The VISES of Garage Journal

[Outlawmws]

Speaking of the Wilton tilting vise, what are ones in good working shape in good condition going for - realistically? Got one as part of a bundle of vises I picked up a bit back - mostly to sell to cover a different vise purchase.

Here's you eBays price range on those tilters.


https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=wilton+tilt+vise&_sacat=0

Same Search, only SOLD listings...

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=wilton+tilt+vise&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=94560-4903&_sargn=-1%26saslc%3D1&_salic=1&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&LH_Complete=1&_fosrp=1

Got to say, I'm impressed what some have gone for... I gave mine to a friends son... Had it since new; it used to be my Welding vise...

 

[va.grouseman]

Sure is a broad range of interests in those tilters Outlaw.---I've got 4 of those things and I never really gave a lot of love to them because all my projects are just too heavy for those little units.---But they are novel little collectors.---I think the tilting swivlers fetch the better premium.

 

[GForceJunky]

Thanks Outlaw and Grouseman. Some food for thought! If I could get $75-100 for mine I'd be ecstatic. Just need to motivate myself to list it for sale somewhere.

 

[GForceJunky]

Picked up some vises in a little lot a while ago but just now going through them. Most are nothing too exciting, but there are a few I need some more insight on. I'll do one per post.
I got all of the below vises plus about 15 others of rather unexciting origins/condition for about $300. Includes the Wilton Flip-Grip/Tilting vise I was asking about too. Think I did alright all things considered.

Shephard No. 161 - P. V. Co. NY
2.5" Jaws. There is one of these in the spreadsheet but I'm pretty sure it's a decent bit newer than mine. Any thoughts on age/value? Looks to have once upon a time had a wingnut/bolt/rod to mount the base through a hole, but that is of course long gone (but also easily replaced with a homemade version). Solid bar. Non-replaceable jaws.


















Note...on the base there's just some silicone stuck on - no cracks or repairs.

 

[GForceJunky]

Unknown brand/manufacturer/model.
~4" Jaws. This one is in excellent functional shape overall. Swivel is super tight and works very well. Interesting (and also a little annoying, honestly) that the swivel handle is located where it is. Removable jaws with one large fastener in the centre of each jaw.

Any insight on this one would be appreciated as well as thoughts on value/rarity...which I guess comes with identification. Have not removed the dynamic jaw to inspect the slide for marking, but could not find any anywhere else.

 

[GForceJunky]

Samson 5263

3.5" Jaws. Any thoughts on age/value? Can't find any real markings anywhere on it that would give it away. Not sure if jaws are removable under the dirt/rust. The piece protruding from the bottom of the static jaw has been poorly welded but that piece doesn't do much besides help hold the slide up...so not worried about it though a nice braze job would've been better than some horrid MIG with bits of wire hanging out. Small section missing from the back of the slide but overall in decent shape. Swivel lock works but needs a new handle. This is in the spreadsheet but the linked post only takes you to a post with the ad for it. No pictures of one.

 

[GForceJunky]

Parker 271 - Swivel Jaw- Swivel Base

3.5" Jaws. Overall complete besides missing pin for the swivel jaw. Everything is freed up and swivels/moves as expected. Removable jaws. Small chunk missing from lower corner of slide, otherwise in good, functional shape. Any thoughts on age/value? This is in the spreadsheet but the one linked to seems to be a much later production date than this.

 

[GForceJunky]

Prentiss Bulldog 513 (513/523)

3.5" jaws. In excellent functional shape besides a small chip missing from the front cast lip on the dynamic jaw. Jaws have good knurling and are removable. Excellent example posted in the spreadsheet already for comparison (missing the repaint, so the markings are easier to see). Any thoughts on age/value?

 

[akasrick]

Prentiss Bulldog 513 (513/523)

3.5" jaws. In excellent functional shape besides a small chip missing from the front cast lip on the dynamic jaw. Jaws have good knurling and are removable. Excellent example posted in the spreadsheet already for comparison (missing the repaint, so the markings are easier to see). Any thoughts on age/value?

GForce: Your images don't show for me

"https://i.imgur.com/G53XDI5.jpg"
akasrick

 

[GForceJunky]

GForce: Your images don't show for me

"https://i.imgur.com/G53XDI5.jpg"
akasrick

Weird...even when I log out of imgur and view this thread in incognito mode everything still shows up for me without issue. Anyone else having issues seeing the pictures?

 

[akasrick]

Weird...even when I log out of imgur and view this thread in incognito mode everything still shows up for me without issue. Anyone else having issues seeing the pictures?

The only one that shows is the attachment in the Samson post.
I don't know why. Was wondering myself if it was a problem, my end.

akasrick

 

[PghJKB]

The only one that shows is the attachment in the Samson post.
I don't know why. Was wondering myself if it was a problem, my end.

akasrick

Same problem as akasrick

JKB

 

[RTM]

Prentiss Bulldog 513 (513/523)

3.5" jaws. In excellent functional shape besides a small chip missing from the front cast lip on the dynamic jaw. Jaws have good knurling and are removable. Excellent example posted in the spreadsheet already for comparison (missing the repaint, so the markings are easier to see). Any thoughts on age/value?

Take the s out of https

 

[b.well]

Hello. I am restoring a 5" wilton bullet and hit a wall. Ive got a stuck rear pin. I know the pin from one side should enter the pin hole on the other side and push it out enough to remove the inner threads. Well the pin isnt lining up with the hole and I am not sure the best route to go from here. Please help!

The pin on the opposite side is sticking out. If i could only pull it out life would be good. I could hammer it in but i dont think that helps anything. ID of the hole is 0.248" and OD of the pin is 0.257. Worst case i could drill a pin out but i hate to do that. Any ideas?

Thank you!!!

Cut the pin off maybe using a dremel and tap out the remaining pin. Look on McMaster carr and using keywords knurled pins then you will find either cross hatched 1/4 knurled pins or straight knurled ones to replace yours. If the hole is compromised then I have fixed them using this method.

The pin sticking out could have a slide hammer tack welded in place to pull it out. This is what I would do.

https://wiltonviseparts.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/those-pesky-wilton-end-cap-pins/

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. I now believe the proud spot on the inner wall was a weld. Either way i broke it off with a screwdriver and hammer. Then i was able to move things around and punch them out. No cutting this time.

I got it all cleaned up, painted and lubed and am very happy with how it came out. Thanks again!

 

[GForceJunky]

b.well, that vise looks great! Turned out fantastic.

Take the s out of https

Thanks. Been a while since I've posted from imgur - forgot this was an issue.

Same problem as akasrick

JKB

The only one that shows is the attachment in the Samson post.
I don't know why. Was wondering myself if it was a problem, my end.

akasrick

Can you guys see everything now? Removed the 's' from 'https' in all the image links - hopefully it works for everyone. Can someone confirm? Thanks!

 

[Vise]

Unknown brand/manufacturer/model.
~4" Jaws. This one is in excellent functional shape overall. Swivel is super tight and works very well. Interesting (and also a little annoying, honestly) that the swivel handle is located where it is. Removable jaws with one large fastener in the centre of each jaw.

Any insight on this one would be appreciated as well as thoughts on value/rarity...which I guess comes with identification. Have not removed the dynamic jaw to inspect the slide for marking, but could not find any anywhere else.

Looks like a DropFo. Not sure I've seen that secondary handle before. Nice vise.

 

[GForceJunky]

Looks like a DropFo. Not sure I've seen that secondary handle before. Nice vise.

Ooh, that appears to be it. Thank you! Apparently under load the swivel locks up even if the lower handle is loose and the lower handle is only there to tighten the swivel when there's no load on the jaws. Makes the lower handle placement make much more sense.

Two threads with good pictures/info on these:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454453

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244610

Can't find any sort of pricepoint on these. Seem to be pretty rare. I think I'll keep it for myself cause I find it pretty cool and it's a very aesthetically pleasing vise, as far as vises go. Can't find anything on sold/completed eBay listings or much elsewhere either.


1925 ad below. $17 in 1925...not cheap!

 

[abailcb]

Ooh, that appears to be it. Thank you! Apparently under load the swivel locks up even if the lower handle is loose and the lower handle is only there to tighten the swivel when there's no load on the jaws. Makes the lower handle placement make much more sense.

GForce .... for some reason, I still can't see your pics. Never seen a dropfo before, but did live in Canal Fulton for a number of years. It was originally Fulton on one side of the canal and Milan on the other before becoming incorporated in the mid 1800's. These look cool and make me want to go back and dig around.

Any body watching this little gem?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Small...-Watchmakers-Swivel-Bench-Vise-2/303896442446

Looks like a tiny version of my Prentiss 940, but wondering if this was actually a Lewis. Anyone have one of these with the dual slides?

 

[11b30b4]

I am looking at a Parker 271 on Offerup and the owner has had it listed for four months at 45.00. I considered buying it but replacing the jaws would be the main issue. Does anyone know of someone who could make replacement jaws for it and what they would run? If I could get replacement jaws, then snagging this may be an interesting rebuild.

View media item 110572
View media item 110573
View media item 110575
View media item 110574
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[GForceJunky]

GForce .... for some reason, I still can't see your pics. Never seen a dropfo before, but did live in Canal Fulton for a number of years. It was originally Fulton on one side of the canal and Milan on the other before becoming incorporated in the mid 1800's. These look cool and make me want to go back and dig around.

Any body watching this little gem?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Small...-Watchmakers-Swivel-Bench-Vise-2/303896442446

Looks like a tiny version of my Prentiss 940, but wondering if this was actually a Lewis. Anyone have one of these with the dual slides?

How about now? Got rid of the .jpg in the URL...hope that maybe helps? Otherwise not sure what's up. Are you on a work computer? I can't see any imgur images on my work computer - they're blocked. Looks like others can see them now at least.

Also, that vise looks very neat, but too rich for my blood!

 

[akasrick]

b.well, that vise looks great! Turned out fantastic.




Thanks. Been a while since I've posted from imgur - forgot this was an issue.







Can you guys see everything now? Removed the 's' from 'https' in all the image links - hopefully it works for everyone. Can someone confirm? Thanks!

Revisiting your posts, same issue here. I do see the Dropfo attachment.

akasrick

 

[GForceJunky]

Revisiting your posts, same issue here. I do see the Dropfo attachment.

akasrick

Edited the links again. Maybe this time they work? Don't know why it's not working.

What are other people doing to post images? I just upload to imgur and use the photo URLs. Are other people uploading directly to GJ or hosting on other sites?

 

[akasrick]

Edited the links again. Maybe this time they work? Don't know why it's not working.

What are other people doing to post images? I just upload to imgur and use the photo URLs. Are other people uploading directly to GJ or hosting on other sites?

I upload image as an attachment here, then copy and paste that link to the "insert image" icon. I don't know what the upload limits are.

akasrick

 

[Fierljeppen]

Edited the links again. Maybe this time they work? Don't know why it's not working.

What are other people doing to post images? I just upload to imgur and use the photo URLs. Are other people uploading directly to GJ or hosting on other sites?

GForceJunky...Your files are way too large. If you lower them to a resolution less than 1500 x 1000, I'm sure your photos will show just fine for everyone.

That Dropfo vise is a very bad *** vise and in amazing condition. There weren't very many American companies that mfg. forged vises. That one is a keeper for sure!

 

[Fred Knox]

Thank you Fierljeppen, wrenchguy and PierceA for the background knowledge. Fierljeppen, you are an amazing resource and vise historian. It puts you on the Mt. Rushmore of Viseland (there may be more than just four GJ busts on that mountain!). Much appreciated.

 

[davethorik]

I am looking at a Parker 271 on Offerup and the owner has had it listed for four months at 45.00. I considered buying it but replacing the jaws would be the main issue. Does anyone know of someone who could make replacement jaws for it and what they would run? If I could get replacement jaws, then snagging this may be an interesting build.

Do you need a vise? Plan to flip? Or just want to rehab a vise?
Personally, since it is missing the swivel base and all associated hardware, the collar, and front jaw is FUBAR, I would pass. There is a reason it has been for sale for months, it's a parts vise.

 

[GForceJunky]

GForceJunky...Your files are way too large. If you lower them to a resolution less than 1500 x 1000, I'm sure your photos will show just fine for everyone.

That Dropfo vise is a very bad *** vise and in amazing condition. There weren't very many American companies that mfg. forged vises. That one is a keeper for sure!

Thanks for the tip. I did 'clickable thumbnails now' that link to the bigger images. I think it works now, if anyone wants to confirm. Hopefully the posts don't get ignored now that they're a page back - definitely interested in more feedback on the Shephard and the Samson. The Parker and Prentiss are easier to find info on.

I'll have to resize them in advance next time, or do this new method if it works.

I was worried I overpaid for the lot of vises since most of the remaining ones are broken or cheap junk, but seems like I made out alright. The more I find out about this DropFo vise the more excited I get. It really is quite the vise. I can't get over how precise the swivel base still fits after all these years...even when there's no load and everything is loose, there is basically no slop at all - it turns well but not overly freely (not just going to spin for minutes). The replaceable jaws mean I won't feel too bad about using it like it was meant to be used...though I tend to baby my vises even when I put them through their paces.

 

[Charles Waugh]

A curious (to me!) vise.
And ideas of who/what it is?

It comes from this trailer for a series that looks like great fun to watch:

 

[jerry1]

$40 this past weekend

 

[Charles Waugh]

Jerry,
I'll give you $50!

 

[dannyr]

It comes from this trailer for a series that looks like great fun to watch:

[/QUOTE]

yes -- looks fun

could the vise be a Belgian "ETOGAR"?

 

[va.grouseman]

$40 this past weekend

That's a steal for sure.---A very successful hunt.---Congrats.

 

[va.grouseman]

A curious (to me!) vise.
And ideas of who/what it is?
https://www.charleswaugh.com/Adirondack/unknown%20vise.jpg[/IMG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




It's a real chunk of steel for sure.---Just a guess, looks German.

 

[RTM]

Dicking around trying to fix your links. I removed your "" terms bracketing the images, and ...s lower case, my post has upper case "[/IMG]"

 

[chenry318]

Does anyone else have one of these Craftsman vises? Obviously the handle has been reworked a bit. For $10 I can't complain though, it seems solid. Also a picture of my Columbian i bought from the same guy for 50.

I plan to use both on a workbench I'm currently building. I need to cleanup the Craftsman still though.

 

[LesserSon]

Not that exact one. I have two that are similar; both are quick-release. My dad gave me the red one (which he had painted). I didn’t know the brand, until I came across a Heritage-era version in original paint. Though the fronts look pretty different, the static castings are identical, even the part numbers (I think). I’m planning to mount the Heritage one soon, so I’ll be able to check again.
The recent Littlestown Hardware & Foundry Company (Littco) hype had me paging through their catalog, where I found an identical-looking vise (to my red one), so I think they were the OEM. 4x10” right?

I also noted the location of Littlestown is quite far south in PA, a bit east of Waynesboro, where the famous Emmert Pattern Makers Vises were made. I would bet both towns had strong trade ties with Baltimore MD, so if I were looking for early examples, that would seem a hot spot.

 

[chenry318]

Not that exact one. I have two that are similar; both are quick-release. My dad gave me the red one (which he had painted). I didn’t know the brand, until I came across a Heritage-era version in original paint. Though the fronts look pretty different, the static castings are identical, even the part numbers (I think). I’m planning to mount the Heritage one soon, so I’ll be able to check again.
The recent Littlestown Hardware & Foundry Company (Littco) hype had me paging through their catalog, where I found an identical-looking vise (to my red one), so I think they were the OEM. 4x10” right?

I also noted the location of Littlestown is quite far south in PA, a bit east of Waynesboro, where the famous Emmert Pattern Makers Vises were made. I would bet both towns had strong trade ties with Baltimore MD, so if I were looking for early examples, that would seem a hot spot.

Your Heritage-Era looks the same as mine except mine is not quick release. Do you know if the two slide rods are threaded into the front casting? I was hoping to disassemble it for cleaning and refurbishing. My handle is welded so I might not be able to take the lead screw off.
I'm about an hour west of littlestown but I actually picked up both vises near Bedford.

 

[PierceA]

GForce: You should find a very crude stamping of the Dropfo maker on the dynamic jaw support. Just about halfway between the mainscrew and the jaw insert.

I have both a Dropfo 4",and the Heavy Duty Dropfo 5". They are an interesting vise, and once you get used to the different swivel base controls, it's a nice vise to use. There is also a 3" version.

They are not common, but also not terribly valuable. Usually under $100.

PierceA.

 

[Smitty]

Reed vise no’s 102, 202 and 302


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow Smitty, just Wow...