The VISES of Garage Journal
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
Got a chance to do something pretty unusual for me today.
I went out to a fellow collector/enthusiasts home and was shown his collection.
I was also able to snag 3 new projects for myself
A Reed 204R, Reed 403 1/2”, and a Prentiss 99 coachmakers vise!
Awesome experience all around
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I went out to a fellow collector/enthusiasts home and was shown his collection.
I was also able to snag 3 new projects for myself
A Reed 204R, Reed 403 1/2”, and a Prentiss 99 coachmakers vise!
Awesome experience all around
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks, Smitty. Those are actually helpful. While a little fuzzy, it's clear enough to ascertain that the lock-downs on the vises in the 1948 locomotive supply company don't look like they have any neck and flange or retaining ring. It's just a long nut or perhaps a nut with a thinner neck above it. I wish I knew the date of the Parker brochure, though, because that lock-down is clearly exhibiting the captive wrench features of the first 1930 patent. The nut is at the bottom of the post, there is a thinner neck above that for getting another bite with the wrench, and a flange at the top retaining the wrench.
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mikeswrenches
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Go figure, I have a spring and a collar on my pre-1867 Parker?
My Parker vise has "balls of steel".
Thanks for posting those pictures! It answered two questions I had. One was what type of spring setup Parker used, and the other was whether Parkers patent for the front retainer had been utilized.
I keep staring at the photo because I can’t decide which one is in the best shape. It looks like you had a great day.Got a chance to do something pretty unusual for me today.
I went out to a fellow collector/enthusiasts home and was shown his collection.
I was also able to snag 3 new projects for myself
A Reed 204R, Reed 403 1/2”, and a Prentiss 99 coachmakers vise!
Awesome experience all around
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mikeswrenches
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After all the posts on the 492 1/2 and 20, I decided my 492 1/2 needed a wrench. This turned out to take longer than I thought since the nuts are not a standard size, at least mine aren’t and they are original. A 7/16 is too small and a 1/2 inch is a touch too big. After a bit of trying different sizes I tried a 12mm and it is perfect. I realize that Parker didn’t use millimeter sizes but for right now it will work.
Wrench sizes back then weren’t standardized like they are now so it may take a bit of searching to find a period correct one, especially with a box end.
Wrench sizes back then weren’t standardized like they are now so it may take a bit of searching to find a period correct one, especially with a box end.
Lugz
I’m pretty sure the brochure is from the early 50’s. Parker did the same brochure for Prentiss only in blue.
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I’m pretty sure the brochure is from the early 50’s. Parker did the same brochure for Prentiss only in blue.
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Seminole77
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WOw- great input! Thanks for the insight
Seminole77
Member
That really helps- Thanks a ton
Shiftless
Well-known member
What’s wrong with this vise?
Here are some detailed pics of my Parker 2000
This vise is only slightly operational. It seems that the spindle is shorter than it should be. As was already discussed, there is no horseshoe on the front but there is also no provision for a collar or e clip and washer on the shaft. So the dynamic jaw doesn’t open properly when unscrewing.
I see the number 720 on the base. That’s a model number right, not a manufacturing date ?
Not much wear on the slide.
.
Here are some detailed pics of my Parker 2000
This vise is only slightly operational. It seems that the spindle is shorter than it should be. As was already discussed, there is no horseshoe on the front but there is also no provision for a collar or e clip and washer on the shaft. So the dynamic jaw doesn’t open properly when unscrewing.
I see the number 720 on the base. That’s a model number right, not a manufacturing date ?
Not much wear on the slide.
.
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drummingpariah
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks. It looks like the only vise that continued using the 1930 patent lock-down design was the 192-1/2X Small Anvil Vise. It's the only one that has a flange at the top preventing removal of the wrench. All the other lock-downs look like the nut is at the bottom of a longer post that allows the wrench to be slipped right off.
Dan8906
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richeyc2000
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mikeswrenches
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Shift, the 720 is probably the part no. or the foundries casting number. Pretty sure it is not a date code since my 492 1/2 has the same number cast in its base.
With respect to your vise. Is it possible that the spring is just weak? It is over a hundred years old and was was probably closed most of the time thus causing the spring to lose some of its strength
It looks like you could add the collar if one could be found.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Shift is the slide free in the bore, and if its side or top loaded, does it hang up? Maybe it needs liberal lube?
Shiftless
Well-known member
Thanks for responding. The slide is free. All the old dirt and grease is gone. The first thing I did with this vise is soak in hot SG which degreases while it removes old paint. (The old red paint was particularly ugly)
I’ll probably just add a collar like Mike suggested. I don’t see any depressions, scratches, or other signs that one was there in the past.
UPDATE ON MY PARKER 2000:
After painting, greasing, and reassembling, I determined that the vise works fine as long as you don’t expect it to open more than 2 inches. Beyond that point, the screw disengages from the nut and the handle and screw assembly just pulls right out from the rest of the vise. That’s why I thought it was messed up. I suppose this is the way they worked when fresh from the factory. I have no plan to add a collar. That wouldn’t work anyway due to the closed design of the underneath front part of the slide.
Clearly this model was not aimed at heavy duty users.
There was fairly heavy rust pitting on the top rear portion of the slide and also on the handle end balls. I think this vise spend a good part of its working career outdoors.
It will spend its retirement with me on a nice dry shelf.
.
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hitthewall79
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Kept lowering the price and ended up getting $600 for that wilton, so all and all it was a good flip. Paid 375 for both of them, so it was pretty much worth it. That's the only reason I collect vises is because people are willing to pay money for them right now. I also collect Stanley hand planes, railroad stuff, and oxy cutting torches for that exact same reason. People dont know what they have, sell it for cheap, and I turn around and sell it for more. If theres something wrong with making a dollar, then I guess I'm the ******* here for making money.Well asking $1k each should definitely cover travel expenses.
How bad did you lowball the seller? I cant give you 500 for both, but i can do 300 and be there today
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Found a bit of a unicorn in the wild today, a Hollands 22 1/2. It’s got a 2.5” jaw and a very cool US Navy tag ( cc Smitty). This is the smallest swivel base Hollands made in this series, with the largest being the massive 9” jaw Hollands 29.
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Shiftless
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Vise:
That’s a beaut! Looks like remnants of battle ship gray are still present along with some nice USN salt air patina.
Nice find.
That’s a beaut! Looks like remnants of battle ship gray are still present along with some nice USN salt air patina.
Nice find.
Vise:
That’s a beaut! Looks like remnants of battle ship gray are still present along with some nice USN salt air patina.
Nice find.
Thanks Shift. Drove about 3 hrs round trip for it, so it feels earned.
davethorik
Well-known member
Wow that Hollands is amazing! Nice grab!
Unless I am not understanding something - there are currently three of these on ebay with a buy it now price. One for $648.99, one for $684.99 and this one for $1349. All buy it now with no takers. Two have been on there for a LONG time (buyer keeps lowering the price).
Fierljeppen
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The King of the 2" machinist vises, Charles Parker 200-2. This vise looks so out of place when setting next to any of it's rivals. I'm not sure what the Chas Parker Co. was thinking when they designed this model.
Use the 2" jaw Wilton baby Schiller Park vise for a size reference.
Jaws........2"
Opening....3-1/2"
Weight....16 lbs.
Use the 2" jaw Wilton baby Schiller Park vise for a size reference.
Jaws........2"
Opening....3-1/2"
Weight....16 lbs.
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davethorik
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Like a 3" vise but with 2" jaws...very cool
KMScott
Well-known member
Fierljeppen, here is a unknown vise I own, 2" jaws that opens to 2-3/4 and weights 12lbs. Got it from Joe a couple years ago. Just have not seen one like it.
Pretty awesome 200-2 Parker you got there Fierljeppen, is it yours?
Pretty awesome 200-2 Parker you got there Fierljeppen, is it yours?
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Shiftless
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Outlawmws
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A new fad...
Outlawmws
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Fierljeppen
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Wow, Joe and his vises! I'm not sure at this time who the mfg. is of your 2" vise, but I've opened a "vise case" and will followup. It looks old and well built.
The Parker 200-2 is my vise. I promised davethorik I'd start posting photos of my vises. I don't have a collection like va.grouseman, but not many people do. I've had some camera issues, but at least I found the problem, the photographer *****.
The vise crew has always had a great sense of humor and tonight is no exception. Many chuckles from the photos.
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Grabbed these three from my Dad's basement (formerly my Grandfather's house, at least one or two of these were his).
I knew about the big one in the first pic (Littlestown 450). That has a lot of slop in the dynamic jaw.
Found the other two while cleaning out that basement today.
The medium one is interesting. Desmond Stephan Co. Simplex Utility No 100. I think it's missing its swivel base. See pics 2-4.
The small one is a mystery, but made in USA. There's a stamped number 5426-2, but no other markings. See pics 5-7. Anyone know what it might be???
Mike
I knew about the big one in the first pic (Littlestown 450). That has a lot of slop in the dynamic jaw.
Found the other two while cleaning out that basement today.
The medium one is interesting. Desmond Stephan Co. Simplex Utility No 100. I think it's missing its swivel base. See pics 2-4.
The small one is a mystery, but made in USA. There's a stamped number 5426-2, but no other markings. See pics 5-7. Anyone know what it might be???
Mike
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
The small model makers vise has surfaced here before. I can't recall the make, but someone will chime it. Most that style had the guide pins vertically, not horizontally so that is much rarer.
Nice finds!
Nice finds!
mikeswrenches
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Svt_ivan
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Josh C
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Just received some pictures from a good buddy who graces these pages occasionally and am feeling that I must show off his work and sing praises as finding someone who knows how to accomplish this kind of makeover isnt common, and the fact that he is a die hard Vise nut just makes bringing the work to his shop something that I look forward to!! Theres at least 12-15 vises visible walking into the shop, kinda makes a guy feel right at home.
Mr. Blake Keasler is the man with the talents displayed here. I am very fortunate to have him as a friend and resource. This is my Reed 107 that came from the coal mines up in West Virginia
Mr. Blake Keasler is the man with the talents displayed here. I am very fortunate to have him as a friend and resource. This is my Reed 107 that came from the coal mines up in West Virginia
