The VISES of Garage Journal

[davethorik]

Kukko-
That is a Dropfo vise. So named because it was forged, rather than cast. They were made in Canal Fulton, Ohio. There have been ads for their vises posted here before.

Edit:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7299064&postcount=64993

You can see Dropfo logo in the 2nd pic of your 2nd set of pics.

 

[kukko]

Awesome! Thank you for that information, I really appreciate it!

 

[davethorik]

No problem! I live right down the road from where they were made. I'd never heard of one either til i spotted one being sold as unknown and asked here about it a few years back (didn't buy it tho). Enjoy your uncommon USA made forged vise!

 

[mikeswrenches]

Here’s an interesting vise. No names or marks of any kind. 2 1/2 inch jaws, and an amazing amount of machine work. Much of it that looks like a total waste of time.
When I got it there was no hole for a handle so I drilled that and made a handle, my first one.
Vise was completely covered in rust that came off easily. I’m not sure yet what to use for a mount and whether to paint it or leave it bare.
The dovetailed construction and the careful machining resulted in a vise wth virtually zero slop.

My gut feeling is that this may have been a kit of castings and the buyer had to do all the machine work. But that is just a guess. I’m open to ideas.

Mike

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I saw it when it was originally posted for $500. I wasn't too interested until I saw it down to $350. I got it for $300. It is definitely worth it to me.

There is a Reed 105R nearby for $150. Tempting.

That 405-1/2 did set on C/L awhile but good snag aggiegrads. It was getting tempting with the price reduction but I already have a 405-1/2 so was able to resist the urge. A couple pics of mine that I bought at Steam up about 5 years ago. Ed.

 

[BFBOB]

More pics:

Very interesting! I'd have grabbed it too.

 

[Svt_ivan]

Decided to check out a couple of estate sales this morning, came out with a vise at each one.

First one is a Prentiss No. 81 (It’s jammed closed, gonna have to figure that out) paid $30 for that one.

Second one is a Hollands No. 43 1/2 Double Swivel. Paid $50 for that one.

So how did I do?




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[RBarnes]

Did not want to cross post so I just listed an ad in the GJ wanted section. Does anyone look at the post labeled "The Unofficial Vise Parts Swap Thread." Anymore?

 

[Productbob]

Svt, nice grabs on the vises! Both look like they'll clean up well and the Prentiss has got a real different and cool look to it. Good luck getting it open. Well done and two thumbs up!

 

[Shiftless]

Here is a Prentiss Bull Dog 52 I just brought home this afternoon. Even though it’s probably 100 years old, there are no cracks or significant hammer marks on the tail. I bought it from an older fellow who told me it was his dad’s who was a carpenter. I was impressed with the jaws as well. Worth driving 45 min. each way. Paid $125

 

[Loydski29]

Here is a Prentiss Bull Dog 52 I just brought home this afternoon. Even though it’s probably 100 years old, there are no cracks or significant hammer marks on the tail. I bought it from an older fellow who told me it was his dad’s who was a carpenter. I was impressed with the jaws as well. Worth driving 45 min. each way. Paid $125

Shift congrats! that prentiss is in beautiful condition the jaws nearly look new I love that graffiti style printing as well. Nice pickup!

 

[Shiftless]

Shift congrats! that prentiss is in beautiful condition the jaws nearly look new I love that graffiti style printing as well. Nice pickup!

Thanks!
I’ve been looking for a graffiti style Prentiss for a while now... this one should clean up quite well.

 

[davethorik]

Decided to check out a couple of estate sales this morning, came out with a vise at each one.

First one is a Prentiss No. 81 (It’s jammed closed, gonna have to figure that out) paid $30 for that one.

Second one is a Hollands No. 43 1/2 Double Swivel. Paid $50 for that one.

So how did I do

I'd say you did well on both. The weird jaws on the Prentiss are I believe for pipe, but not 100% on that. For $30 you probably can't go wrong lol.

As for the Hollands, they are slightly larger and heavier than a comparable Reed. I had a Hollands 44 and a Reed 404 and did some comparisons here. I ended up keeping the Hollands and giving the Reed to my BIL who has a tendency to break Chinese vises, lol. He probably won't break the Reed.


$80 for the pair, nicely done sir

 

[chrisnazzy]

Decided to check out a couple of estate sales this morning, came out with a vise at each one.

First one is a Prentiss No. 81 (It’s jammed closed, gonna have to figure that out) paid $30 for that one.

Second one is a Hollands No. 43 1/2 Double Swivel. Paid $50 for that one.

So how did I do?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

You did great! Congrats. I especially like the Hollands double swiveler.

Did not want to cross post so I just listed an ad in the GJ wanted section. Does anyone look at the post labeled "The Unofficial Vise Parts Swap Thread." Anymore?

I follow that thread in my Tapatalk app so anytime someone posts in it I see it. Great resource for all of us vise lovers.

Here is a Prentiss Bull Dog 52 I just brought home this afternoon. Even though it’s probably 100 years old, there are no cracks or significant hammer marks on the tail. I bought it from an older fellow who told me it was his dad’s who was a carpenter. I was impressed with the jaws as well. Worth driving 45 min. each way. Paid $125

Very nice Shift. Not sure if Im more impressed by the jaws or that someone else other than Smitty snagged a Prentiss in CA. I got a graffiti script Prentiss 53 out of CA only a few months before Smitty got bit by the vise bug.


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[Svt_ivan]

Well managed to get the prentiss open and cleaned up. Tomorrow’s task will be to straighten up the main screw handle, decide if I’m going to paint it or leave as is and re-grease.

 

[RG Rude]

That Prentiss No. 81 looks good as is. I'd lube it and leave it.

 

[Shiftless]

That Prentiss No. 81 looks good as is. I'd lube it and leave it.

to that! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[akasrick]

I'd say you did well on both. The weird jaws on the Prentiss are I believe for pipe, but not 100% on that. For $30 you probably can't go wrong lol.

As for the Hollands, they are slightly larger and heavier than a comparable Reed. I had a Hollands 44 and a Reed 404 and did some comparisons here. I ended up keeping the Hollands and giving the Reed to my BIL who has a tendency to break Chinese vises, lol. He probably won't break the Reed.


$80 for the pair, nicely done sir

Decided to check out a couple of estate sales this morning, came out with a vise at each one.

First one is a Prentiss No. 81 (It’s jammed closed, gonna have to figure that out) paid $30 for that one.

Second one is a Hollands No. 43 1/2 Double Swivel. Paid $50 for that one.

So how did I do?

Catalogue snip

akasrick

 

[Svt_ivan]

That Prentiss No. 81 looks good as is. I'd lube it and leave it.

to that! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Just ordered Johnson Paste Wax.

 

[Svt_ivan]

Catalogue snip

akasrick

So, that's the bottom piece I'm missing. Thanks!

 

[RBarnes]

You paid too much, a brand new one only cost $16 !

 

[Svt_ivan]

You paid too much, a brand new one only cost $16 !

I shall go ask for a refund tomorrow!

 

[RBarnes]

I shall go ask for a refund tomorrow!

Better yet, take the ad and tell them since you over paid they need to make you a good deal on something else!

Seriously - take the ad to show them and see if they have the piece you are missing laying around somewhere.

 

[Productbob]

Svt- your Prentiss cleaned up great, nice job. It's cousin followed me home yesterday, a little Monarch 213.

 

[Smitty]

The bad news:
After an intervention for my vise problem I’ve been in intensive therapy all week and have finally seen the error of my ways.

The good news:
I managed to sneak out and snag this Prentiss no.19
It has 3 1/2” jaws and weighs in at 32 lbs. if you can look past the red paint it appears to be in excellent condition. I’m going to try and strip it during arts and crafts this weekend. Hopefully they have BLO on hand.





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[Shiftless]

Nice one you found there, Smitty

 

[Smitty]

Thanks Shift, I can’t wait to see what’s under all that paint.

 

[Productbob]

Great pickup Smitty! So was the error of your ways that you weren't sneaky enough when you went vise hunting?
bob

 

[Vise]

The bad news:
After an intervention for my vise problem I’ve been in intensive therapy all week and have finally seen the error of my ways.

The good news:
I managed to sneak out and snag this Prentiss no.19
It has 3 1/2” jaws and weighs in at 32 lbs. if you can look past the red paint it appears to be in excellent condition. I’m going to try and strip it during arts and crafts this weekend. Hopefully they have BLO on hand.





Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

That’s a real beauty!

 

[Loydski29]

Smitty another beauty congrats!

 

[Shiftless]

Smitty found the second smallest of the Prentiss series of seven double swivellers. There is a 7 incher out there somewhere weighing in at 207 pounds.

 

[kenc184]

And I bet he paid forty bucks for it!

 

[RBarnes]

I believe in the old American work ethic, that usually the harder you work the more you are rewarded. Smitty obviously works harder looking for vises than we do...

 

[NC Rick]

I believe in the old American work ethic, that usually the harder you work the more you are rewarded. Smitty obviously works harder looking for vises than we do...

So you actually think it’s that and not that he just plain *****?

 

[AndrewH]

Picked up this old beauty today, 7” Rock Island #56 230ish pounds, complete except for the swivel jaw pin. No cracks or repairs that I can see. She’s had a long life of faithful service and fortunately does not appear to have been abused during that time, just a lot of normal wear and tear from shop use.

 

[davethorik]

You don't see one of these every day. Unmounted and unused.

 

[Shiftless]

Andrew:
That RI is a real beast! Of course it deserves a proper handle. Are those replaceable jaws? It doesn’t look like they are. That will be a challenge to clean ‘em up.
I have a couple of Rock Islands in my little collection and I can say for a fact that they are heavier and better built than most other makes. Nice score!

Dave:
Wow! An NOS Millers Falls swiveling clamp on. I have a Stanley swiveling clamp on but I see more of them around with that name compared to the MF.

 

[AndrewH]

Andrew:
That RI is a real beast! Of course it deserves a proper handle. Are those replaceable jaws? It doesn’t look like they are. That will be a challenge to clean ‘em up.
I have a couple of Rock Islands in my little collection and I can say for a fact that they are heavier and better built than most other makes. Nice score!

Dave:
Wow! An NOS Millers Falls swiveling clamp on. I have a Stanley swiveling clamp on but I see more of them around with that name compared to the MF.

Unfortunately this model does not have replaceable jaws, my research indicates that it’s a pre-1930 vise. I haven’t decided if I’m going to stick with the original jaws or mill them off and convert it to replaceable jaws.

 

[Smitty]

You don't see one of these every day. Unmounted and unused.

Nice find Dave. It’s MS-70 for sure.

 

[Smitty]

Re: AndrewH

The vise has been well used but that’s a testament to its durability. The rounded body is an interesting design feature, it looks a bit Art Deco to me. Great find