The VISES of Garage Journal

[gman007]

I inquired about a small vise on CL yesterday that was listed for $30. It looked like a 2.5-3" jaw Prentiss, and for $30 I thought it was worth a call. The guy didn't know what brand it was, and said he would call me in the morning. Well.....no call but he did update his ad on CL. It turned out to be a Monarch 217, and after seeing what they go for on eBay he added a 0 behind the $30, and wants $300. What a douche.

Anywho, this Reed isn't close to me, but close to family. What do you think is going on with it? Slide cut, or longer replacement screw? Any idea what model it is? Seller only posted a few pics of the WRONG SIDE OF THE VISE

John I have learned my lesson, never to ask for additional info such as photo or model number as I have been burned several times. The seller will get the info that you asked and then google based on that info and bingo, revelation!

As far as for the Reed, it is an older ( not R) 400 series (swivel jaw) Possible 403 or 404

Ps
As far as slide vs screw issue, based on the photo the length of the static housing which normally should be just under half the size of the slide, appears to be over half the length of slide, so it is possible the slide end was broken and then someone shortened it. Also fitting a longer screw from presumably a larger vise would mean that the diameter of the screw would be bigger and would not fit without extensive modifications to statics jaw screw hole and bolt etc. So my guess is the slide was shortened. Also Stating the obvious , the swivel lock is missing too.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Va Man, here we go again, everrytime someone mentions a great vise you pull out a magnificent specimen out of your proverbial vise rabbit hat

Very nice [emoji481]

Gman..... you so often say it best. I always try to think of what to say everytime Va posts up examples of his amazing vise collection. You've really hit the nail on the head with this post.

All I can say is I know I'm one of many who could probably be entertained for a whole day having Va give me a tour of all the amazing vises he has. The best part would certainly be all the stories that go along with them.

Va: thank you for everything you bring to this thread. I always look forward to the pics, insight and wisdom you bring with each of your posts!

Chris.



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[chrisnazzy]

I inquired about a small vise on CL yesterday that was listed for $30. It looked like a 2.5-3" jaw Prentiss, and for $30 I thought it was worth a call. The guy didn't know what brand it was, and said he would call me in the morning. Well.....no call but he did update his ad on CL. It turned out to be a Monarch 217, and after seeing what they go for on eBay he added a 0 behind the $30, and wants $300. What a douche. [emoji106]

Anywho, this Reed isn't close to me, but close to family. What do you think is going on with it? Slide cut, or longer replacement screw? Any idea what model it is? Seller only posted a few pics of the WRONG SIDE OF THE VISE

My guess is 403 1/2 to 404 1/2. These swivel jaw Reeds didn't open a ton in comparison to their jaw width but that one looks pretty short even taking into account the vise is open what looks like an inch or so. My guess is someone cut the slide due to a rare Reed tail crack but certainly could just as easily be a mismatched main screw replacement that is too long.



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[va.grouseman]

Wow VA, that 8"er is in really nice shape. You got a lock and chain around it? That lift I made ya will help you move that big guy around.

KMS that Vise Lifter arrived yesterday evening.---That is a trick man.---You have got to post some pics of those things working.---Seeing is believing.---Or a YouTube video.

 

[va.grouseman]

GMan, and Chrisn, thanks for the kind words.

 

[jonshonda]

Lesson learned here right? Next time go look and buy instead of asking questions that get then onto google/eprey...

Indeed! I really wasn't that interested honestly, and made the phone call after seeing his updated ad....I honestly said to myself before calling him, "Let's call him just for fun".

John I have learned my lesson, never to ask for additional info such as photo or model number as I have been burned several times. The seller will get the info that you asked and then google based on that info and bingo, revelation!

As far as for the Reed, it is an older ( not R) 400 series (swivel jaw) Possible 403 or 404

Ps
As far as slide vs screw issue, based on the photo the length of the static housing which normally should be just under half the size of the slide, appears to be over half the length of slide, so it is possible the slide end was broken and then someone shortened it. Also fitting a longer screw from presumably a larger vise would mean that the diameter of the screw would be bigger and would not fit without extensive modifications to statics jaw screw hole and bolt etc. So my guess is the slide was shortened. Also Stating the obvious , the swivel lock is missing too.

Thanks for the wisdom and info. What do you think a fair price is?

My guess is 403 1/2 to 404 1/2. These swivel jaw Reeds didn't open a ton in comparison to their jaw width but that one looks pretty short even taking into account the vise is open what looks like an inch or so. My guess is someone cut the slide due to a rare Reed tail crack but certainly could just as easily be a mismatched main screw replacement that is too long.



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I don't like how many "what if's" are involved with the mismatch. Prob pass.

 

[jonshonda]

On a lighter note. A couple Prentiss cousins, and some others hanging out.

 

[93Bones]

Yeah not sure why. The big yost went through as an attachment instead of pic.

 

[gman007]

John
I bought an R series (personally I like R series better than my older Reed) 404 1/2 a couple month back for $90 which except for a missing jaw swivel pin it was in great shape (l knew I can get a pin made no problem). I was pretty happy with $90 for the 404 1/2 which has 4 1/2” jaws, your prospective vise might be same size or possibly smaller but personally I would not buy an altered vise like that and hence it is hard for me to put a number on it.

Furthermore as I commented a few post ago, notwithstanding the possible issue with this vise, here we are talking about prices that we would consider reasonable which can be drastically different than epry prices.

By the way and again that would be my personal idiosyncrasy, if I was to buy this vise, in this shape, I would shorten the screw to match the slide but that is just me!

 

[gman007]

On a lighter note. A couple Prentiss cousins, and some others hanging out.

Good times

 

[KMScott]

KMS that Vise Lifter arrived yesterday evening.---That is a trick man.---You have got to post some pics of those things working.---Seeing is believing.---Or a YouTube video.

I got some pic:s. These are easy to make and you do not need a CNC like what I used. 1/4" plate with two dowel pins tacked welded in place and clamp it like the pic:s. Both VA and my self have bad backs so lifting with your head and not your back is how we move the big guys around. Both of these vises are over 8".

 

[RBarnes]

RB
Shift is not the only one that would not pay that much, many of the long time members here who have been collecting vises (for both use as well as collections) long before the vise menia took over and when buyers that pay that kind of prices were in their vise diapers so to speak, would not pay that much either.

Now that is not to say that the eBay prices do not represent the current market value of vises but rather many members simply have different standards.

BTW, Shift has a vast collection of great vises and I blieve he might have several very nice baby Wiltons as well. And am pretty sure he did not pay anywhere near such prices for them!

I am not sure I quite understand the point you are trying to make? Why would ANYONE pay top dollar for a vise of a certain type if they already have one? I was not trying argue or set certain standards for everyone. I do find it interesting that in reading this section it seems a lot of people seem to imply can buy great vises for under $50. I am sure some people can if they spend enough time and gas money looking, but from my perspective the time and money expended in the chase is still part of the cost. Just like a good deal on ebay usually still has shipping costs. Who doesn't like to buy them cheap? Who wants to sell them for a lot less than the prices they currently sometimes bring on ebay? I myself would be very interested if someone on here has a great American vise with original paint and is willing to sell it for 1/2 of what one brings on ebay, especially if they pay the shipping and insurance like the ad I mentioned offered.

I do not doubt that a lot of you have been collecting these for years and have great collections. I do assume the really top collectors did not luck into every really good vise they have? My original post on this was asking about cleaning a vise, not a question on value. Not too long ago, a small rare vise brought around $3000 on ebay. That is crazy from most people's perspective and more than most of us wanted to pay for it, but as my father use to say, "it is only worth what someone will pay for it." I do not find fault with the person who paid that much, just glad I got to see it on ebay and learn a little more about it in the process. I think everyone should collect or acquire vises any way they enjoy.

 

[RBarnes]

I was both impressed and humbled by Shiftless's collection of Wilton's. Really enjoyed the photos!!!

 

[RBarnes]

I have the worst collection of vises of any collection I have seen in real life, so I guess I am in my vise diapers so to speak. Someone please sell me a Reed 408 with partial original paint, at a reasonable price - so I can consider myself a vise collecting kindergartner...

 

[WittHay]

Tonight's find, a never been used Bessey model 150, it has six inch wide jaws and appears to be cast steel or ductile iron. Anyone have any background on it? It's really well made.

We bought a service truck that had a Bessey 150 vise bolted to the back. I often wondered if it was just a regular Record vise or if there was something special about it? Seems unbreakable. Last picture is your vise

 

[gman007]

I am not sure I quite understand the point you are trying to make? Why would ANYONE pay top dollar for a vise of a certain type if they already have one? I was not trying argue or set certain standards for everyone. I do find it interesting that in reading this section it seems a lot of people seem to imply can buy great vises for under $50. I am sure some people can if they spend enough time and gas money looking, but from my perspective the time and money expended in the chase is still part of the cost. Just like a good deal on ebay usually still has shipping costs. Who doesn't like to buy them cheap? Who wants to sell them for a lot less than the prices they currently sometimes bring on ebay? I myself would be very interested if someone on here has a great American vise with original paint and is willing to sell it for 1/2 of what one brings on ebay, especially if they pay the shipping and insurance like the ad I mentioned offered.

I do not doubt that a lot of you have been collecting these for years and have great collections. I do assume the really top collectors did not luck into every really good vise they have? My original post on this was asking about cleaning a vise, not a question on value. Not too long ago, a small rare vise brought around $3000 on ebay. That is crazy from most people's perspective and more than most of us wanted to pay for it, but as my father use to say, "it is only worth what someone will pay for it." I do not find fault with the person who paid that much, just glad I got to see it on ebay and learn a little more about it in the process. I think everyone should collect or acquire vises any way they enjoy.

The point that I am trying to make is that even now a lot of us do find great vises at great prices and if you read all the 3300 pages of this thread you will see many you **** awards for such finds. I am myself a relative vise newbie and have been collecting for just over about two years now and have never paid 1/4 of the prices you see on epry for any of my vises. Personally, I would never pay retail prices (eg epry) but that is me and probably whole bunch of other members.

Now specially regarding baby Wiltons since May of 2017 which is when I joined GJ I have seen several posts here where members have paid as little as $10 for baby Wiltons. Is that the going rate? No it is not. Did they got lucky or was it skill and knowledge? Probably a combination.
Would they pay $750 for one! Most likely not.

 

[gman007]

I have the worst collection of vises of any collection I have seen in real life, so I guess I am in my vise diapers so to speak. Someone please sell me a Reed 408 with partial original paint, at a reasonable price - so I can consider myself a vise collecting kindergartner...

Unfortunately personally I do not have one to sell you but if I did, I would definitely sell it to you at epry going rate.

But if I was looking for one, I would not pay more than 25% of going rate. And if I could not find one at my desired price limit I would wait and yes that might mean for ever too but sometimes patience and persistence pays off. Once again that is just me and probably some others here too.

Here is an example of what I mean. Last September I bought a a Reed 204 in fair shape for $15 (you can see this one and few others that have been restored in my very very modest collection, under my profile’s album). But I really like the R series and wanted one. So I kept looking and was able to buy a 404 1/2 R for $90 which most might agree is just a shade below epry prices .

The point is not that these are by any stretch of imagination some fantastic and rare vises (like VA has and I bet he has never paid anywhere near retail) but they were worth a lot more on epry than what I would pay for.

Finally there is the element of thrill of hunt (and hunters would appreciate this). If I want venison I can go to the market and pay the going rate and what is the fun of that! Or I can freeze my *** off and spend time and effort (let’s not mention money for gear, gun etc as this part of analogy does not apply for just waiting to buy a vise at a good price) and have a great time with friends hunting for one (and yes more often than not come back empty handed) but that is the fun of it.

 

[va.grouseman]

RBarns, The #408 don't make you a kindergartener, it makes you an old timey man collector.---You never have to collect anything else, your the man now.---You just got a masters degree.---At about every 50 pages, just post another pic of that monster.---You'll never have to buy anything else.---You'll be one of 3 people that I know that has one.


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6c/56/f3/6c56f339c77134746a20b6c6625d36c2.jpg


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=652077&d=1495321435

 

[RBarnes]

RBarns, The #408 don't make you a kindergartener, it makes you an old timey man collector.---You never have to collect anything else, your the man now.---You just got a masters degree.---At about every 50 pages, just post another pic of that monster.---You'll never have to buy anything else.---You'll be one of 3 people that I know that has one.


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6c/56/f3/6c56f339c77134746a20b6c6625d36c2.jpg


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=652077&d=1495321435

Thank you for the info about the 408 rarity. I tend to like things that are rare so does not surprise me. I have a 405 I use almost daily, so would enjoy super sizing. Even though I like Reed vises better, would "settle" (ha ha) for a giant Parker with the pipe jaws if I can ever find one.

 

[hitthewall79]

Thank you for the info about the 408 rarity. I tend to like things that are rare so does not surprise me. I have a 405 I use almost daily, so would enjoy super sizing. Even though I like Reed vises better, would "settle" (ha ha) for a giant Parker with the pipe jaws if I can ever find one.

I know what you mean. There's a 300lb prentiss floating around somewhere in the United States, and I will find it

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[RBarnes]

I know what you mean. There's a 300lb prentiss floating around somewhere in the United States, and I will find it

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Man, I hope you find it. I actually accumulate things for my own use and especially my own enjoyment, so I understand the satisfaction of looking for something and eventually locating it.

300 lbs vise, are you planning on building a battleship in your spare time?

 

[GETRIDAONE]

Even though I like Reed vises better, would "settle" (ha ha) for a giant Parker with the pipe jaws if I can ever find one.

How about this one ? It is an oldie but has some big pipe jaws. I adapated a newer swivel base to it.

 

[RBarnes]

How about this one ? It is an oldie but has some big pipe jaws. I adapated a newer swivel base to it.

Wow, that definitely fits in the "PDB" category (pretty damn big). That looks almost too nice to use. Any idea what it weighs?

 

[hitthewall79]

Man, I hope you find it. I actually accumulate things for my own use and especially my own enjoyment, so I understand the satisfaction of looking for something and eventually locating it.

300 lbs vise, are you planning on building a battleship in your spare time?

No, I just want this monster in my garage to oogle at. It's like being the kid on top of the biggest hill.

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[va.grouseman]

The #98 is like Chief Lone Watie's rock candy.

 

[Josh C]

Hey folks. Haven’t posted as I’ve been busy but have enjoyed all the pictures and history that many have contributed here. Real quick I’m gonna post one of my few vises since it’s not well known and I’m sure some of you folks will get a kick out of it. I’ve owned this vise longest as it’s only been in the past year that I have come to face the fact that I’m addicted to vintage tools and vises especially. When I bought this twenty some years ago at 22yrs old(local estate auction) I had no idea what it was for or what I would do with it, but kinda had to have it. All the info I have is from the internet so it may not be correct but I’m passing it along. Made around 1912-16 by the B B Noyes Co, who made carriage parts and blacksmith post drills among other things. A previous owner modified it by cutting/breaking off the slotted anvil/shoe holder. Oh, it’s called a Farriers Step Vise. Not completely sure the purpose of the adjustable grooved “weight” that has the wrench attached you should be able to see. I’m sure someone here will chime in with some information regarding it. Has to be bolted down for use as it’s top heavy. Limited to 1” opening of jaws but I have removed the non swiveling jaw to increase that for debarking small logs for tool handles. Anyway hope your weekend lays your holy grail in your lap. Cheers- Josh in VA

 

[cretedog]

Finally got to one my sister has had stashed in her garage for me for a few years.

 

[cretedog]

Meadville Vise Company No.4. 6" jaws, 130lbs. Need to highlight some lettering and make another pipe jaw this winter...

 

[RagTopTA]

Found little brother to my Tesco, Tulsa OK I already had.

 

[cretedog]

Also thought I'd see what our cohorts across the pond have to play with.

 

[MF'er]

I should probably stay off Craigslist when I'm on vacation. Or should I check it more often ?

View media item 84502

 

[gman007]

Meadville Vise Company No.4. 6" jaws, 130lbs. Need to highlight some lettering and make another pipe jaw this winter...

CD That is for sure one heck of interesting vise. Personally I had never seen a Meadville vise and specially an “inverted” slide but I am sure some of the vise experts here will have the history and it’s background.

You did an exceptional job restoring it, looks fantastic .

 

[KMScott]

Meadville Vise Company No.4. 6" jaws, 130lbs. Need to highlight some lettering and make another pipe jaw this winter...

Cretedog, very nice work you did on that #4, and on the English vise. Top quality work.

 

[gman007]

I should probably stay off Craigslist when I'm on vacation. Or should I check it more often?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5752&pictureid=84502View media item 84502

MF Your GJ link leads to a white page with no content (at least for me using my iPhone)!

 

[MF'er]

Gman...the pic shows for me, anyone else not see it?

 

[gman007]

Found little brother to my Tesco, Tulsa OK I already had.

Rag
Very nice find. What is the background on these Tesco vises? Based on Tulsa OK , I am assuming the obvious that they were made there which would be interesting as most of old industrial base was concentrated in upper East coast and mid west rust belt. Personally I have not seen any old industrial tools made in OK.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Gman...the pic shows for me, anyone else not see it?

Nothing showing for me.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

cretedog, +1 on what Kevin says.
There should be a metal plate in between the bars to protect the screw from falling debris.

RBarnes, I think with the newer base it is in the 190's on weight?

 

[MF'er]

Now?

View media item 84502

 

[gman007]

Now?

View media item 84502

No visible link