Recent content by jaxpc

I live in the So Cal area. I look around, using the normal (I thought) channels to find a nice vise, and I come up empty. I'm probably doing it wrong, or it may be true that Smitty is sucking up all the good deals in So Cal. Actually, I'm sure he works very hard looking for the great deals, and...

I really like the Parker "Deco" look . My favorite design style is "Streamlined Art Deco", as used in the "1939 New York Worlds Fair". I'm pretty new to the vise world. Are there any very "streamlined" vise designs out there? I'd like to find some.

You can always use something other than metal alloy for the fill material. Maybe wax or plaster? Bore casting would not turn out well if you didn't do some pre-pour preparation. Smooth the pin hole a little. Or, cast just the bottom half of the pin hole, then turn the swivel to one side and cast...

Thanks Carla for the tips on the 403 1/2 jaw pin. Has anybody ever tried the same procedure used to do a chamber bore casting on a rifle bore? This would give a perfect casting of the jaw pin that is inside the vise body and swivel jaw. I believe they use Cerrasafe metal alloy.

Dr. Scott and Outlawmws. Thanks for the great information on the Reed 403 1/2. After I get the vise, and check for damage, I will be able to make a pin.

Thanks for the Dr. Scott links.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Reed #403 1/2. Looks like I bought it. Does anybody make the swivel jaw pin for this vise? My first Reed.

Unknown manufacturer. Anvil/Drill/Vise, on You Tube.

The Ridge #51 does have replaceable jaws. I will clean it up a bit and this will be my everyday working vise.

Finally found a nice vise in the Sothern California area. Only had to drive 20 miles. Ridge #51. Appears to be the same as a Desmond/Stephens/Simplex #51 S. @5 inch jaws. 90 Lbs. It's not listed in the data base under Ridge vises. Got it for $70 dollars. Very happy with it. Anything else I...

First time poster here. I have a new shop, and I'm finally getting some better tools. It's time for a "real" vise, and not a starter/cheap vise. But, I'm stuck in Southern California. There doesn't seem to be any farm auctions, or sales where there would be appropriate vises to be found, in the...