The VISES of Garage Journal

[Shiftless]

Grabbed this power arm yesterday from market place. The guy said he’s had it for 40years and never used it. It has a ****** paint job on it not sure if original.

Without actually seeing that piece up close, my first guess is that you are looking at original factory paint.

 

[PghJKB]

Without actually seeing that piece up close, my first guess is that you are looking at original factory paint.

Agreed

 

[Patrickm82]

Without actually seeing that piece up close, my first guess is that you are looking at original factory paint.

Agreed

Here’s a close up

 

[Outlawmws]

Without actually seeing that piece up close, my first guess is that you are looking at original factory paint.

Agreed

Here’s a close up

Could be either - I have 4 of the Baby power arms, and none have paint; but ya know, Monday's and apprentices...

 

[Itinerant]

Finished cleaning up my Athol 614 1/2 and reassembled it. Made a simple tool from a rake handle, notching one end so I could compress the spring and washers that hold the screw inside the dynamic jaw and insert a cotter pin.

 

[PeterPeter]

Captured a unicorn yesterday. First sighted this shy Williamson triple swivel, 3 3/4” jaws, 80#, in December. But the PO responded once, then nothing. The ad sat for three months, and I politely pinged the seller several times, until the post was taken down.


Then, this week, a new post with these three pics:


A quick four hour trip, and here we are.




Check out the funky, solid base with no name cast into it. Very different from all the others. The jaw size is significantly different as well, being 3 3/4”, as all others are whole numbered, or in 1/2“ increments. The only other vise listed that is similar is much smaller (2 3/4”) and is unmarked.



Perhaps this style is from the end of Williamson production?

Peter, Peter, Peter (triple is better)

 

[TheRealZeus]

Stumbled on this.. Sorry I do not have it off fb..

116K views · 1.7K reactions | Precision mechanics 1941 | Riga Master Workshop

Precision mechanics 1941

www.facebook.com

 

[fishwatcher]

Apologies for double posting on this here and in a separate Torco thread. I figure this main vise thread will get more looks.

I picked up an old Torco made by Wilton for $40.

After a quick cleaning of the main screw and some Fluid Film… it screws in nicely. The action on opening though is a little rough. I think these are wood screws holding the collar of the screw in place, not the originals.

What do the original screws or collar holding pieces look like? I’ve seen pictures of Torcos with screws and others with something that looks more like a rivet.

My plan is to replace the screws with 10-32 x 5/8” machined set screws that will fit into the 3/16” wide collar slot. I’m hoping they will be smoother than the wood screws.

Besides missing a swivel base and fixing these screws the rest of the vise looks like it’ll clean up well.

 

[Beerhippie]

Those are truss-head sheet metal screws with the tips chopped off.

I'd use dowel-point set screws so the threads don't drag on the collar.

 

[fishwatcher]

Those are truss-head sheet metal screws with the tips chopped off.

I'd use dowel-point set screws so the threads don't drag on the collar.

Thank you! That’s the key word that helped me get closer to the ideal screw. I’m also seeing full and half “dog point” set screws. Most come in bigger qtys and cost at least $20 in a pack. I only need two. Hopefully I can find just a few to use at a local hardware store.

 

[colmal]

Thank you! That’s the key word that helped me get closer to the ideal screw. I’m also seeing full and half “dog point” set screws. Most come in bigger qtys and cost at least $20 in a pack. I only need two. Hopefully I can find just a few to use at a local hardware store.

I learnt something as well, and now looking to get some for a couple of Table vices, and a Thankyou to you and @Beerhippie

Even better you can get some with brass dog heads

 

[Beerhippie]

Dog point isn't a phrase I've heard before, but I'm glad I headed you in the right direction!

 

[colmal]

Dog point isn't a phrase I've heard before, but I'm glad I headed you in the right direction!

Found and bought some steel and a packet of Nylon head just to see if I can get a smoother operation/stop binding on a couple of vices,

 

[ffast65]

here is an ODD/unmarked 7" Jaw vise i picked up - No numbers / no names - anyone recognize it?

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

here is an ODD/unmarked 7" Jaw vise i picked up - No numbers / no names - anyone recognize it?

Looks like identifying information was ground off, for some reason.

 

[Beerhippie]

Looks like identifying information was ground off, for some reason.
...

Probably used in a murder.

 

[RTM]

Probably used in a murder.

That’s a different vise squad that worries about that.


Decision decisions on which way to spell vise.

 

[TheRealZeus]

AM & F Co.

*maybe… shooting from the hip.

 

[fishwatcher]

Dog point isn't a phrase I've heard before, but I'm glad I headed you in the right direction!

@Beerhippie thank you. I had set screws ready to go, so I smoothed out the ends of the screws with a drill chuck and file. It works nice. In the future, getting a dowel head or dog point if I can find them would be excellent. Glad this helped @colmal too!

Found and bought some steel and a packet of Nylon head just to see if I can get a smoother operation/stop binding on a couple of vices,

@colma. Very cool! Please share how they turn out and also where you bought them from. Most vendors I saw, only sold them in packs costing $20 or more with shipping.

After tapping the holes in my Torco, I tried various new and vintage screws with hex, Philips, and slotted heads on them. They all looked ugly to me. The set screws I bought and filed the ends of, disappeared into the body of the vise and looks much nicer

 

[colmal]

@Beerhippie thank you. I had set screws ready to go, so I smoothed out the ends of the screws with a drill chuck and file. It works nice. In the future, getting a dowel head or dog point if I can find them would be excellent. Glad this helped @colmal too!

@colma. Very cool! Please share how they turn out and also where you bought them from. Most vendors I saw, only sold them in packs costing $20 or more with shipping.

After tapping the holes in my Torco, I tried various new and vintage screws with hex, Philips, and slotted heads on them. They all looked ugly to me. The set screws I bought and filed the ends of, disappeared into the body of the vise and looks much nicer

I'm in OZ, so probably no help to you, cost me $10 posted- ($7US)

Goodell-Pratt, Dawn, and a couple of English vices I have use the same threads, and yes looks neater and hopefully gives a better operation, I don't mind an upgrade if it's better.

 

[cor312]

L.S. Starrett Athol Vise 323½ — Help Identifying Exact Year & Value

Hey all, just joined the forum. Been doing a lot of digging on this vise I picked up and keep hitting dead ends on the exact age so figured this is the right place to ask.
Here’s what I’ve got:
Model 323½ — cast right into the body, clear as day. Weighs exactly 45 lbs, jaws are 3.5” wide and open to about 7”. Stamped “L.S. Starrett Co / Athol Vise / Athol Mass USA”. Swivel base with the lock pin still there. Everything inside looks original and complete. Still has the original green paint under all the patina.
I took photos of everything — the marking, the model number, both sides, the base, the interior, and measurements.
Been trying to nail down the production year for a while now. I know the “Athol Mass USA” marking helps narrow it down but I can’t get more specific than a general era. Nobody I’ve asked has been able to give me a definitive answer.
Three things I’m hoping someone here can help with:
• Exact year or tighter date range
• Fair market value in this condition
• Whether the swivel lock mechanism is original to this model
Any help appreciated, thanks

 

[twagler]

L.S. Starrett Athol Vise 323½ — Help Identifying Exact Year & Value

Hey all, just joined the forum. Been doing a lot of digging on this vise I picked up and keep hitting dead ends on the exact age so figured this is the right place to ask.
Here’s what I’ve got:
Model 323½ — cast right into the body, clear as day. Weighs exactly 45 lbs, jaws are 3.5” wide and open to about 7”. Stamped “L.S. Starrett Co / Athol Vise / Athol Mass USA”. Swivel base with the lock pin still there. Everything inside looks original and complete. Still has the original green paint under all the patina.
I took photos of everything — the marking, the model number, both sides, the base, the interior, and measurements.
Been trying to nail down the production year for a while now. I know the “Athol Mass USA” marking helps narrow it down but I can’t get more specific than a general era. Nobody I’ve asked has been able to give me a definitive answer.
Three things I’m hoping someone here can help with:
• Exact year or tighter date range
• Fair market value in this condition
• Whether the swivel lock mechanism is original to this model
Any help appreciated, thanks

Very nice vise! These Starrett's are considered top of the line and were expensive when originally sold. Check out this post from 2018 link - Post #66,148 which shows a price list dated as being from 1975 (900 series instead of your 300 series, but you can get the general idea).

This type of Starrett vise is believed to have been produced though the 1970s and into the early 1980s. There is a full 1982 catalog available at link - Vintage Machinery. Here is a couple of catalog page covering your 323-1/2 and general info about Starrett vises.

 

[harris.jasonm]

L.S. Starrett Athol Vise 323½ — Help Identifying Exact Year & Value

Hey all, just joined the forum. Been doing a lot of digging on this vise I picked up and keep hitting dead ends on the exact age so figured this is the right place to ask.
Here’s what I’ve got:
Model 323½ — cast right into the body, clear as day. Weighs exactly 45 lbs, jaws are 3.5” wide and open to about 7”. Stamped “L.S. Starrett Co / Athol Vise / Athol Mass USA”. Swivel base with the lock pin still there. Everything inside looks original and complete. Still has the original green paint under all the patina.
I took photos of everything — the marking, the model number, both sides, the base, the interior, and measurements.
Been trying to nail down the production year for a while now. I know the “Athol Mass USA” marking helps narrow it down but I can’t get more specific than a general era. Nobody I’ve asked has been able to give me a definitive answer.
Three things I’m hoping someone here can help with:
• Exact year or tighter date range
• Fair market value in this condition
• Whether the swivel lock mechanism is original to this model
Any help appreciated, thanks

Starrett is still considered to be a higher end brand. I use the spring loaded center punches they make.

 

[colmal]

So, who's the Stewart Handy Worker Vice guru around here ?

Very nice condition, mostly complete, maybe a champion or missing the tag, can't make out if there are tag holes.

Any thoughts appreciated, I have the price and postage sorted, Good seller I've bought maybe 20 items from him and he puts up with my idiosyncratic needs, it's not cheap thou, just making sure I'm fine with things, have a few hours to confirm,

had a look on here earlier, mainly posts from 2012 ish, LOL they seem to believe they are a dime a dozen and worth $100 or so, I'm not taking much notice of that, but again any help appreciated.

 

[Outlawmws]

had a look on here earlier, mainly posts from 2012 ish, LOL they seem to believe they are a dime a dozen and worth $100 or so, I'm not taking much notice of that, but again any help appreciated.

If you are trying to sort pricing; those have changed dramatically over the last decade or so. Hard to even keep up with "commons"

 

[colmal]

If you are trying to sort pricing; those have changed dramatically over the last decade or so. Hard to even keep up with "commons"

Not worried over pricing, have that sorted,just don't know much about them, not having a tag /maybe a different maker, know there is a couple of missing items, but having the main items, unbroken handle, very good condition is a big plus-just curious if anyone knows more about them than me,has any thoughts is all.

 

[CRSINMICH]

colmal: I just checked Ebay and there are two Handy Workers listed. One is for US $379 and one for US $500.

​

 

[CRSINMICH]

colmal: I missed the reference to Champion in your original post. Here's a page from a 1922 Champion Blower and Forge catalogue for comparison.

​

 

[neophyte]

Very nice vise! These Starrett's are considered top of the line and were expensive when originally sold. Check out this post from 2018 link - Post #66,148 which shows a price list dated as being from 1975 (900 series instead of your 300 series, but you can get the general idea).

This type of Starrett vise is believed to have been produced though the 1970s and into the early 1980s. There is a full 1982 catalog available at link - Vintage Machinery. Here is a couple of catalog page covering your 323-1/2 and general info about Starrett vises.

Starrett Athol vises were still available for sale new thru major industrial retailers thru, or at least into the 1990s.

 

[colmal]

colmal: I just checked Ebay and there are two Handy Workers listed. One is for US $379 and one for US $500.

​

Thankyou, @CRSINMICH ,

looking at those adds It's a Stewart missing the tag, assuming it had a tag of course,

The OZ ones were made by

It's in surprisingly good and near complete condition for it's age


There is one listed in similar condition but missing the handle,is on Ebay here, remember seeing it over a year ago, the fact it is pickup only, in the middle of nowhere, literally the middle of Australia, well off the beaten track, would be a big reason, slightly different tag

 

[four.cycle]

Stewart Handy Worker Vise
Chicago / Chicago Flexible Shaft Co., 105 No. LaSalle St., LaSalle Ave. & Ontario St., Chicago, IL / est. 1893 became Sunbeam 1946 / "Stewart Handy Worker" vise / http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=4811 /
pretty sure I've posted these somewhere here, but here you go:

 

[colmal]

Stewart Handy Worker Vise
Chicago / Chicago Flexible Shaft Co., 105 No. LaSalle St., LaSalle Ave. & Ontario St., Chicago, IL / est. 1893 became Sunbeam 1946 / "Stewart Handy Worker" vise / http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=4811 /
pretty sure I've posted these somewhere here, but here you go:

Thankyou, just wanted to take a little time with this as it's double what any other vise has ever cost me.,not worried about the price, but knowing this thread - 'it's been split in 2 and glued together' or some such.

 

[Outlawmws]

colmal: I missed the reference to Champion in your original post. Here's a page from a 1922 Champion Blower and Forge catalogue for comparison.

​

Based on the two ads, and the 180 deg difference on jaw crank, colmal's is the Stewart, and only missing the extended jaw, a drill bit, the wrench, and that guide stop thingy. IMO a stupendous find.

 

[CRSINMICH]

colmal: A bit more information about Stewart Handy Workers and Cooper Engineering Co. Ltd.

1918

​

 

[colmal]

Gawd your good @CRSINMICH , the above was the final straw, messaged telling him it was sold

And looking at the above ad, I see I can mend harnesses with it, I'll have to get a camel and make my own now.

 

[Shiftless]

Here is a never before seen Fulton model #11 vise.
A new member (tedjam) sent me a PM asking about it and asked me to post pics of it on this thread.
Sadly, the tail end of the slide has obviously seen an almost mortal injury.

I‘ll ask him for jaw width etc. and edit this post when I get the info.

edit: Current owner says 4 1/2 inch wide jaws and weight of 45-50 pounds

 

[Beerhippie]

"You don't need a damned anvil! Just use the tail of the vise."

 

[four.cycle]

brutal

 

[Outlawmws]

brutal

But true!

 

[micahd1997]

Here is a never before seen Fulton model #11 vise.
A new member (tedjam) sent me a PM asking about it and asked me to post pics of it on this thread.
Sadly, the tail end of the slide has obviously seen an almost mortal injury.

I‘ll ask him for jaw width etc. and edit this post when I get the info.

edit: Current owner says 4 1/2 inch wide jaws and weight of 45-50 pounds

I love seeing Fulton’s pop up. They’ve got a great shape to them and are usually in pretty decent shape (though obviously not in this case)…

Here’s a link to a 1915 catalog I uploaded to IA last year. Pretty incredible to read through (especially the first few pages). Also, a short write up I made at the time, drawing out a few interesting notes:

Edwin Fulton incorporated the Fulton Machine & Vise Company in 1905 in Lowville, NY (only 25 miles from Watertown where Prentiss’ vises were produced). We know from a 1924 publication of the Oswego Daily Times that “Mr Fulton…was for many years with the Prentiss Vise Company…and was six years with the Bagley & Sewall company of Watertown”. It remains uncertain why Fulton left the employ of Prentiss and whether his exit was under good terms or not. However, given how near to Watertown he established his headquarters and the close imitation of several of his vise lines to Prentiss’, we can certainly assume fierce competition between the two. With that in mind, these Fulton catalogs reveal a very interesting debate - one that Fulton held a very dissenting opinion on towards Prentiss. Beginning in 1910, Prentiss rolled out detachable jaw faces on a number of its vises (a feature ultimately patented in 1911). It seems that Fulton vehemently disagreed with Prentiss as to the strength and integrity of this feature as opposed to the traditional cast-in jaw style. Even so, it appears that by roughly 1920, the detachable jaw had gained such popularity that, despite documented reluctance to do so, Fulton had begun offering debatable jaws to his customers as well.

Fulton Machine & Vise Co Catalog (1915 : Fulton Machine & Vise Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

These scans were obtained and publicized by Micah Darwin, courtesy of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, Trade Literature Collection. These scans are in...

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