Any help with a Wilton vise?

[Mike'smeatshop]

Hello. New guy here. Is there any new welding rods for this 1952, 940 ductal vise? Is there anyone who has had good success with the rods they used? I have traded for this vise and I plan on putting it back in service. I at one time back in the 1980s and 90s was certified stick, mig, tig and military standards soldering but that was many moons ago. I've read on here with a lot of good information. Are these made of ductal iron for sure? I have a good AC-DC Lincoln welder that I have faith in. Thanks. Mike.

 

[Roberts210]

Looks like a great candidate for restoring. I can tell you with 100% accuracy that the Wilton machinist vises are not gray cast iron, but as to whether they are cast steel or ductile cast Iron, I am not sure. If that were mine, I'd try to stick weld it with 6013 and just see what happens. It will either work or it won't.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Thanks Robert. I am hoping to just get the jaws secure enough to use. I have read several ideas on the material and welding rods that I may try. I have heat sticks to get it hot enough and then a blanket to cool it down slow. I may know the rod if I can find the exact material. I have a few friends with bridge ports to machine it down. Thanks.

 

[Zeus36]

60,000 psi ductile iron for the bullet vises.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

60,000 psi ductile iron for the bullet vises.

Thank you Zues. I have some ideas in my head and will reveal how it turns out. I am still hoping someone will come along and let me know their success.

 

[Firstram]

I fixed up an old Prentiss that was almost identical to this by brazing and re-machining for new jaws.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I fixed up an old Prentiss that was almost identical to this by brazing and re-machining for new jaws.

Great job. That is my intentions. What ever I do I have not a thing to lose. I think from my experience with repairing coal furnaces years ago, They took a weld and very strong today.

 

[Roberts210]

I haven't welded any Wilton vises, but I've rescued at least 3 that had been heavily welded by previous owners. Take a look at this Wilton 1750 Snap On vise. The entire vise had been stick welded to the swivel base. Before and after.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I haven't welded any Wilton vises, but I've rescued at least 3 that had been heavily welded by previous owners. Take a look at this Wilton 1750 Snap On vise. The entire vise had been stick welded to the swivel base. Before and after.

I wonder why the PO went that route? Great job.

 

[Roberts210]

THanks. I dunno, the guy was a handyman who lived in a shack surrounded by junk and trash I paid $30 for it.