The VISES of Garage Journal

[Griff79]

Hi Guys,

I am just getting into vise restoration and collection. I have done some research on the Google and in our forum regarding this Wilton vice. From the stamp code, I’m reading this as built in 1969 or 1979, which is correct?

I have included the link to the Craigslist ad for reference. Is the price in line with the value?

https://fortcollins.craigslist.org/tls/d/carpenter-vintage-wilton-bullet-vice/7238584226.html

Thanks,
Griff

Edit: As I have done more research it looks like it was made on 10/11/69. And the 60176 is the ZIP Code for Schiller Park Illinois.

 

[jec1521]

some cool vices. May have to look into one for myself.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Hi Guys,

I am just getting into vise restoration and collection. I have done some research on the Google and in our forum regarding this Wilton vice. From the stamp code, I’m reading this as built in 1969 or 1979, which is correct?

I have included the link to the Craigslist ad for reference. Is the price in line with the value?

Thanks,
Griff

Griff79...The numbers you've been researching are the mfg. casting numbers and don't relate to a particular date. There is a date code stamped on a key-way under the slide, as seen in the photo below. (Feb. 1977)

There are clues to it's age without having that information though. That style was first advertised in 1971 and the "anniversary W" on the vise, as seen in the photo below, was discontinued in 1974.

Is it worth $450? How badly do you need a vise like this one? It's a great combination vise in a nice size, but Craigslist prices should be less than eBay's prices. You should checkout the completed sales on eBay to see what that vise actually sells for.

I have a Wilton C2 combination vise and absolutely love it! Opinions may vary.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Griff,

$450 seems a little steep for a 4-1/2" wilton combo vise (for my area). That being said it looks to be in good shape. If you are looking to get into the hobby of restoring its going to cost you a lot. I tend to wind up with some of the more basket case vises. The require more work but I spend a whole lot less. Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

 

[Charles Waugh]

Griff,
I second MrW's opinion. I wouldn't go over 350 (if the jaws are perfect and not all boogered up).

I have found that waiting and watching and even setting up automated searches on CL will eventually find the right vise at a great price - if you can jump on it as soon as it shows up!

[edit] I just nopticed the picture of the jaw - it's a bit boogered up. : -(

 

[Griff79]

Fief, Thank you for the information on how to find the date code

Mr. W thanks for the welcome. $450 did seem a little high

Charles, I am Patient with waiting for better pricing and the right piece. The hunt is part of the fun.

I hope I don’t annoy you guys too much with my dumb questions.
Thanks,
Griff

 

[haneyrm]

I’ve been using a vise that I picked up at a yard sale about 15 years ago. Only markings I can find on it is a large stamp on the side that says ‘MIT’.

Is MIT a manufacturer’s stamp?

 

[exmaxima1]

I’ve been using a vise that I picked up at a yard sale about 15 years ago. Only markings I can find on it is a large stamp on the side that says ‘MIT’.

Is MIT a manufacturer’s stamp?

"Michigan Industrial Tools"

 

[stokefire7]

Nice, what is the number on that one?

It's a 143.

 

[davethorik]

Just found this oddball today. I can't find any markings on it anywhere. I believe it to be an accessory vise for a vintage bench or post drill, that was given its' own cast iron pedestal base.

Then I saw this page in the Goodell-Pratt catalog.
The no. 679 swivel bench vise mostly matches up to what I have, except my jaws are slightly smaller at 2-3/8".

Agree or disagree?

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd agree despite the jaw variance - the vise mfg's were notoriously liberal with rounding off jaw widths ...

 

[stokefire7]

Roadtrip today.

 

[mikeswrenches]

I’ve got one of those in much worse shape. It as holes drilled everywhere. Mine doesn’t have the bench fixture, it probably came off a bench drill. G-P’s catalog shows them as a replacement for the table that usually came with the drills.

 

[va.grouseman]

Dave, that is one nifty little vise.---I like the odd ones.

 

[dannyr]

re the small G-P

might explain a couple of quite similar (symmetrical screw centred jaws) small UK (?) vices I have --- with the post but without the stand - I'll be looking for a stand now - but they also fit into a hole on an anvil.

 

[davethorik]

Thanks for the kind words, gents...I agree with mike, here is another cat scan showing the vises optional for drills.

 

[XCMTB83]

It's a 143.

I thought it looked like my 143. I don't see too many of them. If you search this thread for "143B" you will see my 143B along with a repair I did and a swivel base retrofit I did from a newer Rock Island.

 

[Nexoidian]

I need some assistance from some of the resident Wilton experts.

I’m looking at buying this Wilton. But something looks off to me. It’s probably just me but maybe someone can confirm or deny for me.

It looks like a 4”. Can’t see the model number stamped anywhere. But the jaws measure closer to 3.75”. Also looking from the front it looks a little off. It almost looks like the vise was cut? But that maybe normal. You can see in the one front picture the right side looks different from the left.

Any help is appreciated. Not sure if that’s normal or been modified

<a href="https://lensdump.com/i/0Kl8M2"><img src="https://i.lensdump.com/i/0Kl8M2.md.png" alt="0Kl8M2.png" border="0" /></a>

<a href="https://lensdump.com/i/0KlAav"><img src="https://i.lensdump.com/i/0KlAav.md.png" alt="0KlAav.png" border="0" /></a>

<a href="https://lensdump.com/i/0Kli6C"><img src="https://i1.lensdump.com/i/0Kli6C.md.png" alt="0Kli6C.png" border="0" /></a>

 

[Fierljeppen]

I need some assistance from some of the resident Wilton experts.

I’m looking at buying this Wilton. But something looks off to me. It’s probably just me but maybe someone can confirm or deny for me.

It looks like a 4”. Can’t see the model number stamped anywhere. But the jaws measure closer to 3.75”. Also looking from the front it looks a little off. It almost looks like the vise was cut? But that maybe normal. You can see in the one front picture the right side looks different from the left.

Any help is appreciated. Not sure if that’s normal or been modified

Those jaw towers have been abused! Walk away from this one. A post-1971 Wilton 400N is a lifetime vise if used properly. At worst, get one that only needs new jaws.

This is a good example of the durability of the Wilton machinists vises, with regard to being pounded on excessively. I'm not a Wilton expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[Filly]

Well it was an exciting day. Nearly a year ago I picked up a 4”/70lb JL Ware with little to no knowledge on the vise. I researched extensively to figure out what it was, and learned just how rare it was. After owning it for only a few days I was given an offer for it which I graciously accepted, but after I shipped it out I had major sellers remorse, especially when some guys told me I’d likely never see one again in my lifetime... so I had to do a double-take this AM when this one popped up on marketplace. Luckily I was quick on the draw to message him and tonight I picked up another JL Ware!!

5” Jaws
125lbs - according to catalog info (will weigh later)
Cast Steel
Wrought Steel U Slide
*shown next to Reed 404 1/2 for size*

 

[va.grouseman]

Filly, I found one of those too.---Odd vises to be sure.---Mine was designed to be stationary where as yours appears to be designed for a swivel base or a through the bench bolt.---Ware also made a square yoke vise also.---Check out the Vise Info link, page 35, post 694.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355753&page=35


Here's some info on them that you have probably already read.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US673228


EDIT-----Check out Page 3946, Post 78908 in This thread.---These vises were made by the James Smart Manufacturing Co. out of Canada for Mr. Ware.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782&page=3946

 

[Outlawmws]

Psst; Guys; the slide is bent!

 

[Filly]

va.grouseman, correct, mine was a swivel base (through bench) but also would have came with a post/leg for support to drive force down to the ground just like a blacksmith post leg vise. Not sure if you’ve seen these pages before, I saved them a year ago when I found them researching my 4” of the same style.

I have seen those smaller models and I believe I did stumble upon the square yoke version when researching, very cool!

Yes, Manf. in Canada for Ware, and I believe marketed and sold out of St.Paul/Minneapolis according to the catalog pages attached. Might make sense why I’ve found two in the past year here in the twin cities (must be in the hot bed for them)

 

[Filly]

Psst; Guys; the slide is bent!

Haha maybe I should have talked the guy down a bit then!!

 

[KMScott]

Filly, I found one of those too.---Odd vises to be sure.---Mine was designed to be stationary where as yours appears to be designed for a swivel base or a through the bench bolt.---Ware also made a square yoke vise also.---Check out the Vise Info link, page 35, post 694.

va, is yours the 1-1/2" model like Zoomies. If not could you share some spec:s. Thanks.

 

[va.grouseman]

KMS, it reads 1 3/8'' jaw, and 1 3/8'' opening.---But it may supposed to be 1 1/2'' by 1 1/2'' by catalog standards.---Weighs 1.2 lbs.

 

[Vise]

Wow, VA, that baby Wares is really cool. Gotta keep my eye out for those.

Here’s something that’s been over a year in the making: The giant 8 3/8” jaw, 276lb Parkinsons quick release vise is finally home. The last pic is from an 1889 trade show in Paris; this vise is on the right side of the table.

Do any experts on old model Parkinsons know the best way to get the dynamic out? Do I have to somehow loose the top bolts, which would likely mean cutting them off? Thanks, all.






Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

Vise, I'm no Parkinsons expert, but shouldn't just unscrewing til it's out do it just like most vises?

 

[Vise]

Vise, I'm no Parkinsons expert, but shouldn't just unscrewing til it's out do it just like most vises?

Not for this one, unfortunately.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Wow, VA, that baby Wares is really cool. Gotta keep my eye out for those.

Here’s something that’s been over a year in the making: The giant 8 3/8” jaw, 276lb Parkinsons quick release vise is finally home. The last pic is from an 1889 trade show in Paris; this vise is on the right side of the table.

Do any experts on old model Parkinsons know the best way to get the dynamic out? Do I have to somehow loose the top bolts, which would likely mean cutting them off? Thanks, all.



As a last resort I would try using a nut splutter if the usual penetrating oils + heat did not work. The splitter on this one rotates so it may fit.

https://www.amazon.com/Tool-International-KTI70715-Universal-Splitter/dp/B00N3YAMIA

 

[rusty65]

Not for this one, unfortunately.

Quick release mechanism needs to be dropped out from the Bottom. The end of the slide is not open like most vises I’m just adding this piece to those who may not know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rusty65]

The screw on the Parkinson’s essentially floats and is held in the moving jaw. The nut is what moves when the quick release lever is squeezed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PierceA]

Vise, PLEASE do not cut of the nuts or studs..That ruins the wonderful as found and correct look that cool vise has.
Patience, regular applications of heat followed by oil will draw the oil into the threads as it cools. The fasteners do not look rusty.

Or you can put it in an electrolysis tank for a few days.. or maybe Evaporust might get into the threads.
If not, then:
There is a wonderful induction heating device available that wraps an insulated wire around a nut, then a switch is held and the nut or whatever [has to be ferrous metal I think] is in the inside of the wire loops gets hot and even to full red heat within a minute or so. If you have a 6 pt socket wrench ready, you can put it on the nut while it is still red.. the stud does not get as hot and will usually not break off.
I've had very stubborn tight fitting threads on some fasteners that as soon as the nut cooled below red, it stuck again. So I had to use the induction heater repeatedly to remove the fastener..
I purchased this induction heater for removing stubborn suspension nuts/bolts on cars and trucks near their plastic fuel tanks and other flame-damageable parts. There is no flame, just very localized heat.
A truly wonderful tool.. Now, you may not want to spend the hundreds of dollars for one, but many auto parts stores that have a small shop to assist customers, may have one to loan. Or sometimes a rental place might have one to rent.

Once I saw one in use, I HAD to have one, and it has been amazingly useful and handy.. While a 'blue-tip wrench' [oxy-acetylene torch] is a wonderful and useful tool if used properly and safely, this induction heater is much quicker and safer.. Ya just have to plug it into an electrical outlet.

PierceA.

 

[va.grouseman]

Shift, here's the reason I didn't bid on the Armstrong that was discussed back on page 4092.---Bought this Craftsman Rotator so I was tapped out.---If the Armstrong had of showed up before the Craftsman, I would be the new owner of it or at the very least whoever bought it would have had to pay a sight more for it.---But I love those little Craftsman Rotators and this one was real clean other than some white paint.---Looks hardly used.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks va, nice vise's you are showing today. Looks like a 1-1/2" J L Ware model. Got two on the spreadsheet already.

Hey I just moved down I-95 from you. One day I am gonna stop and have a coffee with ya. Moving my downsized machine shop to Daufuskie Island this Monday, had to hire a barge since no bridges or very few vehicles are on the Island. Just the way me and my wife like it.

 

[va.grouseman]

Here's the 2 jaws on the rotator.---This thing ought to clean up nice.

 

[va.grouseman]

KM, I sure hope you're way up on stilts.---How did you find an out of the way place like that all the way from Colorado..---Sounds real secluded just the way I like it too.---I'm at the base of a mountain, no close neighbors.---Just the 4 of us, me, my wife, Smith & Wesson.

I'll keep the coffee hot.

 

[Rajman]

American Red Seal No63n

 

[cretedog]

KM, ---Just the 4 of us, me, my wife, Smith & Wesson.

I'll keep the coffee hot.

Good Sunday morning VA. Looks like we're one up on you---Just the 5 of us, me, my wife, Smith, Wesson, and Maverick the Boykin Spaniel. Cheers from ND.

CD

 

[Vise]

VA - that Craftsman double swiveler is a rare bird. Have been looking for one quite a while. Nice find.

Thanks for the comments on the Parkinson vise. Here are some pics of the back of the slide and the bolts. The bolts are almost peened on, so would be difficult to remove. Anyone know if I remove the “pin” in front of that washer on the back of the slide if that will allow the dynamic to be removed? Thanks all.





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk