Columbian 504 Vise, Restoration Question

[hcs1947]

I recently acquired a Columbian 504 which was in decent usable condition, but having seen how other members here have restored their vises to such beautiful condition, figured this one would be a good candidate to try my hand at. So after rereading a lot of the restoration posts here, got it disassembled mostly and started cleaning it up. I can post some before/after pictures after finishing it, but for now I have a question about the internals. At first I thought I wouldn't bother with taking out the main nut, just clean it up and lubricate it, but I see that it has about a 1/4 inch movement back and forth in its dovetail slot. The pin at the back of it is angled, and allows the movement. My question is, is this normal, or should the pin be vertical as opposed to angled back? The recess in the back of the nut dovetail is angled too, which made me wonder how the pin should be. Thanks for any help, I appreciate all the knowledge which everyone here shares.

 

[BullfrogJohnson]

Pin should be vertical.

 

[chris fresh]

is the slop in the threaded part? check the collar at the handle end and make sure the set screw is tight,could have moved out over time with use.

 

[autopts]

The pin should be angled towards the threaded assy. Turn the pin to that its hitting the nut taking all the slop out. I had to do that with a brand new Columbian 205 I bought.

 

[hcs1947]

Thanks Bullfrog, I assume the main nut retaining pin punches up from the bottom of the base? If it is bent, which it must be if it is supposed to be vertical, are new ones available, and can you suggest a source? Seems like it would be difficult to get one pressed back in there, but maybe not.

Chris fresh, no the screw is out but I didn't take out the main nut, but once I had it apart I noticed that the main nut which the screw goes through, moves back and forth about a quarter inch in its dovetail slot. I guess a previous user put enough pressure on it to bend back the pin that retains the nut in place. Nothing else seems to be bent or broken though. Retaining ring with set screw was tight.

 

[hcs1947]

Autopts, thanks, I didn't see your reply, I walked away during my previous reply so I guess you posted while I was. That pin seems pretty solidly in there, should it rotate around pretty easily or how would you do it, just with a punch and hammer?

 

[autopts]

Autopts, thanks, I didn't see your reply, I walked away during my previous reply so I guess you posted while I was. That pin seems pretty solidly in there, should it rotate around pretty easily or how would you do it, just with a punch and hammer?

I've usually punched them out from the bottom. I've even at times bent them more. Re install from the bottom up with the bend going towards the nut.

 

[bluebolt]

I've usually punched them out from the bottom. I've even at times bent them more. Re install from the bottom up with the bend going towards the nut.

Auotpts, whats a good replacement. For like, you know, if my "buddy" knocked it clear across the shop and can't find it?

 

[hcs1947]

Great thanks, give it a try tomorrow.

 

[RivennHewn]

I had a 504 that was bound up a little too tight.

When I took it apart, I noticed the pin had been bent forward to Put more pressure on the main nut, which was very tightley seated in the keyway.

When I re-assembled it with a straightened pin, the main nut had a little movement side to side.

The binding problem went away.

 

[RivennHewn]

Auotpts, whats a good replacement. For like, you know, if my "buddy" knocked it clear across the shop and can't find it?

Viseparts.com

 

[spongerich]

Auotpts, whats a good replacement. For like, you know, if my "buddy" knocked it clear across the shop and can't find it?

A piece of drill rod would be an easy replacement.
When you put the nut in place, take a look and see if there's some space between the hole and the back of the nut. If there is, you'll want to bend the pin against it to hold it in place. I usually put in the pin then hit it with a punch until it's snug.