Athol 623

[excelsisba]

Picked up another vise the other day, an Athol 623, at an antique mart for $15. Can't seem to find a lot of information on how to date these. I see way more 623 1/2. Anyhow it's cleaning up real nice. I went the wire wheel route this time instead of electrolysis because of the old paint. I was worried there might have been a repair hiding underneath the paint but all is well, no repairs. Looks like someone painted it without cleaning it or prepping the surface. Jaws look like they have good life left in them as well! Not bad for $15!

Can't decided if I want to paint of do BLO... Suggestions?

Anyone see or have a 623 laying around? Anyone know the date of these?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Man, nice find! I'm in the Atlanta area as well.

 

[excelsisba]

Ha sweet! I'm right downtown by Turner Field.

So what do you guys use to polish/shine these up? Even after the wire wheel it still looks dark and dull. Maybe I just need to keep going at it with the wire wheel a little longer?

 

[Dussemberg]

Great find, congrats. I'm sure this one is going to turn out a thing of beauty.

 

[Shiftless]

Nice score.
On the oldies, I like the way BLO turns the bare cast iron and bare steel handles a beautiful dark color. It won't look dull after the BLO which gives it a sheen. Takes a long time to dry though.
But then again, a vintage industrial green or dark red sure looks good.
"Your vise, your color"

I have a 614 which is very similar but has a fixed base with a cornered mount.
It has chipped paint of more than one color which attests to a hard life. I haven't decided on which way to go on mine. Many projects in line in front of that.

 

[SweetD]

Great price for that one. Should clean up really nicely. I agree with the "bare" look and the boiled linseed oil treatment. Or just keep it oiled up. Keep us posted!

 

[excelsisba]

Thanks guys! Thinking I'm leaning towards BLO. Was wondering though, Could I paint the lettering white and use BLO or would it take off the paint?

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks guys! Thinking I'm leaning towards BLO. Was wondering though, Could I paint the lettering white and use BLO or would it take off the paint?

I don't think it would attack cured lettering paint.
But why not apply the BLO and then do your lettering highlights after the BLO is dry? I haven't done that myself, but from what I know about paint, it should be fine.

(You're not using latex paint for lettering, right?)

Anybody else have opinions or experience on this topic?

 

[excelsisba]

I don't think it would attack cured lettering paint.
But why not apply the BLO and then do your lettering highlights after the BLO is dry? I haven't done that myself, but from what I know about paint, it should be fine.

(You're not using latex paint for lettering, right?)

Anybody else have opinions or experience on this topic?

Na no latex here. I just figured the BLO would help protect the paint a little if the paint went on first then the BLO. Just curious if anyone else had done that

 

[Fretters]

Linseed oil is fine to be painted over, and has no adverse effect if applied over cured paint.