Just bought a well used Wilton Vise..

Probably should have spent a bit more time looking & learning, but wanted a vise and it seems like the US built Wiltons are highly regarded. I'm betting I paid too much, but really didn't want to start dealing with all the CL crazies to try and save a few bucks.

Info is a bit thin on this, I guess I'll know more when it arrives.
Obviously, a lot of surface rust. Supposedly operates smoothly so hopefully the threads and such aren't too rusty.

I've read a few posts about electrolysis, so I'm thinking I'll read up on that and use the method to clean it up a bit. I'd prefer not to repaint, but I'll see just how much paint is on it after I get it.

Pretty hard to see the lettering, looks like it says "101156" or "101151"? I'm guessing it's an older Wilton Machinist 4.5" or 5", similar to the current 500N?

Any feedback, thoughts on it's age, how to best restore it, or what model it is?

Looks fairly old to me.

Most of them have the date stamped on the bottom of the slide.

The rust doesn't look all that bad. Since the screw is enclosed, I'd bet it's in good shape.

If you paid < $150 for it, you did well.

Check out the ones that have been selling on eBay lately. Some pretty rusty 3 1/2" ones have been going for upwards of $80.

Just guessing but I dont think its that old. Maybe 1980's ?
Is it me or is the base plate extra thick ?
Nice !!

Looks very similar in shape to my '76.

If it is marked Schiller Park it is from the 1970's or later. I looks a little beat up however, you could dress out most of that if you wanted to. If it has no cracks and moves smoothly it will clean up nicely.

Steve

I really like the bullet look of the Wiltons. You got a nice vice to be sure. After you use it a few times, you won't really care what you paid for it, but why don't you tell us just because we are nosy?

Arachnotron said:

Looks very similar in shape to my '76.

Click to expand...

Comparing that to mine, I wonder if mine is actually a swivel-base model, but missing the lower mount!

Hmmm. Wonder if it will bolt securely to a bench or if I can source a new (or salvage) mounting base.

Edit:

Actually, it looks like the stationary "N" models are just the "S" models without the base...

eg: New 350N

Hi, that vise is a swivel mount. Doesn't it rotate when you loosen the swivel handles?
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/3/3/6/0/8/webimg/386427436_o.jpg

Nice buy and the nice thing about Wiltons is that they clean up so easily. Might have a broken jaw support or it could be the photo, either way, its not the end of the world.