My old Reed 406

[threeputt]

Update
I said I was not messing with this Reed anymore but I told a fib.
I took it off and I am back at it again and hope someone might share some info on which route I need to take.

This old heavy thing is worth repairing plus I like doing things like this

I included two pictures of it and where the damage is.

Any suggestions on how to fix this ? I am not sure how much cast iron is in it but I can test it with a grinder and see. Maybe just weld up the broke piece and do some grinding ? Maybe I can test by grinding on it to see if it is cast iron or cast steel. As heavy as this thing is I would think cast steel but again I won't know until tomorrow. I am thinking I would need to braze this ?? or nickel rods

Would it be possible to get a new set of jaw plates for this thing ? if I can figure out how to remove whats left in there. I don't see any place it was bolted on but I do see the line where it should be.

This vise seems to be missing the bottom part and was just bolted to stand in 1961 and they went to work. It has had lots of abuse over the years. Most before I got it 41 years ago. I doubt I could ever find the swivel part and they would be fine if I don't. It has worked like this all this time without an issue.

Thanks for any help and sorry I said I was not going to repair this thing.

 

[threeputt]

Does anyone know how these two jaw plates come out ? or whatever they are called. I can see the line that I showed with red arrow but don't see anyway to remove them. Maybe not a way ?

 

[dct55]

That's a grand old vise. The jaws are forged into the vise, and are not replaceable. A replacement for the swivel base would be pretty hard to find. It's up to you, but that old vise might be best just put to work as it is.

 

[threeputt]

That's a grand old vise. The jaws are forged into the vise, and are not replaceable. A replacement for the swivel base would be pretty hard to find. It's up to you, but that old vise might be best just put to work as it is.

I did put it back then while using it today the handle pinched me so I took it off and this time I am going to fix it.

Some strange things come out of an old vise that has been used this long. Now I know why its been hard to move in and out. U-Joint locks and even found part of a piston ring jammed in there and all sorts of metal.

I am going to weld the broke part of jaw up while I got it apart also. Maybe mill it after I get it welded. Clean it up good and maybe paint it. It looks like at one time it was red .

I got to find something to put on handle ends where the ball looking things go. Also need to put in press to straighten the handle .
This Vise is pretty old. I know its been in this shop since I was about 14 and probably used when my Dad bought it. I am guessing 1940's or early 50's

 

[SweetD]

Most guys will tell you to braze the repair rather than weld it. Heat up the piece prior, braze, and let it slow cool packed in sand.

Those jaws are forged in as mentioned. You could machine them out and machine in new ones with fasteners. That would be a job. You could also clean them up maybe on a mill.

I would do as little as possible to make it functional and then just use it as is, with its history.

Great vise.

 

[macgee]

Totally agree what SweetD said about the brazing. The bonding of the thick very hardened jaws onto the cast iron body is a propriety recipe/process done back in the day by Reed and others. Not much you can really do about that and the work attacking this thing could very well outweigh the benefit based on looking at the vise.

Looks like someone has done a very good job using the slide as an anvil and a side portion of the slide has broken off at the back?

 

[threeputt]

Most guys will tell you to braze the repair rather than weld it. Heat up the piece prior, braze, and let it slow cool packed in sand.

Those jaws are forged in as mentioned. You could machine them out and machine in new ones with fasteners. That would be a job. You could also clean them up maybe on a mill.

I would do as little as possible to make it functional and then just use it as is, with its history.

Great vise.

I may just clean it up, fix it where it slides good and put it back. Any suggestion on repairing the handle ?

This Vise was abused over the years but way before I got it.

I think I will take you advise and not weld on it.

I doubt it has any worth other than history. Still a good vise for what I do with it.

I just don't want to keep getting pinched when turning the handle, plus I want it to easier to turn. With all the junk removed and a clean up should make it better.

 

[TailGunner3000]

Do you have any plans on making the swivel jaw functional? It's what makes that style of vise so useful.

 

[seber]

I would check the jaw surface. I'm guessing those jaws were cast in place in order to have steel jaws in a cast iron vise. If they are steel, then welding is totally appropriate.

 

[threeputt]

Do you have any plans on making the swivel jaw functional? It's what makes that style of vise so useful.

No plans on trying to find the swivel . I would think it would be next to impossible to find. It has been used this way since we had it which has been almost 60 years.

 

[threeputt]

I would check the jaw surface. I'm guessing those jaws were cast in place in order to have steel jaws in a cast iron vise. If they are steel, then welding is totally appropriate.

I had a person look at it this morning who has been in the machine shop business for 50 years. He said it could be welded and machined back like new. I may let them do it.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Do you have any plans on making the swivel jaw functional? It's what makes that style of vise so useful.

No plans on trying to find the swivel . I would think it would be next to impossible to find. It has been used this way since we had it which has been almost 60 years.

I think TailGunner3000 is referring to the static jaw being a swivel jaw, not the swivel plate fore the base. This is a very desirable feature.

There are lots of threads and postings about how to safely free up a stuck swivel jaw vise (removing the stuck pin etc). Apparently it is very easy to break the swivel jaw during this process.

Check out this post by "Nutjob":

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396882

 

[threeputt]

I think TailGunner3000 is referring to the static jaw being a swivel jaw, not the swivel plate fore the base. This is a very desirable feature.

There are lots of threads and postings about how to safely free up a stuck swivel jaw vise (removing the stuck pin etc). Apparently it is very easy to break the swivel jaw during this process.

Check out this post by "Nutjob":

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396882

Well I 'll be
I didn't even know it had a swivel jaw. I just noticed swivel in the post and missed the jaw part.
I am no expert on these vises but always willing to learn. I went to work in this shop December of 1970 and this vise was here then. Never seen anyone use that swivel part in the last 50 years.
So what would be used for ? and how would one free this up.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Well I 'll be
I didn't even know it had a swivel jaw. I just noticed swivel in the post and missed the jaw part.
I am no expert on these vises but always willing to learn. I went to work in this shop December of 1970 and this vise was here then. Never seen anyone use that swivel part in the last 50 years.
So what would be used for ? and how would one free this up.

Yep, not knowing happens to a lot of people.

Before you try anything you might want to read through or ask questions on these threads:

The mongo vise "The VISES of Garage Journal" thread:

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

The "VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix" thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830&highlight=vises+101

The "The Office Reed R series Vise Date and timeline Thread. Post your Reed date stamps." thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400156&highlight=reed+date+thread

Good luck and nice old vise!

 

[threeputt]

Yep, not knowing happens to a lot of people.

Before you try anything you might want to read through or ask questions on these threads:

The mongo vise "The VISES of Garage Journal" thread:

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

The "VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix" thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830&highlight=vises+101

The "The Office Reed R series Vise Date and timeline Thread. Post your Reed date stamps." thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400156&highlight=reed+date+thread

Good luck and nice old vise!

Thanks so much. I will research and post back how things go. I would be interested to know just how old it is so I will keep looking for date stamps.

 

[threeputt]

Not sure if I should continue to post here or move this to The Vises of the Garage Journal ?

 

[threeputt]

I will at least post a picture of some numbers. If I need to move this topic then let me know. Thanks for the good info here. Here are some numbers. I have been reading and still not sure if this picture means anything.

 

[steaks&anvils]

I read through the Reed date thread a bit, I think you might try posting over there.

Ask AngryBeaver (OP). He can direct you where to look for the date and how to tell from the meatball shape and type of nut the vise has.

The "33" you picture looks like it is in the correct area, but the font is not quite right and there is no month number.

 

[evintho]

I can't help with the repair but I have a 406 and I luv it! Absolute workhorse! Mine was missing the swivel base too so I just mounted it, as is. Never had the occasion to use the swivel jaw either. The 6" Reed is a darn fine vice! $100 off of Craigslist!

 

[threeputt]

I can't help with the repair but I have a 406 and I luv it! Absolute workhorse! Mine was missing the swivel base too so I just mounted it, as is. Never had the occasion to use the swivel jaw either. The 6" Reed is a darn fine vice! $100 off of Craigslist!

Great find. I am not even sure why I would ever need the swivel jaw. Yours got a date stamp on it ?

 

[threeputt]

I read through the Reed date thread a bit, I think you might try posting over there.

Ask AngryBeaver (OP). He can direct you where to look for the date and how to tell from the meatball shape and type of nut the vise has.

The "33" you picture looks like it is in the correct area, but the font is not quite right and there is no month number.

Would that be a violation of the rules called cross posting being I have already started a topic here ?
I would be glad to ask about this old vise at the place you mentioned but I don't want to break any rules . Thanks

 

[steaks&anvils]

Would that be a violation of the rules called cross posting being I have already started a topic here ?
I would be glad to ask about this old vise at the place you mentioned but I don't want to break any rules . Thanks

I think it is allowed when you honestly don't know there is another thread that is more appropriate.

Maybe you could post a last comment here saying that you are now posting over there? and asking people to check that one?

Ask a moderator to lock this thread?

 

[threeputt]

I think it is allowed when you honestly don't know there is another thread that is more appropriate.

Maybe you could post a last comment here saying that you are now posting over there? and asking people to check that one?

Ask a moderator to lock this thread?

Thanks, I am not sure how to ask a moderator ? but I can try. It would be best I think if I could post under the vise posts which I didn't know about.

 

[evintho]

Yours got a date stamp on it ?

I looked but can't see anything. Does anyone have an idea of the year just by looking at the picture?

 

[steaks&anvils]

Great find. I am not even sure why I would ever need the swivel jaw. Yours got a date stamp on it ?

The "The Office Reed R series Vise Date and timeline Thread. Post your Reed date stamps." thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400156&highlight=reed+date+thread

 

[threeputt]

The "The Office Reed R series Vise Date and timeline Thread. Post your Reed date stamps." thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...ed+date+thread

That link didn't seem to work

 

[steaks&anvils]

That link didn't seem to work

sorry, the cut-n-paste from above post didn't work.

Fixed now.

I see you posted over there also, good luck! those guys know their stuff.

 

[threeputt]

sorry, the cut-n-paste from above post didn't work.

Fixed now.

I see you posted over there also, good luck! those guys know their stuff.

Thanks for you help. I will wait and see what they tell me.

 

[threeputt]

No responses there so I guess I will keep this Vise topic open for suggestions. I need the balls that go on the ends of the handle.

Any suggestions on how to make two ? I was able to straighten the handle using my anvil and sledge hammer. I just need something to weld on the end of handle where it would turn easy and not pinch my hand.

I have not welded on it yet. Not sure I will. Get that handle fixed, Vise painted black and I will bolt it back for use.

Still don't really understand what I would ever use the swivel jaw for ?? if I did decide to free it up ?

 

[steaks&anvils]

I believe mcmaster carr sells drill ball ends. Some people use heavy rubber washers on the handle ends to cushion when the ball meets the spindle nose.

https://www.mcmaster.com/steel-vise-balls/threaded-hole-ball-knobs-6/material~steel/

Somewhere on the vise threads there are instructions on "peening" a ball to the vise handle. The search feature isn't the best so you need just page through it.

KMSCOTT wrote this blog article about making handles:

https://wiltonviseparts.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/replacing-your-bench-vise-handle/

the swivel jaw is good for holding odd shaped things, like a wedge shape.

 

[threeputt]

I believe mcmaster carr sells drill ball ends. Some people use heavy rubber washers on the handle ends to cushion when the ball meets the spindle nose.

https://www.mcmaster.com/steel-vise-balls/threaded-hole-ball-knobs-6/material~steel/

Somewhere on the vise threads there are instructions on "peening" a ball to the vise handle. The search feature isn't the best so you need just page through it.

KMSCOTT wrote this blog article about making handles:

https://wiltonviseparts.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/replacing-your-bench-vise-handle/

the swivel jaw is good for holding odd shaped things, like a wedge shape.

Thanks, not sure if I would ever need that feature but it is nice to have it. I have not tried to free it up and don't know yet if I will.

I made a ball today using an old tool I found in the shop , did some grinding, welding and made it work. Welded the other one where it don't move and pinch my hand. Not pretty but worked.

I don't think I will attempt to do any welding on the Vise itself as when I did the grind test it showed mostly cast. It has been used this way for way longer than I remember annoying but worked.

I will throw some paint on it and put it back where it was. Maybe that next person that gets this vise will rebuild it right. This Vise has served me well for the last 50 years. Hope I get a few more working years out of it.
I will get some pictures of the fix soon.
Thanks again.

 

[threeputt]

I got it back together and not messing with it again. It works good enough for what I use it for.

I really don't like the black color but its what I had so I used it. Handle straight and new end on it.

I left the swivel jaw stuck. I didn't weld any on the jaws. Didn't want to mess it up for the next owner when I am gone. I had to repair the handle where it would work without pinching my hands.

Here ya go. Done
Happy New Year to all and may your Vises not smash your hands lol

 

[steaks&anvils]

Looking good. Nothing wrong with pretty-ing it up and putting it back to use.

Old tools have a soul and personality.

I really like the feel of using an old tool. I feel like it knows it's still usable and wanted.

 

[threeputt]

Looking good. Nothing wrong with pretty-ing it up and putting it back to use.

Old tools have a soul and personality.

I really like the feel of using an old tool. I feel like it knows it's still usable and wanted.

Thanks and I agree . It moves in and out so easy now being I cleaned all the junk out of the inside.
The way this vise was made can never be duplicated . I listened to others who told me to just use it and not try welding on it. Back where its been for almost 60 years and still usable.

 

[threeputt]

Just found a picture I took several years ago. Not only was this vise a mess , the shop I left for 20 years was a total disaster . Here is a before picture of the Reed 406. I think I made a little difference .