4" Vise Swivel Base Replacement ?
- Thread starter zooba72
- Start date
Packard V8
Well-known member
X2 on not spending money to fix that one.
FWIW, some feel a swivel base is an absolute necessity. Others, myself included, would prefer the increased solidarity of a fixed base vise.
I picked up a nice big Rock Island dirt cheap because it was missing the swivel base. I found a 1" bolt for the tapped center pivot and two 3/4" bolts for the two side holes which were for the swivel locks. That vise is now a main user and is as solid as a Rock (Island).
jack vines
FWIW, some feel a swivel base is an absolute necessity. Others, myself included, would prefer the increased solidarity of a fixed base vise.
I picked up a nice big Rock Island dirt cheap because it was missing the swivel base. I found a 1" bolt for the tapped center pivot and two 3/4" bolts for the two side holes which were for the swivel locks. That vise is now a main user and is as solid as a Rock (Island).
jack vines
matt_i
Well-known member
If you remove the center bolt and drill 2 new holes it can remain right there as a fixed base vise.
Or if you really want to go for it, I would use bronze-brazing.
Ideally you have a gas grill, oxyacetylene torch, and some flux coated bronze-brazing rods.
V-out the cracks top and bottom with a file or grinder, fixture to lightly hold back in place with steel blocks. I would preheat the whole thing on the BBQ to save on oxyacet gases.
Melt a little flux, eventually with heat the braze will flow and wet the cast iron. Don't expect it to wick like soft-solder does into a copper pipe fitting. It just sort of sits in the V, work from one end to the other. Then you flip it over and braze the other side, sort of trial and error with heat to keep the top work from dripping out. But if it does, just go back and braze the other side.
Here's a cast iron pedal I fixed for a press brake. You can see a little drippy spot on the top where it needs more work.
Or if you really want to go for it, I would use bronze-brazing.
Ideally you have a gas grill, oxyacetylene torch, and some flux coated bronze-brazing rods.
V-out the cracks top and bottom with a file or grinder, fixture to lightly hold back in place with steel blocks. I would preheat the whole thing on the BBQ to save on oxyacet gases.
Melt a little flux, eventually with heat the braze will flow and wet the cast iron. Don't expect it to wick like soft-solder does into a copper pipe fitting. It just sort of sits in the V, work from one end to the other. Then you flip it over and braze the other side, sort of trial and error with heat to keep the top work from dripping out. But if it does, just go back and braze the other side.
Here's a cast iron pedal I fixed for a press brake. You can see a little drippy spot on the top where it needs more work.
txlonghorn1989
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2017
- Messages
- 2,786
Like folks are saying. That's a lightweight homeowner's vise. Good opportunity to spend a little bit and get a great old vise that'll withstand whatever you were trying to do with that little vise. You don't show what part of the country you're in but that'll be the difference between having a bit of patience to find one and seeing that good vintage vises are for sale all around you if you're looking. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Thanks Everyone - I do have a much more heavy duty vise in my garage, but didn't think I needed to use it for this. I was trying to remove the screw from a rusty shackle.
I'll see if I can get more infomration about the vise - I believe it simply says "Korea" 4". I like the idea of mounting it without the swivel.
Good information Matt ! I do not have an acetylene torch but deinitely appreciate the information
I'll see if I can get more infomration about the vise - I believe it simply says "Korea" 4". I like the idea of mounting it without the swivel.
Good information Matt ! I do not have an acetylene torch but deinitely appreciate the information