The VISES of Garage Journal

[Catcher1984]

Does anyone know if the old style swivel base will fit newer style Wilton bullet vises? I might be picking up a 9400 soon a 101028 and it looks very similar to the current base.

The current ones are marked 101081 for the inner ring and 101198 for the base. I’ve also seen 101082 for the base. Could anybody help me out with some info for late 1960’s or early 1970’s Wilton bullet vises 4”, 4-1/2”, or 5” before the facelift/model change. I want to know the part number thanks.

 

[twagler]

I picked up a Rae No. 4 vise on the weekend pretty cheap ($35). It wasn't fully seized, but it was quite rusty and the slide was very sticky and hard to take apart.

Wondering if anyone knows what the original paint color would have been? I can't find too many examples to go from. Looked like original paint was something in the range of green-grey-blue, but it was really rusty, and I'm also a bit colorblind in this color range, so that doesn't help. I don't need it to be exact, but wouldn't mind trying to repaint it to something close.

Replying to this question about original paint colour for Rae vices from several pages up-thread that never got an answer - I have two examples still in original paint (see pictures). I would call it on the blue-grey spectrum, perhaps even close to Wilton? First vise probably dates to mid-fifties, and second one from near the time that Rae finally shut down in about 1980.

The bonus vise in the second picture is branded "Canadian". Based on the family resemblance, I'm convinced it that it was manufactured by Rae and sold under another name.

- Tom

 

[douglee25]

Must be me you are looking for. I have made Parker jaws but since then have retired and sold my machine shop. Not a easy task finding and fitting one Parker jaw. Even if you find a 59x jaw it would still need to be fit since the Parker company had real good tool and cutter grinders and built the jaw and vise cutters (male and female cutters) for production where the jaws were easier to fit. The angled pin hole and jaw face squareness will be the problem areas when fitting jaws. Good luck and keep searching one will show up eventually.

Thank you. Keep your eyes open if you find anything. Please send them my way. I'm about to break down and buy a new vice. If I had access to a Bridgeport, are they fairly easy to make there?

 

[ejot]

Fairly easy ... no. Possible, with patience and persistence ... yes.

The very man himself put together a really nice set of blog posts on the topic.

Private Site

Private Site

Private Site

*edit - An easier route, if you are not concerned with maintaining the original look, may be to mill the top jaw support surface flat and level, leaving a simpler geometry to fit a newly fabricated jaw to. It would look something similar to the jaws on this very late Parker (operated as a division of Union who bought them out). Pic credit @firingsquad

 

[RTM]

Here is a new vise in my stable. Not sure if it will stay long. I think my SIL will be getting a vise for Christmas. This is a Wilton Shop King 635 with 5” jaws, and tipping the scales at 30#. Not a hefty beast, but it came with the pipe jaws, so I couldn’t pass it up at the price.

it’s bone dry, no grease, dirt on parts of it, so almost seems like a barn find. Once I clean it up, will figure out if it’s ever been mounted, quick glance doesn’t show any wear on the mountings. Maybe never touched.

only flaw is the swivel lock rod is rusted in place, and won’t slide. Disassemble the pivot, see if I can walk the lock off. Soak the lock in Evaporust once apart


no links to pix in the spreadsheet, no other mentions in the thread, so finally someone not embarrassed to admit to having one?

 

[douglee25]

Fairly easy ... no. Possible, with patience and persistence ... yes.

The very man himself put together a really nice set of blog posts on the topic.

Private Site

Private Site

Private Site

*edit - An easier route, if you are not concerned with maintaining the original look, may be to mill the top jaw support surface flat and level, leaving a simpler geometry to fit a newly fabricated jaw to. It would look something similar to the jaws on this very late Parker (operated as a division of Union who bought them out). Pic credit @firingsquad

That's a good idea. Probably would be much easier to find a set of jaws that way.

 

[CRSINMICH]

RTM: I have two Shop Kings. I haven't done anything to or with either of them but the Deco styling appeals to me. If I posted anything about them it would have been 5 years ago or so.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Does anyone know if the old style swivel base will fit newer style Wilton bullet vises? I might be picking up a 9400 soon a 101028 and it looks very similar to the current base.

The current ones are marked 101081 for the inner ring and 101198 for the base. I’ve also seen 101082 for the base. Could anybody help me out with some info for late 1960’s or early 1970’s Wilton bullet vises 4”, 4-1/2”, or 5” before the facelift/model change. I want to know the part number thanks.

Your best source for any Wilton vise parts questions is GJ member Autopts. He'll be able to help you determine what swivel base will work with the very popular "101028" casted no. 400 machinist vise. I believe that he has offered 10% off from his eBay store for GJ members. He is highly respected and to be trusted.

Here's the Wilton parts list for their machinist vises that you requested. They use the casting number from the moveable jaw as their identifier, which is "101027" in your case.

It's amazing to me how well the vintage Wilton vises are selling and not just the "bullet" vises. They seem to have an incredible brand recognition with the general public. Owning a Wilton vise is like having money in the bank.

 

[Handyandy23]

Replying to this question about original paint colour for Rae vices from several pages up-thread that never got an answer - I have two examples still in original paint (see pictures). I would call it on the blue-grey spectrum, perhaps even close to Wilton? First vise probably dates to mid-fifties, and second one from near the time that Rae finally shut down in about 1980.

The bonus vise in the second picture is branded "Canadian". Based on the family resemblance, I'm convinced it that it was manufactured by Rae and sold under another name.

- Tom

Thanks for this info, that does look pretty close to the little specs of paint I found under all the rust, so probably accurate.

I'm actually a little colorblind, and those blue/gray/green shades that are kind of "in between" really throw me off as far as trying to match it up or finding similar colors. So I just ended up spraying it with Tremclad hammered finish in silver for now. I'll have to post up pictures once I have it back together.

It's also interesting how many different types of markings are on these Rae vises, almost feels like every picture I see they are slightly different. Mine says RAE in the same position as the one in your second picture, but then it says No 4 on the flat area on the slide end, kind of level with the handle. I bet someone with a full history on these vises would be able to identify approximate year ranges based on the markings, but I haven't been able to find that info yet.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Here is a new vise in my stable. Not sure if it will stay long. I think my SIL will be getting a vise for Christmas. This is a Wilton Shop King 635 with 5” jaws, and tipping the scales at 30#. ...


no links to pix in the spreadsheet, no other mentions in the thread, so finally someone not embarrassed to admit to having one?

RTM I'm pretty sure I've seen the Shop King vises mentioned a few times here. A search of the thread for "shop king" showed 16 pages of hits.

 

[Shiftless]

Just checking in with my Shop King. It has 3 3/4 inch wide jaws.

 

[RTM]

RTM I'm pretty sure I've seen the Shop King vises mentioned a few times here. A search of the thread for "shop king" showed 16 pages of hits.

Lots of Shop Kings. But no 635s that I could find. It was not an exhaustive search, just a quick glance

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Lots of Shop Kings. But no 635s that I could find. It was not an exhaustive search, just a quick glance

Doh! My bad...missed that's what you were searching for even though I recall your Shop King as a 635s. The joys of aging!

 

[Catcher1984]

Your best source for any Wilton vise parts questions is GJ member Autopts. He'll be able to help you determine what swivel base will work with the very popular "101028" casted no. 400 machinist vise. I believe that he has offered 10% off from his eBay store for GJ members. He is highly respected and to be trusted.

Here's the Wilton parts list for their machinist vises that you requested. They use the casting number from the moveable jaw as their identifier, which is "101027" in your case.

It's amazing to me how well the vintage Wilton vises are selling and not just the "bullet" vises. They seem to have an incredible brand recognition with the general public. Owning a Wilton vise is like having money in the bank.

I appreciate that but would you happen to have the pre facelift/model change parts list? I believe 1969 was when they changed their machinist vises to the bigger lettering “Wilton” with the larger jaw depth.

 

[CRSINMICH]

RTM: I looked at some other pictures of the two Shop Kings I have. One is a 635L. I wasn't able to see numbers in the photos of the other one. Here is some Shop King info I have in my files.

At the risk of setting off a unicorn hunt, take a close look at the chart at the bottom of the first catalog picture. It seems that there was a 636 at one time that had 5 3/4" jaws, a larger pipe capacity, and weighed 11 lbs. more.

 

[RTM]

RTM: I looked at some other pictures of the two Shop Kings I have. One is a 635L. I wasn't able to see numbers in the photos of the other one. Here is some Shop King info I have in my files.

At the risk of setting off a unicorn hunt, take a close look at the chart at the bottom of the first catalog picture. It seems that there was a 636 at one time that had 5 3/4" jaws, a larger pipe capacity, and weighed 11 lbs. more.

Don’t worry, no unicorn hunting here. Target of Opportunity. Had I not seen it, no great loss, would not have gone looking for one. We passed, or missed out on several vises that day. My Reed 203-1/2 still rules the roost here.

 

[Fierljeppen]

I appreciate that but would you happen to have the pre facelift/model change parts list? I believe 1969 was when they changed their machinist vises to the bigger lettering “Wilton” with the larger jaw depth.

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking for. The parts list I posted covers the Wilton machinist vises from (1967-1998) as seen in the photos below. It does have the part numbers for the "101028" that you were mentioning.

 

[Fierljeppen]

RTM: I looked at some other pictures of the two Shop Kings I have. One is a 635L. I wasn't able to see numbers in the photos of the other one. Here is some Shop King info I have in my files.

At the risk of setting off a unicorn hunt, take a close look at the chart at the bottom of the first catalog picture. It seems that there was a 636 at one time that had 5 3/4" jaws, a larger pipe capacity, and weighed 11 lbs. more.

It's probably rare, but not a unicorn, since it was offered from (1958-1962).

The Shop Kings do real well in the vise market, but last January there was one on eBay that annihilated the previous price record. There was -4- serious bidders and the snipers lost in this particular auction.

So RTM, still thinking about giving your Shop King to your SIL for Christmas?

 

[Catcher1984]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking for. The parts list I posted covers the Wilton machinist vises from (1967-1998) as seen in the photos below. It does have the part numbers for the "101028" that you were mentioning.

I want to know which swivel bases would fit my C1. I found a 1969 Wilton 4” bullet vise with the 101082 swivel base number instead of the 101198. They look very similar.

I also found that the older swivel bases with 13-400A for the base and 13-300B for the inner ring.

 

[Catcher1984]

Also here’s the 1987 C1 I finished, missing the inner ring for the swivel base so I’m waiting to paint the base.

I painted it sunrise red after I did my Snap On/Wilton 1760 in that color and fell in love with it. And although the brochures for the C1 says it has a 6” opening it opens and works up to a little under 7”. Also a side by side with the 1760 it replaced.

 

[RTM]

The Shop Kings do real well in the vise market, but last January there was one on eBay that annihilated the previous price record. There was -4- serious bidders and the snipers lost in this particular auction.

So RTM, still thinking about giving your Shop King to your SIL for Christmas?

Dang, didn’t think they were that popular. Mine would need a lot of cleanup to reach that level. Maybe I’ll offer him the Simplex, or Columbian instead. Not the FPU.

 

[Bulldog13]

Gonna try to make this one pretty today

 

[Catcher1984]

Dang, didn’t think they were that popular. Mine would need a lot of cleanup to reach that level. Maybe I’ll offer him the Simplex, or Columbian instead. Not the FPU.

I don’t think that $700 is realistic unless I’m missing something? They seem to go for $100-$150, and the really clean ones around $200.

However, I love the Art Deco look of the shop kings. Sad that this kind of vise would never be made again, especially the design of that crown on the side. It would just be a sticker if it came out today.

 

[wrenchguy]

GM Yost 16" Pattern Makers vise.
I'm a sucker for old busted vises. It was alot of work messing with old brittle, warped outa square castings.
Complete, but busted beyond use.


Broken jaw face support yoke at the slide.


Broken jaw face support yoke right of center.


Machined capture ways on slide and made a billet to fit.


Repaired in the manner that the carving towers are aligned when at rest.


As of today video.

 

[KMScott]

Enjoyed your video Wrench. Great fix and nice shop your son owns or works at. Thanks for sharing. Keep fixing the old iron.

 

[wrenchguy]

Thanks Kevin, means alot coming from you the "visemaster". Its his shop, a 1 man job shop, no cnc stuff.
Your effort with the vise mothership is awesome.

 

[ALLFAST]

Hello GJ Friends,
I took a little hiatus, and am easing back into the scene here. I know the format changed abit in my absence, so are we ok posting vise project photos here, of in the works or finished specimens? Thank You in advance! Shawn

 

[wrenchguy]

I think "drive it" started a vise repair thread..... Maybe i should posted there?

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Drives' vise repair thread is here.

 

[ranger08]

I have now finished my Paramo no51, when i was taking it apart it astounded me how good the quality of cast was, there was very little sign of factory grinding at all. The bar keep and the QR trigger are made of Brass! which in my mind is a bit of extra quality the other vices don't have. The QR spring was heaven to put back with the right tension, no castle nut adjustment required. Everything was reused except for the split pin. This is now my keeper woodworking vice, amazing quality and smooth as silk.
I have tried to date it, i note on the top of the static jaw is stamped "4" and "1/52", i am thinking the later was for Record's 52 1/2, if this is correct it could be one of the earliest production runs when Paramo were still forging for Record, when they stopped forging for Record i am not sure.

 

[ranger08]

Just checking in with my Shop King. It has 3 3/4 inch wide jaws.

super cool

 

[va.grouseman]

Ranger, you did a really good job on the #51. ---That should serve you well. ---It has a lot of good features.

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Early Christmas present thanks to autopts and the BEST vise packaging ever!!! The man knows how to pack and ship a vise for sure!!!

Almost 100 pounds of 'this thing will last forever' that will be handed down to one of my grandchildren. Thanks again Nick !!!

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Early Christmas present thanks to autopts and the BEST vise packaging ever!!! The man knows how to pack and ship a vise for sure!!!

Almost 100 pounds of 'this thing will last forever' that will be handed down to one of my grandchildren. Thanks again Nick !!!

All the pipe jaws and the swivel lock handle!?!? it is a Christmas miracle!!!

 

[ViceRoy2030]

All the pipe jaws and the swivel lock handle!?!? it is a Christmas miracle!!!

Ya, I don't smoke but I almost had to have a cigarette after I unpackaged it

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Ya, I don't smoke but I almost had to have a cigarette after I unpackaged it

You'd have emphysema by now if you smoked every time you got a new vise!

 

[TheRealZeus]

.

 

[Xyathoos]

Hey y'all! We just new in shop and I'm trying to learn more about it before I continue restoring it.

From what I'm able to read one side says "C Parker Co Meriden CT" and the other says "PAT MAT28 NOV26 DEC??&17 1967 (1867 maybe). In doing some research I know C Parker vises are usually numbered but this vise just has the "NO" with no number after it and I couldn't find a similar looking vise.

I was curious if y'all know anything about this vise, also and restoration tips?

 

[germanwrenchguy]

My 5 inch York vise I just finished restoring.

 

[northfire]

Anyone recognize this little guy? A jewelers vise? 2” jaws. No markings other than the 2 90 under the support. Spring loaded pin for the swivel. The “anvil” on the back is fixed. Next to a baby bullet for reference. Cool small vise whatever it is. Small chisel marks on the side of the jaws so who ever had it previously was using it.