Recent content by pcar964

Thanks that looks similar to how my 593 looked when I received it. Strangely however the top coat was repainted gray at some point, but underneath was a dark red! Maybe that was some sort of primer.

Thanks 007 good info there!

Here are a couple more closeup pictures of my new Rock Island 593. Does anyone know what is the color these old Rock Islands were originally painted? Also, just to verify what has been mentioned before, do the number markings on the top of the dynamic slide in the picture indicate this was made...

Perhaps I’m not understanding correctly, but wouldn’t that simply test the relative effect of two different strength caustic solutions? It would seem that to test two metals against each other you would want to put them through the same process and control for as many variables as possible...

Anyone know what color the Rock Island was originally painted?

Anyone know how to tell which cast iron is better/stronger by the color of the bare metal? :)

That’s probably right. I’ll leave the Rock Island as is for a while and see if it darkens at all. Either way I think it’s fine.

As promised here’s a picture of my two main vises side by side. On the left my first restoration a Columbian D43 1/2 M3. On the right my newest acquisition a 1938 Rock Island 593. Notice the different look of the bare metal between the two vises. They both received the same treatment once I...

After the electrolysis and light wire wheel for remaining paint spots, both vises got the same treatment: a light coating of wd40 to prevent rust. I figured a minor patina of light rust would actually look fine so I don’t worry about it. I prefer the bare metal to paint since paint will...

That’s what I figured, a different formula between two different manufacturers. Still, I was surprised to see such a drastic difference. Doea anyone know what color the Rock Island would have been originally?

I have recently stripped the paint and rust from a 1938 Rock Island 593 4” vise in my electrolysis tank. When comparing it to a Columbian D43 1/2 I did the same thing with about a year ago, the bare cast iron of the two vises seems to be different. The Rock Island being much lighter and shinier...

So far it’s hard to compare it because the other vises I have experience with are smaller 3 1/2” versions, the ubiquitous Japanese Craftsman 5180 model, and a USA Columbian D43 1/2 M3. This 4” Rock Island is a monster by comparison and the biggest I’ve seen or handled so far. I will say this...

Here is a picture of the Rock Island 593 I just received from (terrible auction site). It’s a good solid example with not much wear or damage and no repairs evident. I need the help of the collective wisdom of the forum here, on the top of the dynamic slide just behind where it enters the...

Well let me introduce myself and the new vise I just paid probably top dollar for. $135 shipped for a very nice condition Rock Island 593. This is a fixed base with 4” jaws. Weighs 42 lbs. Will post up pictures as soon as I receive it. Was purchased on the auction site we all seem to dislike. I...

I looked up the Sears version which is apparently a rebranded Columbian, so odds are this is the same.