Columbian 4.5" machinist bench vises $125 + shipping

tool_scrounge · Mar 1, 2015

I saw this link on Ebay and thought I would pass it along (I have no affiliation). Looks like it is a new Wilton Columbian 504-1/2M3 US made bench vises for $125 + $48.50 shipping and they claim to have 10+ of them.

Link to Ebay ad:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291387356251

Description:
WILTON COLUMBIAN 10103M *********** MACHINIST BENCH VISE OPENS 7" MADE IN USA retail OVER $400!!

4-1/2-Inch Jaw Width
7-Inch Jaw Opening
4-1/8-Inch Throat Depth

For reference, Amazon sells them for $369 with shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Columbian-10104-Machinists-Feet-Vises-Stationary-Opening/dp/B000KL72LY

gregpack · Mar 5, 2015

I need a basic all purpose vise for my workspace. nothing elaborate. I haven't done much research into vises. I do appreciate quality and like USA mfg. These seems like an awfully good deal but apparently they aren't selling. Is the lack of a swivel base that much of a "deal killer" on this vise, or is it something else that makes these not so desirable?

slipnfall · Mar 20, 2015

Picked one of these up, set to arrive next week - I'll post a quick picture or two once it does!

larryq · Mar 20, 2015

slipnfall said:
Picked one of these up, set to arrive next week - I'll post a quick picture or two once it does!

Thanks, be interested to know how she opens/closes and what it weighs.

slipnfall · Mar 20, 2015

Surprised to find the package here already - wasn't expected until Wednesday, but no complaints!

Box was busted up - obvious the vise had tumbled around inside and eventually the handle broke through. Luckily no damage.

My impressions are mixed. I use old-school Columbian 604's all day long at work, so I may have my expectations a little too high.

The good: little/no rust, and everything is smooth as butter. Jaws engage perfectly, handle at 6 o'clock, and no slop or play. The handle turns easily with a single finger. BTW the "dust" you may see is cardboard dust from it tumbling around inside the box.

The ugly: the casting is a bit poor on the static vise, but I'm certainly no expert. (Looking at the profile shot of the static jaw, looking back towards the rear of the vise, notice the casting is higher on the one side) Can anyone who's more familiar with this stuff chime in?

Happy to see the swivel bolt hole is present and tapped (I have a 604 swivel base I plan on using).

Didn't get a weight yet, but plan to.

Pics:

Nice big 'pocket' on the backside of the jaw:

Overall I'm happy considering the price - I don't feel any of the imperfections are functional in nature or will impact performance, but again I'd love to hear other opinions!

larryq · Mar 21, 2015

Looks like one heck of deal for USA iron at $150 shipped.

Jaws appear to line up very nicely, and with no slop or play it's a winner. You did great sir...how wide do the jaws open, and what do you estimate it weighs?

slipnfall · Mar 22, 2015

Weight of vise is roughly 34lbs.
Swivel base (from a 604) adds 8-9lbs
Total with swivel: ~43lbs

slipnfall · Mar 22, 2015

The jaw opening was one of the reasons I held off on many other vises - the 504 is spec'd to 7" opening.

larryq · Mar 22, 2015

I like the vise, as mentioned earlier, but are the jaw widths 4" or 4 1/2"? I ask because if your vise is 34 lbs it's most likely a 4" jaw, as the 10103M model number indicates. You can see the specs across the model line here:

https://www.southern-tool.com/store/wilton_10102-503_vise.php

The ebay ad appears to be mixing things up, listing it as a 4 1/2" vise with a 7" opening. The 10104 model also weighs 50lbs.

The 10103 is a 4" vise however, and only opens 6" (still not bad, don't get me wrong) and weighs 34 lbs.

That's not an insignificant difference. The price is certainly right regardless, but maybe it's worth it getting in touch with the seller about the listing error, if there is one? Might get a few dollars back.

slipnfall · Mar 23, 2015

Good catch - I simply pulled up the listing when responding because I was too lazy to go measure.

But you're absolutely right - this is a 4"jaw vise. It's no wonder why I was so confused when shopping... BTW side of vise is stamped 504, and box labeled 604.

Anyway, this explains why the base was a hair too large - functionally fits, but there is a lip on the base exposed.

Jaw:

Thanks!

tool_scrounge · Mar 23, 2015

Well that is a bummer. I would contact the seller and send a photo showing the jaw width of the product compared to what that ad said. You should be able to get a price reduction. Please let us know how it goes.

macgee · Mar 24, 2015

tool_scrounge said:
Well that is a bummer. I would contact the seller and send a photo showing the jaw width of the product compared to what that ad said. You should be able to get a price reduction. Please let us know how it goes.

+1

I agree

IndyGarage · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks for sharing the pictures. Something looks fishy to me about that vise.

First - it clearly says "made in the USA" on the side, however the workmanship of the casting and finishing looks like something made in the third world. Surely they would have blended that big imperfection off the back side of the stationary jaw if it were made in America. The paint doesn't necessarily look like a quality job.

On the plus side, it looks to be the shape of my big old columbian vise. The jaws fit good, the handle and nut look beefy and if the iron is strong, this is one of the better, lower priced vises I've seen.

And finally the letters in Columbian are very sloppy for a new manufacturers product.

crab · Mar 24, 2015

That's not a Columbian, look at the U in Columbian. I'd send it back for a refund.

BrianGT · Mar 24, 2015

My 505M3 has the same U in Columbian. Overall it looks quite similar, with a bit cleaner casting. Maybe that was sold as a second.

slipnfall · Mar 24, 2015

I have seen other Columbians with the U in similar fashion.

Started a return case with request to issue partial refund - listing has not changed. Based on feedback and previous contact request, seller does not seem responsive.

Has anyone purchased a new Columbian? How was it packaged in the Wilton box, and, what was included if anything in the box? I wonder if I contact Wilton regarding quality of casting, what they would say (probably take it up with retailer/seller).

Added jaw pic above.

slipnfall · Mar 24, 2015

Any clues as to what this "7FM" stamp is or means?

larryq · Mar 24, 2015

slipnfall said:
I have seen other Columbians with the U in similar fashion.

Started a return case with request to issue partial refund - listing has not changed. Based on feedback and previous contact request, seller does not seem responsive.

Has anyone purchased a new Columbian? How was it packaged in the Wilton box, and, what was included if anything in the box? I wonder if I contact Wilton regarding quality of casting, what they would say (probably take it up with retailer/seller).

Added jaw pic above.

That 'U' in Columbian is standard, I wouldn't worry about that bit. It is disappointing the seller hasn't responded, but worst case it's still a nice vise, even with the casting imperfections. Worth $150, though I'd do the same as you and try to get a few dollars back based on misrepresentation (or an honest mistake on the seller's part but that's not your problem.)

crab · Mar 24, 2015

I have an older Columbian and the U is the same as the other letters. I thought Columbian and wilton were 2 different companies. If that flaw on the rear goes very deep [it doesn't appear to] then it will eventually break there. m

zkling · Mar 24, 2015

Wow, you can clearly see in the picture of the ad and on the outside of the box that it is a 504--> 5= fixed base 4=4" jaw width. Should have been a 504.5 for fixed base, 4.5" jaw width.

People never cease to amaze me just on the basics.

JDon99 · Mar 24, 2015

We have a 5" version of that vise at work, everything looks the same ast his one. For the price it's a good deal for a USA made vise.

IndyGarage · Mar 24, 2015

Looks legitimate. From the Wilton website:

http://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/p/...idth-6-jaw-opening-with-360-swivel-base/10203

The Columbian with the offset u is accurate, according to the pictures.

Looks like a good deal on a vise to me. that catalog does not show a fixed base vise - maybe they are discontinuing that model.

slipnfall · Mar 25, 2015

Update: seller offered partial refund. Seems honest, just busy.

Also i asked if these vises were seconds. Their response was that these came from existing inventory when Wilton acquired Columbian tool.

Conductor562 · Mar 25, 2015

Damn, Wilton and Warren (Columbian) merged in what, 1998 or 99? 15 or 16 years on the shelf, it's a wonder there wasn't more rust.

toolmuchtool · Mar 26, 2015

Slipnfall, I also got one from the seller on 3/20 it shows the USPS got it on 3/24. I not sure if he sent it on the boat to Hawaii, if so it could take up to a month for me to get it. It looks like he stop selling them after 7 sells with the wrong info. Then re listed with the true info like 4" jaw size 6" depth. Says there 10 for sale. I let you know if mine also came in the wrong box and what kind of shape it is. I see if it looks like seconds. Do you think I should ask for money back too? Oh well, I see what shape it in first, and what size the vise is. I wounder if there some in wrong boxes and the seller never open to look.

slipnfall · Mar 27, 2015

Unfortunately I suspect the whole lot are 4" vises. Take delivery, open a return case, and send a message (and picture). Of course eBay was going to refund shipping, but seller offered a return label in addition (if I didn't want to accept partial refund). As always YMMV.

Good luck, let us know!

toolmuchtool · Mar 27, 2015

Slipnfall thanks for the info. Do you feel like it's still a great deal ? Being made in the USA. I thinking we did good. Also do you know where I may be able to pick up the base so mine can swivel like how you converted yours ?

bubinga · Apr 17, 2015

look at at "U" from My old one.

crab · Apr 17, 2015

I'll try and post a picture of mine this weekend. The U is the same as the other letters, it's a D46. So what's the deal ?

bubinga · Apr 17, 2015

crab said:
I'll try and post a picture of mine this weekend. The U is the same as the other letters, it's a D46. So what's the deal ?

IDK, it's weird right?
is yours an old one?
I think mine is pretty old, the guy on the vise thread said he thought 50- 70 years.
I paid $50.00 for mine BTY.
It looked funny at 1st on the new one, but for fun, I looked at a picture of mine, and it was little.
Different foundry's, in different areas, or different molds, I don't know.

Columbian 4.5" machinist bench vises $125 + shipping

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