The VISES of Garage Journal

[CRSINMICH]

Shift: Here's a page from a 1912 Fulton Machine & Vise catalogue. Note that their Star brand was their "heaviest pattern, strongest vise..."

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[micahd1997]

Shift: Here's a page from a 1912 Fulton Machine & Vise catalogue. Note that their Star brand was their "heaviest pattern, strongest vise..."

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I’ve wondered why they chose not to make a 2”. I’ve seen a few 2 ½’s, but they’re fairly scarce

 

[neophyte]

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

To be fair, shop teachers used to sometimes teach **** like this, and also might not have explained, of even known, the differences between different types of cast iron.

 

[tortron]

Alright, this is one of the only threads to pop up about Phoenix Vices along with a few photos on some other sites (http://www.vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=42635)

Probably 1000 pages ago a Phoenix 5/0 was mentioned.
I picked one of these up a few years ago to restore as a small secondary vice, and got around to blasting the body for painting today.
I found a couple of interesting things to note
1. It is a Phœnix, using the Latin alphabet



2. On top of the small anvil is stamped BOKER and you can just barely make out the Tree logo





I'd have to bring it back up to confirm, but with the Phoenix Vices from NY advertisements their sizes didn't match up with the 5/0 on this small one.

There was some discussion about some of the Vices being stamped H.B and that possibly meaning Hayden & Barnes. But for my one at least it appears that it was Henry Boker, who was also operating out of NY at the time

 

[TheRealZeus]

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

 

[CRSINMICH]

tortron:
Herman Boker & Company produced a variety of items from guns to straight razors. One of the registered trade-marks they used was a tree. By 1897 they were also making rapid transit vises which, however, did not at all resemble the one you posted. It must be the same company though.

*The April 16, 1895 patent shown on the slide of the vise illustration was granted to Hans Schwarz, a citizen of Switzerland. It was for the rapid-transit mechanism.

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[four.cycle]

Herman Boker & Company produced a variety of items from guns to straight razors.

And everything in between! They were importers and manufacturers. Willing to sell any object - they didn't discriminate.

 

[tortron]

To add a little more, the main bolt that the vice swivels on, is stamped - Germany


I have had a few Boker tools before, mostly calipers

 

[CRSINMICH]

tortron: This is a page from a 1928 ARICO catalogue. The catalog is from Hungary* but the tool information seems to be in German. The vise pictured on page 69 may not be exactly the same as yours but it did come in 5/0 size and it does say "Phonix".

'parallelschraubstocke' is 'parallel vise', 'drehbar' means 'rotatable'
The 5/0 size weighed 6.5 kilos, about 14 lbs.

*Late edit: The catalog actually came from Bucharest, Romania​

 

[micahd1997]

Do any fellow members here have any Prentiss Vise Company catalogs?

 

[four.cycle]

Prentiss at International Tool Catalog Library

 

[dannyr]

Shift: Here's a page from a 1912 Fulton Machine & Vise catalogue. Note that their Star brand was their "heaviest pattern, strongest vise..."

​

"STAR" was also a UK brand - fairly standard design of bench vice/vise like Parkinson or Record c1930 - not common

 

[micahd1997]

Prentiss at International Tool Catalog Library

Much appreciated, Four.cycle! You've shared some incredible ones for Prentiss with me in the past (and many other brands). At the moment, I'm keeping an eye out for catalogs specifically published by Prentiss as opposed to mentions in larger catalogs. I've been trying for a couple years to find copies of each iteration that Prentiss produced, and I'm only missing a couple

 

[micahd1997]

I think most users and enthusiasts of Prentiss vises reasonably associate the company with the revolutionary feature that put them on the map - Mason Prentiss’ swivel jaw. However, like any company with hopes for long-term endurance MUST do…they diversified.

In 1886, Prentiss trademarked the words “Bull Dog” for use in the bench vise industry, and by 1891 they were advertising these solid-jaw, “Bull Dog” vises for purchase. While the earliest offerings were all stationary, Prentiss did eventually introduce a thru-bench, swivel base option in 1895 - 7 vises numbers 90 (3 ¼” jaws, 28 lbs) to 96 (6” jaws, 155lbs). As such, the swivel base, “Bull Dog” № 90 was the smallest that Prentiss ever made in this category. In 1902, Prentiss also added a massive, 7” jaw № 97 to this lineup, weighing 235 lbs. By 1911, the more popular, bench-top swivel base design had replaced the thru-bench option, and Prentiss redesigned the line accordingly.

All that to say - this № 90 is a clean representation of the smallest, thru-bench swivel base “Bull Dog” vise that Prentiss ever made. Given the support of multiple sources, it is between 115-135 years old.

 

[four.cycle]

Picked up this little cutie yesterday. Craftsman model 5246. I dug around and found it in a 1971-1972 catalog. Looks like it didn't have a long period of production.
Also looks like it was never used.

Craftsman 5246 3 inch clamp-on bench vise 04/19/26

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

What is this vise?

 

[Outlawmws]

What is this vise?

Rough? Very Rough?

 

[micahd1997]

What is this vise?

Hard to tell what size, but it’s a Columbian. I’d guess at 6”

 

[Patrickm82]

2nd that it looks Colombian.

 

[Shiftless]

Hard to tell what size, but it’s a Columbian. I’d guess at 6”

2nd that it looks Colombian.

Yep!
Based on the configuration of the jaw inserts and other clues, I concur.
Looks very beat but possibly still useable. Not a reasonable restoration project.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I like the columbian 506 bench vises. Well built and under appreciated on the used market. Thank would make a nice beater/outdoor vise if the price is reasonable.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I found an interesting vise stand today in a flower shop of all places. The wife and I were out hitting a few antique shops and she wanted to look at some girls stuff so I tagged along. They had at least three of these used in the stores sales displays but the other two were a bit too tall.

They were priced too high but I made an offer on one of them and we struck a deal. It started out life as a stand used in the textile industry. This one probably came out of Pendleton woolen mills. It does have a tag from Curtis & Marble Machine Co. in Worcester Ma. who made textile equipment since way back. I stuck a Yost 204 on it for now. Decent weight down low so stability is pretty good. Looks like a vise stand to me. Ed. On Edit: found a picture of the stand as originally configured for the textile industry.

 

[four.cycle]

nice table
Curtis & Marble history

 

[Fred Knox]

At an estate sale earlier this month, I picked up another Stephens' parallel vise in pretty good condition. This one is the nickel-plated version with a flat base and without the anvil pad. It has 2" smooth jaws, opens 1 ¾” (although the catalog says 2 1/4", the top slide block limits the opening to 1 ¾”), and weighs 2 lbs. 1 oz.. Total length is just over 5”.

 

[Monte]

fyi
current video of the Heuer vise production:

 

[royce]

I found an interesting vise stand today in a flower shop of all places. The wife and I were out hitting a few antique shops and she wanted to look at some girls stuff so I tagged along. They had at least three of these used in the stores sales displays but the other two were a bit too tall.

They were priced too high but I made an offer on one of them and we struck a deal. It started out life as a stand used in the textile industry. This one probably came out of Pendleton woolen mills. It does have a tag from Curtis & Marble Machine Co. in Worcester Ma. who made textile equipment since way back. I stuck a Yost 204 on it for now. Decent weight down low so stability is pretty good. Looks like a vise stand to me. Ed. On Edit: found a picture of the stand as originally configured for the textile industry.

Wonderful piece of early iron Ed, well done

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Wonderful piece of early iron Ed, well done

Thanks Royce. It does have a cool vintage vibe. Ed

 

[int3414]

just picked uo a wilton 4300 w/the large letters 5-1/2 ,and made in usa...i didnt see any 4300,s anywhere...did i do good for 50 bucks

 

[micahd1997]

I was beyond thrilled to receive this incredible piece of history from a good friend yesterday…

This is a billhead issued on Friday February 15, 1895 by the Prentiss Vise Company of NYC, NY to the Hendrick Manufacturing Company of Carbondale, PA for the purchase of 5, № 21 Prentiss Patent Vises. We know from multiple newspaper sources that only 6 days earlier on Saturday February 9, a fire devastated the Trinity Building at 44 Barclay St where the Prentiss Vise Company occupied one of the floors. Apparently, the sales department didn’t let this setback prevent them from continuing to fulfill orders and keep up with the demand.

Truly one of the neatest pieces of paper history that I own by the Prentiss Vise Company

 

[INSP380]

Been a bit busy this morning cleaning up this Wilton 303 Powrarm… Pretty clean original condition. Had a coat of blue paint on it that came off pretty easily. Hydraulics work nice now, had to free up the screw & chase the threads and run a tap thru the bushing insert. Smooth as butter now. A nice light coat of machine gray is up next.

Steve

 

[lwgana]

Picked up this Prentiss Bulldog 3” jaws 512/522 vise today for 50 bucks. It just needs a a good cleaning. Probably will just wire wheel it down and linseed oil it. Don’t plan to keep it. Only so much shelf space.

No crqcks or welds and the jaws are great!

 

[Beerhippie]

Picked up this Prentiss Bulldog 3” jaws 512/522 vise today for 50 bucks. It just needs a a good cleaning. Probably will just wire wheel it down and linseed oil it. Don’t plan to keep it. Only so much shelf space.

No crqcks or welds and the jaws are great!

Sure it's genuine Prentiss?

 

[PeterPeter]

Recently saw this Lewis/Prentiss 8; 3 1/2” jaws, 38# Largely unmarked, other than the end of the dynamic. In general very good, complete condition ( It had its jaw lock pin) operated smoothly. The owner wanted to sell. Having just bought another vise, I was out of cash. But honestly, I was also at a loss as what to offer. I’ve never seen one for sale. What do you guys think? If it was fully marked, I could see this being a $150 vise, but unmarked, maybe $75. Not really sure how desirable a light, open screw vise, is.
thx, Peter etc.

 

[Outlawmws]

What do you guys think?

I think you are in the ball park. there.

 

[1320]

Anybody recognize this vise?

No identification on it anywhere I can tell. It seems reasonably well made. Jaws are 6-3/8" wide. The mounting holes are a 6-1/2" x 10-1/2" rectangle.

 

[Beerhippie]

Trade school?

 

[PeterPeter]

Take a gander at this beefy hunk of iron. It’s deep in the woods so not wanting to make the trip… anyone care to take a guess as to who made it? I have nothing to go on besides this pic.
Peter, ditto

 

[PghJKB]

Take a gander at this beefy hunk of iron. It’s deep in the woods so not wanting to make the trip… anyone care to take a guess as to who made it? I have nothing to go on besides this pic.
Peter, ditto

Kinda, sorta looks like a Dropfo

I would probably get the dog and do the trip

JKB

 

[Beerhippie]

Take a gander at this beefy hunk of iron. It’s deep in the woods so not wanting to make the trip… anyone care to take a guess as to who made it? I have nothing to go on besides this pic.
Peter, ditto

Depending on what they want for it, I'd be saddling up the pony for a ride.

 

[micahd1997]

Take a gander at this beefy hunk of iron. It’s deep in the woods so not wanting to make the trip… anyone care to take a guess as to who made it? I have nothing to go on besides this pic.
Peter, ditto

100% a Dropfo. That one looks to be in great condition. Here’s a write up I did a while back on one I used to own:

Very little is known about The Fulton Drop Forge Co. Let’s talk about what we DO know.

Per the October 1st, 1913 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal, the Fulton Drop Forge Co. was incorporated in Akron Ohio in 1913. The ABJ reports the initial capital invested as $10k. However, on the same day the Cincinnati Enquirer reports an initial capital of…$100k. Zeros matter, folks. According to the 1922 Ohio Industrial Directory, the company was generically categorized as being in the business of “Forgings (all kinds), Upsetting, Pipe-Bending, Forming, Wrenches, etc. (Mfgrs)”. However, their “Dropfo” vise is the only product of which examples and advertisements have survived to the present day. The only other present indication of non-vise products manufactured by the business comes from the 1915 issue of the Iron Age, Volume 95, referencing a military contract with The Fulton Drop Forge Co. to produce drop-forged commissary wagon hubs for the WW1 war effort. Also of note, the Akron Evening Times reported on Dec 6, 1915 that the business would be adding 4 new hammers and 2 new boilers to its shop, followed by the news that a “Mrs. Ortin Mathie suffered the loss of two fingers in a steel cutting-sheer” while at the plant and that “Dr. H. Dissinger dressed the injury”. The last known reference of the company is in a 1927 issue of The Chillicothe Gazette, reporting that the shop sadly burned to the ground.