To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Everything you need to know about bench vises...

Even 11

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Messages
1,322
Location
Colorado
So anyone know the dates that Wilton moved and/or changed the casting from Chicago to Schiller park?

-Dane
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

brimorga

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2009
Messages
256
Location
Bay Area, Ca
Question about the old Wilton's. I have a bullet and it only swivels <180 degrees before it hits the stop. I see some of the newer Wilton's swivel 360 degrees. Do you know when this change was made?

I was slightly disappointed when I mounted my vise and could not get it to hang over 2 corners and could not swivel it completely over the bench to move it out of the way.
 

autopts

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Messages
2,268
So anyone know the dates that Wilton moved and/or changed the casting from Chicago to Schiller park?

-Dane

Question about the old Wilton's. I have a bullet and it only swivels <180 degrees before it hits the stop. I see some of the newer Wilton's swivel 360 degrees. Do you know when this change was made?

I was slightly disappointed when I mounted my vise and could not get it to hang over 2 corners and could not swivel it completely over the bench to move it out of the way.

Wilton went from 941 W Wrightwood Chicago Il. to Schiller Pk. over a period of late 1956 thru 1957. Wilton has had a 360 swivel for over 50 years. 1957 and older was a the one piece split base. Personally, I like the older bases, they were just one piece and didn't require a base ring that cracks frequently.
 

js73751

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2005
Messages
64
Location
New York
Just wanted to say thanks for all the info posted here. I just picked up a new in the box Wilton 450-S with brass jaws for for 50% of the lowest price I could find on line to replace my old Columbia.




1145537789_yH3Gg-S.jpg
 
Last edited:

treasure37

New member
Joined
Jan 2, 2011
Messages
1
Location
King George Va
I am new to the site and appreciate the wealth of knowledge here. I just picked up a big Yost vise but can't seem to find much info about it. Any info you have would be appreciated. The only number I find on it is a 5 which appears on a plate on both pieces on the left side. Was there a model 5 Yost vise? I have not had a chance to clean it up but am looking forward to getting her in shape with help from this site.
Thanks,
JT
 

Attachments

  • right side.jpg
    right side.jpg
    131.9 KB · Views: 197
  • left side 5.jpg
    left side 5.jpg
    128.7 KB · Views: 144
  • jaws open.jpg
    jaws open.jpg
    142.3 KB · Views: 140

gilbo

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 1, 2010
Messages
716
I am new to the site and appreciate the wealth of knowledge here. I just picked up a big Yost vise but can't seem to find much info about it. Any info you have would be appreciated. The only number I find on it is a 5 which appears on a plate on both pieces on the left side. Was there a model 5 Yost vise? I have not had a chance to clean it up but am looking forward to getting her in shape with help from this site.
Thanks,
JT

i would give yost vise a call, they r still in business, i'm sure they would b more than glad to help out, 616-396-2063
 

bluebolt

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
5,435
Location
Benton LA
Reed vise numbering

Thought this info in one place would be useful. After looking at some old catalogs ads on Ebay for Reed vises here is what I found. They had some big ones available!

Machinists vise 100 series is non-swiveling, 200 series is swivel base. Only difference in specs is weight, a 102 with a swivel would be a 202.
Model#__width__opening__wt___200 series weight
102______ 2"_____3"___10 lbs______12 lbs
102 1/2__2 1/2"__3 1/2_15 lbs______20 lbs
103______3"______4"___22 lbs_____ 27 lbs
103 1/2__3 1/2"___5"___29 lbs______38 lbs
104______4"______6"___43 lbs______51 lbs
104 1/2__4 1/2"___7"___58 lbs______66 lbs
105______5"______8"___73 lbs______89 lbs
105 1/2__5 1/2"___9"___103 lbs_____120 lbs
106______6"_____10"___135 lbs_____153 lbs
107______7"_____12"___175 lbs_____204 lbs
108______8"_____12"___236 lbs_____278 lbs
109______9"_____13"___283 lbs_____327 lbs

400 series machinst vise has swivel jaw and swivel base
Model#__width__opening__wt
402 1/2__2 1/2"___3"_____22 lbs
403_______3"___3 1/2"___31 lbs
403 1/2"_3 1/2"___4"_____42 lbs
404_______4"___4 1/2"___58 lbs
404 1/2__4 1/2"_5 1/2"___75 lbs
405_______5"___6 1/2"___98 lbs
405 1/2__5 1/2"_7 1/2"___139 lbs
406_______6"____9"_____164 lbs
407_______7"__11 1/2"___223 lbs
408_______8"____12"____300 lbs
 
Last edited:

bluebolt

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
5,435
Location
Benton LA
Found another ad with Reed 300 series vises, same specs as 400 series, swivel jaw with stationary base, lighter of course too.
 

bluebolt

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
5,435
Location
Benton LA
Reed filers and coachmakers vises

Reed also had "filers" vises with higher jaws and deeper opening. The model numbers are 110 series for stationary base, 210 for swivel base and 410 for swivel jaw and swivel base. The "coachmakers" vise has what appears to be even higher jaws and a swivel base and has 220 series model numbers.

Model#__width__opening__wt
114______4"_____5 1/2"__45 lbs
114 1/2_4 1/2"___6 1/2"__56 lbs
115______5_____7 1/2"__74 lbs
214______4"_____5 1/2"__57 lbs
214 1/2_4 1/2"___6 1/2"__66 lbs
215______5_____7 1/2"__93 lbs
414______4"_____4 1/2"__57 lbs
414 1/2_4 1/2"___5 1/2"__72 lbs
415______5_____6 1/2"___98 lbs
224______4_______7"____54 lbs
224 1/2_4 1/2"____11"___78 lbs
 

porphyre

Banned
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Messages
1,321
Here are the catalog pages from the 1931 Samuel Harris & Co catalog.

View media item 7914View media item 7896
For reference, a modern 305S (Machinist, Swivel base, 5" jaws) runs $575-$650. $30 for a 205 in 1931 is about $330 now.

So yeah, things were cheaper back then!
 
Last edited:

bluebolt

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
5,435
Location
Benton LA
And now the reason I started all this research, the combination bench and pipe vise. I recently got a Reed 1C vise and have been researching it. I have not found a list of the different vises with the 1C 2C 3C 4C lettering but have a suspicion Reed probably just changed the designation on the vise. The designation I found is in the chart as follows. Anyone seen vises marked this way? It's a 1931 catalog. No opening width was given. My 1C matches the specs of the model 31 listed.

Model#__width___max pipe diam__wt
31______3 1/2"_____2 1/2"______46 lbs
32______4 1/2"_____3 1/2"______72 lbs
33________5"______4 1/2"______119 lbs
34________6"________6"_______178 lbs
 

autopts

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Messages
2,268
And now the reason I started all this research, the combination bench and pipe vise. I recently got a Reed 1C vise and have been researching it. I have not found a list of the different vises with the 1C 2C 3C 4C lettering but have a suspicion Reed probably just changed the designation on the vise. The designation I found is in the chart as follows. Anyone seen vises marked this way? It's a 1931 catalog. No opening width was given. My 1C matches the specs of the model 31 listed.

Model#__width___max pipe diam__wt
31______3 1/2"_____2 1/2"______46 lbs
32______4 1/2"_____3 1/2"______72 lbs
33________5"______4 1/2"______119 lbs
34________6"________6"_______178 lbs

That 1C, 2C, 4C etc I believe Reed kept consistent with for their combo vises. A 4C sold recently on Ebay for $1650!
 

porphyre

Banned
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Messages
1,321
I've got a #32. brats.n.harleys has what I think is a #33. From the pics he's posted, I think his vice opens a couple more inches than mine, which would make sense for a larger vise. It doesn't look big enough to be 6" and he must be a HUGE honkin' boy to not mention it was heavy. 178 is a stout piece of iron.

The #32 is 4.25" jaws, though, not 4.5".
 

bluebolt

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
5,435
Location
Benton LA
I've got a #32. brats.n.harleys has what I think is a #33. From the pics he's posted, I think his vice opens a couple more inches than mine, which would make sense for a larger vise. It doesn't look big enough to be 6" and he must be a HUGE honkin' boy to not mention it was heavy. 178 is a stout piece of iron.

The #32 is 4.25" jaws, though, not 4.5".


You have better eyes than me, even with my new glasses LOL.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Quint

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 14, 2010
Messages
244
Location
Youngstown, OH
3n23ka3o65Q45P65X4b3i620f16693f2d14d1.jpg

Up for sale is a large vintage French Made vise with 5" jaws and 10" opening. Has swivel lock base.
Has the name Samere Meuse stamped and B Tout-Acier (meaning All-Steel) also stamped followed by the number 62 8.
Handle has a bend in it but otherwise fully functional.
Price is $75 or offer.
Thanks for looking.

Hate to bump this, but after reading Page 3, it seems as if this brand is quite a find. I'm wondering if it's worth $75 though.

Also, it appears as if the handle is bent (which I'm sure is common). Are there easy methods of replacing these?

Thanks Vise Gurus!
 
Last edited:

onewaydave

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 28, 2009
Messages
961
Location
Down the road from Dorothy and Toto
The machinist's vise is considered the "cream of the crop". They are stoutly made and are finely machined. The jaws should match up perfectly, and they will be made of very high grade (60,000psi or greater) cast* iron. Note: The surface behind the back jaw is NOT an anvil or hammering surface!

...but is next to worthless on a cabinet maker's bench.

Dave.
 

Nates Garage

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
2
Hello,

I can help you out about the Sambre et Meuse vise. This is my vise and i've been trying to find info on this for quite some time.
First I contacted Sambre et Meuse's website asking about info on age, model and value and this is what I got back.


"What are you looking for information ???

The model is 62D – reference E63120, that’s all I can give you.


We do not produce vise since may 2009.


Catherine HRYCEWYCZ

SAMBRE ET MEUSE

Administration des Ventes"

END QUOTE

So then I contacted the company Dolex to see if they could help and this is what he said. He was very helpfull!


"Good evening !

I'll try to help you...

This vise is a Sambre et Meuse vise type 62 with a swivelling base
It was manufactured during 30 years till 1995, and then it was replaced by the type 92.
I cannot see on the photo the width of the jaws..5 or 6"?

At that time (in 1995) the retail prices of these tools were the following :
- 190 € ( about 260 USD) for the 5" vice with its base
- 200 € ( about 275 USD) for the 6" vice with its base

To-day, your vise is a "collector"

I hope that these precisions will be convenient to you

Best regards

Marcel Dumas
sales manager
dolex sas"

END QUOTE

Hope this helps
Only thing i'm unsure of is the year?

Nate
 

Catalyze

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
1,369
Location
New Mexico
Csander - that is a lovely old Charles Parker 436 combination pipe/machinist vise. It should have 6" wide jaws. Your front "clip" is missing and has a substitue one made from steel sheet. The original clip would say "PARKER" on it and be a touch different. You have the pipe jaws which is a plus and your handle is bent which is not a plus...but nothing serious. Your vise should weigh 186 pounds without cobwebs. It was about $50 brand new before WWII. Today it goes for more...LOL My WAG is $350 -$500 since it is the largest of the Parker combo vises. Someone will most likely reference 2 that sold on Ebay....one for $750 recently and one for $1600 last year. Both were by the same seller who always gets top dollar for very pristine vises and sometimes has "strange" bidding. Lots of other folks may chime in with better guesses. You might also repost your vise in a totally new thread. Just title it Charles Parker 436 help needed and tons of us will flock to it. Good Luck!
Craig
 

Catalyze

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
1,369
Location
New Mexico
Shampoop - take about 4 more photos of it and start a new thread called "Can anyone ID this Vise" and we will be all over it in minutes.....or hours..LOL. More photos and a new thread will get you an answer.
Craig
 

autopts

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Messages
2,268
Does anyone know anything about this vise and how much is it worth? It is a #430 and weighs between 150 and 200lbs.

I think the 430 is a 3" Combo no? Strange, the 3" combo Parker can't be that heavy. I had a 434 1/2 & even the 435 wasn't that heavy. The 436 might be. How wide are those jaws? That last # might be more like a 6 then a zero. Their condition really determins their worth.
 
Last edited:

csander6

Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2011
Messages
8
The Jaw is at least 5 maybe 6 inches wide. I am out of town now and I will verify the exact size this weekend and it is etremely heavy so it may be a 436.
 

shampoop

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
1,947
Location
SW Washington
Shampoop - take about 4 more photos of it and start a new thread called "Can anyone ID this Vise" and we will be all over it in minutes.....or hours..LOL. More photos and a new thread will get you an answer.
Craig

It's a cheap one on craigslist. The guy finally e-mailed back and said "jet" is the name. I googled some but they all look different from it.
 

Catalyze

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
1,369
Location
New Mexico
Jet = an Oriental company that makes a lot of tools if I remember correctly (which is seldom anymore)
Craig
 

Vise-Roy

Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2011
Messages
17
Location
Virginia
Forgive me if I am repeating this question to some of you on other forums. Got an American Scale Vise with an extra hole in the movable jaw. Trying to find out the reason for it. I've seen a picture of a similiar American Scale vise on another forum with something in this hole, but that "something" was not identified or explained.

Anybody know what this hole is for?
 

Attachments

  • P1050832.jpg
    P1050832.jpg
    137.9 KB · Views: 218
  • P1050854.jpg
    P1050854.jpg
    137.6 KB · Views: 171
Last edited:

Brad54

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
4,646
Re: Reed vise numbering

Thought this info in one place would be useful. After looking at some old catalogs ads on Ebay for Reed vises here is what I found. They had some big ones available!

Machinists vise 100 series is non-swiveling, 200 series is swivel base. Only difference in specs is weight, a 102 with a swivel would be a 202.
Model#__width__opening__wt___200 series weight
102______ 2"_____3"___10 lbs______12 lbs
102 1/2__2 1/2"__3 1/2_15 lbs______20 lbs
103______3"______4"___22 lbs_____ 27 lbs
103 1/2__3 1/2"___5"___29 lbs______38 lbs
104______4"______6"___43 lbs______51 lbs
104 1/2__4 1/2"___7"___58 lbs______66 lbs
105______5"______8"___73 lbs______89 lbs
105 1/2__5 1/2"___9"___103 lbs_____120 lbs
106______6"_____10"___135 lbs_____153 lbs
107______7"_____12"___175 lbs_____204 lbs
108______8"_____12"___236 lbs_____278 lbs
109______9"_____13"___283 lbs_____327 lbs
This is odd... I have a 105 with oval logo, and it came with a swivel base.

-Brad
 

Catalyze

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
1,369
Location
New Mexico
I think that the later Reeds used the 100 series and threw an "S" on it for swivel.
At least there is a 104S Reed on Fleabay and it swivels...actually the photo didn't move at all....I imagined that it does.
Craig
 

v8garage

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2007
Messages
901
Location
Texas
VINTAGE-187-lb-CHARLES-PARKER-VISE-NO-436
6" Jaw
16" Tall
25" Deep

Does anyone know what this vice is worth and where I could sell it?

It might be interested in it depending on where its at and how much you want for it.
V/8
 

v8garage

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2007
Messages
901
Location
Texas
Basically Nashville area.
Craig

Thanks Catalyze, I found the other thread he has started about this vice and it is too far away and too heavy (shipping costs). By the gist of the thread it looks like he is going to want a lot for it too.
V/8
 

disaster1277

Member
Joined
May 27, 2010
Messages
14
i just bought a red aluminum bench vise at a flea mrt. the other day the only info. on it that it was made in England and below that ADD+VISE i have checked the internet and could not find anything if anyone has any info it would be greatly appreciated
 

Skysurfer

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 28, 2011
Messages
346
Looking at a Reed on Craigslist and I'm wondering what a realistic price should be providing it passes the physical inspection. Does a Reed go by the same "buck-per-pound max" guidline as other brands? This appears to be a 108. It's rough looking, but I have a blast cabinet so it could be cleaned up.

Ad text just says: "VISE Reed Mfg. 8" Bench/Pipe vise 97 year old antique Weight 165lbs Asking $300"

vise1.jpg


vise2.jpg



Thanks to all for this great forum.
 

kas_rustndust

Active member
Joined
May 7, 2011
Messages
37
Location
North Central Hardwood Forest
"American Scale: These vises are usually smaller, with an exposed leadscrew. They are lighter duty vises, and not suited for heavy use."

I mean no disrespect. But, I have found an exception to this general principle. This vise resides in the shop at my friendly local scrap yard. Overall length is 36 inches. Jaws are 8 1/4 inches. The lead screw knob is about 3 inches and has an integral collar (garter). Don't know what it weighs. It is used mainly to hold gas tanks so the valves can be removed.
 

Attachments

  • AmScale-4.jpg
    AmScale-4.jpg
    87.9 KB · Views: 154
  • AmScale-3.jpg
    AmScale-3.jpg
    99.4 KB · Views: 176
  • AmScale-1.jpg
    AmScale-1.jpg
    110.2 KB · Views: 197
  • AmScale-2.jpg
    AmScale-2.jpg
    86.7 KB · Views: 207
  • AmScale-5.jpg
    AmScale-5.jpg
    84.7 KB · Views: 141
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom