The VISES of Garage Journal

Outlawmws · May 4, 2014

Here's one with many of the optional widgets. It will hinge on the right end and stand up to become a DP. flip the main power head around, and you can get it pointing up instead of down.

Shop smith was one of the original "I can do anything" woodworking tools. Lengthy setup times, but if you only ever do that sort of work once in a while a worthwhile tool. Its NOT good for everyday sue unless you are settled on one feature.

McBrownie · May 4, 2014

Outlawmws said:
Here's one with many of the optional widgets. It will hinge on the right end and stand up to become a DP. flip the main power head around, and you can get it pointing up instead of down.

Shop smith was one of the original "I can do anything" woodworking tools. Lengthy setup times, but if you only ever do that sort of work once in a while a worthwhile tool. Its NOT good for everyday sue unless you are settled on one feature.

That is a great looking machine. Makes me want one. :drool:

Fretters · May 4, 2014

Outlawmws said:
Here's one with many of the optional widgets. It will hinge on the right end and stand up to become a DP. flip the main power head around, and you can get it pointing up instead of down.

Cheers.

Looking at that, and the fact I'd be starting from scratch, something similar to that pivoting section on the far right would be a simple way of achieving the two plane design, if mounted in a suitable spot. Just bolt it straight to that and then have it so it can be locked flat or at 90 degrees.

mototexas · May 4, 2014

This is mine, 14 inches spread, it weighs like 75 pounds so its quality made, i dunno much about it :dunno:

exept that it was my grandfathers and the base swivels.

Outlawmws · May 4, 2014

No cast in markings on granddad's vise? The styling and overly thick flaking paint indicates probable Asian origins. What is the jaw width? 6"? More?

chykal · May 4, 2014

Here is my Wilton 644. I cannot find much information on the 644 model but so far it has served me well. A guy I used to know worked for an electric utility. These were the ones that they had attached to the bumper of the company trucks. When they got replacements they would take the old ones home. He gave me this one for helping him move.

crankshaftdan II · May 4, 2014

Was searching for information about a Americana 4 1/2" vise and could only find one post dating back to 2011--I just acquired this vise in very poor-rusted condition and thought at first it was a foreign made one. It was froze up solid and tight, so immersed it in evapo rust and got it apart-had tons of metal filings everywhere. Upon inspection found USA in two locations-other member gave me a clue to Wilton origin as a utility vise circa. 1997 or so and was called Americana Line Vise #31335. This vise is small (9 lbs) but has Balls! Movement is very tight fitting like a precision vise and jaws line up even-no backlash-smooth lead screw and no wobble-can't hardly believe there could be that tight of tolerance on a GP vise??? Wilton did it right!
Question I have of the vise god's--how can one get a correct impression for a stencil to duplicate the name-it look's to be painted on and not a stencil. Can anyone give me some advise?? Any and all help appreciated! Anyone else here have one like this or re-furbished one at some time?? Maybe they did not sell well and were dis-continued?? Thanks.....Cranky

beakie · May 4, 2014

going to look at these Tuesday, price for both vises, an anvil (not old) and an old belt driven bench grinder (which I will update and build as I want) is $150 so far... I'll see what it ends up as.
seller also has many older tools he says, that I will look at while there.

I was thinking Bison or Paramo for this one?

not sure about this one?

any ideas?

Craptain · May 4, 2014

crankshaftdan II said:
Was searching for information about a Americana 4 1/2" vise and could only find one post dating back to 2011--I just acquired this vise in very poor-rusted condition and thought at first it was a foreign made one. It was froze up solid and tight, so immersed it in evapo rust and got it apart-had tons of metal filings everywhere. Upon inspection found USA in two locations-other member gave me a clue to Wilton origin as a utility vise circa. 1997 or so and was called Americana Line Vise #31335. This vise is small (9 lbs) but has Balls! Movement is very tight fitting like a precision vise and jaws line up even-no backlash-smooth lead screw and no wobble-can't hardly believe there could be that tight of tolerance on a GP vise??? Wilton did it right!
Question I have of the vise god's--how can one get a correct impression for a stencil to duplicate the name-it look's to be painted on and not a stencil. Can anyone give me some advise?? Any and all help appreciated! Anyone else here have one like this or re-furbished one at some time?? Maybe they did not sell well and were dis-continued?? Thanks.....Cranky

Honestly I would not try to replace the decal or whatever. I would just wax the whole thing and protect it that way. Overall the vise is in great looking condition and has the patina that others seek, so keep it.

If you really want to paint it you could perhaps take a photo of hte logo and then go to work with photoshop or similar to create a pattern or even a new decal or transfer.

Craptain · May 4, 2014

beakie said:
going to look at these Tuesday, price for both vises, an anvil (not old) and an old belt driven bench grinder (which I will update and build as I want) is $150 so far... I'll see what it ends up as.
seller also has many older tools he says, that I will look at while there.

I was thinking Bison or Paramo for this one?

not sure about this one?

any ideas?

I think you are right on the first and the second looks like a record to me. Both good vises. An Anvil as well for $150? sounds like a no brainer to me. :dunno:

How big is the anvil and is it chinese **** or a decent quality. See when you get there.

drivesitfar · May 4, 2014

Beakie: the blue vise looks like a Record and that was and is their color. it is also one of the better ones that was made in England. since Paramo and a few others copied their design it could be one of those and it should have a name on the other side of the vise.

the green vise is harder to say and i bet that little brass badge has some information on it. the jaws don't look quite right to me though. is there a piece of metal sitting in the jaws or is there only a removable jaw on one side. check it out in person and with a grinder and the two vises you are not looking too bad at $150 if they don't have any flaws or welds that we can't see in the pictures.

AndrewH · May 4, 2014

bigcaddy said:
If its a slotted screw, they can be had pretty easily and turned on a lathe to the correct shape. The large 5/16" phillips are the ones that can't be found.......at least for now

Well, my belt sander and I were able to make a replacement. Unfortunately it's a Hex head, I couldn't find slotted. So I'll just have to replace all of them, no biggie!

beakie said:
going to look at these Tuesday, price for both vises, an anvil (not old) and an old belt driven bench grinder (which I will update and build as I want) is $150 so far... I'll see what it ends up as.
seller also has many older tools he says, that I will look at while there.

I was thinking Bison or Paramo for this one?

not sure about this one?

any ideas?

I agree with drivesitfar, the green one is missing a jaw pad or something. I'd definitely check that out before handing over the money.

G20-Budo · May 4, 2014

Well, I made some progress on my old Hollands vise. The electrolysis tank helped big time. Though there was still a layer of junk on the surface. These pics are poor, but you can see how it looked after I took it out. I wasn't able to remove the dynamic jaw/slide from the base before tanking it.

Here is the vise fully disassembled after tanking it.

I also Then took a wire brush to it, and boom I got bare metal!

As you can see, this poor vise was abused a bit. And there is some rust pitting as well. You can also see where the anvil would be on the vise, it has a number of marks in it. Also the casting on the right side of the slide was probably moved when it was made. But I'm sure it's still plenty strong for my uses. I just need to get some JBweld and start filling the rough spots. Then sanding and then it's paint time. :bounce:

413dan · May 4, 2014

been looking at all the other vises here lately, so finally took a few photos of mine.

^^my fav vise, 4in colombian given to me by my grandfather, was his uncles before him

^got this for 15 bucks recently at a yard sale, 3in wide, missing one of the pieces in the jaw, but ehhh can't complain. anyone know anything about this brand.

and finally found this on saturday, 3 and a half inch columbian, guy asked 20 and settled for 15, i just could not pass it up.

zkling · May 4, 2014

Nice vises Dan. Please feel free to share some pics of your cornwell box too. :beer:

413dan · May 4, 2014

zkling, I'm getting ready to post in the boxes thread gimmie like ten min to resize em lol

btw, know anything about any of them, always looking to pick up tidbits…have learned much just reading threads here…

drivesitfar · May 4, 2014

413: looks like you have enough smallish vises so now you are ready for the 100 plus pounder. all your vises. all your vises might have been made by the same employees, but not certain on that. Champion made vises for Craftsman and so did Columbian so maybe Columbian bought Champion because the vises are very similar. also i'm not sure when you became a member, but it looks like only your second post so welcome to the GJ gang and you'll fit right in with 3 vises on your bench along with a classic old tool box sitting behind them. :thumbup:

maybe post your toolbox over on the vintage toolbox thread.

G20: glad you got your Holland's out of the Electrolysis tank and for your first attempt at that you did fantastic. i'm guessing you won't have to worry about rust since it's probably 100 degrees where you are even at night, but keep an eye on it and maybe hit it with a wire wheel again before you start painting it.
how does a Hammered green rustoleum sound or are you thinking of another color.

G20-Budo · May 4, 2014

drivesitfar said:
G20: glad you got your Holland's out of the Electrolysis tank and for your first attempt at that you did fantastic. i'm guessing you won't have to worry about rust since it's probably 100 degrees where you are even at night, but keep an eye on it and maybe hit it with a wire wheel again before you start painting it.
how does a Hammered green rustoleum sound or are you thinking of another color.

Thanks drivesitfar! I just put some WD40 on it for now to assure no rust. It should be pretty easy to clean it off when I'm ready to paint. As for vise color, either Red, Grey or Black. I'm leaning towards Red and yes probably a hammered finish.

There is pitting..so I'm either going to fill the pitting with something, or just hope the hammered tone covers it up.

CalsXS2 · May 4, 2014

I think I all ready know my own answer. But I'll asking anyway.

Should I run from this Rock Island. It has been welded on. Hell it looks like the whole dynamic jaw was welded around. He said he has used the Hell out of it for the past 10 year's.

After talking to him a couple of times he said he would take $60.

Is it worth anything just to have a Rock Island to collect. I have my Wilton C1 as a worker. Or should I run from this one.

413dan · May 5, 2014

drivesit, i just posted my boxes on the show me your toolbox thread, Im not sure the age of the box behind those vises so not sure if the vintage thread would be appropriate.

and i second that on the 100 pounder, I'm looking for a nice large vise now. it's tag sale season, the eyes are peeled.

drivesitfar · May 5, 2014

wait for another Rock Island especially since you have probably the best vise Wilton made for home and light commercial use with the C1 sitting on your bench already.

413: post on the vintage thread and those guys will probably know more about your box if you care to learn anything more about it. the one you posted on their boxes cost as much as some of our cars, but a lot of them started with one like yours so you might get a few comments. i'll check it out.

G20: good idea and your vise your color is what i always say. hammered finish does cover up quite a bit and Getridofone just did a "REEEEEALY" nice black wrinkled paint on one of his recent restorations that i'm thinking of doing some of mine in that color and style.

CalsXS2 · May 5, 2014

drivesitfar said:
wait for another Rock Island especially since you have probably the best vise Wilton made for home and light commercial use with the C1 sitting on your bench already.

413: post on the vintage thread and those guys will probably know more about your box if you care to learn anything more about it. the one you posted on their boxes cost as much as some of our cars, but a lot of them started with one like yours so you might get a few comments. i'll check it out.

Ya. That's what I thought. I was just checking to make sure you guys didn't say something like offer $25 and get it for that. But I doubt he would take that anyway.

Would it be worth $25. Is it time to shut up about this one now,,,,lol

AndrewH · May 5, 2014

CalsXS2 said:
I think I all ready know my own answer. But I'll asking anyway.

Should I run from this Rock Island. It has been welded on. Hell it looks like the whole dynamic jaw was welded around. He said he has used the Hell out of it for the past 10 year's.

After talking to him a couple of times he said he would take $60.

Is it worth anything just to have a Rock Island to collect. I have my Wilton C1 as a worker. Or should I run from this one.

I'd buy it, but not for $60, maybe $40. However I do enjoy a challenge! If you're not prepared to do some serious work then I'd suggest you pass on it and wait until a vise in better shape comes up. Though, if everything works and you're looking for a vise to beat on / weld on / grind on etc then go for it! I have no doubt as long as it functions it will serve you well. My Rock Island #78 is the smoothest / tightest tolerance vise that I own.

Andrew

Filson · May 5, 2014

CalsXS2 said:
Ya. That's what I thought. I was just checking to make sure you guys didn't say something like offer $25 and get it for that. But I doubt he would take that anyway.

Would it be worth $25. Is it time to shut up about this one now,,,,lol

Honestly, I'd pick it up for $25 and use it as a beater/hammering vise. If it breaks sometime down the road, your out a few bucks, no big deal. If I got a years worth of use out of it, I'd call it money well spent. Just keep in mind, that the chance of it breaking is much higher than it would be otherwise. Don't cheater-bar it or really torque down the handle.

Having said that, I will also point out that giving it enough time, you can find a lot of great deals out there. Many of us GJ vise-addicts have stories of great buys at absolute "you F'ing ****!" prices. So giving it enough time, and much persistence, and you could find a much better vise for the same price, or even less...

... I'd still grab it for $25 bucks though. :thumbup:

Outlawmws · May 5, 2014

CalsXS2 said:
I think I all ready know my own answer. But I'll asking anyway.

Should I run from this Rock Island. It has been welded on. Hell it looks like the whole dynamic jaw was welded around. He said he has used the Hell out of it for the past 10 year's.

After talking to him a couple of times he said he would take $60.

Is it worth anything just to have a Rock Island to collect. I have my Wilton C1 as a worker. Or should I run from this one.

Yep, as a collector piece it has no value. (maybe in another 100 years...) :dunno:

McBrownie · May 5, 2014

G20-Budo said:
As you can see, this poor vise was abused a bit.

Don't ever buy a vise from this guy:

View media item 40312

exmaxima1 · May 5, 2014

CalsXS2 said:
Is it worth anything just to have a Rock Island to collect. I have my Wilton C1 as a worker. Or should I run from this one.

If the jaw inserts are still removable and in decent shape, I think you could clean that vise up pretty good. If they are all banged up and welded on, I'd pass on any price over $25 as well.

I just made some jaw screws this morning for my Rock Island 573 that I'm cleaning, and those vises are well made.

mtesh73 · May 5, 2014

GETRIDAONE said:
Andrews big Parker is a hard act to follow but I'll throw mine in anyway. I haven't painted anything with winkle paint but a steering collar for one of my Pontiacs. It was in the paint cabinet so I gave it a try. The little Rock Island cleaned up and came out OK

that came out great. chalk one up for the "wrinkle" paint.

G20-Budo · May 5, 2014

I have a question for you veteran vise restorers.. Do I really need to remove the floating nut that the lead screw goes through? It seems there is a pin holding it in place. I can see the pint from the underside, it would need to either be punched through or drilled out. And I do not have a replacement if I mess it up. There is a pic of it below.

Also,do you guys tend to paint any of the inside of the base where the nut is that the lead screw goes through)?

Hako86 · May 5, 2014

beakie said:
going to look at these Tuesday, price for both vises, an anvil (not old) and an old belt driven bench grinder (which I will update and build as I want) is $150 so far... I'll see what it ends up as.
seller also has many older tools he says, that I will look at while there.

I was thinking Bison or Paramo for this one?

not sure about this one?

any ideas?

That blue vise is a Woden I think (or maybe a Record).

drivesitfar · May 5, 2014

G20: those pins are sometimes a PITA to punch through and others just punch through from the bottom pretty easily. since you had it in the E tank it should just punch out hitting from the bottom might remove it easily. that will allow you to pull out the vise nut to clean a bit better and clean out some of the crud in the channel before putting it back together. put the pin back in from the top and don't hit the vise nut or from the bottom if you are able to keep the vise nut in place.

of course you can leave it there and just clean as best you can before adding new grease and some choose to do that too.

good luck

Lump · May 5, 2014

Lump found another big Parker for sale, need advice

Guys, you haven't seen much of me on here for a while. My $$$ got really tight last winter, so I had to stay away from sales with used tools & vises. But now I'm out and about again, and already I've found another big old USA-made Parker vise for sale. I didn't buy it...YET! But it's right up the street from my house, just waiting on me. I need your advice, please. :bowdown:

This Parker is BIG, but seems to be newer than other big Parkers I've found.

Model number 976B shown in next photo. Note that it is on a metal tag, not cast or forged in place.

Jaws are only 6" wide, but this thing is massive. I wouldn't be surprised if it tips the scales close to 100 LBS.

Cast in side are the words: "Parker Vise Div, Union Mfg Co, New Britain," and "USA." I THINK I can see the word "Connecticut," but not positive. Hard to read with old eyes!

Like I said, this thing is really big. Stands 14" high at the jaws.

So by now your first question might be, "How much was it?"

And your second question might be, "Why haven't you bought it yet?!?!?"

Here is why.

I have long said that I would never buy a cracked or welded vise again. There are too many out there which are not broken. But this one sure is big, and sure looks good. It seems to be in great shape except for the weld repair. The old guy holding the estate sale claims to have used it for over 35 years.

Ok, vise gurus. Whaddaya think? :dunno:

autonaut · May 5, 2014

Re: Lump found another big Parker for sale, need advice

Lump said:
Guys, you haven't seen much of me on here for a while. My $$$ got really tight last winter, so I had to stay away from sales with used tools & vises. But now I'm out and about again, and already I've found another big old USA-made Parker vise for sale. I didn't buy it...YET! But it's right up the street from my house, just waiting on me. I need your advice, please.

This Parker is BIG, but seems to be newer than other big Parkers I've found.

Model number 976B shown in next photo. Note that it is on a metal tag, not cast or forged in place.

Jaws are only 6" wide, but this thing is massive. I wouldn't be surprised if it tips the scales close to 100 LBS.

Cast in side are the words: "Parker Vise Div, Union Mfg Co, New Britain," and "USA." I THINK I can see the word "Connecticut," but not positive. Hard to read with old eyes!

Like I said, this thing is really big. Stands 14" high at the jaws.

So by now your first question might be, "How much was it?"

And your second question might be, "Why haven't you bought it yet?!?!?"

Here is why.

I have long said that I would never buy a cracked or welded vise again. There are too many out there which are not broken. But this one sure is big, and sure looks good. It seems to be in great shape except for the weld repair. The old guy holding the estate sale claims to have used it for over 35 years.

Ok, vise gurus. Whaddaya think?

Im not a Vise Guru, but i'd steer away from being he welded it..

When that weld cracks you'll be doing heavy(dangerous) work. You dont want to be fiddling with mcPherson struts and the like with a vise like that.

mcgyverit · May 5, 2014

picked this up for the right price from a guy that was cleaning out his garage - Free. it was frozen up solid. 24 hour soak with PB Blaster and Acetyl/****** mix then a gentle persuasion from a 2lb hand sledge and it started to come apart.

I believe it is a 4" Sears, but really have no confirmation other than comparing it to other Sears vises I see pictures of on here.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net...=fb67937920f9aa7507052fe8d25c6891&oe=53D66472

drivesitfar · May 5, 2014

Lump:
as much as i "love" a big old US made vise i'd probably have to pass on that one because of the weld and where it's at. another reason is that is the Union Tool version of a Parker vise which are not as valuable. they don't have the hold down on the screw like the older Parker vises do and they don't have the cool casting #'s.

i would spend a little more if necessary and get one that is in better shape since it sounds like it will end up on your bench. if it's for resale i'd definitely pass on this one.

good luck on your search

beakie · May 5, 2014

Hako86 said:
That blue vise is a Woden I think (or maybe a Record).

ok, few think it may be a Record, and I don't disagree...just seems odd that it doesn't say so, other side doesn't either. Also the bottom of the dynamic jaw isn't rounded off at all.

Will have closer look tomorrow when I look at everything.

G20-Budo · May 5, 2014

mcgyverit said:
picked this up for the right price from a guy that was cleaning out his garage - Free. it was frozen up solid. 24 hour soak with PB Blaster and Acetyl/****** mix then a gentle persuasion from a 2lb hand sledge and it started to come apart.

I believe it is a 4" Sears, but really have no confirmation other than comparing it to other Sears vices I see pictures of on here.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net...=fb67937920f9aa7507052fe8d25c6891&oe=53D66472

Mcgyverit,

Great score on the vise! Should turn out real nice.

dcarden · May 5, 2014

Just received my vise handle from ritzblitz made to my specs today. He did a phenomenal job and it turned out better than I anticipated. I highly recommend him and look forward to doing business again with him.

mtesh73 · May 5, 2014

dcarden said:
Just received my vise handle from ritzblitz made to my specs today. He did a phenomenal job and it turned out better than I anticipated. I highly recommend him and look forward to doing business again with him.

can you post some pictures? please.

Outlawmws · May 5, 2014

beakie said:
ok, few think it may be a Record, and I don't disagree...just seems odd that it doesn't say so, other side doesn't either. Also the bottom of the dynamic jaw isn't rounded off at all.

Will have closer look tomorrow when I look at everything.

VERY close look:

Record, Paramo, and Woden (all Brit built) are extremely similar, as is Enron (sp?) which made Japanese clones. (There may have been a Canadian Co. as well, I don't remember...)

Any one of the these MAY have taken a page from some of the US companies, and made one "naked" for someone else to brand with a a sticker.

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