The VISES of Garage Journal

[Smitty]

Smitty
Once again, nice score !

As for looking good on your bookshelf, it might be the other way around as they are big enough that between them they can hold the bookshelf
PS

Perfect vises for opposite ends of a workbench

Thanks Gman. They are a bit heavy for bookends but thankfully I’m a light reader. As for the corners of my bench...my two users are a Reed 4C and a Prentiss no.22. I have an old Bessy that I use for welding and grinding.


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[va.grouseman]

There’s a photo on Pinterest of a Prentiss 18 that is in mint condition with a super straight handle. The guy is holding it in his hand over a geometrically shaped 2x4 table top in his back yard. I know it’s a big country but I somehow need to find this person and talk him into selling.

Yea, I caught a couple for sale on eBay before they got unreasonable.---At the time I think everyone was kind of enamored with the little salesman 1 3/4'' swivel jaws that they didn't pay the 18 much attention.

 

[kenc184]

I believe it was rumored, but never confirmed that the Tradesman went offshore in the early 2000s for a couple of years. The current ones don't say"made in use" on the casting, but do say so on the box they ship in. There was a 30yr wilton employee on here who explained why they stopped marking them in the casting but I don't remember the reason.
Yours is made in the usa, don't worry!

 

[Smitty]

Yea, I caught a couple for sale on eBay before they got unreasonable.---At the time I think everyone was kind of enamored with the little salesman 1 3/4'' swivel jaws that they didn't pay the 18 much attention.

It’s a beautiful piece. Finding one in that condition is a rarity indeed.

 

[va.grouseman]

Nice set-up Smitty.---Wish my bench was that clean.---Actually wish I could even see my bench.---Really like the cleaver.---That means keep your paws off my tools or we'll have Hannibal stew.

I see you missed the memo about ("No need for huge vises").

 

[davethorik]

I found another Prentiss vise no. 182 1/2, it has 5” jaws and weighs in at 120lbs. It’s in decent condition and the fact that I got it for a buck a pound makes it look even better. These will look great on my bookshelf.

So those old Prentiss combo vises use a swivel handle more like other manufacturers. Interesting, do you know is that unique to those vises?

 

[Smitty]

So those old Prentiss combo vises use a swivel handle more like other manufacturers. Interesting, do you know is that unique to those vises?

Some swivel base Bull Dogs had it as well but you don’t seem to see it very often.

 

[Smitty]

Nice set-up Smitty.---Wish my bench was that clean.---Actually wish I could even see my bench.---Really like the cleaver.---That means keep your paws off my tools or we'll have Hannibal stew.

I see you missed the memo about ("No need for huge vises").

Thanks VA. That’s a vintage cleaver from the 30’s and it does help keep things nice and tidy now that you mention it. Memo?

 

[Smitty]

Re: davethorik,this is an old Prentiss Bull Dog with the swivel lock set up. The swivel lock is long gone but you get the idea.


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[davethorik]

Thanks for the pic. I would tend to agree, it's not very common. I had thought they went from the plunger style straight to the split ring, learn something every day.

 

[Smitty]

Thanks for the pic. I would tend to agree, it's not very common. I had thought they went from the plunger style straight to the split ring, learn something every day.

It seems strange to me too but I don’t think the swivel base Bull Dog ever had the spring lever. It’s always been the hand tightened swivel lock until it switched to the split ring.

 

[va.grouseman]

Not really a memo Smitty, just a lengthy conversation a few pages back about the lack of need of a big vise.---Which was fair banter on both sides but didn't resonate with several of the members here.---To each his/her own.

 

[Smitty]

Not really a memo Smitty, just a lengthy conversation a few pages back about the lack of need of a big vise.---Which was fair banter on both sides but didn't resonate with several of the members here.---To each his/her own.

Yeah, I read the page, it brought a tear to my eye. I’ll admit the Reed is crazy big, high and heavy but it looks badass on the bench.

 

[ken w.]

Here is the smallest Wilton bolt down vise I've ever come across . The jaw width is 2 1/2". It has 2 swivel base clamps. It's kind of overkill on such a small vise. I found this at an estate sale quite a few years ago. It re-appeared in my garage when I was cleaning out some shelves I haven't seen in a while. I was going to repaint it , but I'm not sure of the original color. Is it green or red ? Is the red just a coat of primer ? What do you guys think this little thing is worth ? Restored or as is ?

 

[jrobb316]

It seems strange to me too but I don’t think the swivel base Bull Dog ever had the spring lever. It’s always been the hand tightened swivel lock until it switched to the split ring.

I believe you're correct. The swivel rear jaw vises had the plunger, then the lever. The bull dogs I think always had a regular lockdown and then the split ring/wrench design.

 

[drivesitfar]

Ken: i'm not sure how much your little Wilton is worth, but probably not nearly as much as a baby bullet that size. i had one that was a clamp on version similar to the one you found that I really liked that I put in a box and shipped to a member a year or two ago as a gift and he likes it a lot.

ALL: while i'm still counting my vises some of you might not have posted your total over on the new vise count poll that it looks like it closes on February 6th. some of the members are giving a lot of detail on not only how many vises, but brands and types so do as you will. Shiftless put up a list in his first post of what vises you can include in your count so here's the link and be counted and post comments too if you'd like to.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409140

As i'm counting i've found a few lost souls i'm going to put back in action some day (look at my sig line) and maybe i'll set a real date to do so when I GET ORGANIZED.

cheers all and have a great 2019

 

[RBarnes]

while i'm still counting my vises some of you might not have posted your total over on the new vise count poll that it looks like it closes on February 6th. some of the members are giving a lot of detail on not only how many vises, but brands and types so do as you will. Shiftless put up a list in his first post of what vises you can include in your count so here's the link and be counted and post comments too if you'd like to.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409140

The way some of you guys are acquiring vises, I imagine this list has changed quite a bit. I think I might be in the next category since I voted and I am not even trying. Enjoyed the 4 responders that did not have any vises. The way the prices are going up, I wouldn't wait too long.

 

[davethorik]

I believe you're correct. The swivel rear jaw vises had the plunger, then the lever. The bull dogs I think always had a regular lockdown and then the split ring/wrench design.

I think this is part of my confusion...i don't see very many Prentiss vises here in NEO...and when I do they're always swivel jaw.

I did see a Columbian 404 swivel base/jaw made by Prentiss though...i probably posted pics here...but it was fubar...nut stripped, entire swivel lock busted off main casting (it had been plunger or lever style)

 

[bhydro]

I found another Prentiss vise no. 182 1/2, it has 5” jaws and weighs in at 120lbs. It’s in decent condition and the fact that I got it for a buck a pound makes it look even better. These will look great on my bookshelf.


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Smitty nice set of 182 1/2’s. I picked one up last year and think it’s an amazing tool. 120lbs in a 5 inch combo with an enormous double swivel lock base. Not sure if either of your bases are labeled 95 or not? I think the quality of the 18x series Prentiss vises is top notch. Thanks for sharing........ great pic of the 2 together!

 

[va.grouseman]

Odd that on the Spread-sheet, it shows a 182 1/2 with a up-through-the-bench-swivel-lockdown with an upright channel for a slide and then progressed to a top-of-the-bench-swivel-base with an upright channel for a slide, then from the 183s up to 185s flipped the slide over on it's side for a semi exposed screw look.---I must have missed something.

 

[bhydro]

Odd that on the Spread-sheet, it shows a 182 1/2 with a up-through-the-bench-swivel-lockdown with an upright channel for a slide and then progressed to a top-of-the-bench-swivel-base with an upright channel for a slide, then from the 183s up to 185s flipped the slide over on it's side for a semi exposed screw look.---I must have missed something.

The early versions of the 18X were through the bench. The later typical swivel base models used 3 hole types (used in the Prentiss models ex. Prentiss 95). Correct, the 183 and 185 always used the wrought steel sideways channel (it actually has the manufactuers name on it. (I'll get it later)

 

[Smitty]

Smitty nice set of 182 1/2’s. I picked one up last year and think it’s an amazing tool. 120lbs in a 5 inch combo with an enormous double swivel lock base. Not sure if either of your bases are labeled 95 or not? I think the quality of the 18x series Prentiss vises is top notch. Thanks for sharing........ great pic of the 2 together!

Thanks, I was really happy to find another one. You’re right, they really are stout vises. Only the red base has 95 cast into the bottom.


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[Smitty]

Odd that on the Spread-sheet, it shows a 182 1/2 with a up-through-the-bench-swivel-lockdown with an upright channel for a slide and then progressed to a top-of-the-bench-swivel-base with an upright channel for a slide, then from the 183s up to 185s flipped the slide over on it's side for a semi exposed screw look.---I must have missed something.

The earlier models had the through bench mounting set up. The later models had swivel bases.


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[Smitty]

The early versions of the 18X were through the bench. The later typical swivel base models used 3 hole types (used in the Prentiss models ex. Prentiss 95). Correct, the 183 and 185 always used the wrought steel sideways channel (it actually has the manufactuers name on it. (I'll get it later)

I’ve got a Prentiss no. 183. It’s the biggest Prentiss vise that I have at 186lbs.


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[bubinga]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Is that Paint, or Just bare metal with oil on it?
I got this one off E bay, Not the Greatest vise According to what a lot of you guys have and or look for, But I thought it was made Kind Of Cool.
Looks like bare metal, Thinking of some type of clear coat What do you think I should use to clear it?
Has to be in a spray bomb now.

 

[bubinga]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Is that Paint, or Just bare metal with oil on it?
I got this one off E bay, Not the Greatest vise According to what a lot of you guys have and or look for, But I thought it was made Kind Of Cool.
Looks like bare metal, Thinking of some type of clear coat What do you think I should use to clear it?
Has to be in a spray bomb now.

Funny Here is A 5244 from e bay but looks totally different.
I have one like this too, think Its a 5244, (the other one I have, But I don't have it handy now)
This is the one from E bay I just found. (Didn't buy it I mean)

 

[Smitty]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Is that Paint, or Just bare metal with oil on it?
I got this one off E bay, Not the Greatest vise According to what a lot of you guys have and or look for, But I thought it was made Kind Of Cool.
Looks like bare metal, Thinking of some type of clear coat What do you think I should use to clear it?
Has to be in a spray bomb now.

It’s bare metal with boiled linseed oil on it. BLO is nature’s varnish.

 

[454ragtop]

Funny Here is A 5244 from e bay but looks totally different.
I have one like this too, think Its a 5244, (the other one I have, But I don't have it handy now)
This is the one from E bay I just found. (Didn't buy it I mean)

Yes, it seems Sears recycled vise part #'s same as a few other vise makers. I have a few different 5244's, pretty sure I have the 2 shown here, as well as another like the red one that's just a little different. The type like the red one are surprisingly well made, tight tolerances, seem much better than most homeowner type vises.

 

[va.grouseman]

Did any of you fellows see what the Baby Wilton went for?---Like I said before, the market bears whatever is thrown at it.---But being NOS does change the rules a little.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Pre...vip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720

 

[bubinga]

It’s bare metal with boiled linseed oil on it. BLO is nature’s varnish.

OK I will try that.
Thanks,

 

[Smitty]

Did any of you fellows see what the Baby Wilton went for?---Like I said before, the market bears whatever is thrown at it.---But being NOS does change the rules a little.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Pre...vip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720

8 bids $820

 

[bubinga]

Yes, it seems Sears recycled vise part #'s same as a few other vise makers. I have a few different 5244's, pretty sure I have the 2 shown here, as well as another like the red one that's just a little different. The type like the red one are surprisingly well made, tight tolerances, seem much better than most homeowner type vises.

Yeah, My red one is a stout little vise.
I like it.

 

[bubinga]

did any of you fellows see what the baby wilton went for?---like i said before, the market bears whatever is thrown at it.---but being nos does change the rules a little.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/wilton-pre...vip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720

omg $820.00!!!

 

[bhydro]

I’ve got a Prentiss no. 183. It’s the biggest Prentiss vise that I have at 186lbs.


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Nice one. That base may have a 96. My 185 has a 97. Here’s a few pix. “ Dorman Long & Co Lo Umbro “ marked on the slide.

 

[rusty65]

Did any of you fellows see what the Baby Wilton went for?---Like I said before, the market bears whatever is thrown at it.---But being NOS does change the rules a little.





https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Pre...vip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720

Indeed I was following from the first hour it was posted till the end. I definitely didn’t see that last minute action coming. I’ve got one of those baby bullets with the box as well.



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[Smitty]

Nice one. That base may have a 96. My 185 has a 97. Here’s a few pix. “ Dorman Long & Co Lo Umbro “ marked on the slide.

Great pics, you don’t see those very often. That’s one of my top five wish list vises for sure.

 

[gman007]

Indeed I was following from the first hour it was posted till the end. I definitely didn’t see that last minute action coming. I’ve got one of those baby bullets with the box as well.



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Rusty
And yours looks in real mint shape and NIB as opposed the one that got sold on eBay (at least to me it looked somewhat used and even with the box that does not make it NOS, and what was the red paint spots on the swivel base?)

 

[bhydro]

Great pics, you don’t see loose very often. That’s one of my top five wish list vises for sure.

Thanks. Your 183 is in great shape. The 185 has seen better days. It has a substantial repair on the dynamic jaw. The quality of the weld seems good, but the alignment is off a bit. Also, one of the 3 mounting tabs on the base is missing. The price was right at the time and it is just an incredible piece of history so I had to have it. I’ve Used that line a lot lately

 

[Smitty]

Thanks. Your 183 is in great shape. The 185 has seen better days. It has a substantial repair on the dynamic jaw. The quality of the weld seems good, but the alignment is off a bit. Also, one of the 3 mounting tabs on the base is missing. The price was right at the time and it is just an incredible piece of history so I had to have it. I’ve Used that line a lot lately

You’re right it probably has seen better days but the fact that you’ve rescued the vise and put it back into service is a fitting tribute to the Prentiss legacy.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I know there's little interest in or excitement for anything but bench vises in this thread, but for posterity, and the most pertinent place to park this on GJ, here are some photos of a little North Brothers (Pre-STANLEY) "YANKEE" No. 990 DP vise I found at the flea market this morning.

I'm just taking a wild *** guess that it may have been removed from a tool room at some point in time...