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The VISES of Garage Journal

K

KMScott

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Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
joe.striper said:
So today I finihed my Parker 825. What a beast, weighing in at 130 lbs with 5" jaws.

The repair on the dynamic tail came out great and it operates smoothly.

Took a while to pick the color before choosing this satin green.

Threw my back out moving it so I could take these picks.
Click to expand...

I like this vise to, great job Joe. Do not see these to often. Heavy vise for a five incher. What size was the jaw pins out of curiosity, they look different.
I am building a set of jaws for a Parker 88, 4-3/4 long. these are a 1/4 inch narrower then the other Parker 4-3/4 jaw width vises like the 259x.
 
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Sam.A

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Sep 7, 2014
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4
drivesitfar said:
All: correction on the Wilton vise history remark. i meant to say KC-Steve has the Junk yard website with the Wilton history and not Steve-O. sorry.

Sam: i understand you wanting Parkinson vise like you want and who wouldn't.Just wondering if a Wilton baby bullet with the power arm and the clip might be another option. or are they as rare if you are in the UK as Parkinsons are over here?

i'm not planning on selling my Wilton Baby Bullet anytime soon, but here's a picture of how it moves in case you didn't already know.

Jake: nice tie clip.
Click to expand...

Jake: I've not tested a Baby Bullet for engraving. Not sure if it's got enough mass and weight. I love 'em though and would love to own one!
 
D

drivesitfar

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Oct 23, 2013
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Pacific Northwest
Sam: just letting you know that power arm can also hold other vises and you might see a few different ones on this thread. The baby holds everything I use it for great for me so might do any job you throw at it if you find one.

Jake: you are welcome and happy to help.
 
H

Hot Chop shop

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Apr 12, 2013
Messages
628
Location
Las Vegas
Thanks for all the suggestions!
This thread moves so fast it's hard to keep up and give credit where it's due!

I checked several stores for a drag link socket today and had no luck but I did find a chisel that I thought might work if I grind down the sharp edge....
b922f9e1c972c78e075decab5ee0c500.jpg

But if that didn't work I was going to pull out the welder and make a tool
d417e8332c7b2885f539f355aa435286.jpg

but that was a last option since the welding table was covered with a greasy vise and oily rags everywhere.

So after lots of oil and turning I realized I could spin the vise from the base if I slowly moved the two rotating post with it that kept wanting to engage... and pop it was off. So much more fun lifting this beast in sections. So now comes the hours of wire wheel fun.
ba0615628a50f772f215be6c4992adf3.jpg

47a7d839822c3dafa5db37b5a470cf56.jpg
 
Z

zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
Messages
16,939
rocket1420 said:
Got her home tonight. Didn't notice any fractures, welds, and it opens and closes all of the way. I couldn't get the base to turn, but I hope that won't take too much work:
Click to expand...

Good deal :thumbup: 4.5"? I wonder when reed starting putting 2 swivel locks on?
 
V

va.grouseman

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Fellows, we're knocking down about 3 pages a day.---At this rate someone is going to have to cough up a ton of vise in less than a year.---I guess Demo and Zoomy can repost.
 
R

rusty65

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Pekin,IL
rocket1420 said:
Got her home tonight. Didn't notice any fractures, welds, and it opens and closes all of the way. I couldn't get the base to turn, but I hope that won't take too much work:
Click to expand...

Very nice Reed. I bet that one was made during ww1 since it still has the 1908 patent on it.
 
T

TreePointer

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Oct 25, 2011
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396
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PA
Love a Reed 204-1/2. The one in our barn was my grandfather's and is still our workhorse.
 
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J

jakemac

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May 21, 2013
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New England
bigcaddy said:
You trying to pull a fast one? That's a Dunlap!!:willy_nil
Click to expand...

Hey, you work with what you got. :lol_hitti



rocket1420 said:
Got her home tonight. Didn't notice any fractures, welds, and it opens and closes all of the way. I couldn't get the base to turn, but I hope that won't take too much work:
Click to expand...

zkling said:
Good deal :thumbup: 4.5"? I wonder when reed starting putting 2 swivel locks on?
Click to expand...

rusty65 said:
Very nice Reed. I bet that one was made during ww1 since it still has the 1908 patent on it.
Click to expand...


Rocket -
Mine is the same vise, but has (supposed to have) 2 swivel locks. So, I'd guess that yours is earlier and mine is later. Both have the same three patent dates on them.

It's good to see what the base and swivel locks are supposed to look like, as mine is missing both. I found a base that I can use (newer than my vise, but older than the new style supplied by Columbian) and am in the process of starting to make the lock bolts. I had to order a regular 7/8-14 bolt from Fastnel to use as a center bolt, because I couldn't find a vise bolt to use.

What size bolt/thread is used on your vise ? 5/8-11 or 1/2-13 ?
 
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E

EOC_Jason

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Messages
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Bentonville, AR
Hot Chop shop said:
So after lots of oil and turning I realized I could spin the vise from the base if I slowly moved the two rotating post with it that kept wanting to engage... and pop it was off. So much more fun lifting this beast in sections. So now comes the hours of wire wheel fun.
Click to expand...

That's exactly how I got off a base on one of my 4C's (I don't know if you saw my suggestions a few pages back).

If you take a couple 2x4's to hold up the base. And either use a piece of brass or maybe a piece of wood and see if you can beat that pin out. Then you are home free.

Probably wouldn't hurt to heat the base up some too, help expand the hole.
 
W

wrenchguy

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Sep 22, 2011
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Hot Chop shop said:
Thanks for all the suggestions!
This thread moves so fast it's hard to keep up and give credit where it's due!

I checked several stores for a drag link socket today and had no luck but I did find a chisel that I thought might work if I grind down the sharp edge....
But if that didn't work I was going to pull out the welder and make a tool but that was a last option since the welding table was covered with a greasy vise and oily rags everywhere.
So after lots of oil and turning I realized I could spin the vise from the base if I slowly moved the two rotating post with it that kept wanting to engage... and pop it was off. So much more fun lifting this beast in sections. So now comes the hours of wire wheel fun.
ba0615628a50f772f215be6c4992adf3.jpg
Click to expand...

Could u measure that center swivel bolt and post the info?
 
J

jakemac

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rocket1420 said:
Yes, 4.5". I feel stupid though. What do you mean by two swivel locks?
Click to expand...

The swivel lock is the handle/bar on the side of the vise. It's what tightens and loosens the base so the vise can rotate or stay in place. Most vises only have one on the side, but some have a second one on the other side so that any stress that is transferred down to the base is distributed a little more evenly.



rocket1420 said:
I haven't taken it apart yet. All I can tell you right now is that the bottom center bolt has a round slotted head that is 1.75" across.

Forgive my ignorance. You guys know way more about vices than I'll ever know. jakemac, if you want, you can PM me and I'll give you my cell# so you can tell me exactly what to do and what info you need. I hope to be able to play with it a little tonight.
Click to expand...

It's OK, I was just curious. It won't effect what I'm trying to do anyway. But thanks. :thumbup:
 
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joe.striper

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agawam, ma
Here is my Wilton C1. I had to replace one pipe jaw, thank you Mr. Scott:rocker:, excellent work and worth every penny.

Replaced pipe jaw screws with stainless allen key bolts. Only flaws are some marks on the dynamic slide and a small nick on one of the serrated jaws.

Thank you Garage Journal for the tip on the end cap. I got mine, for free, from the local fence business. Best of all it was aluminum so I was able to sand and grind it to fit and look absolutely original. Being aluminum it is also thick and it is tough so I think it will hold up to some abuse.

Also, thank you again Mr Scott for the Wilton sticker. I put two coats of nail polish on it, praying it wouldn't cause the sticker to run!:scared:

I really like this Hammerite light blue paint. Sets up thick and HARD. Excellent stuff.:D
 

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Trey T

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NICE!!! Dang it, I really want a C1. I tried to clamp a small pipe with my C3 other day; that didn't work!!!
 
J

joe.striper

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agawam, ma
OOOH I AM SO SICK!!!!!!!!!! Just ran into a buddy I haven't seen for years. He works as the shop foreman for Hamilton Standard, formerly Pratt & Whitney of aircraft fame. I told him how I've been restoring vises, he says, and I quote "you won't like to hear this but I just THREW OUT a bunch of really OLD VISES and ordered new ones"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREW THEM OUT, THREW THEM OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!:rant::scared::mad::willy_nil:flamethro:argue::yikes::bigun2::twak::shocking:

there are no words...i...am...sick
 
F

Fretters

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Joe, I'm sure stuff just tell us tales like that because they know it'll pee us off. It's likely nowt more than a wind-up. If I had a quid for every time I hear someone say something like that.... If it were true, half the time, they'd have the gumption to just say nowt.


Trey T said:
NICE!!! Dang it, I really want a C1. I tried to clamp a small pipe with my C3 other day; that didn't work!!!
Click to expand...

With stuff like that, wood is your best friend, (not that type of wood, might I add :evil:). Easily shaped to work as a temp fixtures.
 
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EOC_Jason

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Time to go dumpster diving, or to the landfill???

joe.striper said:
OOOH I AM SO SICK!!!!!!!!!! Just ran into a buddy I haven't seen for years. He works as the shop foreman for Hamilton Standard, formerly Pratt & Whitney of aircraft fame. I told him how I've been restoring vises, he says, and I quote "you won't like to hear this but I just THREW OUT a bunch of really OLD VISES and ordered new ones"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THREW THEM OUT, THREW THEM OUT
there are no words...i...am...sick
Click to expand...
 
H

Hot Chop shop

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Apr 12, 2013
Messages
628
Location
Las Vegas
joe.striper said:
Here is my Wilton C1. I had to replace one pipe jaw, thank you Mr. Scott:rocker:, excellent work and worth every penny.

Replaced pipe jaw screws with stainless allen key bolts. Only flaws are some marks on the dynamic slide and a small nick on one of the serrated jaws.

Thank you Garage Journal for the tip on the end cap. I got mine, for free, from the local fence business. Best of all it was aluminum so I was able to sand and grind it to fit and look absolutely original. Being aluminum it is also thick and it is tough so I think it will hold up to some abuse.

Also, thank you again Mr Scott for the Wilton sticker. I put two coats of nail polish on it, praying it wouldn't cause the sticker to run!:scared:

I really like this Hammerite light blue paint. Sets up thick and HARD. Excellent stuff.:D
Click to expand...

That looks great! End cap looks like it's from the factory floor.

I am always amazed at how you guys polish up the handles to such a shine. I have used a wire wheel and paste wax with okay results but I think it's time to get a bench buffer wheel and start playing with compound and polish to great to make a mirror finish before I get it all greasy and dirty again.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
H

Hot Chop shop

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wrenchguy said:
Could u measure that center swivel bolt and post the info?
Click to expand...

9de2f444dc99ee9400b5e4744c98984e.jpg


EOC_Jason said:
That's exactly how I got off a base on one of my 4C's (I don't know if you saw my suggestions a few pages back).



If you take a couple 2x4's to hold up the base. And either use a piece of brass or maybe a piece of wood and see if you can beat that pin out. Then you are home free.



Probably wouldn't hurt to heat the base up some too, help expand the hole.
Click to expand...

I did see your suggestion but both of the side locking bolt kept engaging so I thought maybe they wouldn't let the vise do a full rotation... (Hope that makes sense) In my defense it's a lot of metal to move around and it's my first reed that I am taking apart so I wasn't too sure.
 
I

Iron Hoarder

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Sam.A said:
I'm looking for a Parkinson's Ball Base Vise. They were made in England and not so plentiful here in the USA. If anyone has one I'd like to buy it.
Click to expand...


They are damn near impossible to find here as well. I've been trying to find one or one of the other very similar ones that were made here for 4 years. My friend has one and says he's only seen a few in the last 30 years.
 
J

joe.striper

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agawam, ma
Hot Chop shop said:
That looks great! End cap looks like it's from the factory floor.

I am always amazed at how you guys polish up the handles to such a shine. I have used a wire wheel and paste wax with okay results but I think it's time to get a bench buffer wheel and start playing with compound and polish to great to make a mirror finish before I get it all greasy and dirty again.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...

Hot Chop, my life changed when i got a 3/4hp grinder and put a 10" wire wheel on it. I buffed out the handle on that C1 in 10 minutes. The wire cleans it perfectly. When I do my vises my tools are to 10" wire wheel, a 4" angle grinder with a lapped sanding disk (36 or 60 grit), a 7" buffing machine with a 3" soft bristle wire cup, a 3" hand held belt sander running 80 grit and my finishing sander is a Dewalt 5" orbital palm sander with 80 or 150 grit. Nothing I can't make look brand new with these tools.

Every time I sell a vise I make an investment into my small shop. This week I bought a small 40# anvil, and I am constantly changing and upgrading my vises. Today my new Parker 825 replaced my Wilton 5" bullet. The bullet will be redone cosmetically, it will get a new set of dentures care of Mr Scott and I'll send it down the road to a new home.

My big question is what vise to redo out of my pile? My Parker 954, Parker 23X, Parker 974 1/2, Wilton 400 N, Parker 973 1/2 or a vise I haven't found yet.:headscrat
 
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joe.striper

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OK GJ braintrust, care to guess the maker of this vise with 5" jaws and aluminum caps? says 915 on the side, looks well made with a gorgeous handle. Chinese? has some age. $45
 

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T

TreePointer

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joe.striper said:
OK GJ braintrust, care to guess the maker of this vise with 5" jaws and aluminum caps? says 915 on the side, looks well made with a gorgeous handle. Chinese? has some age. $45
Click to expand...

Jaw towers have the Starrett (or Athol Starrett) family look.
 
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EOC_Jason

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Finally got around to cleaning up my York 125... I went with the Hammered Light Blue... I think it looks good. I was tempted to do the lettering with a dark-blue paint pen, but then decided to play it safe and use the old standby black...

Interesting thing, inside that threaded shaft is only threaded maybe an inch at the beginning. It's not all the way like the Wiltons (at least I think the Wiltons are threaded all the way through).

EDIT - Also included a picture of my Reed swivel bolt removal tool. Just found a small piece of angle that fit in the groove, then welded it to a large nut.
 

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O

oldldh

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Fairhope, AL
joe.striper said:
OK GJ braintrust, care to guess the maker of this vise with 5" jaws and aluminum caps? says 915 on the side, looks well made with a gorgeous handle. Chinese? has some age. $45
Click to expand...


The "unrestored" vise is a Starrett 925...The "heavier-stronger" machinist's vise...version of your 915...about 90 pounds worth, without the swivel base...

The "new" vise is a 926...available for around $ 900.00 on the NOS market/Ebay...about 180 pounds...

Add a "C" to the model # for the swivel base...and about 20 pounds to the weight...

Your 915 is a good vise for all-around home usage, and will serve you well, for decades...I don't know the Country of Origin (COO)...guessing U.S.A....

Look at the 926 photo, and you will see the who/what/where of manufacture...all the 92X series I've seen have that, so maybe, your's is foreign manufactured, but I don't "know" that...
 

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joe.striper

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Fretters said:
Joe, I'm sure stuff just tell us tales like that because they know it'll pee us off. It's likely nowt more than a wind-up. If I had a quid for every time I hear someone say something like that.... If it were true, half the time, they'd have the gumption to just say nowt.




With stuff like that, wood is your best friend, (not that type of wood, might I add :evil:). Easily shaped to work as a temp fixtures.
Click to expand...

Fretters, im sorry to say this friend isnt a bs artist. He was a little sick himself when I told him what they are worth.:(
 
K

KMScott

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Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Oldie, which one of those Starrett's is yours. If it the blue one then Gregg sent you a nice one. I have a Starrett 924-1/2 I put new jaws on and looking for the blue with white specks in it to repaint it. I have this small Starrett maybe 3 inch jaws with no spindle end and some weld on it that I am not going to mess with. They really went cheap for the homeowner type vises.
 

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joe.striper

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agawam, ma
va.grouseman said:
Joe.striper,---Did your friend remember any of the band names or mention the sizes of the vises?
Click to expand...

When I asked him that question I really didn't want to know, but to quote him "I don't emember the names but they were big, and round in the back. Not like the stuff you see in the stores" then I asked...with much trepidation...how big were they? Answer "pretty big, it took two of my guys to move 'em":eek2:. Retch, retch, gag.....

I am done with this topic. I cannot even think about it anymore.
 
J

jakemac

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joe.striper said:
"I don't emember the names but they were big, and round in the back. Not like the stuff you see in the stores" then I asked...with much trepidation...how big were they? Answer "pretty big, it took two of my guys to move 'em":eek2:.
Click to expand...

My uncle used to have a woman like that. I don't remember her name either. :lol:
 
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