Columbian Autocrat
- Thread starter heathkiks
- Start date
While I am sure that it is nothing special, I have not found any information on it.
Just thought that I would share this 4" vise.
Thats the 1st time I've seen a Columbian Autocrat. Thats a nice durable vise, Made here, and its is very good condition. If you should restore, please post some photos. Nice find!
fatfillup
Well-known member
Nice vise. That is one thick piece of plate you have it bolted to.
SGKent
Banned
Thought I would add to your thread. Picked up this Autocrat tonight for $50. Have been looking for a used American made vice for months that had these features although the jaw width of 5" is a bonus. I am happy with the price cause I was tired of looking and the chinese ones don't last even for light work. This is a Columbian Autocrat 415 . No idea of date or anything else, who actually made it etc. Made is USA is on the other side. Ruler is a tad over a foot long. I am somewhat torn on restoring it as I think this is the original color.
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SGKent
Banned
I took the day off - just for me. And guess what I did? I spent it cleaning the vise and choosing a paint from what was available locally. Verde Green Hammertone. Thought about some variation of what I call Bridgeport Green - that industrial green on mills and equipment in the 50's and 60's. Went with what I had - Rustoleum Verde Green. I was really amazed what good shape this vise was in when I cleaned it up, There is not one nick on the teeth, jaws or anvil. I am happy with it. Cost $50 plus 10 miles drive to get it when we bought it. And to offse the $50, Alltrade gave us $45 back for the one we took off the bench that wouldn't hold anything since they don't make that model anymore. The Columbian base reads 608 3 1/2 -1 . The vise body reads Columbian Autocrat 415. 5" wide jaws, pipe clamp and about a 10" opening. No idea when it was made. From what I can tell, comparable Columbians today sell around $850 - $1000. It was a good day off.
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Skandsen
Active member
So, I found a Columbian Aristocrat 415 buried in my yard among other scrap. I haven't cleaned it yet and it looks to be in a little rough shape. I'll need to clean it to see if it's even worth messing with. It needs new teeth. Anyone know if that's something that's easy to find? Any info on the company?
davethorik
Well-known member
Columbian is still in business today. The Autocrat posted by SGKent looks like a Columbian D46 I used to have. I would consider them medium duty vises, the slide is stamped steel that is then pressed into the dynamic jaw. However they are still USA made, and fill a gap between cheap import vises and expensive machinist bench vises.