Columbian 504

[becampn]

Found a Columbian 504 today at an antique shop. Seller is asking $125. I had the store call the seller to see if they would take $90 (not knowing its value) and the seller said he would. Screw, screw box and T-jaws are in good shape. Should I buy or wait a week or two and offer less? Looking for advise.

 

[MayerMR]

At $90 it would have been in the truck with me. Those old Columbians of that era are nice vises, and that one is in great shape. Snap it up before someone else does, imo.

 

[becampn]

Thanks for the response MayerMR.

 

[Richard Cranium]

You made them an offer and then when they accepted it, you didn't buy it?

 

[becampn]

Richard I found the vice at the antique store, photographed it and then had to leave to pick my daughter up at the bus stop. While waiting at the bus stop I called the counter person and asked her to contact the seller to see if they would go down to $90. She called me back just before closing so I couldn't go pick up the vice. I'll be there first thing in the AM if its worth $90. I just want a quality vice for my bench.

 

[becampn]

Well I bought the vice. Two hours of wire wheel work and she looks pretty good.

 

[sanddan]

Well I bought the vice. Two hours of wire wheel work and she looks pretty good.

I have that same vise, it was my grandad's then my dad's until he died. One of the best features is how far it will open. Great find on your part.

 

[becampn]

Sanddan I hope my kids can say the same 60 years from now. First coat of enamel is on.

 

[MayerMR]

Sanddan I hope my kids can say the same 60 years from now. First coat of enamel is on.

Very nice looking vise you got there for a great price. Don't forget to use paste wax or boiled linseed oil on the main screw handle and slide to keep them looking nice and rust-free as well

 

[becampn]

MayerMR which would you recommend? I was wondering what to do to keep the shiny parts shiny. I will grease the screw and shaft once I'm done painting.

 

[MayerMR]

MayerMR which would you recommend? I was wondering what to do to keep the shiny parts shiny. I will grease the screw and shaft once I'm done painting.

Both work well, but I prefer BLO. Real light coat on all the shiny parts - you can work it in with your fingers (washes off easily). Lighter is better than heavy - it'll dry faster (a day or so) and then you can do another coat if you wish (I generally don't find it to be needed). It won't last forever, but it lasts a long time.

Paste wax is good too, but I use it mainly for cast iron tables on table saws, band saws, and the like. You can polish it nice and shiny and it doesn't transfer when you slide wood over it. I like it, but it needs to be done every few months as well.

 

[becampn]

Thank You MayerMR.

 

[thin_concrete]

Sanddan I hope my kids can say the same 60 years from now. First coat of enamel is on.

Nice! I used something that was as close to the factory red as I could find, but really like that green.

 

[becampn]

Anyone know where I can find replacement jaws for the 504. I would like to get a spare set along with the pins just to have for the future. I realize they will be costly but in 10-20 years they will cost even more.

 

[KMScott]

becampn, Here is a drawing for your jaws. I do not know where you can buy them or who makes them any more.

 

[becampn]

Thank You KMScott. I'll see if I can get a pair machined. I just posted a thread regarding a Columbian 604 M2 that I may buy tomorrow. This new hobbie is going to get expensive.

 

[jacahull]

Becampn, I just found your forum about the 504. Looks nice. I just picked one up. Did you find a place to get the pins and/or jaws? Thks

 

[jacahull]

Thank You KMScott. I'll see if I can get a pair machined. I just posted a thread regarding a Columbian 604 M2 that I may buy tomorrow. This new hobbie is going to get expensive.

Becampn, I just found your forum about the 504. Looks nice. I just picked one up. Did you find a place to get the pins and/or jaws? Thks

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Becampn, I just found your forum about the 504. Looks nice. I just picked one up. Did you find a place to get the pins and/or jaws? Thks

Becampn has not been on this site since March of this year. If you hover over their name you will see. Sorry, he may see this in his email.