The VISES of Garage Journal

[Shiftless]

JR,
Did you forget to attach a pic(s)?

Yeah...pics please

With that level of surface preparation and refinement you must be approaching show car level smoothness.

 

[MayerMR]

Doh! Guilty of the same kind of leap before I look. Hopefully, you'll find it. Soon.

Yeah, it happens. I'll keep it in case I ever run across a really large Parker that is missing a handle - they are often missing.

Could there be different sized (thickness) of nuts for these Parkers? Could you use a different sized nut with matching thread?

I'm sure there is another nut that fits this spanner. I'm guessing it was for a larger vise. If I found the but id imagine it wouldn't fit the threaded piece for my vise, so I can always mill one for this vise if I ever learn how to do threading once I get my lathe up and running...we will see. The hunt is half the fun.

 

[JohnnyRocket]

Yeah...pics please

With that level of surface preparation and refinement you must be approaching show car level smoothness.

I’ll take some once the primer dries. The primer smoothed out the rough Wilton casting somewhat. The emery prep did quite a bit, but it was still rough.

 

[thin_concrete]

Just finished up this Columbian. I like the Rustoleum Colonial Red on it.

 

[z-edition 006]

Found a Columbia 204 1/5 vice for sale in Norway of all places. Long way from home. Is this a real one? Or a aftermarket one? He is asking 2800,- NOK/326USD.

https://www.finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=124946369

 

[thin_concrete]

Found a Columbia 204 1/5 vice for sale in Norway of all places. Long way from home. Is this a real one? Or a aftermarket one? He is asking 2800,- NOK/326USD.

https://www.finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=124946369

That’s funny - I was looking at one here in the US earlier today. Looks legit, but I wouldn’t pay $325 for it. Especially with that god awful paint job.

 

[va.grouseman]

Yea, Z-ed, that 's pretty steep for a 4 1/2'' combo, especially missing the pipe jaws.---Looks like the real McCoy and in real nice shape, but that is pushing the top of the range on price.

 

[Smitty]

I found this Prentiss no. 182 1/2 it has 5” jaws and weighs in at 115 lbs. The good news is that the vise is in pretty good condition. The bad news is I had to drive two hundred miles round trip to get it.


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[Loydski29]

Smitty another nice find! Is this the one that was out in Palmdale?

 

[Smitty]

Smitty another nice find! Is this the one that was out in Palmdale?

Thanks, yeah that’s the one. These don’t come up very often so it was worth the five hour drive.

 

[JohnnyRocket]

Here’s the main vise. The base and the sliding jaw look the same but I still want them to cure and can’t move them.

 

[va.grouseman]

JR, it looks like it's made of chocolate.---It looks delicious.

 

[JohnnyRocket]

JR, it looks like it's made of chocolate.---It looks delicious.

Rustoleum has a special primer just for cast iron. Unfortunately it comes in brown. I taped the anvil and jaw areas.

 

[Josh C]

Hey there guys, I’m messaging in hopes of getting some assistance/guidance on what to do in a “Vise Situation ” regarding a purchase. Have a seller who has a Prentiss 22 and it has a couple issues need help with. (Second time this has been my situation and you guys rescued me before!) 1- Mounting ear broken and gone- not for me a total walk away just a bummer but your thoughts? And the big one 2- The slide looks like someone cut into it a ways. Maybe it’s cracked but looks like a cut- Your thoughts? Thanks in advance- the sellers waiting’s on me.

 

[rusty65]

Hey there guys, I’m messaging in hopes of getting some assistance/guidance on what to do in a “Vise Situation [emoji16]” regarding a purchase. Have a seller who has a Prentiss 22 and it has a couple issues need help with. (Second time this has been my situation and you guys rescued me before!) 1- Mounting ear broken and gone- not for me a total walk away just a bummer but your thoughts? And the big one 2- The slide looks like someone cut into it a ways. Maybe it’s cracked but looks like a cut- Your thoughts? Thanks in advance- the sellers waiting’s on me.

For the right price that would be a nice vise I’ve got a no 22 and really enjoy using it. All the issues look like they are repairable to me. A new paint job and a welder would go a long ways on that vise.


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[davethorik]

Both repairs certainly doable, however it depends on what you think the vise is worth. Judging by the rough back edge of swivel jaw and eyebrow ledge over spindle nose, that vise has been ridden hard and put away wet. It appears the swivel pin has been replaced.

The "cut" is most likely a crack that is seeping oil. Again, fixable. Kmscott posted a fabulous thread about this exact repair. Hard to pass on a 6" jaw 168 lb double swiveling vise, however I would pass. That of course would depend on price.

What is asking price?

 

[Josh C]

Sorry Dave I had ment to put that in my post as that I was figuring would be a factor and the price is I felt so reasonable that I was needing GJ assistance in deciding ��. The asking price is $150- Josh

 

[davethorik]

Talk him down some And I would go for it. You might even be able to locate a spare swivel base, and factoring that into price id say could be worth it (or price of farming out braze job, or material and time if done by yourself). Check it over real good for other surprises. The slide might not be able to fully disengage if the end is cracked, which *****. Don't force anything.

 

[davethorik]

Not a vise but I just won this on the bay. Wilton no. 808 heavy 8" c-clamp. Marked Chicago 14 USA. It's gonna go in the e-tank, it looks fairly straight.

 

[Outlawmws]

Josh, The cracked slide (fairly common in that location on Prentiss) is a reasonably easy fix,

The swivel jaw Pin has been replace with a square head bolt or lag bolt. could be some damage there too.

The foot can be welded or the base replaced as mentioned.

Its almost certain to have other issues but again, as mentioned, use the obvious defects to work on the price.

 

[Josh C]

Dave and Rusty- cannot thank you enough you insight and assistance. Was exactly what I was needing (not often I wish for a back seat driver). Am going to try to set up a meeting ASAP and shall see where things go from there, so the caution about the slide being able to come out is especially appreciated. I will try to keep ya posted on my progress, or lack there of. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Josh

 

[Lonstar]

Lonstar, take the main screw out and check it for being straight. That up/down sound like its bent slightly. if it is bent you can press it straight its not too hard to do.

Clean it off and roll it on a flat surface. threads and un-threaded, all...

It rolls straight and true, doesn't appear to be bent. Picture is of spindle in the pocket with the jaws closed. Unless you or someone else can recommend a more economical option, I think the spindle needs to be replaced.

 

[davethorik]

Dave and Rusty- cannot thank you enough you insight and assistance. Was exactly what I was needing (not often I wish for a back seat driver). Am going to try to set up a meeting ASAP and shall see where things go from there, so the caution about the slide being able to come out is especially appreciated. I will try to keep ya posted on my progress, or lack there of. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Josh

No problem. Lots of good info here. I took the "wuss" route and shelled out a lot more than 150 lol for my Prentiss 6" double swivel. But it was in mostly good shape. Of course it's been apart forever I just can't get this swivel pin out. But that's neither here nor there. I purposely waited for a nice shape big boy to come my way. I have no preference for Prentiss but mine called my name, looked super clean. They are impressive looking.

 

[Smitty]

Hey there guys, I’m messaging in hopes of getting some assistance/guidance on what to do in a “Vise Situation ” regarding a purchase. Have a seller who has a Prentiss 22 and it has a couple issues need help with. (Second time this has been my situation and you guys rescued me before!) 1- Mounting ear broken and gone- not for me a total walk away just a bummer but your thoughts? And the big one 2- The slide looks like someone cut into it a ways. Maybe it’s cracked but looks like a cut- Your thoughts? Thanks in advance- the sellers waiting’s on me.

A buck a pound is really cheap for this vise but you’d be getting what you paid for.

 

[MayerMR]

It rolls straight and true, doesn't appear to be bent. Picture is of spindle in the pocket with the jaws closed. Unless you or someone else can recommend a more economical option, I think the spindle needs to be replaced.

Is the spindle worn or is the hole in the dynamic worn? Or should I say, which is worn more? If its the dynamic jaw then replacing the spindle may not fix your "up/down" problem.

 

[Outlawmws]

It rolls straight and true, doesn't appear to be bent. Picture is of spindle in the pocket with the jaws closed. Unless you or someone else can recommend a more economical option, I think the spindle needs to be replaced.

I guess I'm confused: earlier you said this:

"Got the new collar/washer from autopts, had time today to assemble and see what I have. Slop/backlash is same - 1/2 turn each way (no surprise). Putting the washer in the pocket didn't change it much. Now that the spindle is riding against the new collar, up/down play is really evident, so slop forward/back, and up/down."

Exactly what do you mean by "up/down play"?

If its straight, and the threads are not sloppy in the main nut, I wouldn't worry about end movement up down at 10-12" away from the nut. If the nut is worn, that could cause backlash, or if the screw threads are worn in a section heavily used that could also (Lathe and Mill lead screws commonly wear at center for instance)

Get the main nut out and thread in =t on the main screw. Make sure both are clean. try to see if there is linear movement as the nut is positioned on different parts of the screw. if any lateral movement is minimal and even, wear should not be an issue.

I'd hate to see you spend a lot on a main screw and discover that isn't the issue...

 

[honza.vosalik]

I've been looking for a York locally for a while, but haven't come across one. So I asked a friend about the possibility of getting one shipped from overseas. Will post an update how that turns out.

 

[va.grouseman]

Rustoleum has a special primer just for cast iron. Unfortunately it comes in brown. I taped the anvil and jaw areas.

JR, just funning with you, but in all seriousness you did two things right.---No. 1 is the primer.---I unfortunately have been lazy in the past and just painted naked metal in a rush job.---It looks good for a while but won't last, the elements start to take a toll.---No. 2 is taping the proper areas of exposed metal.---I can't tolerate a 100% painted vise because I know if it gets used, that high use areas are going to look horrible in a short time plus it inhibits the slide and causes drag, and like the fellows have said, you never know what is hiding under there.---Look forward to seeing the finished product.---And welcome to the GJ.

 

[jrobb316]

Prentiss 22, I wouldn't pay more than $100 absolute tops for that vise. I got mine for less than $1/lb and its in pretty nice shape. I've seen others (they were quite a drive though) for around the same $150 range. I also had a swivel pin battle, i've posted about it before. Here it is again:

My Prentiss 22 swivel pin story. Aquired a P22 in good shape, came out of a WI paper mill. Pin was very siezed. I've had P20s and all I did for them was heat around the pin and it came out, but they're a much smaller pin. Heat=oxyfuel rosebud. Heated this P22 up several times and it would not budge. Bent jack bolts, heated with a jack bolt, nothing. Submerged the static upside down overnight in a vat of one gallon ATF and one gallon acetone. Couple hammer blows on the side of the pin with the jack bolt and it popped right out. If that didn't work was going to electrolysis the vise, which I did after the fact. If that didn't work drilling would be the last resort. I don't think just spraying it is going to do the job, submerge it and see what happens. I've also never had good luck with any pen oil for stuck things, this was actually the first time it worked.

 

[va.grouseman]

I've been looking for a York locally for a while, but haven't come across one. So I asked a friend about the possibility of getting one shipped from overseas. Will post an update how that turns out.

There's a nice one on eBay but it's not a steal.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Exceptiona...h=item1cc33a8628:g:drMAAOSwl29cAyjT:rk:1:pf:0

 

[Josh C]

Outlaw and Smitty- hey thanks to you two as well for chiming in , your input is highly regarded and with Rusty and Dave’s points made I feel rather fortunate for The breadth of knowledge that has as is always the case been freely given here on Garage Journal. There’s a slim chance that I will come through this particular vise endeavor wiser and In the positive money wise with everything taken into account in the end. ... awe who am I kidding Unfortunately the seller is unwilling to lower the price so I’m mulling over whether or not to set up a meeting currently. On the other hand- nice clamp Dave, made go and grab the little brother to that one , a 6” from a blacksmiths estate sale this past summer that I acquired after also obtaining a Wilton Shop King, 4”, that the smith had owned and I was in such awe at his skill and being able to buy some of his well used implements of destruction that I totally glossed over the fact that he had exceeded the limits of the “King” at least twice and I think three times probably more like it. Haven’t even gotten to seeing if there are any real useable donor parts on that one yet. Well, hour and a half one way to look at a vise that has two obvious issues already and as Outlaw and I’m sure others feel the same there’s gonna be more.... but how old is it? And will I have another opportunity to have this debate with myself over a #22 again sometime?.....

 

[Josh C]

So I had thought I had posted a thanks to Outlaw and Smitty as well for info and also to remark on the 8” Wilton (clamp ) that Dave bought as it reminded me of the 6” Wilton C that I acquired few months back at an estate sale but I’m not seeing the post. Whoops. Anyway also thanks Va. grouseman as well, thinking you just helped push me to the “nope, second #22 not going to go look at” decision. The estate sale the C clamp was from was for a born and raised local farmer/blacksmith and I was in such awe at being able to see and obtain a few of his tools that consequently when I saw the 4” Shop King on one of his benches I said “I will take that” and failed to notice he had exceeded its limits at least twice in its lifetime, but really more.. how many issues can you spot? Luckily it was only a $30 mistake, but hey I may end up with a washer or two that’s in good, unmolested condition, right?

 

[Outlawmws]

Josh, you had posted; it was probably on the next page. An easy thing to miss.

 

[KMScott]

There's a nice one on eBay but it's not a steal.

I've got the whole set but I ain't giving these away either.

 

[honza.vosalik]

There's a nice one on eBay but it's not a steal.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Exceptiona...h=item1cc33a8628:g:drMAAOSwl29cAyjT:rk:1:pf:0

I'll be shooting for a 60mm. From what I looked up, a brand new one with swivel locks should be under $100 shipped.

 

[rusty65]

I don’t believe I’ve posted this one before it’s a model of a blacksmith post vise. I’m not sure if this was a true salesman sample or just something someone made for bragging rights but either way it is well made for what it is. The bolts that hold the vise to he base have a whopping 1/8th hex head on them.






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[va.grouseman]

I'll be shooting for a 60mm. From what I looked up, a brand new one with swivel locks should be under $100 shipped.

That's the smallest one.---The babies aren't easy to find.---I'd say that's a pretty good deal especially seeing it has to cross the pond.

 

[va.grouseman]

Rusty, that defiantly qualifies as a fancy eating table center piece.

 

[Outlawmws]

That is VERY cool Rusty! Is it yours?

 

[Shiftless]

Rusty:
Count me in on your list of admirers.
Frequent contributors here like to put something into the picture to show scale. A beer can or bottle is often used.

Rustoleum has a special primer just for cast iron. Unfortunately it comes in brown. I taped the anvil and jaw areas.

JR:
Looking great so far. Is that Rustoleum brown specialty primer textured?
I have used a Rustoleum primer designed for rusty metal that is that same color but it wasn’t textured.