The VISES of Garage Journal

[colmal]

Is the handle the main nut on that vise? That is definitely a LH pitch angle on the screw...

Yes, the screw winds into the handle, is fixed to the jaw, doesn't rotate

 

[Hooterville]

Yes, the screw winds into the handle, is fixed to the jaw, doesn't rotate

I like it. I never heard of Dawn vices. I visited their website and I am impressed. I appreciate the 25 year warranty!

 

[drokihazan]

So, after owning and abusing my Parker 434 1/2 for about 10 of it's 100+ years after both of the previous owners (Redwood Oil & Gas Co, followed by a local farmer in that area, Santa Rosa, CA) also abused it heavily, I did something extra stupid with it today and felt a hitch instead of buttery smoothness. I took it apart to see if I'd galled a thread or something, and found I'd cracked the nut nearly in half.
I know welding gray cast iron is kind of a disaster. Help! Anyone have parts for sale? Or if not, know of anyone who has had a new nut machined? There's absolutely no chance I'm letting this vise die.

 

[akasrick]

Building a set of jaws for my Bonney 160. Jaws are 5-1/4” wide. Parker style jaws. I tell you what, these jaws are identical to ones I’ve made for Parker’s. Pretty close to a negative 20 degrees undercut.

Thinking Parker supplied or actually cut the jaws and jaw supports. Only difference is Bonney used three pins per jaw instead of 2 pins. Pretty cool vise. Gotta figure out with Royce’s help on how to repair anvil area. Seems Bonny skimped on wall thickness around the horn. I’ll post finished pics next year.

Age of Steel engraving, saved from GJ, showing Parker type jaws.
another addy added below.




akasrick

 

[tool_scrounge]

So, after owning and abusing my Parker 434 1/2 for about 10 of it's 100+ years after both of the previous owners (Redwood Oil & Gas Co, followed by a local farmer in that area, Santa Rosa, CA) also abused it heavily, I did something extra stupid with it today and felt a hitch instead of buttery smoothness. I took it apart to see if I'd galled a thread or something, and found I'd cracked the nut nearly in half.
I know welding gray cast iron is kind of a disaster. Help! Anyone have parts for sale? Or if not, know of anyone who has had a new nut machined? There's absolutely no chance I'm letting this vise die.

What is the screw outside diameter and thread pitch (threads per inch)?

 

[drokihazan]

What is the screw outside diameter and thread pitch (threads per inch)?

I don't have a thread pitch gauge for these giant ACME threads, but it looks like they're 4 TPI. The screw OD is 7/8" on the money.

 

[Beerhippie]

I don't have a thread pitch gauge for these giant ACME threads, but it looks like they're 4 TPI. The screw OD is 7/8" on the money.

Simply count the teeth over a few inches and divide by a few.

4TPI is pretty common.

 

[Outlawmws]

I don't have a thread pitch gauge for these giant ACME threads, but it looks like they're 4 TPI.

Something this coarse all you need is a ruler...

I don't bother with a thread gauge for anything under 10 TPI.

 

[drokihazan]

Simply count the teeth over a few inches and divide by a few.

4TPI is pretty common.

well yeah that's how I got 4

 

[Beerhippie]

well yeah that's how I got 4

Four it is!

 

[tool_scrounge]

I don't have a thread pitch gauge for these giant ACME threads, but it looks like they're 4 TPI. The screw OD is 7/8" on the money.

This thread may be of interest. I found a currently produced Morgan / Milwaukee nut was close to drop in for a 1960’s Craftsman vise of similar shape.

Found: Replacement lead screw nut for vintage Craftsman 05196 / 05191 vises

Back in 2018 I ran into one of the sought after Craftsman 0519X vises. A local company was selling off some excess tools and hardware. It was not advertised, but I saw a 05191 4" fixed base vise and a 1960's Craftsman roller cabinet (with roller drawers) in the corner. So I made an offer and...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[micahd1997]

Let’s see those users!

Prentiss vises don’t pop up often here in Texas, so I jumped at the opportunity last year to buy this 6”, 146lb (catalog weight), pre-1891 swivel jaw stationary model. There was little remaining of the lip on the swivel jaw, so I filed the remnants down to the root. With an un-cracked slide and no repairs, it’s one of the pride and joys of my blacksmith shop.

 

[TheRealZeus]

Interesting find, thumbing through some belongings. From my Mother’s ‘64 yearbook.

 

[colmal]

Interesting find, thumbing through some belongings. From my Mother’s ‘64 yearbook.

Have you been thinking about visiting her old school ?

You just never know

 

[colmal]

.

 

[colmal]

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[colmal]

.

 

[TheRealZeus]

Have you been thinking about visiting her old school ?

You just never know

Given the last known sighting 60+ years, my hopes did get high.. However, given the location probably requires full-tactical, I did not feel it was pertinent to other mission(s) currently underway/at hand.

 

[jreb10]

I was recently fortunate to acquire a Stephens #2 Vise with the toggle lever lock. The Vise Spreadsheet lacks photos for this entry so here are a few:





It is a complicated vise with a spring-loaded dynamic jaw that holds the work piece and the toggle locks it in place. I'm not taking this one apart!



From photos of other Stephens vises it is common to see some inscriptions on the tailpiece. Usually it is the Stephens name and possibly some patent dates. This one also has a line above the Stephens name that I can't quite make out.

Seems to be "?????er & Lyon, New York". Possibly the retailer? Please feel free to comment if you can help with the identification.

Edit: It's Tower &Lyon.

 

[TheRealZeus]

“TOWER & LYON NEW YORK”

 

[TheRealZeus]

Old ad..

 

[DCRUTT]

First post, just picked this Reed #32 up for $50.
Missing the front pipe jaws, and 2 of the bolts that hold the jaws in are broken off.

Great find! Not sure where all these sub-$100 vises come from. In particular a Reed (pre-C#) combo. I would have paid at least $150 if that showed up near me and additional for shipping it if needed.

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

I've seen plenty of Reed pipe wrenches, but didn't know they made adjustables. I guess probably everyone with a forge shop did, once the Crescent Tool (Peterson) patent expired.

 

[neophyte]

I've seen plenty of Reed pipe wrenches, but didn't know they made adjustables. I guess probably everyone with a forge shop did, once the Crescent Tool (Peterson) patent expired.

It could also be rebranded from another manufacturer.
Even Snap-On sold rebranded adjustable wrenches under their name.

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

It could also be rebranded from another manufacturer.
Even Snap-On sold rebranded adjustable wrenches under their name.

Quite possibly. I've seen Ridgid pipe wrenches with at least half a dozen different "manufacturer" names.

 

[Beerhippie]

Instead of a new vise, how about one I gave away?

I bought a new Made In Argentina Palmgren 5" when they were selling out for $60 shipped--basically a free vise, shipped--a few years back. I mounted it up, made some copper jaw covers for it and used it for a half-year or so.



It served me well.

Then I came across a '39-40 Chas Parker No. 954 1/2 for cheap... no contest. I restored the Parker



and the Palmgren spent the last year or so taking up space on the floor of the shop.

A friend has traded me the use of his shop for my old, broke and beat-to-hell-and-gone Vanagon. I noticed that he had **** for a bench vise, so I threw the Palmgren into the deal.

I wasn't sure he really appreciated the gift vise, but this AM I went over to do some wrenchin' in his shop.



He does.

 

[colmal]

Instead of a new vise, how about one I gave away?

I bought a new Made In Argentina Palmgren 5" when they were selling out for $60 shipped--basically a free vise, shipped--a few years back. I mounted it up, made some copper jaw covers for it and used it for a half-year or so.



It served me well.

Then I came across a '39-40 Chas Parker No. 954 1/2 for cheap... no contest. I restored the Parker



and the Palmgren spent the last year or so taking up space on the floor of the shop.

A friend has traded me the use of his shop for my old, broke and beat-to-hell-and-gone Vanagon. I noticed that he had **** for a bench vise, so I threw the Palmgren into the deal.

I wasn't sure he really appreciated the gift vise, but this AM I went over to do some wrenchin' in his shop.



He does.

I did the same thing,I even I had a plan to justify it to myself.

Gave a as new 6" Irwin swivel to my dad as he didn't have one somehow (he's been restoring 1920's vintage cars since he was 14)
Replaced it with a new 6" Dawn swivel- deburred, repainted bought it up to Col specs- that didn't do it for me either, gave it to my Brother in law as he didn't have one either.



And replaced it with a unplanned 1990's Dawn 6" which also didn't do it for me.




And then Dad found a 1930's Dawn 6" SQ and delivered it to me- that definitely does it for me.





Hmmm, Australian Dollars -Irwin $120 , Dawn swivel $400 including paint, Dawn engineers+ new jaws $150/ $90 + paint when I can be enthused to do so.
Dawn 6" SQ - $350 + Jaws $90, 2 cans paint-$500 total

Good thing it's not about the cost, hope they appreciated

Dawn SQ is a keeper, I'll get around $250 back when/if I sell the engineers. so all good, at least I have what I want now.

 

[four.cycle]

I bought a new Made In Argentina Palmgren 5" when they were selling out for $60 shipped

^ I bought the 6-incher for just under $100, finally got tired of banging my leg into it out in the garage (I never mounted the thing) and put it up on CL and sold it for $200.
I still have the Parker 204.

(and a cheapie beater made-in-China thing in the garage)

 

[twagler]

Just wondering if anyone can identify the manufacturer of this unusual vise? It is currently advertised on FB Marketplace for $25 in Quebec, Canada with the description "Vieille étau en acier", which means "Old steel vise" in English. I've never seen an exposed screw vise where the screw is off to the side of the slide, rather than directly above. I'm not sure how well this asymmetrical design would work. It looks like it was intended to be a pipe vise, since I see two slots for pipe jaws on the stationary and a bolt hole for retaining a pipe jaw on the dynamic.

Thanks, Tom

 

[Outlawmws]

No can help with ID, but that is kind of a cool design for an exposed screw vise. Too bad the pipe jaws are MIA.

 

[micahd1997]

Just wondering if anyone can identify the manufacturer of this unusual vise? It is currently advertised on FB Marketplace for $25 in Quebec, Canada with the description "Vieille étau en acier", which means "Old steel vise" in English. I've never seen an exposed screw vise where the screw is off to the side of the slide, rather than directly above. I'm not sure how well this asymmetrical design would work. It looks like it was intended to be a pipe vise, since I see two slots for pipe jaws on the stationary and a bolt hole for retaining a pipe jaw on the dynamic.

Thanks, Tom

Nice! I’ve only seen a handful of those. It’s either a Parker 870 or 880. Here’s a picture from my 1899 Parker catalog. I’m not familiar with when Parker discontinued that line, but it’s at least possible that it dates back that far. Assuming the detachable jaws are original though, I’d imagine it’s post-1910. The meatball also doesn’t appear to be original

 

[RTM]

Just wondering if anyone can identify the manufacturer of this unusual vise? It is currently advertised on FB Marketplace for $25 in Quebec, Canada

I dunno, but I’d buy it. That 5 hour drive in winter conditions might be a bear to deal with. Have friends there?

If Micah is correct, (and why wouldn't he be) there are several in the vise spreadsheet.

Here is an 870

The VISES of Garage Journal

The Revised/Revision vises I've seen actually have the "R" as part of the model number and have an "oil" hole in the dynamic jaw. What I find interesting about Davefr's vise is that it has neither. I was thinking that the R on Davefr's vise may have been from an era or a short period when Reed...

www.garagejournal.com

And an 880

The VISES of Garage Journal

Originally posted by Provincial. I have all the vises I need. ---------------------------------- Notice that I didn't turn these two down! :lol_hitti

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Soleinmyhead]

I picked up this Reed 403 1/2R the other day off of Facebook marketplace. Its dated 2/73 with removable jaws. Its the first Reed vise I've seen that's missing the manufacture, model, and patent number on the static jaw castings. Was this common for a '70's Reed?

 

[TailGunner3000]

I have seen a few of those over the year. I always assumed (for no good reason) that someone filed or ground the lettering off. But it's also possible they were factory rejects that were sold at discounts, but that Reed didn't want their name associated with. Another possibility is they were contract manufactured for other retailers who would then affix brand labels or decals to them.

A curiosity nonetheless...

 

[TheRealZeus]

Yeah. I got nothing.

 

[PeterPeter]

Today was a first. Drove 3 hours round trip, mostly in the dark, and falling snow, only to pass on this poor Parker 259X. At 100# with 4 3/4” jaws, It tempted me through the weather as I thought I had a collar/screw that would save her, but no. Last thing I need is another patient in the infirmary, and parting is such sweet sorrow…Though at I was sorely tempted. A question. What is the X designation all about?

Peter, peter

 

[Columbo]

Hi all- first post here. I joined looking for info on bench vises as I was in search of a new one for my shop. Yesterday I picked up this Starrett/Athol off of Facebook Marketplace. Probably paid a little too much, but it’s in really good, unrestored condition. I’m planning to service it and then build a new pedestal base. I don’t see a date code on it, anyone know where Athol vises are stamped or have an estimated date for it?

 

[twagler]

Hi all- first post here. I joined looking for info on bench vises as I was in search of a new one for my shop. Yesterday I picked up this Starrett/Athol off of Facebook Marketplace. Probably paid a little too much, but it’s in really good, unrestored condition. I’m planning to service it and then build a new pedestal base. I don’t see a date code on it, anyone know where Athol vises are stamped or have an estimated date for it?

That's a real beauty! Looks in excellent condition and Starrett vises are known for being top-notch quality. I don't believe that they have date stamps. I have a similar looking smaller model 923 and never found a date stamp on it. There are a number of Starrett/Athol vise catalogs available in the Internet Archive web site. I remember researching through them when I purchased my 923, and my recollection is that the 900 series of vises weren't in the 1960 catalog but were listed in the 1972 and 1982 catalogs. So that doesn't pin it down too much - maybe some of the experts here will have a better idea.

 

[Columbo]

That's a real beauty! Looks in excellent condition and Starrett vises are known for being top-notch quality. I don't believe that they have date stamps. I have a similar looking smaller model 923 and never found a date stamp on it. There are a number of Starrett/Athol vise catalogs available in the Internet Archive web site. I remember researching through them when I purchased my 923, and my recollection is that the 900 series of vises weren't in the 1960 catalog but were listed in the 1972 and 1982 catalogs. So that doesn't pin it down too much - maybe some of the experts here will have a better idea.

Thank you! I bought it less than 25 miles from Athol, MA so it hadn’t travelled very far in life.

 

[Patrickm82]

Picked up a nice Prentiss Monarch 216 with the lion head today at the flea market. It ****’s its missing a jaw and the lock down handle but the tail is not cracked or beat up. All in all pretty happy got it for $45 bucks!