The VISES of Garage Journal
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CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
... and I just couldn't resist snapping a Family Portrait 
...
LOL!!!! It's nothing compared to some of your collections for sure, but I'm willing to bet none of you get Love Notes like this one either ...
Not willing to admit or deny that accusation at the moment, I WILL say that having Reed at my bench is considerably quieter -- and a lot less distracting -- than the big Cajun who left me the note.
And with that, I'm vrooommming off to the shop once again.
Happy almost-Friday ya'll!!!
...LOL!!!! It's nothing compared to some of your collections for sure, but I'm willing to bet none of you get Love Notes like this one either ...
Not willing to admit or deny that accusation at the moment, I WILL say that having Reed at my bench is considerably quieter -- and a lot less distracting -- than the big Cajun who left me the note.
And with that, I'm vrooommming off to the shop once again.
Happy almost-Friday ya'll!!!CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
I'm thinking it might get used more than I initially believed; it may just be the perfect "extra hand" I need sometimes most especially while doing trim restoration. With 7/8" at the max, it doesn't open far enough to mount to my bench though so I'll have to consider other options.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Cuda: I've been looking into ideas of how to use some of the vises i have on my shelves at different times so working on a few options which might help you with your new acquisition. nice vise by the way and it should come apart once someone on our thread that owns one chimes in.
do you have a piece of steel plate maybe 3/8 inch or thicker that you can either bolt on your bench and have a lip hang out far enough to mount your Phoenix? or what i was thinking is making a trailer hitch type connection on my bench and making plates to mount on the male part of the hitches and then removing them and putting them in only would require a pin or bolt. here's a picture of one of our member's Wiltons on something like I'm talking about.
All of you with $20 vises: Damn!!!
K and K: nice columbian restoration. how old is your son? nice to hear you and he worked together on that one.
Outlaw: thanks for your wisdom on old Craftsman vises and I'll look into those companies and let the thread know what i find. also might have to get a picture of the English vise corner that is not happy at the moment because they are being ignored and the 150 pound vises are getting my attention.
do you have a piece of steel plate maybe 3/8 inch or thicker that you can either bolt on your bench and have a lip hang out far enough to mount your Phoenix? or what i was thinking is making a trailer hitch type connection on my bench and making plates to mount on the male part of the hitches and then removing them and putting them in only would require a pin or bolt. here's a picture of one of our member's Wiltons on something like I'm talking about.
All of you with $20 vises: Damn!!!
K and K: nice columbian restoration. how old is your son? nice to hear you and he worked together on that one.
Outlaw: thanks for your wisdom on old Craftsman vises and I'll look into those companies and let the thread know what i find. also might have to get a picture of the English vise corner that is not happy at the moment because they are being ignored and the 150 pound vises are getting my attention.
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GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
I got a few pics of my latest acquisition, the little Phoenix jeweler's style carrying a June 16, 1885 patent. Weighing in at a scale-busting 2.78 lbs. and measuring 5 1/2", this is how it arrived:
Wanting to see if I could find more writing buried in the grunge, I gave him a few swishes with a wire brush, wiped it down with some PB Blaster and splooged some never-seize on the threads before shutting down the shop for the night. Everything looks to be original without any repairs or brazing.
This is the only other writing on it anywhere, a "2 3/4" in a rather fancy typestyle on the front of the handle mount.
A few love bites here and there ... and the teeny anvil is solid rather than hollow.
The action moves freely but there's some slop associated with the handle. I couldn't figure out how to remove the main screw from the handle or take the knobs off (it doesn't look like it comes apart). The bushings are bronze and it looks like there's some extra room in there so maybe it's missing one? For $39.99 with free shipping, it was too much to pay for it but with a name like that I just HAD to have it.
I used a 1/2" OD copper coupling cut down to about a 1/2" long for a bushing and took most of the play out. There is a small pin to knock out going through that collar on the inside. I found a nail the same size and made a new pin.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Bronze motor bushings work really well too. They come in a lot of different sizes, are easy to cut, and are pretty cheap. I put one in both of my Parkers to fix spindle slop. Here are some pics from my old worn out 203:
It has a 3/4" diameter screw, so I ordered a 3/4" ID x 1" OD Bronze motor bushing. Held it in place with a threaded rod and measured to make sure it was as centered as possible.
View media item 40582
Then scribed it.
View media item 40583
Take a look how it was almost worn to the 1" diameter that I needed. Can't imagine how many turns it took to wear it out like this.
View media item 40584
A little careful work with a dremel and it fit like a glove. I also cut the length of the bushing down to about 1/2" before installing. It's just held in with a press fit.
View media item 40585
So, my old worn out 203 is a little less worn out, but still has a ways to go before I think about paint.
AndrewH
Well-known member
McBrownie,
That's very nice work! I can't imagine the amount of use that would be required to wear it out like that. That's another reason why it's a terrible idea to pick up a vise by the handle. I always bring the slide out a bit and grip under it.
Andrew
That's very nice work! I can't imagine the amount of use that would be required to wear it out like that. That's another reason why it's a terrible idea to pick up a vise by the handle. I always bring the slide out a bit and grip under it.
Andrew
KMScott
Well-known member
Nice fix McBrownie, Bronze is a good wear material almost as good as Aluminum Bronze. I might use your idea, is the bushing backed up on the inside? if not then having a shoulder on the bushing handle side would be better but you need a machine to cut for this option.
ritzblitz
Well-known member
Bill, sweet job on that bushing man. Respect.
taumac
Well-known member
... and I just couldn't resist snapping a Family Portrait
I really like the small one on the end.
Have a good one, Gerard
Florida GJers ( FGJ)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117
The 5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
JeremyBurke
Well-known member
Thank you as always for the information about this old craftsman x-y table/drill vise. I will have to do more research about finding replacement jaws for the vise. Or if push comes to shove test out my machining skills and make my own.
If anyone has a manual/parts list/sample part of the jaws on this vise please let me know I would love to buy/have/copy them.
Thanks to all.
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McBrownie
Well-known member
It is not backed, just a press fit. A shoulder would be best, I agree, but I don't have a lathe. Maybe someday.
However, there isn't much lateral movement of the spindle, mostly rotational. I was careful with the dremel to make sure I had a good snug fit. It's definitely a weekend warrior solution. You professionals can do way better. drivesitfar
Well-known member
McB: nicely done and quite a bit better than a weekend warrior in my thoughts and isn't it nice to have a little help and advise from the pros if needed?
Outlaw and JPickar: in case you didn't understand Jeremy's post he is going to be the proud owner of the old Craftsman DP vise. he needs one now or very soon because he'll be posting a little DP that i helped him acquire for his shop that will work perfect with it. since i still have it until Jeremy and i meet again i'll get the measurement for the broken handle for you JPickar and hope the offer still stands if yours works.
Kevin: not only do you post great vise **** of your own, but you also get to post some for others. so your friend isn't a member and he has maybe 10 vises (still looking for Waldo in that picture), but he might have a ton of weight just in the stands. very nice sir and thanks for sharing.
Outlaw and JPickar: in case you didn't understand Jeremy's post he is going to be the proud owner of the old Craftsman DP vise. he needs one now or very soon because he'll be posting a little DP that i helped him acquire for his shop that will work perfect with it. since i still have it until Jeremy and i meet again i'll get the measurement for the broken handle for you JPickar and hope the offer still stands if yours works.
Kevin: not only do you post great vise **** of your own, but you also get to post some for others. so your friend isn't a member and he has maybe 10 vises (still looking for Waldo in that picture), but he might have a ton of weight just in the stands. very nice sir and thanks for sharing.
Columbians are vastly underrated...
That is a damn fine job, and a mighty nice vise...
Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!----(and your son, too!!!)
Thank you very much!
My guess would be around late 40s based on the embellishments. Great restoration. Glad you got your son involved.
Definitely! He is always out with me building or fixing. I just hope he doesn't change too much when he hits his teens.
Thank you very much! He turns seven next week. But he has learned a lot so far.
I didn't get picks of him working on the vise, but that same day he learned how to use an angle grinder and cut out a floorboard!
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GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
The jaws are 3" wide. The two screws just push the pins forward. About as basic as you can get.
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
A couple pictures of the Versivise with the extra ring on it. It zigs & zags so I used Singer sewing machine oil on it. 
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Leanna, I think the 2-3/4 is yet another meaningless Model No.
I have 2 of the Colten Pat. Vises: the "big" one has 2-1/2" jaws, opens 3-1/2 at an extreme, and weighs a bit over 8 lbs. It's No. on the handle is 2-1/2 (I think pretty pitted)
My smaller one had 1-1/2" jaws, open maybe 2" at an extrea, adn is marked 2-1/? (not sure: its not a full stamp, but no pitting in this case) weight is 1-1/2 lbs
How wide are the jaws on yours?
Yeah, I shipped a Chas. Parker to a friend of mine because of the linkage to the Parker shotgun co.
Nice little family, and isn't it funny how the baby" allways gets the attention?
I'm lost on the 7/8" limit?
the clamp screw looks like it would easily span a 2X4 in the short direction? 
I have 2 of the Colten Pat. Vises: the "big" one has 2-1/2" jaws, opens 3-1/2 at an extreme, and weighs a bit over 8 lbs. It's No. on the handle is 2-1/2 (I think pretty pitted)
My smaller one had 1-1/2" jaws, open maybe 2" at an extrea, adn is marked 2-1/? (not sure: its not a full stamp, but no pitting in this case) weight is 1-1/2 lbs
How wide are the jaws on yours?
I got a few pics of my latest acquisition, the little Phoenix jeweler's style carrying a June 16, 1885 patent. Weighing in at a scale-busting 2.78 lbs. and measuring 5 1/2", this is how it arrived:
Wanting to see if I could find more writing buried in the grunge, I gave him a few swishes with a wire brush, wiped it down with some PB Blaster and splooged some never-seize on the threads before shutting down the shop for the night. Everything looks to be original without any repairs or brazing.
This is the only other writing on it anywhere, a "2 3/4" in a rather fancy typestyle on the front of the handle mount.
A few love bites here and there ... and the teeny anvil is solid rather than hollow.
The action moves freely but there's some slop associated with the handle. I couldn't figure out how to remove the main screw from the handle or take the knobs off (it doesn't look like it comes apart). The bushings are bronze and it looks like there's some extra room in there so maybe it's missing one? For $39.99 with free shipping, it was too much to pay for it but with a name like that I just HAD to have it.
Yeah, I shipped a Chas. Parker to a friend of mine because of the linkage to the Parker shotgun co.
Nice little family, and isn't it funny how the baby" allways gets the attention?
... and I just couldn't resist snapping a Family Portrait
LOL!!!! It's nothing compared to some of your collections for sure, but I'm willing to bet none of you get Love Notes like this one either ...
Not willing to admit or deny that accusation at the moment, I WILL say that having Reed at my bench is considerably quieter -- and a lot less distracting -- than the big Cajun who left me the note.
And with that, I'm vrooommming off to the shop once again.
I'm lost on the 7/8" limit?
the clamp screw looks like it would easily span a 2X4 in the short direction? Outlawmws
Well-known member
A couple pictures of the Versivise with the extra ring on it. It zigs & zags so I used Singer sewing machine oil on it.
Get, that is clearly one dangerous Mofo. PM me for the shipping address of the Dangerous MoFo. disposal site. I don't want you getting hurt...
McBrownie
Well-known member
A couple pictures of the Versivise with the extra ring on it. It zigs & zags so I used Singer sewing machine oil on it.
That is one of the coolest vises I've seen! This picture makes me think that steel-toed shoes are mandatory for those who can't remember "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey". Imagine getting that wrong with the lockdown on the dynamic slide in this configuration.
JeremyBurke
Well-known member
The jaws are 3" wide. The two screws just push the pins forward. About as basic as you can get.
GETRIDAONE: Thanks so much for posting the information. As Drives noted the little vise he posted is going to end up in my shop and I am very excited about it. I may have to machine up a little angle iron until I can find the really jaws. Again thanks so much for sharing the information on your's I will save it away and begin scrounging to find some.
Cheers,
Jeremy
McBrownie
Well-known member
taumac
Well-known member
A couple pictures of the Versivise with the extra ring on it. It zigs & zags so I used Singer sewing machine oil on it.
Dude, that's a bad *** vise. I tried to accomplish same idea with in my welding table thread but that vise is way cooler.
Have a good one, Gerard
Florida GJers ( FGJ)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117
The 5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
fullthrottle24
Well-known member
It is not backed, just a press fit. A shoulder would be best, I agree, but I don't have a lathe. Maybe someday.
Quick question about your spindle slop, do you have any movement of the main nut while rotating the handle? It seems that some of my vises suffer from slop from the main nut being torqued over the years and developing wear in the channel and or the nut itself. Reeds are nice in that you can adjust both the nut and the spindle.
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AndrewH
Well-known member
I had that issue on a Parker. What I did was take a 3lb sledge and a pin punch and bent the pin that holds the main nut in place forward until there was very little movement at all. Some people shim them as well, really it's whatever works for you.
Andrew
McBrownie
Well-known member
Now I want Reed! I have two Parker's - a 974 and a 203. I was able to tune up the 974 to about 1/4 turn of backlash using shims along with the bushing. The rest is in the screw, I assume. The 203 currently needs another 0.070" in shims to eliminate over a full turn of backlash. The good news is that the main nut on both vises are in good condition. Those adjustments on the Reed are a much more sophisticated solution. However, I also have a Wilton and I didn't have to do anything to that other than replace the jaws. It just works.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
ps: Leanna, The Handles on my Coltons are not coming out of the main screw head non-detructivly
If you meant how to get the main screw out of the Dynamic jaw, the collar on my biggest one is pinned. I'd started the pin out with a drift, bu allow it to clear th jaw, turn the screw a 1/2 turn and use piers or vise grips to twist it out.
If you meant how to get the main screw out of the Dynamic jaw, the collar on my biggest one is pinned. I'd started the pin out with a drift, bu allow it to clear th jaw, turn the screw a 1/2 turn and use piers or vise grips to twist it out.
CudaChick1968
Member Emeritus
WOWWW, this is better than I could have asked for! Thank you << hug >> and you too McBrownie -- this is a hot rod household so finding a bronze motor bushing won't be a problem at all around here.
I got some close ups of the main screw and handle slop but ran out of upload room last night. (Kindly excuse the dirty chick fingers.)
So you're saying there's a pin hiding in there somewhere?? Okayyyy ... I'll clean some more and dig deeper when I get the chance. Do the little 1/4" knobs come off?
Thanks Gerard. I like it too.
Leanna, I think the 2-3/4 is yet another meaningless Model No.
I have 2 of the Colten Pat. Vises: the "big" one has 2-1/2" jaws, opens 3-1/2 at an extreme, and weighs a bit over 8 lbs. It's No. on the handle is 2-1/2 (I think pretty pitted)
My smaller one had 1-1/2" jaws, open maybe 2" at an extrea, adn is marked 2-1/? (not sure: its not a full stamp, but no pitting in this case) weight is 1-1/2 lbs
How wide are the jaws on yours?
...
I'm lost on the 7/8" limit?
It's nice to see someone else who has experience with these Outlawmws. Available online research is very limited so far.
The jaws are 1 5/8" wide. I'm still a rookie at this and forgot that all-important detail last night so I went out there just now and measured it. And measured it two more times to make sure because I can't remember a single post about any 5/8" measurement on jaw widths (but admittedly haven't read everything).
The 7/8" I was referring to is the smallest the mounting screw will close without the knob bottoming out. The whole mount opening itself is too small for my bench, as is often the case even with shorter c-clamps.
It used to be a shipping station in a compact packaging plant, configured out of 2-inch L-angle top to bottom with built-in plywood shelves and open overhead storage. (I closed in the bottom.)
I'll probably end up mounting the little guy and my Reed on the new 8 foot metal shelves. My bench is only 6 feet wide so work space is at a premium. I surely wouldn't want to slam any of my customers' high end unobtainium parts into the vises accidentally while I'm working on stuff (some of which can be fairly large).
Very nice Cuda! Now I want a small vise! This forum is dangerous.
Thanks! And indeed it is my friend ... I'm convinced we're all just a bunch of enablers who excel at feeding each others' hunger. Don't tell Billy (he said "That's cool, but ENOUGH!" when the latest arrived), but I really wouldn't have it any other way.
Thanks again for all the help gentlemen -- if I could reach from here I'd pat all of you on the back. < curtsey >
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
Hello Vise Friends,
For your review is a vise that was formally a Lakeside vise (someone correct me if needed), restored into a Harley Davidson themed vise. Please see before & after pictures.
This restoration was a challenge because of the poor condition in which I received it. Although the vise worked, the jaw tops & anvil needed to be belt sanded down and I had to machine new jaw faces. Normally, I polish up the light damage because that's the vise's character.
BTW: The last 2 pictures show my "poor man's surface grinder" because I don't have ready access to a surface grinder & a spin jig to adjust the jaw face screws, and the jaw faces before attaching them to the vise.
It's up for sale with the hope that someone will buy it for a unique Father's Day gift.
Happy Trails.
For your review is a vise that was formally a Lakeside vise (someone correct me if needed), restored into a Harley Davidson themed vise. Please see before & after pictures.
This restoration was a challenge because of the poor condition in which I received it. Although the vise worked, the jaw tops & anvil needed to be belt sanded down and I had to machine new jaw faces. Normally, I polish up the light damage because that's the vise's character.
BTW: The last 2 pictures show my "poor man's surface grinder" because I don't have ready access to a surface grinder & a spin jig to adjust the jaw face screws, and the jaw faces before attaching them to the vise.
It's up for sale with the hope that someone will buy it for a unique Father's Day gift.
Happy Trails.
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indianbullet
Well-known member
^^^^ Great job.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Leanna: your's is smaller so it might be too small for a pin. It might be pressed on, or it it might be a split ring clip (think lock washer without the "kink" in it...), heck it could even be screws on and bottomed on the threads. I take a look at my smaller one tonight for clues.
Mark: That came out great, and it should get some well deserved attention!
Mark: That came out great, and it should get some well deserved attention!
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
My vises keep getting bigger, this is now the biggest one I have. Parker 955 I found today. I think I officially have too many vises now.
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Congrats Jerry, that is some really good stuff there. What is the condition of the vise? Any cracks or the like? It looks like it has been used for welding in the past.
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
Congrats Jerry, that is some really good stuff there. What is the condition of the vise? Any cracks or the like? It looks like it has been used for welding in the past.
Nothing wrong that I can find other than it's heavy. Jaws are a bit worn but I think they'll work just fine. I think it's newer since it had a plate glued to the side with the model number 955 on it. Here's a few more, still haven't had a chance to clean it up:
jakemac
Well-known member
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
What's the circled bit on the side of the vise ?
A magnet.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Shadow: how much does that nice looking Parker weigh? also if you are going to stop buying vises because you have too many i know a couple guys in your area that would gladly come up to buy your existing ones so you can shop again.
also please post the others if you would if you haven't already in the thread.
i have a finally found a Wilton baby bullet with the rotating base and even the clamp. this one is going in the box with me guys. i have had it for a few days and was going to paint it and shine up the jaws and bare metal, but i just couldn't wait until i get to that to show you.
i'd take a poll, but it's my vise and my color so you'll have to wait and see. JJ and Fretters might have a shade of Purple mixed up and ready to use or Getrid's black wrinkle is on my radar. no "arrest me red" for this and saving that for the little Craftsman i picked up if i don't leave it the original blue.
also please post the others if you would if you haven't already in the thread.
i have a finally found a Wilton baby bullet with the rotating base and even the clamp. this one is going in the box with me guys. i have had it for a few days and was going to paint it and shine up the jaws and bare metal, but i just couldn't wait until i get to that to show you.
i'd take a poll, but it's my vise and my color so you'll have to wait and see. JJ and Fretters might have a shade of Purple mixed up and ready to use or Getrid's black wrinkle is on my radar. no "arrest me red" for this and saving that for the little Craftsman i picked up if i don't leave it the original blue.
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oldldh
Well-known member
No "Arrest-Me-Red"!!!!
Shocking!!!!
However, the Craftsman would look spiffy---RED!!!
Shocking!!!!
However, the Craftsman would look spiffy---RED!!!
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
Google says 82 or 85. My scale out there only goes up to 70 so I didn't bother trying it, if I remember I'll drag the bathroom scale outside.
Ask you shall receive, here's my current vise family. I always like seeing pictures comparing vise sizes.
Wilton 1750 Tradesman, Columbian 604 1/2, Parker 955, and a Wilton 9450.
The other shelf, Craftsman 506-51810 and a Wilton HD (8400?).
Not shown is a smaller 3.5" matching craftsman on the bench and another 1750 that I sold last year.
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
Mark: That came out great, and it should get some well deserved attention![/QUOTE]
Thanks for the kind words.
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
That top shelf is starting to get a little sag in it.Google says 82 or 85. My scale out there only goes up to 70 so I didn't bother trying it, if I remember I'll drag the bathroom scale outside.
Ask you shall receive, here's my current vise family. I always like seeing pictures comparing vise sizes.
Wilton 1750 Tradesman, Columbian 604 1/2, Parker 955, and a Wilton 9450.
The other shelf, Craftsman 506-51810 and a Wilton HD (8400?).
Not shown is a smaller 3.5" matching craftsman on the bench and another 1750 that I sold last year.