columbian bench vise

[tclev]

Been lurking for a while checking out info on vises and have a question.

I found this columbian local and got the guy down to $40.00.
Is that a good enough deal to pull the trigger?

He's kind of a pain to deal with so I don't know what size the vise is.

 

[franzdom]

It looks really nice for that price but I don't think it's bigger than about 3.5"

 

[K Powers]

sure if all the basics are good (no cracks opens and closes) 40 seems fair

 

[WhoWhatNow]

My guess is that that is a 4" vise so as long as there are no cracks or repairs I think $40 is a good price for a user. It is not a swivel base (which can be good or bad) so the price should reflect that.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3671013#post3671013

 

[kc-steve]

The $40 is about right for a good deal. That's an original Columbian, pre-1973. Vise prices have been rising since I bought a similar 4" in excellent shape for $35 a few years back.

Steve

 

[tclev]

Thanks all for the response. The lack of a swivel was a concern but if I do buy I think I may weld a post to a tractor brake drum and mount it to that.

 

[drivesitfar]

it looks like a pre WWII made Columbian so if you don't want to pull the trigger for $40 please PM me the details so i can buy it. any idea what the jaw width is because looks bigger than 3 or 4 inches?

good luck

 

[tclev]

He's not very forth coming with the details and just said that it was big. The deal would also have to include a very old craftsman wood working vise for an additional 20 spot but it looks almost brand new. I'm kinda kicking my self in the *** because I passed on an old Morgan/milwaukee with swivel, and in outstanding condition for the same price.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Stop goofing around and go buy the vises from the old guy.....
There is only one old guy selling the vises; and the prices are reasonable if the second Craftsman vise is in good condition.((?))
But; there are a bunch of old guys on GJ who may nag the **** out of you if you don't get with the program...
WANT More Pictures!!!

I do not own a woodworking vise, but I sure could use one.. That old Craftsman has my interest... The Older the better for me...

 

[ADSR]

40 bucks is definitely worth it.

 

[augustus]

Both for 60 isn't bad, go to Lowe's and look at the **** vises they sell for more than that. Enjoy your new vises!

 

[1982fxr]

looks like at least 4" jaw. I'd be all over it @ 40

 

[d.mcfarland]

40 is a go. That vise will take a beating!!

 

[tclev]

So I talked to the guy and I should be the proud new owner of both vises tomorrow (have to close up the shop tonight), that is unless I can find something wrong with them.
There has been some good vises go up for sale out here that l passed on when I probably shouldn't have.

Thanks again for your responses and knowledge.

 

[Outlawmws]

$40 or even $60 for both is a deal; go get em!

I vote for 4" and while old, its a great vise for that $$.

Disclamer: Make sure it doesn't have any cracks or repairs.

 

[BikerDad]

Damn, I knew I shoulda jumped on that pair.

 

[tclev]

So I ended up with both vise. the columbian is a 3 1/2 which I wasn't 2 happy about as I had told the guy I was not interested in anything smaller than a 4" before I made the trip . That said the tolerances are good, and everything seems to be in good working order. I also ended up with a U.S. made craftsman 3 1/2 in very good condition for another 20 spot.


That said I hope I didn't end up getting hosed to bad and I'll try to get some pics uploaded soon (father of 5 year old twins trying to get by).

 

[Garage Junky]

I had a similar experience dealing with a guy regarding a vise this weekend. He insisted it was HUGE and one of the biggest you can find. Turns out it was just a 4" but I snagged it anyway because I already made the drive. I'd say it was an ok deal for an old Athol with swivel.

I've been coming across a lot of grumpy *** people on craigslist lately, I hope this isnt a new trend.

 

[Outlawmws]

"Huge" is in the eye of the beholder; I just pity his sig other...

 

[tclev]

The take from this weekend

 

[kc-steve]

The Craftsman vise is also a Columbian. Look at the ID# on the side to see if it starts with 506 for original the Columbian, or 391 for the post-1973 Warren Tool version. I have the so-called 3.5" Columbian as well, but it is no slouch weighing over 30 lbs is my guess. I always just call it a 4" because it isn't really the smaller sized vise.

Steve

 

[drivesitfar]

those are all good quality vises and even at 3.5 inches your Columbian is well worth the price you paid for all of them. also the 3.5 inch Craftsman vise might be the cleanest made in USA vise I've seen in a long time and looks new.

by the way i also had twins just over 23 years ago. not saying it's easy, but you can survive twins and if they are boys make sure to put aside about another mortgage payment just for the food bill when they become teenagers.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

That was a good haul.... .....That old Craftsman woodworking vise would be a welcome addition to my woodworking bench...
Thanks for posting the pictures...

 

[tclev]

Both the craftsman vises look and feel solid, and the columbian is built like a tank. I'm not sure if I should try to refinish it, or leave it and hit with a coat of wax? When you back out the dynamic jaw toward the end it gets pretty stiff. I'm not sure if it's just not as worn in at that point, or if it's lack on lube on the slide.

Twins are a lot of work for sure but they definitely worth it. If I do decide to let 1 of the vises go I will give you all 1st dibs