The VISES of Garage Journal
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
Been lurking a while, its been quite some time since i've acquired anything. Rehab worked! I've been looking specifically for a Rock Island 571 for a while now, even resorted to ebay to find one, but prices always get too high. Came across this little guy last night and picked it up early this AM on the way home from work. I've been looking for a nice 3" vise for a while and this fits that bill. Its from that transition period between the old and "R" styles, it has cast in jaws but 4 bolt base (like you really need that on a 35lb vise!), and all the adjustments of the R series. Has all kinds of factory stamps on it still visible, 669 is on all the pieces. Thats way too late to be a date code. Slide saw a little action but not bad, had to just knock the edge off with a file to get the slide all the way out for inspection. I gave $45.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
JRobb: looks like you posted pictures of a REED. did you grab the wrong pics or did you actually buy a nice little REED 203 instead of the Rock Island you mentioned. i know you know the difference even if you been in REHAB so what gives?
glad you found a keeper and even if you aren't buying we enjoy your posts so comment on other guy's stuff if you have some time.
cheers
VA: tell us do you like the small ones better than the BIG UNS or do you just like them ALL?
glad you found a keeper and even if you aren't buying we enjoy your posts so comment on other guy's stuff if you have some time.
cheers
VA: tell us do you like the small ones better than the BIG UNS or do you just like them ALL?
va.grouseman
Well-known member
Drive, most any vise man worth his salt loves the monsters, the bigger the better, and I'm glad I procured a few back when they were affordable, and back when my back would let me fool with them.---But now I'm relegated to lighter iron that don't lay me up for a day or two.---But the real answer is I like them all, especially odd and rare ones.
I think it was KMS that I told that I sure hope I don't run into a Reed 209, or 408, or Hollands 48, or Parker 978, or a Simplex 81S.---Cause if I do I got 2 choices, leave them be, or go back under the knife.---I sure hope this second surgery is going to go as good as the first one.
I think it was KMS that I told that I sure hope I don't run into a Reed 209, or 408, or Hollands 48, or Parker 978, or a Simplex 81S.---Cause if I do I got 2 choices, leave them be, or go back under the knife.---I sure hope this second surgery is going to go as good as the first one.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
VA: might i suggest you have the sellers of those big vises bring those vises to your chain gang as part of the deal. or maybe a forklift might be in your future?
sorry to hear your back is still giving you issues. i'm still ok lifting the 150 pounders, but i need to hang on my inversion table every day or i'm sure i'd be a lot less able to without feeling more pain.
best of luck on ROUND 2 of the back operations and hope this one works. Tiger Woods has the best Doctors in the world and i think he's on his 9th operation on his back so not sure they have a fix for backs once they start cutting. take care.
JR: yep i probably read your post too quickly as you were talking about your Rock Island search. i just picked up a broken Reed 203 that needs a new dynamic slide, but yours looks a lot bigger cause mine is just a little guy compared to some of my other 3 inch vises.
sorry to hear your back is still giving you issues. i'm still ok lifting the 150 pounders, but i need to hang on my inversion table every day or i'm sure i'd be a lot less able to without feeling more pain.
best of luck on ROUND 2 of the back operations and hope this one works. Tiger Woods has the best Doctors in the world and i think he's on his 9th operation on his back so not sure they have a fix for backs once they start cutting. take care.
JR: yep i probably read your post too quickly as you were talking about your Rock Island search. i just picked up a broken Reed 203 that needs a new dynamic slide, but yours looks a lot bigger cause mine is just a little guy compared to some of my other 3 inch vises.
chrisnazzy
Well-known member
Speaking of Rock Island 571's......mine came yesterday. It will be the baby brother to my recently acquired 853. I was able to get it off Ebay for $44. The seller was awesome to work with as he took it apart and packaged it nicely in a USPS flat rate box to provide cost efficient shipping. I didn't mind paying a little more for this one because I was specifically looking for a RI swivel base of about this size and this one is in near perfect condition.
It is stamped "7 44" so 73 years old. The Birtman tag is in excellent condition and was easy to remove before we got it taken back apart last night. The jaws are almost mint and almost no hammer marks on the handle or front of the dynamic.
The best part of all of this is my 9 year old daughter is getting into this with me. With this one weighing in just under 30 pounds I let her take it back apart last night by herself so we could get it all in the Simple Green bath for the next day or two. I did pre loosen the #3 Philips head jaw screws when she went in the house for a minute.
Now I have to pick a color for these guys. I think they should match and even though the original is obviously a medium gray I want to do something with a little more character. What do you guys think?
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It is stamped "7 44" so 73 years old. The Birtman tag is in excellent condition and was easy to remove before we got it taken back apart last night. The jaws are almost mint and almost no hammer marks on the handle or front of the dynamic.
The best part of all of this is my 9 year old daughter is getting into this with me. With this one weighing in just under 30 pounds I let her take it back apart last night by herself so we could get it all in the Simple Green bath for the next day or two. I did pre loosen the #3 Philips head jaw screws when she went in the house for a minute.
Now I have to pick a color for these guys. I think they should match and even though the original is obviously a medium gray I want to do something with a little more character. What do you guys think?
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Saw this huge Prentiss 57 at a swap meet today. Asking price was $300. Looks like one of the jaws has been replaced at some point. Otherwise it was pretty nice and not all beat up.
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BMR24
Well-known member
How do you clean those tags without removing the original paint? I have a couple on a drill press that have rust and stuff that I'd like to clean up so I can read them
Rileysan
Well-known member
Soaking it in Simple Green is a popular way of removing paint, but I don't know about rust. Once I realized how bad the paint was on mine, I just gently wiped it down with lacquer thinner.
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Yes you outbid me! I'm still on the hunt for one though I'm happy with this 203R.
I have spend a few hours fixing my new vise today. Took it apart, cleaned it and mounted it on my workbench ready for next project. Its actually in a great shape, not much sign of wear except for jaws that needs to be ground. Its got four layers of paint; original red, green, blue and silver and very nice patina, so I'll leave it as it is for a while. Its my only bench vise so I need it to be operational straight away.
I looked for signs to date it and found "35" in the bottom. I know the model is that old, but could it actually be fabrication year?
Any Record experts here who can tell me more?
(Anyone knows other forums with experienced Record guys worth trying?).
I looked for signs to date it and found "35" in the bottom. I know the model is that old, but could it actually be fabrication year?
Any Record experts here who can tell me more?
(Anyone knows other forums with experienced Record guys worth trying?).
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chrisnazzy
Well-known member
That little Reed 203R is pretty sweet. I can't wait to do my first Reed. I've got my eye on a couple Athols right now though.
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454ragtop
Well-known member
I have spend a few hours fixing my new vise today. Took it apart, cleaned it and mounted it on my workbench ready for next project. Its actually in a great shape, not much sign of wear except for jaws that needs to be ground. Its got four layers of paint; original red, green, blue and silver and very nice patina, so I'll leave it as it is for a while. Its my only bench vise so I need it to be operational straight away.
I looked for signs to date it and found "35" in the bottom.
Any Record experts here who can tell me more?
Way cool, awesome exposed screw vise! Love the pipe bender. Love to find one myself, but probably not likely, since yours is the only one I've ever seen.
Just finished reworking my dads old 5” craftsman.
Sorry no before. It had 45 years of abuse from my dad, my brother and myself. It clean up well.
I disassembled it completely cleaned it greased everything and straighten out the handle. It’s now bolted to the work bench for small jobs. I’ve got a prentiss 52 bolted the welding table for heavier work.
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Sorry no before. It had 45 years of abuse from my dad, my brother and myself. It clean up well.
I disassembled it completely cleaned it greased everything and straighten out the handle. It’s now bolted to the work bench for small jobs. I’ve got a prentiss 52 bolted the welding table for heavier work.
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Rileysan
Well-known member
Here's my finished Craftsman 5180. I tried to finish assembly yesterday but I needed to paint the set screw after I set the lash and touched up paint on the back of the main housing. This is the most effort I've ever put into a vise because this one will be a display piece in my office. I don't know if I'll put this much time into another one. We'll see ...
Brian
Brian
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ptgarcia
Well-known member
Just finished reworking my dads old 5” craftsman.
Sorry no before. It had 45 years of abuse from my dad, my brother and myself. It clean up well.
I disassembled it completely cleaned it greased everything and straighten out the handle. It’s now bolted to the work bench for small jobs. I’ve got a prentiss 52 bolted the welding table for heavier work.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good job, but isn't the 506-51801 a 3.5" vise?
taumac
Well-known member
Its been long long time since I have had something new to post on here. I had some help from my enabling GJ friends. Here’s my Reed 204 I picked up tonight for $25.
And good thing is I found a brother for my other Reed 204 I had.
And good thing is I found a brother for my other Reed 204 I had.
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taumac
Well-known member
KMScott
Well-known member
Nice job Brian, you know it becomes a addiction refinishing vises and you always want the next one done as good or better. That Craftsman/Reed will be a great show piece.
Billythekid1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2015
- Messages
- 240
taumac I was trying to get the guy to respond to his email since that ad was posted for 2 hours I hate when they don't put a number lol it looks to be in great shape glad I got to see where it went
taumac
Well-known member
Thanks man. Yes, seen some good deals come up and missed out of them. I’m sad missed out but glad another GJ member got it.
FMC1959
Well-known member
Great job and love that blue with the white highlights and awesome Craftsman badge. It shows that you put a lot of care in restoring this vise
Thanks [emoji4]
Check out this very cool Record no.75 resto.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5641302
gman007
Well-known member
taumac
Your 204 is in great shape specially the jaws. Congrats
I have a Reed 204 and the latest patent date (out of three patents) on it is 1914. Assuming 20 years rule for patent expiration, my guess is it might be between 1914 to 1934.
As for the question "I know it was the 204 then 204R. Only difference I see between the 2 is the base and lock ", I am no Reed or any vise expert but I believe there are some other models in between such as 204A etc. Also 204R has the flat nose (main screw) and has an oil hole on the dynamic jaw etc. So there are some more differences. I am sure someone like Drives who is a Reed connoisseur can shed more light on this.
PS
I just noticed in your photo, you have a 204 and possibly a 204A (hard to tell from photo), so I am wondering if you are asking for the difference between 204 and 204A, rather than the difference between 204 and 204 R
? 007
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taumac
Well-known member
taumac
Your 204 is in great shape specially the jaws. Congrats
I have a Reed 204 and the latest patent date (out of three patents) on it is 1914. Assuming 20 years rule for patent expiration, my guess is it might be between 1914 to 1934.
As for the question "I know it was the 204 then 204R. Only difference I see between the 2 is the base and lock ", I am no Reed or any vise expert but I believe there are some other models in between such as 204A etc. Also 204R has the flat nose (main screw) and has an oil hole on the dynamic jaw etc. So there are some more differences. I am sure someone like Drives who is a Reed connoisseur can shed more light on this.
PS
I just noticed in your photo, you have a 204 and possibly a 204A (hard to tell from photo), so I am wondering if you are asking for the difference between 204 and 204A, rather than the difference between 204 and 204 R
007
My question is more along the lines of where does the earlier 204 fit into the timeline. You are right my newer 204 does have the “204A” stamp.
Its just when I get a vise I like to know the history and have things changed over the years as that series of vise was made. I only knew of 204 to 204R and R was the newer revised version. I’m not a tool flipper but more of a curiosity.
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zoomieport
Well-known member
Well done Bcom!
Thanks zoom. I know it's not a drop in the bucket compared to the collections of some of you guys but im trying to get started.
gman007
Well-known member
Thanks zoom. I know it's not a drop in the bucket compared to the collections of some of you guys but im trying to get started.
Bcom
Never the less it is a very nice high quality collection (personally I always prefer quality over quantity), Well done!
007
trijeff
Well-known member
That Milhoff looks like it needs a new home on my bench, looks lonely and neglected up on that top shelfJust brought in some better steel shelves today since my vise cart wheels fell apart.
AngryBeaver
Well-known member
Some better pics of the Rock Island.
5" jaw width. 129lbs. 7" opening. Looks like the date stamp is 1-51 from the best I can tell. The 5 was lightly stamped and almost looks double stamped. Does 1951 sound right for the Birtman time frame? I thought they were later like 55-59? This thing is awesome. Very little use. Pretty damn stout compared to the Columbian 200 series I love.
Makes the 4" 840 pat pending look small.
5" jaw width. 129lbs. 7" opening. Looks like the date stamp is 1-51 from the best I can tell. The 5 was lightly stamped and almost looks double stamped. Does 1951 sound right for the Birtman time frame? I thought they were later like 55-59? This thing is awesome. Very little use. Pretty damn stout compared to the Columbian 200 series I love.
Makes the 4" 840 pat pending look small.
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That Milhoff looks like it needs a new home on my bench, looks lonely and neglected up on that top shelf
007----- Thanks. I totally agree with you. Nobody wants shelves filled with Chicoms
Jeff----- Might be able to make the Milhoff yours if you want it. However ive come to find out that shipping a 50lb vise from Ohio to California costs $80 in a small crate. Just shipped a 9400HD to Cali and it was $80 UPS in a small wood box.
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gman007
Well-known member
007----- Thanks. I totally agree with you. Nobody wants shelves filled with Chicoms
Jeff----- Might be able to make the Milhoff yours if you want it. However ive come to find out that shipping a 50lb vise from Ohio to California costs $80 in a small crate. Just shipped a 9400HD to Cali and it was $80 UPS in a small wood box.
Bcom
Sometime back on this thread someone raised the question of what is the cheapest way to ship a vise around and I think whole bunch of folks said they all had great luck with Fastenal. You might want to check it out (for the record I have personally no experience shipping vises period as I have never sold one and have no plans on selling one
).007
gman007
Well-known member
AngryBeaver
That is for sure one impressive and awesome looking vise and in mint condition too! Love the jaws and the Birtman tag looks fantastic!
007
Bcom
Sometime back on this thread someone raised the question of what is the cheapest way to ship a vise around and I think whole bunch of folks said they all had great luck with Fastenal. You might want to check it out (for the record I have personally no experience shipping vises period as I have never sold one and have no plans on selling one
007
I did check out Fastenal first. They were unhelpful at best. They said EVERYTHING had to be on a skid no matter what size and pre weighed and they didn't have a scale there. Said I had to call a 1800 number and fill out a bunch of online paperwork too. My Fastenal didn't seem to want to help at all. What I dont understand is why I have to weigh the item? If i got an item that weighs 200lbs and i only tell them 100lbs do they not weigh the item themselves? Maybe my Fastenal just *****
drivesitfar
Well-known member
ALL: Fastenal is very good on heavier items over 200 pounds. since some of the guys put an engine or tool on a pallet and put a strap or maybe even duct tape on it then complained about a scratch Fastenal has made it a policy to put everything in a crate. still a great way to ship a big tool or vise and you just have to learn their system.
shipping small vises is a **** shoot on which company has good deals and good service so best to sell to members locally or that will drive to meet you. or give to friends that need one like Riley and others have done many many times.
BCOM: nice shelf and looks like you have 2 Milhoffs on the top and are they fairly light or did you have help putting them up there? nice collection of quality vises.
ANGRY: i heard or maybe read it too that Birtman bought Rock Island vise company in about 1930 and quit making them in 1957 if that helps you. for a big old combo vise it looks hardly used or abused. nice find!!
Taureg: maybe you can find the answer for us on the lettering that REED used cause i don't have it memorized. JasonEOC used to know a lot about Reed vises, but he hasn't posted on the vise thread much or at all now for a year or two. i know he still posts on GJ so maybe send him a PM and if you guys come up with something please post it here. good luck
speaking of buying more vises you might want to stock up if those big hurricanes keep heading your direction to help weigh down your house. hoping you and your friends in Florida have recovered from the last few.
shipping small vises is a **** shoot on which company has good deals and good service so best to sell to members locally or that will drive to meet you. or give to friends that need one like Riley and others have done many many times.
BCOM: nice shelf and looks like you have 2 Milhoffs on the top and are they fairly light or did you have help putting them up there? nice collection of quality vises.
ANGRY: i heard or maybe read it too that Birtman bought Rock Island vise company in about 1930 and quit making them in 1957 if that helps you. for a big old combo vise it looks hardly used or abused. nice find!!
Taureg: maybe you can find the answer for us on the lettering that REED used cause i don't have it memorized. JasonEOC used to know a lot about Reed vises, but he hasn't posted on the vise thread much or at all now for a year or two. i know he still posts on GJ so maybe send him a PM and if you guys come up with something please post it here. good luck
speaking of buying more vises you might want to stock up if those big hurricanes keep heading your direction to help weigh down your house. hoping you and your friends in Florida have recovered from the last few.
Drives--- Thanks. The vises on top, the red one is definitely a Milhoff. The other that looks like a Milhoff has some variances but still looks kinda like a Milhoff. I can't say what brand it is exactly, that's why I grabbed it. I had some help putting the Reed 3C, Reed 2C and the Yost 80C on the shelf. Probably didn't need help with the 2C but the neighbor was helping anyway so I had him help me out with it.
KMScott
Well-known member
BCM, That is how Fastenal does it. Use this link and fill out the spec;s of the pallet, L,W and Height. weight the vise and then the pallet along with the box surrounding your bolted down vise. This is a very safe way to ship and much cheaper then UPS if over 125lbs total. Use this link to request a quote. The customer pays for the shipping when they pick it up. www.fastenal.com/3pl
Pretty slick way to ship vises and this is part of selling vises. You just can not wrap a vise up and pack it in a box and expect it to arrive safe every time but packing it in a box is pretty safe way to ship.
The last two pic's are when I use UPS for smaller vises, I build a box of 3/8 thick sheet that fits in side a double wall box. Never had a problem with UPS even how rough they are moving the boxes around.
Pretty slick way to ship vises and this is part of selling vises. You just can not wrap a vise up and pack it in a box and expect it to arrive safe every time but packing it in a box is pretty safe way to ship.
The last two pic's are when I use UPS for smaller vises, I build a box of 3/8 thick sheet that fits in side a double wall box. Never had a problem with UPS even how rough they are moving the boxes around.
