The VISES of Garage Journal
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txlonghorn1989
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Almost a month ago my brother-in-law picked up this Prentiss Bulldog 513 (523?) 3-1/2" vise after I saw it on CL in his area. This weekend it got delivered to me. The jaw pads are beat to hell and the jaws have definitely seen some abuse. First step is for me to take it apart and start to see if I can get the remaining two pad screws out without breaking them off and then to get the broken screw out. Then I guess I'll need to assess whether the vise is worth investing in a new set of jaw pads. I don't have much invested dollar-wise in the vise at this point.
I'll take my questions regarding getting it broken down to the vise repair thread. I'm wondering what you guys (includes the very knowledgeable women we have on GJ) can tell me about the age of this vise and any other interesting or pertinent info about it would be appreciated.
My first Prentiss vise by the way! I really like the look of the vise and love the smallish size of it!
Thanks!
Mike
I'll take my questions regarding getting it broken down to the vise repair thread. I'm wondering what you guys (includes the very knowledgeable women we have on GJ) can tell me about the age of this vise and any other interesting or pertinent info about it would be appreciated.
My first Prentiss vise by the way! I really like the look of the vise and love the smallish size of it!
Thanks!
Mike
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davethorik
Well-known member
You are correct, sir. It is a Parker Prentiss (Meriden CT) Bulldog no. 456, a newer version of the Prentiss (NY) no. 22. It is in mostly very good shape, only a few scars. It makes the dolly its on look like a child's toy!!! Not much info on a cursory Googling, looks like it weighs around 165#.
I was told it came out of a large independent auto repair garage. Seller also had a 4" Rock Island swivel painted same blue color, however both jaw inserts on that one were fully, 100% perimeter welded to vise body, and the weld looked like a continuous garland of metal turds.
Well, the dipshit welder left his mark on the big guy too, however it is easily corrected and not severe, not to mention practically invisible unless you're inspecting it up close.
gman007
Well-known member
Dave
When I first saw the photo, based on the general shape of emblem/badge (which is not really legible) and tail tale "fin" above the nose, etc. I guessed it might be a Prentiss but when I checked the vise spreadsheet it was not listed. I then did a general search for 456 with swivel jaw and no hit there either. So it looks like no one has ever posted one here and there is not much info on it via Googling might confirm that this a a rare vise. You might want to ask Dr. Scott to add to the spread sheet.
Very nice find
davethorik
Well-known member
Dave
When I first saw the photo, based on the general shape of emblem/badge (which is not really legible) and tail tale "fin" above the nose, etc. I guessed it might be a Prentiss but when I checked the vise spreadsheet it was not listed. I then did a general search for 456 with swivel jaw and no hit there either. So it looks like no one has ever posted one here and there is not much info on it via Googling might confirm that this a a rare vise. You might want to ask Dr. Scott to add to the spread sheet.
Very nice find
Thanks gman! From what I can find, Parker bought Prentiss in the 1948-50 time frame after the death of Mason Prentiss. Can't find a conclusive date when Parker discontinued the name, general online consensus is "50s", so there probably aren't many around.
Im curious if the split style swivel base was developed by Prentiss, or Parker. If I had to guess, I'd say Parker. There is an actual little forged wrench held captive by the draw bolt, which seems Parker-ish to me.
I haven't had time to take more pics, but here are the ones seller sent me.
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gman007
Well-known member
Dave
While the Parker and Prentiss swivel lock both are arguably among most effective designs and have the similar concept of applying pressure to the entire base, to me, they are in another sense 180 degrees opposite. Parker lock mechanism is like a car drum brake and applies the pressure from inside outwards, whereas Prentiss does the complete opposite and applies pressure from outside inwards.
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gman007
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Tex
If memory serves me right (and I could be off few years) Prentiss was in business around 1880-1950 (they were then bought out by Chas Parker) . So that puts an upper limit on the age of your Bulldog.
gman007
Well-known member
Hi All
Does anyone have any idea what this vise might be. On one hand it looks old and the nose is old style American meatball but there are not markings of any kind at least on the side that is visible in the two photos (and this is the only available photo). Also it looks fairly large but I am not sure of the size either.
Does anyone have any idea what this vise might be. On one hand it looks old and the nose is old style American meatball but there are not markings of any kind at least on the side that is visible in the two photos (and this is the only available photo). Also it looks fairly large but I am not sure of the size either.
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gman007
Well-known member
Hi All
Having been burned (at least once), I am always paranoid and incessantly looking for issues with any vise that is for sale! Am I imagining things or does anyone else see possible signs of welding around the area where slide meets the dynamic jaw (sorry,again there is only a single photo available)?
Having been burned (at least once), I am always paranoid and incessantly looking for issues with any vise that is for sale! Am I imagining things or does anyone else see possible signs of welding around the area where slide meets the dynamic jaw (sorry,again there is only a single photo available)?
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gman007
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Jon
Thanks much. I believe you are correct. Now that you mention it, I also see the "fin" above the meatball and I think some Prentiss were not clearly marked on both sides.
davethorik
Well-known member
Mine is different than both. There is a saw cut in the swivel base, with a draw bolt. Tighten the draw bolt to lock swivel, loosen to unlock. You can see the captive wrench under dynamic jaw in car trunk pic. I'll try to get a better pic later.
gman007
Well-known member
That sounds like the same as the one I posted for the Bull Dog 524 in my previous post. Here is a better photo of the mechanism for the same vise (this before restore photo)
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davethorik
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My bad. I thought you meant the older spring loaded plunger type. I need more coffee lol
trijeff
Well-known member
the split ring is definitely 100% Prentiss, best I can tell the design originated in the late 1930s
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Clutchrider
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I have yet to set it on the bench but I inherited my grandfathers vise that I am clueless on. Time to do a little research.
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36823949_10156014171374051_1244502473784164352_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=29ecea7adb3e1206b68d9d740fd28bc1&oe=5BEA4A48
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36823949_10156014171374051_1244502473784164352_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=29ecea7adb3e1206b68d9d740fd28bc1&oe=5BEA4A48
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Clutch: if you can post up a few more pictures of your vise we might be able to help you identify it or tell you if it's broken or supposed to be an open screw vise. I can say Prentiss Vise Company made it so you'll have something to start your research with. looks like it might be well over 100 years old too.
Clutchrider
Well-known member
Thanks for the beginning info, looks to be model 62 and weighs probably 20-25lbs. It opens and closes, no locking mechanism that I can see of course it may not have one at all.
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36926417_10156014230839051_5771517833355722752_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=99c0662492b50d877904584ca60aaad5&oe=5B9F407B
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36829637_10156014230849051_6392379936090357760_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=59c0c42ef15fd6e3e9196f0b5a7c8002&oe=5BA6EAB3
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36914193_10156014230844051_8888142765590839296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=44a7758da08e355dcc09d1535a5a882c&oe=5BDF8CB4
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36926417_10156014230839051_5771517833355722752_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=99c0662492b50d877904584ca60aaad5&oe=5B9F407B
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36829637_10156014230849051_6392379936090357760_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=59c0c42ef15fd6e3e9196f0b5a7c8002&oe=5BA6EAB3
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36914193_10156014230844051_8888142765590839296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=44a7758da08e355dcc09d1535a5a882c&oe=5BDF8CB4
trijeff
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its a Prentiss
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kwoswalt99
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Prentiss and broken.
Catalogs show that Prentiss first came out with the split ring swivel base in 1935 or 1936, quite a while before the Parker buyout. I have seen plenty of New York Prentii with the split ring base. It is a great design.
davethorik
Well-known member
Thanks for the confirmation, Gerard. This is my 2nd Prentiss, first was another double swiveler but a bit smaller, 4" jaw no. 19-1/2, and it had the spring loaded pin. Don't really see many "Prentii" around here- mostly Columbians and Reeds.
va.grouseman
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va.grouseman
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Picked up another little #18.---Didn't need it but it was just so clean, I couldn't resist.---Don't see these very often.---There kind of like the Charles Parker #972 1/2.---Not hen's teeth but pretty close.
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va.grouseman
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Fierljeppen
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I agree with VA.Grouseman that your vise is a Prentiss Shepard, but the base isn't right for a No. 62. Since it was your Grandfather's, I felt like putting in a little extra effort to get you as much information as possible.
Look at the photos below of VA's base and yours. Then look at the catalog scan to see the difference between the swivel and the stationary. I believe that your vise is actually a No. 162, with the "1" missing on the casting. Of course I could be wrong.
Whether it's a Prentiss Shepard No. 62 or 162, it's still a really nice 100+ year old vise from your Grandfather.
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gman007
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Va Yet another nice score but then again for you that is the norm and not a novelty
KMScott
Well-known member
Hey VA, post some spec:s on the Shepard when you get time, I'll update the spreadsheet with yours and thanks Fierljeppen for adding the catalog page for the smaller Shepards made by Prentiss, more vises I need to find pic:s of. Those are sweet vises.
Outlawmws
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va.grouseman
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Will do KMS.---I have 3 sizes of the Shepherds.---I'll give you pics and specs on all three.
gman007
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Looks pretty rough to me...
Cheers
ganymede
Well-known member
Does anyone here have an Athol vise in which they replaced that stupid spring tension arrangement with a set screw collar.
I think I remember some one doing it and it was a pain because standard size collars dont fit.
Im considering trimming the spring on mine .
I think I remember some one doing it and it was a pain because standard size collars dont fit.
Im considering trimming the spring on mine .
Private Lugnutz
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Maui
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Gman, here is a photo of the Parker 206 that I bought a few years ago. It was rough, but there was nothing broken, and no weld repairs. I am in the process of restoring it now, and just reassembled most of it a few days ago. Just a few more details to take care of a I'll post some photos of the completed project.
Maui
Maui
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trijeff
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WhoWhatNow
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That looks like a Reed to me.
Private Lugnutz
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Thanks.
dutchgray
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Been at the £11 Something 6" post vice with the wire wheels, whoever said it looked like a Peter Wright was right.
View media item 84747View media item 84748Its obviously seen plenty of use but is otherwise fine, screw threads nicely along the whole length, nothing broken on it.
View media item 84747View media item 84748Its obviously seen plenty of use but is otherwise fine, screw threads nicely along the whole length, nothing broken on it.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
If you guys would indulge me one more and final query (no intention to keep barraging the thread...), here is another one for the experts, this time a smaller vise in a Signal Corps TE-6 tool-set. You can see the vise sitting in the top compartment in Pic 1. Pic 2 is a zoom. (Nothing I can do about the monotone and clutter, sorry.) There appears to be a hardie hole in the anvil. Is the make and model identifiable?
