The VISES of Garage Journal

[macgee]

It’s a property tag, if anybody has any ideas on what company might have marked it I’d love to hear them.The vise came from Northern California.

I'm thinking its either from Lumber, railroad or energy industry?

 

[dannyr]

Hi everyone. Just joined a couple hours ago. Here are a few pics. Parker 107, Cole Tools rotating vise, and a mystery vise that I cannot for the life of me identify. It is a quick release vise. Glad to be here, enjoy the pics.

Impressed.

The Cole rotator is different in several ways from most vises, but not seen anything like that quick release before - is that a rack visible under the shaft (no double meanings please) and how does it work??

 

[PierceA]

I think I've seen that rack type adjustment vise before, in one of the brochures or in a hardware store catalog from the day. Look through the Vise Info spreadsheet and look through the catalogs listed/linked.. You might find it there..
I have a rear dynamic chipping vise but it does not have a quick-release and rack system like your's. VERY interesting vise..

Pierce A

 

[PierceA]

Smitty, I too have an attraction to the pattern maker's vises. Here are a few of mine.
I also have but have not taken any photos of a Parker 574 filer's vise and an Athol 4 1/4" pattern maker's vise.

In the lineup image: a Reed 424-1/2, a Yost, and a Rock Island.

Pierce A

 

[Jnmario7697]

I haven't quite fully figured it out as it is seized up. I will at some point have it free and I'll get back to you.

 

[Smitty]

Macgee, I never thought about a lumber mill, that’s a good possibility.

PierceA, those are great examples, thanks for posting.

 

[Shiftless]

I haven’t acquired any vises for a few months. Here is one I received in the mail a few days ago all the way from Michigan from friend and fellow GJ member CRSINMICH. Thanks!

I was able to remove the jaws already. Here it is cleaned up but not de rusted. There is only one other Columbian 143 on the spreadsheet, picture in the middle courtesy of KMScott. Mine has a bit different lettering. The thinly cut serrations on the jaws aren’t worn out but of course were plenty dirty. They cleaned up nicely.
Both vises are missing the through the bench mounting hardware, as is usually the case on these oldies.

 

[Shiftless]

I’ve never before started first with cleaning up the handle.

The nose seems hopelessly pitted with rust and will have to be painted. 80 grit sandpaper took care of the handle.

 

[FTG-05]

My brand new 7" Capri vise vs. my old refurbed and repaired Chinesium vice. You can see where I recently broke my old vice again, extreme lower left, just below the tightening bar.

Other than the crack, it's fine. It was given to me about 20 years; I tried to give it back after I repaired it, but he didn't want it. Hence, if anyone here wants it, lmk, it's free to a good home. No shipping, thanks.

 

[PierceA]

FTG: it will be interesting to see how well the new vise holds up vs the old one. That apparent weld where the front jaw is attached to the slide looks like a for-sure weak spot, especially with how tall the jaws are and 7" !!

PierceA

 

[PierceA]

Smitty: I was wrong about the other two pattern maker's vises. I thought one was an Athol, but it's an American Scale 206. This is the only pattern maker's vise I have that has replaceable jaws, held on with screws. The Parker does have the usual pinned on jaws that are a bear to reproduce.

I just hate it when a tool is damaged by miss-use. WHO would hammer on the top corners of a vise with such tall and thin-tipped jaws? The inevitable chipped corners are visible. It's a repair that I can do: I weld in new metal and use the mill usually to shape the new metal to the proper shape. But this means the vise will need to be painted, which I usually avoid or prefer a mostly clear finish with natural iron 'color'.

I know that this forum has pretty much a 'it's your vise, paint it the way you want to' policy. But I cannot fathom why a vise gets painted with metallic automobile exterior finish paint or colors.. This Parker 574 'Filer's Vise' will get stripped and painted with a less obnoxious [to me] color, more fitting with a working tool.
I guess what looks right to me goes along with my restoring high quality antique cars: Most cars were NOT painted in 'loud' colors, Most of the magazine ads from the era were 'artist's' renditions of the cars. Not done in actually available colors or paint schemes.

PierceA

 

[Outlawmws]

FTG: it will be interesting to see how well the new vise holds up vs the old one. That apparent weld where the front jaw is attached to the slide looks like a for-sure weak spot, especially with how tall the jaws are and 7" !!

PierceA

Forged jaws, so as long as the slide is up to it I wouldn't be too concerned about the weld. Made in Canada - Lifetime warranty:

https://capritools.com/shop/forged-steel-bench-vises/

 

[Vise]

Here’s the newest vise in my collection, and the one that now sits at the top of the list: a Reed 408 in fantastic condition. Have been chasing this one for awhile.

It has a couple casting flaws, but is extremely clean: nearly flawless meatball, glassy slide, and very tight, with almost no backlash. While I wait for the steel top plate, I couldn’t resist hoisting it up on the stand to see how it looks.











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[Outlawmws]

Wow, Not sure I recall seeing a swivel jaw 8"! Awesome vise for an Awesome stand VISE! (Edited... - Sorry!)

 

[va.grouseman]

All I can say is,

 

[wrenchguy]

Uhhh, Smitty?

 

[Z3K3Y]

Here’s the newest vise in my collection, and the one that now sits at the top of the list: a Reed 408 in fantastic condition. Have been chasing this one for awhile.

It has a couple casting flaws, but is extremely clean: nearly flawless meatball, glassy slide, and very tight, with almost no backlash. While I wait for the steel top plate, I couldn’t resist hoisting it up on the stand to see how it looks.











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Very nice!!!

 

[Outlawmws]

Uhhh, Smitty?

Sort of been conditioned, Ya know?

 

[va.grouseman]

Not many of those around.---Here's 1 more on a thread of it's own.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361409

 

[Smitty]

Vise, that’s an awesome find. Most of the big vises I see are well used but yours seems to be the exception. The fact that the back of the slide is still clean really shows how well the previous owners took care of the vise. You also seem to have a knack for finding just the right cast iron base and this one is the best yet. Well done all the way around.

 

[Shiftless]

WOW!

The pic that we don’t usually see impressed me perhaps the most. That’s one meaty swivel bolt!
What size socket do you need to turn that? 2 inch!!??

 

[PierceA]

Vise: is that a repaint on your 408? or is the paint possibly original ? Seems like it's too nice to be original. BUT I sure like that black or is it a blue-black ? Nice neat lettering highlighting.

PierceA

 

[Vise]

Appreciate it guys!

WOW!

The pic that we don’t usually see impressed me perhaps the most. That’s one meaty swivel bolt!
What size socket do you need to turn that? 2 inch!!??

Thanks Shift! Will check and let you know.

Vise: is that a repaint on your 408? or is the paint possibly original ? Seems like it's too nice to be original. BUT I sure like that black or is it a blue-black ? Nice neat lettering highlighting.

PierceA

The black color is entirely rust converter. There’s no paint on the vise, except the lettering.

 

[PierceA]

Ah! Phosphate rust converter: I don't think I've ever seen it look so even and looking like a coat of paint.. I have some rust converter, I'll have to try it on a vise or two.

Thanks..
PierceA

 

[tig]

Yeah, I clearly was confused on dimensions.

I should have read this first: https://mivise.com/bench-vise-size-considerations/

Now, after reading that...

Here's the current vise (taken when it was new), one of the clamp guards has already broken). I'd like something about this size:



(note that grinder and cabinet to the right are no longer there).

I think this means:
- ~6" opening
- ~3" throat depth
- Swivel base
- No need for pipe or swivel jaws.

I designed my workbench such that I could mount the vise to the top of it or I could put a hitch receiver underneath. In-fact, that is my plan here; to put a two hitch receivers under there; one pointing to the front and one to the right. The vise will normally sit to the right. Thus height is not as important.

I AM SO EXCITED!

Per above, my daughter asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her: A classic Wilton vise that I could refurbish to replace the POS Craftsman that is failing.

She couldn't find one before Christmas and I figured she had blown the idea off. I was about to hit eBay for one...

She and her boyfriend just pulled up to the garage with this.





They happened to drive by an estate sale, stopped, and asked if they had any vises. $80.

Woot!!!!

 

[FTG-05]

FTG: it will be interesting to see how well the new vise holds up vs the old one. That apparent weld where the front jaw is attached to the slide looks like a for-sure weak spot, especially with how tall the jaws are and 7" !!

PierceA

Should last a long time , especially vs. the chinesium vice. I also now have a pretty good sized anvil, so no need to beat on my vice.

 

[FTG-05]

Forged jaws, so as long as the slide is up to it I wouldn't be too concerned about the weld. Made in Canada - Lifetime warranty:

https://capritools.com/shop/forged-steel-bench-vises/

Actually, according to the Capri Tools rep, who posted twice here then disappeared, stated that these vises are made in Taiwan in the same factory where Yost vises are made.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6000319&postcount=30

 

[RTM]

Per above, my daughter asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I...

She and her boyfriend just pulled up to the garage with this.



They happened to drive by an estate sale, stopped, and asked if they had any vises. $80.

Woot!!!!

Keep that daughter happy, maybe more goodies in your future. They did well, at a great price too.

 

[Outlawmws]

Actually, according to the Capri Tools rep, who posted twice here then disappeared, stated that these vises are made in Taiwan in the same factory where Yost vises are made.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6000319&postcount=30

I thought I saw "Made in Canada" on the website, but maybe that was wrenches or something else. Weird website; pages flicker in and out...

 

[GForceJunky]

Holy hell that 408 is clean and HUGE! Any idea on weight?

Still looking for a proper 8" MONSTER. I've got 6" Bullet on a swivel base and it's no slouch but it sure would be nice to get one that I can't pick up without someone's help!

 

[Shiftless]

Holy hell that 408 is clean and HUGE! Any idea on weight?

Still looking for a proper 8" MONSTER. I've got 6" Bullet on a swivel base and it's no slouch but it sure would be nice to get one that I can't pick up without someone's help!

I hear you, although if you have a 600S that you can lift and carry around all by yourself, you’re a better man than I. . Those are over 150 pounds!

My largest bullet is a 500N and it’s about the heaviest I want to move around. It used to be my daily driver until I scored a good deal on a very clean C1 that turned into my user.

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Holy hell that 408 is clean and HUGE! Any idea on weight?

Still looking for a proper 8" MONSTER. I've got 6" Bullet on a swivel base and it's no slouch but it sure would be nice to get one that I can't pick up without someone's help! [emoji38]

30s Reed catalog says the 408 is 300 lbs.

I just freed up the swivel jaw and pin on my 406, which is "only" 165 lbs (and which I wish was as nice as the 408 above). Someone lost/stripped the swivel bolt on mine, and- of course- crammed a coarse thread 1"-8 bolt into the fine thread hole in the vise body and made up a crappy "bushing" out of black pipe. Not sure if I'll be able to salvage the threads, or if I'll have to bore it oversize and cut new ones.

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[KMScott]

Wow Vise what a nice Reed. I can,t figure out how to look at the spreadsheet on this new IPad but hopefully you added it if it is not there.


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[alcorelli]

Here’s the newest vise in my collection, and the one that now sits at the top of the list: a Reed 408 in fantastic condition. Have been chasing this one for awhile.

It has a couple casting flaws, but is extremely clean: nearly flawless meatball, glassy slide, and very tight, with almost no backlash. While I wait for the steel top plate, I couldn’t resist hoisting it up on the stand to see how it looks.











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Could you put a 12oz beverage can on that and post a pic please?
That thing looks tremendous.

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[Vise]

Wow Vise what a nice Reed. I can,t figure out how to look at the spreadsheet on this new IPad but hopefully you added it if it is not there.


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Thanks, Kevin. I added the updated pictures.

Could you put a 12oz beverage can on that and post a pic please?
That thing looks tremendous.

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Sure, will try to get a picture later today.

 

[Shiftless]

While we’re waiting for Vise to get a picture with the obligatory beer can, I went ahead and tried to imagine how small that can will appear. I think it will look like this.

That Reed 408 is a real monster. Nice find!

I used to have a 406 that I thought was huge. I sold it to friend and fellow GJ member Loydski29 so he could fix it up. A 4C with some issues has passed through my hands as well. Sold that one to a diesel exhaust specialist fabricator who had a 4 man shop. When I turned 70 I swore off vises of over 100 pounds. So far that pledge has held.

 

[GForceJunky]

I hear you, although if you have a 600S that you can lift and carry around all by yourself, you’re a better man than I. . Those are over 150 pounds!

My largest bullet is a 500N and it’s about the heaviest I want to move around. It used to be my daily driver until I scored a good deal on a very clean C1 that turned into my user.

Haha yeah, its a 600S. It's less the weight that's the issue than the fact that it's just awkward as hell to hold and pick up off the ground and then place on a stand or something. I try not to move it too much while I figure out a stand situation for it but it's within my comfort zone to move by myself. Benefits of being relatively young (31) and in good shape I suppose.

I'm itching to get my hands on a Wilton C0/1/2/3 or one of the old Reed equivalents. Whenever they come up for sale locally people want near new prices for rusty old ones or at least used and abused ones.

30s Reed catalog says the 408 is 300 lbs.

I just freed up the swivel jaw and pin on my 406, which is "only" 165 lbs (and which I wish was as nice as the 408 above). Someone lost/stripped the swivel bolt on mine, and- of course- crammed a coarse thread 1"-8 bolt into the fine thread hole in the vise body and made up a crappy "bushing" out of black pipe. Not sure if I'll be able to salvage the threads, or if I'll have to bore it oversize and cut new ones.

I think I might call a friend or use the engine hoist to help me move one of those if I ever get one. 300lbs of awkward to hold iron does not make for an easy carry. I actually thought it might be closer to 350lbs or so.

While we’re waiting for Vise to get a picture with the obligatory beer can, I went ahead and tried to imagine how small that can will appear. I think it will look like this.

That Reed 408 is a real monster. Nice find!

I used to have a 406 that I thought was huge. I sold it to friend and fellow GJ member Loydski29 so he could fix it up. A 4C with some issues has passed through my hands as well. Sold that one to a diesel exhaust specialist fabricator who had a 4 man shop. When I turned 70 I swore off vises of over 100 pounds. So far that pledge has held.

Love this!

 

[davethorik]

Love that 408, vise! That thing is clean!!

 

[tig]

Keep that daughter happy, maybe more goodies in your future. They did well, at a great price too.

Thanks.

How do I identify precisely what it is?

 

[Vise]

As requested, here’s a 12 oz can with the 408.
Also here’s the measurement on the bolt. The threaded area is 1.25”-10.





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