The VISES of Garage Journal

[RTM]

Just picked this one up as a repair job, does anyone know what brand it is?

The only identifier is the jaw size which is apparently part of the raised letter casting

Knowing nothing about vintage vises, I am going to guess the answer is

Chinese made.

 

[davethorik]

Nice leg vise dt!!! I hope you're gonna put that thing to use? Can you tell what kind of wood it's made out of? I would love to come across one of those.

I don't have a bench I can mount it to. It actually was free with the purchase of the Abernathy, I figured I should keep it since it had all the hardware. Whatever wood it's on looks great, has amazing grain. I don't know squat about how to identify what kind of wood. My parents have a couple old style wood working benches, maybe they could use it. If not, I'll probably sell it.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Knowing nothing about vintage vises, I am going to guess the answer is

Chinese made.

It’s not the atypical Chinese cast. Normally Chinese castings are rough underneath and have poor separation marks on the slides

The dynamic jaw is especially a whole lot better underneath than the normal older Chinese vices. New Chinese vises are cleaner in the external aspects of their molds, but the material and underneath casting elements are still awful. Eg even Irwin look ok, but structurally are just not the same as Old english Records.

I’m wondering if it is an Indian vise using British casting moulds as the Indian vises Have been very similar in design to Record, Woden, Dawn, Carter. They usually use cast steel though - and this is cast iron

 

[Outlawmws]

GF and RTM - Very likely is Taiwanese. Still crappy and substandard CI, but the castings are generally a cut above the mainland.

Shift, what does your city say about a detached shed? I was able to do 120 SF without any permits (so long as no power or plumbing was involved)

If I absolutely needed power I would have wired it up and used an RV power extension cord into a male plug. its not permanently wired so is off the books...

I put in a small sky light and a window for daytime use, and have a hanging light with a long extension for if I need light at night (rare)

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks outlaw.
My neighbor has a larger lot and built a shed. He had no power for lights so I installed a 12 volt deep cycle battery and a few light bulbs for him. He’s not a very handy guy so he was thrilled to have light for rummaging around at night.

D.T.:
Once I get my Abernathy cleaned up I’ll have to figure out a way to mount it on my smaller wheel around workbench. I’ll have to do some cutting and other modifications.

Here’s my Abernathy #80. 10 inch wide jaws. Roller nut quick release

 

[davethorik]

Looks like a nice one, shift. Big brother to my 70D i posted

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks d.t.
At the time I found it at a local garage sale, I had never heard of Abernathy vises.
I have since seen a few on eBay. I can’t find any there that sold. As usual, there are a few listed for sale by dreamers. Yours is the only one I know of owned by GJ guys or anybody else.

 

[Shiftless]

I just revived the “how many vises do you own” poll

I ran it in 2015 and again in 2018 so let’s see the latest results. I’m leaving the poll open until the end of August but why wait to enter your total?
Post some comments like you would in any other thread or if you don’t have anything in particular to add to the discussion, just count your vises and click on the appropriate range.

Here is a link

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457998


.

 

[davethorik]

Found this Karas Electric Co. Chicago clamp-on vise today. I have seen this brand before, looks like they rebranded Hollands Keystone vises. But I've never seen a clamp-on version.

2-1/2" jaws, opens 3", weighs 7 lbs.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Found this Karas Electric Co. Chicago clamp-on vise today. I have seen this brand before, looks like they rebranded Hollands Keystone vises. But I've never seen a clamp-on version.

2-1/2" jaws, opens 3", weighs 7 lbs.

thats pretty neat.. measure it again, mine is 2-1/4 and flush base. doesn't look like it was modified... haven't seen the clamp on in the Karas before. They were made by hollands.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I just revived the “how many vises do you own” poll

I ran it in 2015 and again in 2018 so let’s see the latest results. I’m leaving the poll open until the end of August but why wait to enter your total?
Post some comments like you would in any other thread or if you don’t have anything in particular to add to the discussion, just count your vises and click on the appropriate range.

Here is a link

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457998


.

 

[Shiftless]

A.B.:
Thanks for the thorough accounting of your collection over on that thread. I know it took you a while to do it.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Found this Karas Electric Co. Chicago clamp-on vise today. I have seen this brand before, looks like they rebranded Hollands Keystone vises. But I've never seen a clamp-on version.

2-1/2" jaws, opens 3", weighs 7 lbs.

Here's my -2- Karas Electric clamp-on vises, a round and square slide version. I really believe they were mfg. by a local-to-them vise maker, Geo W. Diener Mfg Co. I've compared the round slide of my Karas Electric vise to my Geo Diener vise and they match.

Good luck completing your set, their demand has risen recently for some unknown reason.

 

[PghJKB]

Here's my -2- Karas Electric clamp-on vises, a round and square slide version. I really believe they were mfg. by a local-to-them vise maker, Geo W. Diener Mfg Co. I've compared the round slide of my Karas Electric vise to my Geo Diener vise and they match.

Good luck completing your set, their demand has risen recently for some unknown reason.

Second the Diener conclusion

JKB

 

[davethorik]

Here's my -2- Karas Electric clamp-on vises, a round and square slide version. I really believe they were mfg. by a local-to-them vise maker, Geo W. Diener Mfg Co. I've compared the round slide of my Karas Electric vise to my Geo Diener vise and they match.

Good luck completing your set, their demand has risen recently for some unknown reason.

Awesome Fierljeppen! You da man!

 

[exmaxima1]

Outlawmws & VA.grouseman...Thanks for your responses!

The 1947 Morgan date is pretty popular with any "Morgan Vise Co. History" internet search, but none of them list any periodical as a reference. I've attached my earliest Morgan Vise Co. ad which is from 1921. Everything in my Morgan database has a Chicago address until 1968, when they moved into a brand new building in Aurora, IL.

I'm going to stick with my own data for now, but if anyone has any 1947 printed reference, I'd really appreciate it. Vise on!

I was researching something and came across this email from a Morgan customer service agent:

"Chicago Morgan vises were manufactured sometime between 1929 through 1957. Old style screws are no longer available. The screw is a standard 5/16" x 18 thread. You have a couple of options, first you could purchase new face jaws that include new screws (1104557, $63.10 per pair), or grind your own screws to fit. The face jaws are hardened so you wont be able to change the countersink taper. We accept Master Card, Visa, and Amex as payment options. See the attached parts list."

If true, that does help explain the relative scarcity of vises labeled "Aurora".

 

[va.grouseman]

Exmax, you are so right about the Aurora's.---You just don't see them popping up but very seldom.---I try to snag every one that I can find, if they aren't beat to h---.

 

[Fierljeppen]

exmaxima1...Thank you so much for responding!

With regard to the historical data given by: The Morgan Vise Co, Yost Mfg. and Wilton customer service, they're all a bunch of jack-asses who could care less about their own company history. But that's ok, because we have The Garage Journal.

Because of the collaborative data and respectful forum provided here, there's enough information to get a more accurate sense of historical data and events as they really happened.

I tip my hat to the "AngryBeaver" for the knowledge he's provided on Reed vises. That's just one example of many that the GJ members have provided for the vise community.

This is my Morgan date theory as of today, but is always subject to change with better and more reliable information.

Morgan Chicago........................(1920-1967)
Morgan Aurora..........................(1968-1971)
Morgan Milwaukee, Aurora address(1972-1975)
Morgan Milwaukee......................(1976-current)

There's so much printed data available about these dates, so I'll list just a few.

1920 Illinois List of Domestic and Foreign Corporations
1967 Cook County List of Corporations
1968 Cook County List of Corporations
1972 School Shop, V.32_pg.104
1975 Furniture Mfg Management directory

 

[Shiftless]

Fierljeppen:
Thanks again for posting and sharing more of your seemingly unlimited historical information.

As far as your Morgan illustration goes...
Who among us is going to step up and fabricate a replica of that stand? That would be an amazing accomplishment. I suppose it would have been made out of wood for ease of transport to stores but the picture shows a pretty shiny surface on the shelves. Could that be painted sheet metal? I know that the illustration is not a photo but an artist rendering. Nevertheless, that’s completely beyond my skill set.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm going to stick with my own data for now, but if anyone has any 1947 printed reference, I'd really appreciate it.

I am not familiar enough with the issues surrounding the dating controversy to know if these Raritan Arsenal Publications Department figures of a pair of Morgan vises from an Ordnance Supply Catalog (ORD 6 SNL G-27, "Tools, Maintenance, for Repair of Motor Vehicles") dated 1 July 1945 will help or not, but I will post them just in case. See Pics 1 & 2.

Shiftless
I've always been fond of this 'walk-around' type vise display from the 1914 catalog. Some day. Maybe. See Pic 3.

 

[Z3K3Y]

Anyone able to identify this? It almost looks like a franken-vise. this is the only picture i have until i go see in person.. im trying to decide if its worth the drive. Looks like one set of jaws are missing. and some weld spatter as well. it might have the jaw there.. could just be my eyes and the digital photo.

all i can make out is what appears to be "Me" on the side.. maybe Meridion? chas parker?.

 

[Outlawmws]

It's a Parker Big Bear, and I believe the jaws are both there. I'd be all over that even with the scabby welds.

 

[Z3K3Y]

It's a Parker Big Bear, and I believe the jaws are both there. I'd be all over that even with the scabby welds.

great. Ill be on my way in the morning ! ill post back with results

 

[Z3K3Y]

The lady just sent another 2 pictures. That jaw is missing for sure eh!? Anyone making replacements still on the forum?

Edit.. what are the actual model numbers on these?

 

[Outlawmws]

Dang, the other pic looked complete. I'd still get it if reasonable. maybe you can work the price?

Dr. Scott retired and is selling the bus, and he made the call to NOT make Parker jaws anymore - fitment issues...

I'd make a one off, but that's me...

 

[Outlawmws]

Model No's - there were several for the Big Bear, depending on Era.

Early were 135 and 135 (4 & 5")
later were 984 and 965 (4 & 5")

 

[Z3K3Y]

its fairly cheap.. its 60 bucks (its not advertised anywhere, so im not afraid of someone taking it from under me). thats 60 dollars Canadian. Ya KMScott was the person i was thinking of. I have no access to machinery. My best bet would be going to a local machine shop and the ones around here ive dealt with dont seem to be gung ho about making sets of jaws. i think ill grab it anyways. the seller also has a parker 973 1/2 that im going to look at. its in alot better shape

 

[b.well]

I am still hunting for my first Vise in my almost complete garage workshop. I see a couple at estate sales but can't tell what they are from the pics. Hoping someone here can. Looking for old USA. Ideally 4-4.5". I'd have to take a day off work to trek out to one of these so it would really help to know. Thanks!

I haven't seen a vise like the first one before. Interesting, an old woodworkers vise? The latter two are more likely the type I would buy.

 

[Z3K3Y]

I haven't seen a vise like the first one before. Interesting, an old woodworkers vise? The latter two are more likely the type I would buy.

Looks like a Versa-Vice

 

[va.grouseman]

Anyone able to identify this? It almost looks like a franken-vise. this is the only picture i have until i go see in person.. im trying to decide if its worth the drive. Looks like one set of jaws are missing. and some weld spatter as well. it might have the jaw there.. could just be my eyes and the digital photo.

all i can make out is what appears to be "Me" on the side.. maybe Meridion? chas parker?.

Z3K3Y, here's a link that shows what yours's kind of looks like from different angles.


https://www.proxibid.com/Art-Antiqu...r-Co-Large-Bench-Vise/lotInformation/48809944

 

[Z3K3Y]

Z3K3Y, here's a link that shows what yours's kind of looks like from different angles.


https://www.proxibid.com/Art-Antiqu...r-Co-Large-Bench-Vise/lotInformation/48809944

Thanks for that! Its for sure missing a jaw, but im going to go for a drive tomorrow and have a look anyways.

 

[htw]

This supposed to be WILTON UNIVERSAL TURRET VISE
have not seen this vise in person yet, how much does it worth? The jaw seemed rough, and the L-shaped quick release handle is missing - not sure how can I replace it.

By the way, why it looked different than the one linked below
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/wilton-patternmakers-universal-turret-1813522000
but similar to this one:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-wilton-pattern-makers-vise-1872714079

 

[va.grouseman]

Oh by the way Z3, DR. KMScott is currently grooming an apprentice machinest to start making vise jaws and vise parts and he says they are coming along real good.---He sold his operation and is training a young machinest to make the same parts as he did and at the same standard of quality.---You might PM him and get a ballpark idea of a time line for production to start.

 

[Outlawmws]

b.w, that is a versa vise as mentioned, - gun smiths vise. that one is a parrot jaw, most you see are Bull dog jaws.

The last pic is a Parker, I think an old one.

 

[RTM]

Looks like a Versa-Vice

Or a Gyro or Parrot. Same idea, same general quality w Gyro. Very versatile, carver, luthier etc love them.

 

[va.grouseman]

Yep the Versa-Vise or the Columbian Gyro vise, which look almost exactly alike, are super versatile, can be put in almost any desired position and self lock when tightened.---Get the Versa-Vise and the Wilton, You'll be set.

 

[Z3K3Y]

Oh by the way Z3, DR. KMScott is currently grooming an apprentice machinest to start making vise jaws and vise parts and he says they are coming along real good.---He sold his operation and is training a young machinest to make the same parts as he did and at the same standard of quality.---You might PM him and get a ballpark idea of a time line for production to start.

Ya i think read his post a few pages back. Ill be in touch .. first things first is get the vise home haha.

 

[1NRO]

A funky clamp on that I've had a while. I don't know who made it but it's nice to use, smooth jaws which are 2 7/8" wide.

 

[exmaxima1]

This supposed to be WILTON UNIVERSAL TURRET VISE
have not seen this vise in person yet, how much does it worth? The jaw seemed rough, and the L-shaped quick release handle is missing - not sure how can I replace it.

By the way, why it looked different than the one linked below
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/wilton-patternmakers-universal-turret-1813522000
but similar to this one:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-wilton-pattern-makers-vise-1872714079

Wilton apparently made several versions. The original, patented in 1961, had a single square slide bar, and the later had a pair of rods. I would guess that round holes are easier to drill than broached square holes.

Wilton also private labeled their vise to Sheldon, and they are are the exact same vise: same Wilton casting marks, etc. As far as value, I would think that $200 for a complete working vise would not be out of the question.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

A funky clamp on that I've had a while. I don't know who made it but it's nice to use, smooth jaws which are 2 7/8" wide.

I like everything about that vise, including the hex cap knobs on the spindle. Assuming that anvil is stationary, right?

Couple more shots and I may actually understand this....

Haha. Do you need a new kitchen faucet? Sometimes the foreign spam around here seems so inexplicably random.