Huge Vintage Wilton Torpedo Vise

[sprtsmn500]

Good afternoon. New to the group. I just got a huge Wilton Torpedo Vise. I believe made in Illinois. Comes with base and swivel ring. Haven’t actually weighed it but I bet over a hundred pounds. Any help from any of you on market value be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

 

[Shiftless]

Looks like you got a C2 or C3 model. How wide are the jaws?

 

[sprtsmn500]

Haven’t measured 6 or 8 inches

 

[gleman]

I'll give you 20 bucks but you have to deliver!

 

[danski0224]

I'll give you 20 bucks but you have to deliver!

I'll pick it up for free...

 

[autobon7]

Excellent find

 

[gatewaysysop]

Good afternoon. New to the group. I just got a huge Wilton Torpedo Vise. I believe made in Illinois. Comes with base and swivel ring. Haven’t actually weighed it but I bet over a hundred pounds. Any help from any of you on market value be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

Haven’t measured 6 or 8 inches

GJ isn't an appraisal service.

Even if it was, not knowing what you're trying to sell or in what market you're trying to sell it, would make it difficult to give an answer, don't ya think?

 

[Shiftless]

Haven’t measured 6 or 8 inches

If it’s a C3 the Jaws are 6 inches wide. If it’s a C2 the jaws are 5 inches wide. If it’s anywhere close to 100 pounds like you say it isn’t a c1 with 4 1/2 inch wide jaws.

You have a combination vise. Wilton didn’t make any combo vises with 8 inch wide jaws. There are machinist vises (with no pipe jaws) that have 8 inch wide jaws.

 

[danski0224]

Haven’t measured 6 or 8 inches

For some, 6 is 8...

 

[Ultradog MN]

I bought a C3 at an auction 2 years ago.
It had been used very lightly.
Paid $900 plus a 200 mile round trip for it.
Bought a used set of soft jaws for it at another auction a couple of weeks ago.
Paid $65 for those.

 

[GTO]

That's either a safety stripe paint job or it was painted to match Charlie Brown's shirt...
Good luck with it, nice find.
...and Welcome to the Forum.

 

[sprtsmn500]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I have confirmed it weighs 150 lbs or more and it has 8 inch jaws. Where would be the best place to advertise it to sell? I know shipping is issue. I live near Syracuse NY. Thanks

 

[Beerhippie]

That's either a safety stripe paint job or it was painted to match Charlie Brown's shirt...

I wonder if that was mounted to the rear bumper of a work truck and hence painted to warn other drivers.

Wiltons were popular for this due to the completely enclosed screw--or so I've read. One of the local electricians still has one mounted to the bumper--but about half that size. I offered to trade him my freshly restored and painted Columbian D4 for the rusty, crusty old Wilton, as it made his business look shabby. He declined--and not gracefully. Some folks is just plain hard to please.

 

[sprtsmn500]

Thanks for your input. What is this videod worth? I have no clue.

 

[sprtsmn500]

Sorry meant vise. Darn spell check lol

 

[ecotec]

I wonder if that was mounted to the rear bumper of a work truck and hence painted to warn other drivers.

Wiltons were popular for this due to the completely enclosed screw--or so I've read. One of the local electricians still has one mounted to the bumper--but about half that size. I offered to trade him my freshly restored and painted Columbian D4 for the rusty, crusty old Wilton, as it made his business look shabby. He declined--and not gracefully. Some folks is just plain hard to please.

I would have declined much less gracefully.

 

[Beerhippie]

I would have declined much less gracefully.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

 

[ecotec]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

I get it… but you are trying to make him out to be the bad guy because he didn’t let you screw him over.

Wilton bullet vises are amongst the most desirable vises. Columbian vises were homeowner grade vises that you could buy at Sears. I gave my USA Columbian away.

 

[Beerhippie]

I get it… but you are trying to make him out to be the bad guy because he didn’t let you screw him over.

Wilton bullet vises are amongst the most desirable vises. Columbian vises were homeowner grade vises that you could buy at Sears. I gave my USA Columbian away.

I'm quite aware of that. They guy is a good buddy and he actually understood that I was joking.

I never expected anyone to make that trade.

 

[exmaxima1]

The notches in the rear of the jaws indicate it is a C-3 or C-4. The weight of an early C-3 is around 150lbs, so that is my guess

 

[1982fxr]

I get it… but you are trying to make him out to be the bad guy because he didn’t let you screw him over.

Wilton bullet vises are amongst the most desirable vises. Columbian vises were homeowner grade vises that you could buy at Sears. I gave my USA Columbian away.

You mean some Columbian vises were homeowner grade. Including the one he tried to trade.

 

[RTM]

I'm quite aware of that. They guy is a good buddy and he actually understood that I was joking.

I never expected anyone to make that trade.

I usually offer my made in China rotating wonder vise in exchange, just to make sure they know I'm kidding.

 

[Beerhippie]

I usually offer my made in China rotating wonder vise in exchange, just to make sure they know I'm kidding.

Reckoned the Columbian was in the same category. My Chinesium rotating vise is one of the most used tools in the shop--that I don't part with--or even joke about.

 

[Bobioz1]

It’s a C3 With 6” jaws. There is no C4.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Thanks for your input. What is this videod worth? I have no clue.

Are you going to restore it or just leave it? Massive price difference.

Just list it on FBM.

Remember that vise is still in production.

https://wiltontools.com/combination-pipe-and-bench-6-jaw-round-channel-vise-with-swivel-base

 

[sprtsmn500]

Good am. Just going to clean up and sell. What would be price range? I have the swivel base. The jaws are 8 inches

 

[dr_clyde]

This forum does not exist for facebook flippers to simply check their pricing. Do your homework on eBay or look at new listings and do your own work.

This is forum of enthusiasts and people who collect, restore, use and are passionate about tools. Showing up with no posts and simply demanding that we price your vise that you clearly just want to flip without contributing to our community in any other way is rude.

 

[3baygarage]

That's when you list it at auction starting at 99 cents and see what it brings.

I don't understand why people get bent out of shape when someone comes along asking about a value. New member or not.

Likewise, it's funny that people buy things to resell when they seemingly don't have any idea of value. I know, none of us want to miss out on a few extra bucks.

Either way, this is a discussion forum where everyone comes to discuss. Who really cares.

Stick around and contribute. Post some pictures. Learn about other topics.

Chances are you post some after pictures here and people will be knocking at your inbox trying to buy.

 

[dr_clyde]

That's when you list it at auction starting at 99 cents and see what it brings.

I don't understand why people get bent out of shape when someone comes along asking about a value. New member or not.

Likewise, it's funny that people buy things to resell when they seemingly don't have any idea of value. I know, none of us want to miss out on a few extra bucks.

Either way, this is a discussion forum where everyone comes to discuss. Who really cares.

Stick around and contribute. Post some pictures. Learn about other topics.

Chances are you post some after pictures here and people will be knocking at your inbox trying to buy.

I have zero issue with active members discussing values of for sale items. It's the "drive by questioning" part of it from a brand new member that is irritating.

When you take away the community aspect of a forum you lose what makes forums unique compared to something like Reddit.

I understand buying a thing and wanting to know more about it. But just joining to simply ask "how much is my thing worth so I can sell it" and then ghosting the forum is just not a fun thing to participate in. At least not for me.

It cheapens the experience for everyone who is active here, because the posts will drift over time from cool content that we all like to read from known posters to just random strangers treating us like Google.

Ultimately, you're right. Who cares? It's a free forum, no one is hurt by posts like these and it really doesn't matter.

I will say, I've been on this forum since 2009, and I much prefer to see content from people who actually like the content discussed here instead of strangers just using us for their own gain and then leaving, contributing nothing. That's just my opinion.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Without much to go on sprtsmn500 I'm just guessing, but I would think you have something similar to the attached screen shot, an 880m maybe. Not in the same league as a bullet vise but I see them once in a while. Used prices, in good shape, are around a third to half their new price. Less if abused. An original 6" C3 combo vise would be worth considerably more. Ed.

 

[danski0224]

What would be price range?

I have 20 bucks in my pocket.

Plus some change in the cup holder.

Good?

I'll even pick it up.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I have confirmed it weighs 150 lbs or more and it has 8 inch jaws. Where would be the best place to advertise it to sell? I know shipping is issue. I live near Syracuse NY. Thanks

Looking in your area on FBM there are lots of vises listed restored and not restored all listed for under $500. Its worth mentioning that everything has been listed for a good amount of time and dosen't appear to be selling. Judging by whats available currently in your area i would put the value at $350 and expect to have it listed for months. If you want it to move quickly price it around $150 or less.

Remember when your buying old tools to flip the vast majority of people dont care about tool collecting. The majority of People who are actively looking for a vise on FBM are looking for cheap used thats not a project, your vise is a project.

 

[JradM]

Prices for a vise like that are highly variable. Aren't new C3s like $2500? That's wild - I would never consider it.

On the other hand, there are plenty of threads on this site where people get vises for peanuts. I myself bought a C1 three or four years ago for $80 Canadian. That's not what I think it's really "worth", but I suspect it's an inevitable consequence of it being a less competitive secondhand market. "Deals" come along in any category, you might find a car for a few thousand less than it should be, but there are lots of car shoppers and those deals disappear quick.

My C1 might even be worth a few hundred to the right buyer who is shopping for a C1 but who isn't getting it on a company credit card - but if I was trying it sell it that way it could take years before the right person comes along. That's basically the opposite of my car example, where selling for too much doesn't make it impossible, but the time it takes is extreme.

Based on what I've seen, I would try it at a few hundred bucks first. It's the sort of somewhat rare and extremely heavy duty tool that I myself might pay $300-$400 for if I saw it locally - even though I don't particularly need it. Go higher if you want, but don't expect it to move fast.

It also wouldn't surprise me if next week there's a thread where someone is proudly posting about a C3 for $150.

 

[paulsomlo]

I have zero issue with active members discussing values of for sale items. It's the "drive by questioning" part of it from a brand new member that is irritating.

When you take away the community aspect of a forum you lose what makes forums unique compared to something like Reddit.

I understand buying a thing and wanting to know more about it. But just joining to simply ask "how much is my thing worth so I can sell it" and then ghosting the forum is just not a fun thing to participate in. At least not for me.

It cheapens the experience for everyone who is active here, because the posts will drift over time from cool content that we all like to read from known posters to just random strangers treating us like Google.

Ultimately, you're right. Who cares? It's a free forum, no one is hurt by posts like these and it really doesn't matter.

I will say, I've been on this forum since 2009, and I much prefer to see content from people who actually like the content discussed here instead of strangers just using us for their own gain and then leaving, contributing nothing. That's just my opinion.

I 2nd that emotion.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I have zero issue with active members discussing values of for sale items. It's the "drive by questioning" part of it from a brand new member that is irritating.

When you take away the community aspect of a forum you lose what makes forums unique compared to something like Reddit.

I understand buying a thing and wanting to know more about it. But just joining to simply ask "how much is my thing worth so I can sell it" and then ghosting the forum is just not a fun thing to participate in. At least not for me.

It cheapens the experience for everyone who is active here, because the posts will drift over time from cool content that we all like to read from known posters to just random strangers treating us like Google.

Ultimately, you're right. Who cares? It's a free forum, no one is hurt by posts like these and it really doesn't matter.

I will say, I've been on this forum since 2009, and I much prefer to see content from people who actually like the content discussed here instead of strangers just using us for their own gain and then leaving, contributing nothing. That's just my opinion.

On the other hand, I would hate to see this place become like OWWM dot org which so rigidly enforces the NO "what's it worth" rule. Let's say a guy wants to offer his grandpa a fair price for his old South Bend lathe. There the post is wiped and the poster admonished almost before anyone can read it.
We as individuals can choose to read and/or reply to any thread we wish - and ignore those that don't meet our personal standards. There are people who buy/sell/collect all sorts of tools and machines here. Yes you can go to ebay and use their lame *** search function but it's nice to have a real world or second opinion sometimes.
I say it's All things in moderation - Including moderation.

 

[Shiftless]

Good am. Just going to clean up and sell. What would be price range? I have the swivel base. The jaws are 8 inches

Perhaps it’s not logical but vises are commonly referred to by the WIDTH of their jaws. I’m sure that your C3 has 6 inch wide jaws. Each jaw is 6 inches wide. Maybe when open all the way that vise has a capacity to clamp something 8 inches across.

 

[General Geoff]

Where would be the best place to advertise it to sell? I know shipping is issue. I live near Syracuse NY. Thanks

Post it up in the classifieds section here on this forum, as long as you price it reasonably you'll find a buyer who is either nearby or is willing to drive the distance to pick it up.

"Reasonable" meaning, less than four figures and negotiable if there is any significant damage to the castings.

That bent handle means this particular example has led a hard life.

 

[Cruzan80]

On the other hand, I would hate to see this place become like OWWM dot org which so rigidly enforces the NO "what's it worth" rule. Let's say a guy wants to offer his grandpa a fair price for his old South Bend lathe. There the post is wiped and the poster admonished almost before anyone can read it.
We as individuals can choose to read and/or reply to any thread we wish - and ignore those that don't meet our personal standards. There are people who buy/sell/collect all sorts of tools and machines here. Yes you can go to ebay and use their lame *** search function but it's nice to have a real world or second opinion sometimes.
I say it's All things in moderation - Including moderation.

I have not seen that happen @ OWWM. I have seen mods and other users caution about appraisals, but not the thread wiped. Users there are free to share what they paid for items, but not appraise on what something may be worth FS. Usually those prices (of "bought" machines) are shared more with people like in your example, who are trying to work with family, or on more unique items vs drive-by appraisals of fairly common things (I can put in "Wilton Vise" into my FBMP and probably find close to 50 listings of various sizes).

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have zero issue with active members discussing values of for sale items. It's the "drive by questioning" part of it from a brand new member that is irritating.

When you take away the community aspect of a forum you lose what makes forums unique compared to something like Reddit.

I understand buying a thing and wanting to know more about it. But just joining to simply ask "how much is my thing worth so I can sell it" and then ghosting the forum is just not a fun thing to participate in. At least not for me.

It cheapens the experience for everyone who is active here, because the posts will drift over time from cool content that we all like to read from known posters to just random strangers treating us like Google.

Ultimately, you're right. Who cares? It's a free forum, no one is hurt by posts like these and it really doesn't matter.

I will say, I've been on this forum since 2009, and I much prefer to see content from people who actually like the content discussed here instead of strangers just using us for their own gain and then leaving, contributing nothing. That's just my opinion.

Well said, dr_clyde,

I especially like the sentence about "it cheapens the experience". Several other of my hobbies/disciplines have moved from forums over to Reddit and FB. What a joke. Search function is sub par, reading continuity was not even an afterthought, and dumb (and stupid) people seem prevalent there. I like my friends on GJ....so many great dudes on here. -Cheers, Dave