pendragon1998
Well-known member
I just got a 34 lb piece of old American iron in the mail today: a Craftsman 506.51890 woodworking vise. These vises were made by Columbian for Craftsman, as indicated by the 506 prefix code. The earliest catalog entry I've seen which appears to be the 51890 vise model was from the (1960 catalog scanned by Outlawmws). I cropped a portion of that catalog scan below (item 6, the 4x10" option).
Sears changed the model number around 1973, I believe. If I'm correct about those dates, that makes the vise 42 to 55 years old. $21.95 in 1960 had the same buying power as $175.31 in 2015.
The jaws are 10" x 4", and it opens a good 11"-12", depending on the pads I'll put on. The original dog appears to be missing, but it came with a hefty steel replacement (probably homemade) that will more than suffice. I had the dog in the electrolysis bath already. The original oak (I think) handle was also present, but I took it off before taking photos. It's got a lovely honey color to it after all these years.
These can still be had for a very reasonable cost, particularly because some folks overlook Craftsman in favor of other classic vise brands. I paid $104, including $22 shipping, which was roughly what I paid new for my Chinese (albeit, excellent) Craftsman Professional bench vise a few years ago.
I'm going to restore this old girl and put her to work. I'll be taking my time, as I have several irons in the fire right now, but I'll post photos as I get to it. First will come some electrolysis bath time to get the rust and paint off.
The Columbian vises were the 10R-2A model, and my Craftsman has the same code cast into the rear jaw assembly.
Here's a Columbian from ebay (poor pics):
...and here's my Craftsman:
My greatest concern is the bronze half nut that controls the quick release function. They are designed to wear out before they damage the acme threads. I believe it should be replaceable if needs be, according to this thread, but it may be fine. I haven't taken it apart to see yet.
Sears changed the model number around 1973, I believe. If I'm correct about those dates, that makes the vise 42 to 55 years old. $21.95 in 1960 had the same buying power as $175.31 in 2015.
The jaws are 10" x 4", and it opens a good 11"-12", depending on the pads I'll put on. The original dog appears to be missing, but it came with a hefty steel replacement (probably homemade) that will more than suffice. I had the dog in the electrolysis bath already. The original oak (I think) handle was also present, but I took it off before taking photos. It's got a lovely honey color to it after all these years.
These can still be had for a very reasonable cost, particularly because some folks overlook Craftsman in favor of other classic vise brands. I paid $104, including $22 shipping, which was roughly what I paid new for my Chinese (albeit, excellent) Craftsman Professional bench vise a few years ago.
I'm going to restore this old girl and put her to work. I'll be taking my time, as I have several irons in the fire right now, but I'll post photos as I get to it. First will come some electrolysis bath time to get the rust and paint off.
The Columbian vises were the 10R-2A model, and my Craftsman has the same code cast into the rear jaw assembly.
Here's a Columbian from ebay (poor pics):
...and here's my Craftsman:
My greatest concern is the bronze half nut that controls the quick release function. They are designed to wear out before they damage the acme threads. I believe it should be replaceable if needs be, according to this thread, but it may be fine. I haven't taken it apart to see yet.
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