

[jonhdw]

My first Athol vise. It’s a little beat up but it will clean up nicely. Any way to determine its age?

 

[mike_paxton]

My first Athol vise. It’s a little beat up but it will clean up nicely. Any way to determine its age?

Jonhdw:

Great pickup on an Athol 643-1/2 with a swivel jaw and looks to be in great shape.

Per vise info thread, jaws at 3-1/2 and weight at 42 pounds.

Also on same thread, was a link to another one by Low Friction and link below to see his.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2864407&postcount=7197

Mike

 

[MercLSU]

Anybody familiar with this vise? It came off of a BenchMaster vertical mill, but from what I can tell is not anything that would have come with it. Still need to clean it up a bit, just haven't gotten around to it. There's another guy locally who has a BenchMaster who wants it, however I want to know a little more about it first. The jaws are 4" wide. The picture of the tag isn't the best, but there's almost nothing left of whatever writing was present. I'd appreciate any assistance y'all can provide with identifying it.

 

[Outlawmws]

I can't ID it, but you re right about it not coming on or being for a Bridgeport. Its a drill press vise.

 

[MayerMR]

Again, it was never my intention to stir up people. If anyone is interested, I recently bought an Emmert machinist vise 4A from a lady whose father in his 90's passed away. He had used it all his life very gently. It is in very nice original condition, even has the two small triangle shaped brackets with it that go on the round post sections. I got a horrible deal on it paying twice what one brought on ebay not to long ago. I just wanted it that bad and I enjoyed being $$$ stupid in this situation, I simply love that vise. THERE IS CURRENTLY ONE OF THESE ON EBAY that perhaps needs some repair - if the new owner needs any measurements to repair it please let me know.

Hey if you're happy with it you didn't get screwed, imo. Sometimes inanimate objects *speak* to people and, damnit, they are just worth the cost. Damn the logic. I do it sometimes too, especially with antique motorcycles - when I see a rare bike wasting away sometimes I just can't help myself knowing that if *I* don't save it then it'll probably be lost forever. Ahh, well, we all have our...wait for it...vises

But now that you've told the story of your purchase, the Vises of Garage Journal bylaws state that you must post pictures of it immediately.

 

[MayerMR]

Alright fellas, my nightly bedtime ritual of a quick search of the CL/LetGo/5miles/OfferUp apps has paid off again (I know I know, but it takes about 10 mins while my wife is doing whatever the hell women do for 20 mins in the bathroom before bed).

So anyway, right before putting the phone down I see a Reed 1C, just posted a couple of hours before for only $50! I could hardly type my, "I'll take it!" message to the seller quick enough.

This morning I woke up to a, "Sure, you're the first in line, when do you want to come by?" I couldn't grab my keys fast enough. 60 mile round trip and an hour later she's in my possession. This darn thing hardly looks like it's ever even been used!

 

[drivesitfar]

MR: WOW forget what you paid for it cause that is a beauty. one of my favorites that is for certain. nice find!!

Merc: doesn't look like anything too special, but the handles are different and may just be a prior owner's modification.

ALL: enjoy your vise for vises (vices) and hope you find something today or soon if you need one to put on your bench or shelf.

cheers

 

[Shiftless]

Mayer:
A Reed 1C in almost perfect shape (surface rust is easily removed) for only $50 ?

Let me be the first to say...YOU ****!

Anytime you want to double your money let us know.



(Maybe I should have said that your 1C has so much rust that it is utterly worthless and if you post your location a GJ member who has been properly trained in vise disposal will be right over to take it off your hands at no charge to you.)
.
.

 

[TTLLOGIC]

Picked up this Columbian 504-M2 that never got used today for $20.



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[txlonghorn1989]

MMR, you definitely ****! Nice find!!!

 

[RBarnes]

Hey if you're happy with it you didn't get screwed, imo. Sometimes inanimate objects *speak* to people and, damnit, they are just worth the cost. Damn the logic. I do it sometimes too, especially with antique motorcycles - when I see a rare bike wasting away sometimes I just can't help myself knowing that if *I* don't save it then it'll probably be lost forever. Ahh, well, we all have our...wait for it...vises

But now that you've told the story of your purchase, the Vises of Garage Journal bylaws state that you must post pictures of it immediately.

Really enjoyed this poster who understands letting the objects speak for what they are as opposed to just the value.

My old cell phone takes lousy pictures, but if someone needs a photo of a specific area on the vise (for restoration ), I will borrow a better device and take a decent photo. There are several pictures of this type vise on older threads in this forum (and the one currently on ebay) so anyone can find out what they look like. I was actually making a weak attempt at humor when I said I got a "horrible deal" . I like it so much that I would have and still would pay more if I had to. Money comes and money goes, but a solid well made vintage American vise that I actually use, is a bargain to me.

I actually also bought a work bench just to get a wood working Emmert vise that was in great working condition (it was installed on the workbench). I enjoy that vise almost as much as the metal working Emmert. I just really appreciate the Emmert vises since they adjust and clamp in more angles than the other brands. Granted I do not often need the unusual angles, but when I do, it makes it all worth while. If you have ever had a stationary vise that does not at least have a swivel base when you needed it, you understand.

 

[RBarnes]

Two ads for the Emmerts that I believe were also in older posts?

 

[RBarnes]

Bad photo of a great vise!

 

[bulletpruf]

All -

So I ended up with a somewhat free post vise. It was given to me by the guy who is finishing up the restoration on my 72 Alfa Romeo GTV. I say "somewhat free" because I gave him a gorgeous 3.5" Wilton bullet vise that I completely restored, new jaws, etc. It was a spare that was just collecting dust, and I gave it to him because he was using a cheap Chinese vise for one of his shop vises.

3.5" bullet here (before new jaws), along with big brother and baby sister.



Can anyone tell me anything about it? It sounds like it may have belonged to his great grandfather. Jaws are in very good shape, and 3.5". I don't see any manufacturers markings, just a "20" stamped into the side.









Thanks

Scott

 

[gman007]

Bad photo of a great vise!

RB
Some will say this is a beauty but I would like to say it is one ruggedly handsome vise ( beauty sounds too effeminate for a tough vise) and is definitely worth splurging on! Emmet vises are for sure very novel and interesting! Congrats.

 

[gman007]

Picked up this Columbian 504-M2 that never got used today for $20.



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TTL nice find

 

[gman007]

All -

So I ended up with a somewhat free post vise. It was given to me by the guy who is finishing up the restoration on my 72 Alfa Romeo GTV. I say "somewhat free" because I gave him a gorgeous 3.5" Wilton bullet vise that I completely restored, new jaws, etc. It was a spare that was just collecting dust, and I gave it to him because he was using a cheap Chinese vise for one of his shop vises.

3.5" bullet here (before new jaws), along with big brother and baby sister.

Can anyone tell me anything about it? It sounds like it may have belonged to his great grandfather. Jaws are in very good shape, and 3.5". I don't see any manufacturers markings, just a "20" stamped into

Thanks

Scott

Scott Your post is intriguing to me on several levels! But first I have to say those are all nice Wiltons.

Now your location says Naples Italy, do you really live in Italy? If so are you Italian or American expat ? But most importantly how the heck did you end up with three Wiltons in Italy? And why would someone whose moniker is bullet give away a bullet vise ?

Finally, In all honestly while I have learned just a little about bench vises from this forum, I know absolutely NOTHING about post vises and their value as they have never tickled my fancy. So my shock at this exchange (Wilton for post vise) probably is due to my ignorance of post vises but it did never the less shock me!

 

[bulletpruf]

Scott Your post is intriguing to me on several levels! But first I have to say those are all nice Wiltons.

Now your location says Naples Italy, do you really live in Italy? If so are you Italian or American expat ? But most importantly how the heck did you end up with three Wiltons in Italy? And why would someone whose moniker is bullet give away a bullet vise ?

Finally, I will be honest I have learned just a little about bench vises from this forum but know absolutely NOTHING about post vises and their value as they have never tickled my fancy. So my shock at this exchange (Wilton for post vise) probably is due to my ignorance of post vises but it did shock me!

GMan -

I'm originally from Louisiana, but I've been active duty Army for 22 or so years. Currently stationed in Naples, Italy and have been here 3 years. Before that, it was 2 years in Seoul, South Korea. Next up is San Antonio; headed there at the end of August.

I picked up the bullets here and there. The 3.5 and 4.5 came from a guy near Chicago. Picked them up a year or two ago when I was home visiting the wife's family nearby. The baby bullet was purchased from a GJ member. He got it for a song, and I think I paid him about 10x what he had invested in it. We were both happy with that transaction, I think.

The Wilton that I gifted Giuseppe has paid me back in spades, I think. He and his guys get a lot of use out of it, and he has been taking good care of my car (72 Alfa Romeo GT; doing a bare metal nut and bolt restoration). I had no expectation of him gifting me a vise, but this one is pretty cool.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[gman007]

GMan -

I'm originally from Louisiana, but I've been active duty Army for 22 or so years. Currently stationed in Naples, Italy and have been here 3 years. Before that, it was 2 years in Seoul, South Korea. Next up is San Antonio; headed there at the end of August.

I picked up the bullets here and there. The 3.5 and 4.5 came from a guy near Chicago. Picked them up a year or two ago when I was home visiting the wife's family nearby. The baby bullet was purchased from a GJ member. He got it for a song, and I think I paid him about 10x what he had invested in it. We were both happy with that transaction, I think.

The Wilton that I gifted Giuseppe has paid me back in spades, I think. He and his guys get a lot of use out of it, and he has been taking good care of my car (72 Alfa Romeo GT; doing a bare metal nut and bolt restoration). I had no expectation of him gifting me a vise, but this one is pretty cool.

Thanks,

Scott

Scott Foremost I want to thank you for your service !

An thank you for sharing the background to the story!

Now, without even knowing you personally I can tell you are a good man! I mean who else, but a good man, would not only serve his country around the globe but also take his vises with him !

Be safe and God bless

 

[bulletpruf]

Scott Foremost I want to thank you for your service !

An thank you for sharing the background to the story!

Now, without even knowing you personally I can tell you are a good man! I mean who else, but a good man, would not only serve his country around the globe but also take his vises with him !

Be safe and God bless

Thanks, GMan. Wish my wife felt the same way you did. For some reason, she doesn't see the logic in me collecting vintage wrenches, clamps, anvils, vises, musclecars, and chainsaws. She thinks that since we move every 2-3 years I should collect something a little lighter and more portable, like stamps. Silly girl.

 

[drivesitfar]

RB: more pictures of that cool Emmert 4a when you have more time or thanks for posting the one!! great find and i don't care what you paid for it.

BP: great to hear you found an old blacksmith vise. while i'm sure you know you probably got the short end of the stick on the monetary front trading a restored 3.5 inch Wilton bullet for an old fairly small 3.5 inch blacksmith vise I'd say it's a good trade if you like old cool looking stuff.

i started a Blacksmith 101 thread over in vintage tools a few years ago that doesn't get much action, but you might post your vise over there or read that thread some if you have some extra time to. my guess is that yours was made by a blacksmith cause i'm hearing and reading that a lot were, but you might find a maker's mark on it to share with us as you clean it up.

are you back in the USA after doing military terms in Korea and Italy now? glad to have you back if you are and if you are still traveling the world doing your duty best of luck with that and like 007 mentioned THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

JOE: any more information on that big 10 inch wide jaw 450 pound vise even if it wasn't your vise to share with us. some of us haven't seen a 250 pound vise in person so maybe telling us what you think would be nice too if you have a minute. thanks in advance!!

ALL: i'm still looking for a 695 Railroad Pittsburgh vise, but as i'm getting older i'm not sure I can pick up even half of it if I find it so I might have to enlist some help. maybe I should start looking for the small ones that take up less space, but seem to cost more?

have a great weekend

 

[gman007]

Thanks, GMan. Wish my wife felt the same way you did. For some reason, she doesn't see the logic in me collecting vintage wrenches, clamps, anvils, vises, musclecars, and chainsaws. She thinks that since we move every 2-3 years I should collect something a little lighter and more portable, like stamps. Silly girl.

Scott I wish I had an 8” American vise or even better a 10” 454 lb railroad vise to gift to you, I am sure that would impress your wife immensely !

I forgot to ask, what is the plan for the 72 Alfa Romeo GTV? Is it going to come stateside with you ? Is there a lot of red tape to deal with to bring it over?

 

[dutchgray]

View media item 84283View media item 84284View media item 84285View media item 84286Picked up this Record No34p at the car boot sale today, cost £22 which really isn't much. 4 1/2" vice, plain screw version. It's in pretty good order but I don't think I have ever seen one where the spindle has worn away so much of the dynamic casting, its at least a 1/4" deep hole, there is 3/8" of slop in the dynamic when it is loose as it dosent have a spring to keep tension on. The fact that it is almost completely devoid of oil and the underside has a think layer of grinding dust all over it, might have something to do with the wear, the rest of it is pretty tight though and it hasn't seen a hammer much.

 

[bulletpruf]

Scott I wish I had an 8” American vise or even better a 10” 454 lb railroad vise to gift to you, I am sure that would impress your wife immensely !

I forgot to ask, what is the plan for the 72 Alfa Romeo GTV? Is it going to come stateside with you ? Is there a lot of red tape to deal with to bring it over?

GMan - I'll gladly take a rain check on the anvil and the 8" vise!

GTV is coming back with me. You can bring back cars fairly easily as long as they are at least 25 years old when you import to the U.S. Don't have to worry about US safety and emissions once they're that old.

 

[bulletpruf]

RB: more pictures of that cool Emmert 4a when you have more time or thanks for posting the one!! great find and i don't care what you paid for it.

BP: great to hear you found an old blacksmith vise. while i'm sure you know you probably got the short end of the stick on the monetary front trading a restored 3.5 inch Wilton bullet for an old fairly small 3.5 inch blacksmith vise I'd say it's a good trade if you like old cool looking stuff.

i started a Blacksmith 101 thread over in vintage tools a few years ago that doesn't get much action, but you might post your vise over there or read that thread some if you have some extra time to. my guess is that yours was made by a blacksmith cause i'm hearing and reading that a lot were, but you might find a maker's mark on it to share with us as you clean it up.

are you back in the USA after doing military terms in Korea and Italy now? glad to have you back if you are and if you are still traveling the world doing your duty best of luck with that and like 007 mentioned THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

JOE: any more information on that big 10 inch wide jaw 450 pound vise even if it wasn't your vise to share with us. some of us haven't seen a 250 pound vise in person so maybe telling us what you think would be nice too if you have a minute. thanks in advance!!

ALL: i'm still looking for a 695 Railroad Pittsburgh vise, but as i'm getting older i'm not sure I can pick up even half of it if I find it so I might have to enlist some help. maybe I should start looking for the small ones that take up less space, but seem to cost more?

have a great weekend

Drives -

We come back to the states in August. Will be stationed in San Antonio.

Yes, I know the leg vise isn't worth much, but I'm ok with that. I gave my Wilton to Giuseppe with no strings attached, so it was nice of him to come up with this.

Ciao,

Scott

 

[Outlawmws]

GMan - I'll gladly take a rain check on the anvil and the 8" vise!

GTV is coming back with me. You can bring back cars fairly easily as long as they are at least 25 years old when you import to the U.S. Don't have to worry about US safety and emissions once they're that old.

FYI Emissions might still be an issue in Kalifornia. it has to be older than 1973 IIR... (Stupid law)

 

[rusty65]

Here are a couple pictures of the Reed 206 6in jaws 10in opening 153lbs. I picked it up on Saturday paid $100 and drove a couple hours each way but made a nice little trip out of the whole thing. I got some bonding time with the little brother during the car ride and also got to see some fun attractions in the area.




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[oneoldboot]

Here are a couple Littlestown vises that I finished. LITTCO is the vise I like to collect.

 

[gman007]

Here are a couple pictures of the Reed 206 6in jaws 10in opening 153lbs. I picked it up on Saturday paid $100 and drove a couple hours each way but made a nice little trip out of the whole thing. I got some bonding time with the little brother during the car ride and also got to see some fun attractions in the area.

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Rusty Nice score, $100 is dirt cheap for 6” Reed specially since it appears to be in good shape.

 

[gman007]

Here are a couple Littlestown vises that I finished. LITTCO is the vise I like to collect.

One Nicly restored, well done

 

[xctreker]

Here are a couple Littlestown vises that I finished. LITTCO is the vise I like to collect.

I'd like to learn more about the restoration process.

 

[ale]

Check it out.

 

[va.grouseman]

Pretty nifty idea.---But I would be hard pressed to take apart a real nice poster just to fix something even as unique as that.---Now if I found one with only the half that I need and the other half was busted, well that would be another story.---Still he has got one GEM of a station there.


Is this yours Ale?

 

[va.grouseman]

Found a York on eBay that is miss measured I think.---A number 80 with 2 1/2'' jaws.---I think that is wrong.


https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...+Jaws+model+80,+Original+Red,+Bench+&_sacat=0

 

[Outlawmws]

He probably measured the opening - I see that all the time on CL