Recent content by hcs1947

In the big vise thread, somewhere there are some scans of catalog pages. I think I remember in the Columbian description, that they use a self lubricating washer or something like that. On my 504, the washer has little diamond like pattern on one side, which I would assume is a porous surface...

I have no idea if there was only one color, but my 504 which looks just like your 503 except for the size, had original red paint on it.

Great thanks, give it a try tomorrow.

Autopts, thanks, I didn't see your reply, I walked away during my previous reply so I guess you posted while I was. That pin seems pretty solidly in there, should it rotate around pretty easily or how would you do it, just with a punch and hammer?

Thanks Bullfrog, I assume the main nut retaining pin punches up from the bottom of the base? If it is bent, which it must be if it is supposed to be vertical, are new ones available, and can you suggest a source? Seems like it would be difficult to get one pressed back in there, but maybe not...

I recently acquired a Columbian 504 which was in decent usable condition, but having seen how other members here have restored their vises to such beautiful condition, figured this one would be a good candidate to try my hand at. So after rereading a lot of the restoration posts here, got it...

Mine is red.

Rummaging through an old toolbox at the local flea this weekend, I noticed a Craftsman BE ratchet right away. Also a Snapon side cutters, model Vacuum Grip No. 87 which seems pretty old. Digging a little deeper, I was able to make a deal for those, plus a couple Parker vise wrenches and a...

The Dazeys are cool, hard to find them with the wall bracket though. I have a couple.

Good for carving and whittling. I remember the old guys when I was a kid standing around downtown, just shaving sticks of cedar with their pocket knives, spitting tobacco juice, and bs-ing. It was a matter of pride that your knife was sharp enough to shave the thin shavings off without effort...

I seem to remember seeing in a motorcycle magazine some gusseted jeans, but don't remember who made them or how long ago it was. You might do some research in that area. Seems like they were costly though, maybe $90 or so.

Because the American consumer is addicted to sales and coupons and won't pay the price that would enable a retailer to make a profit on American made goods, particularly in the clothing category. I say this as a 35-year veteran of retail industry. Plus, there are very few factories left in the...

Pics of the screwdriver I made into a tool to get the drawers out. Use it inside the slider to depress the spring. You may need to move the drawer in and out a little to get past the detent.

I took an old screwdriver and bent the tip in an arc to get inside the sliders and depress the spring. I'll try to get a pic up here in a few minutes if you need it.

The chopping block top on the DW should be useful. Would make good storage with the solid shelf already in it.