Antique vise strictly as a decoration?

[MushCreek]

My neighbor has a huge old vise at his yard sale for $20. I bet it weighs 120 lbs. The only problem is that the moving jaw has been snapped completely off, and then poorly welded. I'm assuming that it can't ever be effectively repaired? It looks very old, and I can't see any manufacturer's markings at all. It does look cool, though! I can't decide if it means that much to me. Forget the lowball offer; this dude won't take a penny off of any of his ****- I've tried.

 

[CutterFarms]

What's 20 bucks if you want something, you know you won't see it again. Post some pics of it for us.

 

[crackit]

+1. If you want it, 20 bucks isn't much.

 

[dlcwent]

Mush, I have several that are strictly for decoration. Go for it if you want it.

 

[Ghost11]

$20? For 20 bucks, Id already own it and posting pics. Hell, id give you a 20 to go grab it.

 

[WWShop]

According to my wife, I have several tools in my box that are just for decoration, but when she needs something fixed, and I have the tool, then she is happy.

Lets see the vise!

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Grind the weld to make it pretty, throw a coat of paint on it, and set it up on display. Here's one of my display vises...

 

[larry_g]

Now that I am retired I have a problem with dealing with all the 'treasures' that I have collected over the years. They add up to a lot of weight and consume a lot of space. I'm in the divestiture mode. Some times a great collection becomes an anchor.

Something to think about.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[2oolhound]

Coolest decorative vise I've seen was used as book ends. Dynamic jaw on one side and the static jaw on the other. I'm not sure if this is the one (post 42):

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...-you-think-lamp-made-drill-295293/index3.html

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: how about just picking up and selling one of us the parts to make a good old vise working as it did 100 years ago. the handles with main screws, vise nuts, static or dynamic jaws, swivel bases and removable jaws from a broken vise all have value even if you don't need yard art.

and if you want to make it work again because it was your gramps or a close friends and one of us has the parts to make it like new again you'll understand why I buy broken vises.

besides the neighbor probably will use the $20 to buy more plants or fertilizer to keep his yard looking nice if he does. or if he's retired maybe a few more tools or a nice meal at his favorite restaurant.

some old Chinese import vises aren't worth $20, but if it's an old US or European made vise one part will be worth the purchase. any pictures??

 

[Mark in Indiana]

MushCreek,
With some imagination, it could be made into some art creation. Weighing 120# will be too heavy for book ends or a table lamp base. IMO: I'd buy it, and look for a replacement moving jaw, or sell the good parts. You can't buy a dinner at a chain restaurant for $20.

 

[bczygan]

Still need a photo of it at your place...

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Coolest decorative vise I've seen was used as book ends. Dynamic jaw on one side and the static jaw on the other. I'm not sure if this is the one (post 42):

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...-you-think-lamp-made-drill-295293/index3.html

Thank you for the kind words. Those were the first ones that I made. My sons now own them.

 

[MushCreek]

I'm gonna think of you idiots every time I have to move this stoopid thing! Not as big as I thought- the jaws are 5" wide; I have no idea how much (or even if) it opens. Still weighs a buttload, though.

 

[G-ManBart]

I'm gonna think of you idiots every time I have to move this stoopid thing! Not as big as I thought- the jaws are 5" wide; I have no idea how much (or even if) it opens. Still weighs a buttload, though.

Holy moly, that's a good vise even with the broken dynamic! Swivel jaw, swivel base....looks like a Reed. You gotta get that thing degreased and post more pictures!

Edit, the more I look at it, the more it looks like a Prentiss.

 

[bubinga]

Coolest decorative vise I've seen was used as book ends. Dynamic jaw on one side and the static jaw on the other. I'm not sure if this is the one (post 42):

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...-you-think-lamp-made-drill-295293/index3.html

Hey that's pretty cool, I'd like to do that if I find an old Vise

 

[nine4gmc]

Swivel jaw Prentiss, freakin sweet even if the dynamic jaw is welded, the rear jaw, base and main screw are worth bucks to someone needing it.

 

[drivesitfar]

Mush: i'm pretty sure you have a Prentiss swivel jaw vise and maybe a #21. how wide are the jaws? If I was closer i'd hand you $40 for it just to have the parts so you didn't do all bad.

too bad a previous owner dropped it or hit it with a BFH.

looks like it might work ok too so you did OK.

NINES: yep you type quicker and I agree