American Scale Vise #40

[tappel]

Hello all! New here, been checking the archives for awhile though and have grown a bit of a vintage vise fascination!

I picked up an American Scale #40 in interesting shape. Got what I think is fair at $40... maybe craigslist isn't ideal but very rarely anything neat comes up under $200. I just wanted to go look at it so I wouldn't regret, telling myself I'de maybe low ball him but I'm terrible at that. Also his photos really didn't do it justice and hope I did a bit better.

It has a bit of left/right play on the front jaw, something feels loose maybe... I can't identify any obvious cracks. I suppose that seems the only issue, and it doesn't have the pipe jaw adapters that look neat. Overall it seems in really good condition.

A cool thing is there's about 1/2 to 3/4 remant of a sticker(included a photo) with an eagle on it and some branding... and that brings me to 'redurbish'. I'm more just in a fix up mode. Was thinking maybe a linseed oil finish after I clean the real bad parts. Kinda wanna keep the vintage look with some rust, especially with the sticker remenant (I don't know that would survive a soak).

I AM very novice, I've never owned anything this old. I had access to my grandpas shop with some old stuff as a youngin', but had no real knowledge or thought about brands etc, I just wanted to make stuff. I do very light duty wood work, 4" is really the perfect size for me. It's much better than my budget box store vises(doi!).

Anyway, sorry if that was long and ranty-ish; I tried to condense it! Feel free to share how I should approach my tune up! ANY tips are welcome and appreciated. Maybe somebody can clarify the loose front jaw... I just align the jaws when I'm tightening and it works well.

Lemme know how I did!

Thanks!!!

 

[paulsomlo]

If the jaw is fastened tightly, then the slop is coming from the fit of the slide bar through the rear casting - and to fix that would require shimming and/or machining.

Those open screw vises are in abundance, at least here in Colorado; $40 is at the high end.

 

[tappel]

If the jaw is fastened tightly, then the slop is coming from the fit of the slide bar through the rear casting - and to fix that would require shimming and/or machining.

Those open screw vises are in abundance, at least here in Colorado; $40 is at the high end.

Thanks for the shim tip! That makes a whole lot of sense, should be able to mcgyver some aluminum I have in there and balance it out a bit.

Price is what it is but really love the anvil aesthetic, and still cheaper than the box store options. It'll serve my small scale jobs very well.



I may aswell prod a bit more for anybodys thoughts on the Colombian 503 vises... the same seller has one of those aswell that I'm gonna try to negotiate a bit and see if he'll work with me. The number he threw out was $100 but I wanna see if maybe I could get him down to around $70 being as I'de be taking both off him.

Does that seem fair for these or would $70 still be overkill? From what I can tell these are definately more of a tank build and will likely take anything I'de throw at it. I checked it out and everything is very snug and working awesome.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I think you did great on the Scale vise. That vise would be a vise that you wont be afraid of hurting. The Columbian would be a gem also. Especially for heavy work. Now if you can get it for $70.00 that would be great but it is well worth more. It does depend on your location as to what comes up for sale, but here in Ky the Columbian would ask $150 to $200. Great find.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Plus I like original. And I buy WD40 by the galleon. Just wipe them down and they shine.

 

[tappel]

I think you did great on the Scale vise. That vise would be a vise that you wont be afraid of hurting. The Columbian would be a gem also. Especially for heavy work. Now if you can get it for $70.00 that would be great but it is well worth more. It does depend on your location as to what comes up for sale, but here in Ky the Columbian would ask $150 to $200. Great find.

Thanks for some assurance! I just need internet validation LOL! Actually you're pretty spot on with the Columbia tho, I see some of their newer models pop up often in the $200 range... theres a big 6" boy on craigslist right now for almost $600.

Definately gonna take the #503 he has. I won't be too pushy but I'll still see if he'll go down a bit on the price for me.

I talked with him and he's happy I want it, just waiting til I get paid on wednesday. Both vices were at his uncles tug boat house on the St Joe river and he said he was hoping to have them both stay together.

The American Scale is already a daily user and I'm very happy with it. I think the Columbia may get a full strip down and some sort of neat oil/waxing. Pretty sure jaws for that one can still be tracked down so I think it'll be good candidate for an overhaul and hopefully be a tool for life

 

[tappel]

Plus I like original. And I buy WD40 by the galleon. Just wipe them down and they shine.

Have you done the WD40 on something as rusted as my Am Scale? I mainly wanna preserve that sticker if i can... maybe mask that area off and hit with a little matte clear coat? Then a diluted vineger clean just to remove the stuff close to flakin'... then give 'er a nice oilin'!

Me thinks that may be my plan. My coworker swears by boiled linseed, and I think it works well without baking if you mix with mineral spirits.

 

[thehorse13]

I'm unsure where you live but you'll quickly learn that prices vary widely by region. Your American Scale vise is a 10 dollar item around these parts. The Columbian fixed base would be around 40 bucks.

That said, the Columbian is extremely well made and will outlive you. That would be the one I'd restore and put to immediate use.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I'm unsure where you live but you'll quickly learn that prices vary widely by region. Your American Scale vise is a 10 dollar item around these parts. The Columbian fixed base would be around 40 bucks.

That said, the Columbian is extremely well made and will outlive you. That would be the one I'd restore and put to immediate use.

You are so right by region. That is why my buddies from Ky travel to WV for old items. And sell here. Most of those vises go to scrap metal in your area. If I could find a Columbian vise for less than $200. I would be happy.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Have you done the WD40 on something as rusted as my Am Scale? I mainly wanna preserve that sticker if i can... maybe mask that area off and hit with a little matte clear coat? Then a diluted vineger clean just to remove the stuff close to flakin'... then give 'er a nice oilin'!

Me thinks that may be my plan. My coworker swears by boiled linseed, and I think it works well without baking if you mix with mineral spirits.

If there is no original paint left, yes linseed oil makes her look great.

 

[1982fxr]

$100 for a 3 inch fixed base Columbian is high, imho.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

$100 for a 3 inch fixed base Columbian is high, imho.

Columbian vises are not very common in these parts so any vintage Columbian vise in my area is a find.

 

[tappel]

I'm unsure where you live but you'll quickly learn that prices vary widely by region. Your American Scale vise is a 10 dollar item around these parts. The Columbian fixed base would be around 40 bucks.

That said, the Columbian is extremely well made and will outlive you. That would be the one I'd restore and put to immediate use.

I'm on the east side of Washington state... bordering Idaho. Maybe 5-10 years ago prices seemed a lot more forgiving for tools in general.

Lot's of transplants in recent years, much more congested and seems sweet deals on anything used is a grind and a half to uncover. I used to be thrift/garage sale/estate nut but with vintage resellers basically living it as a lifestyle it's pretty competitive out there.

I suppose with these old vises I feel a bit better knowing I'm getting something that'll outlive me. I've been watching multiple market places for awhile now... seems everyone treats any old rusty vise as an antique collectible. It's just funny I rarely see Columbia's and this guy didn't even list his and just offered it up when getting the Am Scale... I admit I thought $100 seemed a bit steep, but now all the sudden I've seen 3-4 Columbian's all for at least double.

After research and seeing refurbs though I think it's a classy vice, we'll see if I can negotiate with him a bit but I see myself grabbing it up either way.

 

[thehorse13]

I'm on the east side of Washington state... bordering Idaho. Maybe 5-10 years ago prices seemed a lot more forgiving for tools in general.

Lot's of transplants in recent years, much more congested and seems sweet deals on anything used is a grind and a half to uncover. I used to be thrift/garage sale/estate nut but with vintage resellers basically living it as a lifestyle it's pretty competitive out there.

I suppose with these old vises I feel a bit better knowing I'm getting something that'll outlive me. I've been watching multiple market places for awhile now... seems everyone treats any old rusty vise as an antique collectible. It's just funny I rarely see Columbia's and this guy didn't even list his and just offered it up when getting the Am Scale... I admit I thought $100 seemed a bit steep, but now all the sudden I've seen 3-4 Columbian's all for at least double.

After research and seeing refurbs though I think it's a classy vice, we'll see if I can negotiate with him a bit but I see myself grabbing it up either way.

The market conditions you've described are happening nation wide. My immediate area has also been overrun with transplants and career thrifters. Fortunately, you can still find an abundance of bench vises and other tools, at least for now. Like anything else, there is a finite supply and once it's gone, the price points will trend upward.

There are many high quality vises out there. Old school Columbians were overlooked for a long time but in recent times have finally been recognized as high quality. I can tell you that my 604 1/2 is one of the best vises that I own.

As for the American Scale vise, personally I'd drop that thing in the recycle bin for the metal yard. There are so many perfect examples floating around that nobody would bother putting the effort into making it work properly.

 

[tappel]

The market conditions you've described are happening nation wide. My immediate area has also been overrun with transplants and career thrifters. Fortunately, you can still find an abundance of bench vises and other tools, at least for now. Like anything else, there is a finite supply and once it's gone, the price points will trend upward.

There are many high quality vises out there. Old school Columbians were overlooked for a long time but in recent times have finally been recognized as high quality. I can tell you that my 604 1/2 is one of the best vises that I own.

As for the American Scale vise, personally I'd drop that thing in the recycle bin for the metal yard. There are so many perfect examples floating around that nobody would bother putting the effort into making it work properly.

Well I'm happy to say I got the Columbian off him for $70... not a steal of a deal but in this climate I'm very happy to have something worth a full restore. Thing is actually in incredible shape, jaws are far better than I thought so I won't have to figure out replacing those. Probably won't get to stripping it until this weekend but it's gonna be a fun project.

& I think I'de rather beat up this American Scale for awhile longer before scrappin', I have a cheapy Irwin that might be offended if it isn't the first to get the can

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Well I'm happy to say I got the Columbian off him for $70... not a steal of a deal but in this climate I'm very happy to have something worth a full restore. Thing is actually in incredible shape, jaws are far better than I thought so I won't have to figure out replacing those. Probably won't get to stripping it until this weekend but it's gonna be a fun project.

& I think I'de rather beat up this American Scale for awhile longer before scrappin', I have a cheapy Irwin that might be offended if it isn't the first to get the can

I would mount as many vises as you can. I have one outside that is perfect for demounting small garden tractor tires and tubes. I just cover with a small bucket. Wife doesn't like it.

 

[tappel]

I would mount as many vises as you can. I have one outside that is perfect for demounting small garden tractor tires and tubes. I just cover with a small bucket. Wife doesn't like it.

I like your style. Theres a truck tow hitch stand for a vise that popped up for sale locally. Keep one on me

 

[tappel]

Here's a quick update on the AS vise after sealing the patina with a BLO/wax mix with a teeny bit of red pigmant added. Sort of an expirement, I think the color pops a little more and has a clean touch. There's some life left in it!

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Here's a quick update on the AS vise after sealing the patina with a BLO/wax mix with a teeny bit of red pigmant added. Sort of an expirement, I think the color pops a little more and has a clean touch. There's some life left in it!

Yea it does pop. Plus it will tell a story as you use it. What kind of wax? And let me know how that stands up.

 

[tappel]

Yea it does pop. Plus it will tell a story as you use it. What kind of wax? And let me know how that stands up.

It was a slight mad scientist mix... it was mostly BLO and raw melted down beeswax and barely any mineral spirits to thin a bit more. I cut in tiny amounts of wood oil and wood wax made by Odie's. They market to wood but I found the oil used on multiple metal projects searching the net and I have a bunch of it. I figured the added drying compounds in their products would aid in better bonding/curing.

It feels ever so slightly waxy to the touch but nothing coming off on my hands... pretty confident it did a good job sealing all the history in. Well see how it holds up, should do better than BLO alone!

 

[Jayman17]

I think for this area $70 for that Columbian would be a good deal. Maybe cheaper at a garage sale but who good luck finding one there.