Looking for info and advice on a Prentiss Bulldog 528 vise

I came across a Prentiss Bulldog 528 vise recently and snapped it up. It has a 6 inch jaw and weighs about 145 lbs. It's in relatively good condition, no paint, just surface rust. I'm looking for a couple things and thought this forum could help.

First, I can find precious little information about this model anywhere. An old catalog entry that potentially dates it to the early 1900s and a couple old auction postings. I have no intention of getting rid of it, but i'm curious of it's worth and history.

Second, I'd like to restore it. My inclination is to sandblast the rust off of it, then either paint or powder coat it. I want to make sure I do this right. I've seen some opinions against sandblasting and I'm wondering why. I'd also love to put it back to original colors, but have no idea what they were. I'd also like to make it as durable as possible, so advice there is appreciated as well.

Third, this vise is far heavier than any others I've had and I'd like ideas on how to strengthen my workbench appropriately. I don't want to worry about twisting up my workbench surface if I'm trying to bend something. My workbench is currently 2x4 framed on 16 in. centers with a 3/4 inch plywood surface. What should I do with the area where the vise will be placed?

Thanks for any help.

LJ:first off i want to welcome you to Garage Journal and i hope you stick around to learn and teach us what you know.

your bench is probably ok for mounting that huge Prentiss vise to, but you might want to bolt the bench to the wall in a couple spots. pictures of the bench and vise would be easier for us to tell and at GJ you can't post too many big vise or workbench or tool pictures on your thread.

very little information on Prentiss since the company went out of business in the 1950's, but i'm betting if you look hard on the vises of garage journal thread you might find one. also post a few pictures of your awesome vise over there.

lastly sandblasting is probably ok if you have the ability, but if it's just rust removal i would say set up an Electrolysis tank and you will be amazed at the results. there is a great thread on how to make one and how they work we have been working on for the last few months that should answer any questions you have. if you know how to sandblast the E tank should be a piece of cake for you to make and use.

again post up a bunch of pictures of your vise and i might even have one like it if i look hard because i do have a few Prentiss vises. they are great vises and i really like all the casting marks on them too.

ljarvie said:

I came across a Prentiss Bulldog 528 vise recently and snapped it up. It has a 6 inch jaw and weighs about 145 lbs.

Click to expand...

A 1938 catalog listing that I have for Prentiss says 155 lb. net weight for the No. 528.

ljarvie said:

First, I can find precious little information about this model anywhere. An old catalog entry that potentially dates it to the early 1900s and a couple old auction postings. I have no intention of getting rid of it, but i'm curious of it's worth and history.

Click to expand...

Your vise dates from the mid-1930s to the 1950s.

I can say that because Prentiss changed their numbering system in the mid-1930s. Your No. 528 was originally a No. 96.

If you post a photo or two showing the detail and style of the markings on the vise, it might be possible to give you a little better idea of the age.

1928 price for the No. 96 was $52.00

1938 price for the No. 528 was still $52.00

Ok, I got some pics. Couldn't find a beer can around, so I used a pop can.

Gotta work on my picture posting. Sorry for the potato camera.



Other side

That is one beautiful vise. I love the big ones. I really don't have anything relevant to add other than a welcome to the GJ and thanks for sharing this piece of history.

That's a great looking vise. I love the fundamental lines, it just screams business. Stout looking tool.

LJ:thanks for the pictures and i agree that is one very nice Prentiss vise you have found. in my opinion i wouldn't sandblast or use Electrolysis to make that vise shine. i'd put some WD 40 or mineral spirits on a rag and just wipe it down.

also since it looks like it hasn't been used in a while i would put some new silicone grease on the inside of the vise nut, on the screw and a little on the slide where it might rub going in and out. sometimes those Prentiss screws can be a pain getting them out of the dynamic jaw so if you don't see any damage or excess dirt or old grease on the screw i'd just grease it in place.

also if that vise is too big for your bench and you want a little smaller one then please PM (private message) me and i'll figure out a trade for you.

more pictures after you bolt it to your bench if you do and again make sure the bench is secure and probably bolted to a stud or two.