Vtg Columbian D44/M2 price check

[eroy27]

So I'm looking for my first vise for the home workshop, and definitely wanting to go the vintage USA route rather than a new Asian import. There's a pretty nice tool I found online and I'm in the process of haggling. Seller is down to $75 at the moment, not too sure if she'd go lower.

I like the fact it's a 4" (~25lbs) rather than the smaller size, and it already has a pretty good restoration. Appears to be ready to mount and use.

However, there is a small hairline crack in the swivel base, near one of the mounts (lower right picture). Seller says the crack doesn't impede function at all. Does this make it a terrible purchase for this price? Also, any idea on the age? Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[thehorse13]

Even if that vise did not have the crack, 75 bucks is not a good deal for you.

That's also a light duty Columbian vise. I'd hold out and spend the 75 dollars on a good 3.5 inch jaw machinist vise.

 

[RTM]

I got my D44-m3 for $20 I think. The swivel lock was bolted down. I wouldn’t spend 75, even in NIB condition.

 

[davethorik]

Hard pass.

 

[eroy27]

Thanks for the replies. Exactly what I needed to hear, as I was sort of leaning toward pulling the trigger. It seems ebay pricing is pretty much always higher than what I read about on here. Not exactly sure where to find better deals...

 

[thehorse13]

For comparison, you can get this for less than your seller is asking for that cracked Columbian.

The seller wants 85 for this and it's been sitting for more than a week. Prices vary by region so keep that in mind.

 

[1982fxr]

What part of Texas? A member might have something to sell in the area...

Nothing on local craigslist?

 

[eroy27]

What part of Texas? A member might have something to sell in the area...

Nothing on local craigslist?

I'm in the Houston area. Thanks for the Craigslist tip, looks like there are a few for sale currently, such as the 1970s Craftsman below. Guy wants $88 for it but maybe he'd go lower? I'm thinking I don't need a super heavy duty unit, probably just use for some light or moderate work. Does this one look better than the original post? Thanks for any comments.

 

[Cruzan80]

Columbian made that for Craftsman. Same vise, different name imprinted.

Sent from my Phone 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[1982fxr]

I'm in the Houston area. Thanks for the Craigslist tip, looks like there are a few for sale currently, such as the 1970s Craftsman below. Guy wants $88 for it but maybe he'd go lower? I'm thinking I don't need a super heavy duty unit, probably just use for some light or moderate work. Does this one look better than the original post? Thanks for any comments.

It's really similar quality to the Columbian above. Both use a channel slide. Probably fine for what you are describing.

For comparison, it's better than any $79.99 + tax junk at the box stores...but I'd still want the price down lower for that 4" version.

 

[RoninB4]

I'm thinking I don't need a super heavy duty unit, probably just use for some light or moderate work.

-You may "think" it will be for light or moderate work but sooner or later something will come along that will exceed what a lighter duty vise will tolerate. Better to have something a bit more robust than to overload a lighter duty vise and either crack the casting or screw up the lead screw from over-torquing it. For the budget range you mentioned you should be able to get a good used vise. The new paint job may be hiding cracks, welding, or some other fatal flaw. I'd rather have an older finish that reveals the life a vise has had. An honest evaluation is only a $7 can of spray paint less. Do not buy something with a cracked base. There should be plenty to choose from in the Houston area.

 

[eroy27]

-You may "think" it will be for light or moderate work but sooner or later something will come along that will exceed what a lighter duty vise will tolerate. Better to have something a bit more robust than to overload a lighter duty vise and either crack the casting or screw up the lead screw from over-torquing it. For the budget range you mentioned you should be able to get a good used vise. The new paint job may be hiding cracks, welding, or some other fatal flaw. I'd rather have an older finish that reveals the life a vise has had. An honest evaluation is only a $7 can of spray paint less. Do not buy something with a cracked base. There should be plenty to choose from in the Houston area.

Good point. I suppose I just need to wait and look for local items rather than ebay. Seems most people sell ones with paint jobs though.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[thehorse13]

I've done extremely well on Facebook market and second tier direct sales apps like LetGo and OfferUp.

Give those places a thorough look in addition to Craigslist.

Again, try to find a good quality machinist vise like the one I showed you above. You'll thank us later.

BTW, that Craftsman vise turns up all the time for about 40 bucks around here. They sit forever.

 

[eroy27]

I've done extremely well on Facebook market and second tier direct sales apps like LetGo and OfferUp.

Give those places a thorough look in addition to Craigslist.

Again, try to find a good quality machinist vise like the one I showed you above. You'll thank us later.

BTW, that Craftsman vise turns up all the time for about 40 bucks around here. They sit forever.

Thanks I'll check those out. Slowly learning differences between types, which I didn't realize until the past couple days. So the machinist vises are the larger (~25lb or more) ones from brands such as Athol, Reed, Wilton etc (others?) that probably have a covered main screw and don't have the mini "anvil" platform. Is that correct? Also what would a good price range be for a 3.5" or 4" one?

 

[thehorse13]

Thanks I'll check those out. Slowly learning differences between types, which I didn't realize until the past couple days. So the machinist vises are the larger (~25lb or more) ones from brands such as Athol, Reed, Wilton etc (others?) that probably have a covered main screw and don't have the mini "anvil" platform. Is that correct? Also what would a good price range be for a 3.5" or 4" one?

Correct. Those are the names to look for. There are a lot of other good names out there in machinist vises but you've hit some of the biggest ones. Rock Island, Prentiss and Chas Parker are also commonly found in the wild.

Prices vary by region of the country. Around here, you can find a vise like the one I posted above for 50-75 bucks all day everyday.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I live in Austin. I've seen many vises on Houston CL that I considered worth driving to Houston for because they were great vintage vises being sold for cheap money. Just be patient you'll find a great old vise for a good to great price. Remember that patience is your friend.

 

[eroy27]

OK, what about this one guys? Columbian #144M with 4" jaws, 25lbs, no swivel. He wants $75, but haven't tried bargaining.

 

[1982fxr]

Pass. Not many on here like open leadscrew style, including me.

 

[eroy27]

Pass. Not many on here like open leadscrew style, including me.

Yeah, I did notice that. Seems like this same guy is listing most of the vises in this area, I think I'll ask him what else he's planning to put up and see if I can snag something good before it goes public.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

This thread was started in March by a guy just like you. Read it. You'll learn everything you need to know. It'll answer all the questions you're asking. Like him, you'll end up with more vises than you need. Beware the slippery slope.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447255

 

[eroy27]

This thread was started in March by a guy just like you. Read it. You'll learn everything you need to know. It'll answer all the questions you're asking. Like him, you'll end up with more vises than you need. Beware the slippery slope.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447255

Oh dear. Hope I'm not being too... obnoxious
Thanks for the reference though. Pretty much filled in the details I still wondered about. To be honest though, I can almost guarantee that I'm only going to purchase one vise. I have a pretty good level of self-control about shopping. At the end of the day, the goal is a decent usable tool that won't need replacing or upgrading. I have other things in life to worry about too, lol.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Like I said, if you read that thread you'll have all the knowledge you need to find a great old vise at a very good price. If you stop at one more power to you. Good luck.

 

[RoninB4]

"That won't need replacing or upgrading"

-That statement right there is enough to warrant getting a GOOD used vise instead of some light duty model that will disappoint/fail you on some crucial job (not presently known) that causes you to attempt to test/exceed the capabilities of your vise. Sure, you may PLAN on not doing any heavy work with it but life often has plans you didn't count on. It happens even to people like me that have a large number of tools, machines, and experience. I'll get in the middle of a job and find that I have to use what I have in an unplanned manner. It's nice to know that I have something robust enough to use it in a way it wasn't designed to do. Get a vise that's at least 25 pounds (or more), has a covered lead screw, is by a reputable maker (preferably an old one) and isn't cracked. Scarred up or beat up is ok, cracked/welded isn't. People sell them with new paint because for a $7 can of paint they can jack the price up or hide critical defects. Facebook Market (in your area), Craigslist, and even just an internet search can often turn up candidates. Do a little reading to know the better brands, something will turn up or already has because you weren't familiar with what's good/not. Avoid buying newer vises or anything that's imported because a new vise that's a good one will be stupid expensive and the imports have porous castings that easily break. A good used vise is one of the better bargains you can buy that will come in handy more than you think it will once you have one. Be patient, it will be worth the wait. Happy hunting, good luck.

OBTW- That person that's selling a lot of the vises in your area is getting them from somewhere in your area. Instead of just contacting him/her, why not try to find one from somebody else BEFORE he adds his profit margin. He/she is getting them from the same places you can too. Probably won't have the flaw hiding paint on them either. Flea markets, garage sales, swap meets, and even pawn shops (check those) often have tools at far less than "collector" prices.

 

[eroy27]

"That won't need replacing or upgrading"

-That statement right there is enough to warrant getting a GOOD used vise instead of some light duty model that will disappoint/fail you on some crucial job (not presently known) that causes you to attempt to test/exceed the capabilities of your vise. Sure, you may PLAN on not doing any heavy work with it but life often has plans you didn't count on. It happens even to people like me that have a large number of tools, machines, and experience. I'll get in the middle of a job and find that I have to use what I have in an unplanned manner. It's nice to know that I have something robust enough to use it in a way it wasn't designed to do. Get a vise that's at least 25 pounds (or more), has a covered lead screw, is by a reputable maker (preferably an old one) and isn't cracked. Scarred up or beat up is ok, cracked/welded isn't. People sell them with new paint because for a $7 can of paint they can jack the price up or hide critical defects. Facebook Market (in your area), Craigslist, and even just an internet search can often turn up candidates. Do a little reading to know the better brands, something will turn up or already has because you weren't familiar with what's good/not. Avoid buying newer vises or anything that's imported because a new vise that's a good one will be stupid expensive and the imports have porous castings that easily break. A good used vise is one of the better bargains you can buy that will come in handy more than you think it will once you have one. Be patient, it will be worth the wait. Happy hunting, good luck.

OBTW- That person that's selling a lot of the vises in your area is getting them from somewhere in your area. Instead of just contacting him/her, why not try to find one from somebody else BEFORE he adds his profit margin. He/she is getting them from the same places you can too. Probably won't have the flaw hiding paint on them either. Flea markets, garage sales, swap meets, and even pawn shops (check those) often have tools at far less than "collector" prices.

Yeah that's what I was thinking as well. He told me he buys them locally, fixes them up and resells for a small profit. He's a fairly older gentleman, doing it as a hobby. I'd prefer not being the endpoint customer but rather find the primary sources like what he gets. Problem is that a lot of flea markets etc are not opening these days so CL and other online seems the only good option. Thanks for the tips.

 

[eroy27]

Athol

Hey guys, I located this vise online which the guy wants $90 for, but would probably go lower. Looks like a pre-1921 Athol of some kind, though I can't figure out the model. Waiting for some more info including the size, functionality, etc. If everything checks out, do you think it's a good deal?

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

That looks like an Athol 16. The spread sheet says 78lbs. Offer $1/lb. Thats a good deal for any american vise from that era. Many GJ members think the Athol/Starrett vises are the best ones out there. If this is going to be your first vise/user I'd say it's a very good deal. Inspect thoroughly for cracks and repairs.


Good luck!

 

[eroy27]

That looks like an Athol 16. The spread sheet says 78lbs. Offer $1/lb. Thats a good deal for any american vise from that era. Many GJ members think the Athol/Starrett vises are the best ones out there. If this is going to be your first vise/user I'd say it's a very good deal. Inspect thoroughly for cracks and repairs.


Good luck!

Cool! Yeah I'm thinking it's the 4" stationary version, not the 78lb 5" swivel, which is fine for me. We'll see what he says...

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Re: Athol

Hey guys, I located this vise online which the guy wants $90 for, but would probably go lower. Looks like a pre-1921 Athol of some kind, though I can't figure out the model. Waiting for some more info including the size, functionality, etc. If everything checks out, do you think it's a good deal?

Where in Texas are you because I'll come get that vise for myself?!

 

[thehorse13]

Re: Athol

Hey guys, I located this vise online which the guy wants $90 for, but would probably go lower. Looks like a pre-1921 Athol of some kind, though I can't figure out the model. Waiting for some more info including the size, functionality, etc. If everything checks out, do you think it's a good deal?

If you walk away with this vise and you leave 75 bucks with the seller, then everyone wins. That Athol will last well beyond your lifetime and if the pictures are any indicator, that vise has not lived a hard life.

The main nut that lives inside of that vise should be inspected to be sure it's not cracked, repaired or broken. If everything checks out, you found yourself a great home use vise.

Let us know when you get it home.

 

[Oldsoul]

I got a 4 1/2 parker for 75$ there good vises to and 75$ was a lil high.

 

[Oldsoul]

Re: Athol

That looks like a nice vise.

 

[eroy27]

Still waiting to hear back from the seller... he only responds after several days. In the meantime I saw this piece online, wondering if I should place a bid on it. Looks like a Prentiss 514, apparently in good condition. Price is reasonable at the moment. Thoughts on this vise vs. the Athol above? Only want one vise, of course.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

That's a tough call. I will say that in the half dozen of those Prentiss vises I have seen for sale, ALL have been broken at the back of the slide or the front of the dynamic has been welded on. I am sure it is from abuse and not lack of quality. I have only seen one broken Athol (the only one I own). If I had my pick it would be the Athol. I would love to own an intact Prentiss too.

 

[1982fxr]

That's a tough call. I will say that in the half dozen of those Prentiss vises I have seen for sale, ALL have been broken at the back of the slide or the front of the dynamic has been welded on. I am sure it is from abuse and not lack of quality. I have only seen one broken Athol (the only one I own). If I had my pick it would be the Athol. I would love to own an intact Prentiss too.

That slide crack is apparently from them screwing up the cool down process. I've seen mint ones with that crack, it's not from abuse.

OP that Athol more of a "beast" vise. Also I gotta say if I had that vise up for $90 and was offered $78 I would not respond and might even save the number just to never deal with that person again. That's just me, years if selling make you jaded lol.

If the Prentiss isn't damaged they are fine vises too though.

 

[eroy27]

That slide crack is apparently from them screwing up the cool down process. I've seen mint ones with that crack, it's not from abuse.

OP that Athol more of a "beast" vise. Also I gotta say if I had that vise up for $90 and was offered $78 I would not respond and might even save the number just to never deal with that person again. That's just me, years if selling make you jaded lol.

If the Prentiss isn't damaged they are fine vises too though.

Haha. I haven't even made an offer on the Athol, still just waiting to get a couple questions answered about functionality and breaks/repairs, since the pictures are not good enough quality to tell much. If he says it's all good, I'll probably just take it for the $90. Who cares about saving $15 tbh.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

That slide crack is apparently from them screwing up the cool down process. I've seen mint ones with that crack, it's not from abuse.

OP that Athol more of a "beast" vise. Also I gotta say if I had that vise up for $90 and was offered $78 I would not respond and might even save the number just to never deal with that person again. That's just me, years if selling make you jaded lol.

If the Prentiss isn't damaged they are fine vises too though.

I had no idea! That makes sense that not every single one has been abused. Thanks for the info!

 

[eroy27]

That Prentiss still has a few hours left on it, if anyone wants to snag it:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-PRENTISS-BULL-DOG-NEW-YORK-MODEL-514-VISE-CLAMP-TABLE-TOP-CLAMP-GOOD-CON/124288521958
I don't see a crack on the slide, but there aren't enough pictures to tell. The seller did PM me back saying it's "all in good condition no serious damage."

 

[eroy27]

I just bought the Athol. We shall see if it ever makes it here and if so what it looks like in person! Thanks for the help and advice everyone.

 

[eroy27]

The purchase fell through. I paid for the tool plus extra for shipping, but the guy sent me a really upset message afterward claiming he listed it as local pickup only, and he's not willing to pay for shipping, even though I already contributed more than half of that cost.............. This guy has not been that pleasant overall, taking several days to respond to each of my messages, so I just told him to forget about it. I could probably offer to pay more for it, but I'd rather just wait and buy something from somebody a little nicer.
Search is back on...... sigh

 

[thehorse13]

The purchase fell through. I paid for the tool plus extra for shipping, but the guy sent me a really upset message afterward claiming he listed it as local pickup only, and he's not willing to pay for shipping, even though I already contributed more than half of that cost.............. This guy has not been that pleasant overall, taking several days to respond to each of my messages, so I just told him to forget about it. I could probably offer to pay more for it, but I'd rather just wait and buy something from somebody a little nicer.
Search is back on...... sigh

If you chase old things like vises long enough, you run into this, "seller" and worse. Try your best to let it go and move on.

The Prentiss would have already been home with me. I'm partial to that brand simply because they were made where I was born. It's a fine vise and I have a Prentiss Bulldog (circa 1920s) as my daily user. You can't go wrong with one provided that it's not cracked, welded, etc. There are many out there that do not suffer from the dreaded slide crack. In closing, you would have been way ahead with the Prentiss in the Ebay auction. It was never abused and in great shape from what you can see in the pictures.

Good luck with your search. Keep us posted.