Convert Charles Parker 954B to 974B — by adding swivel base?

[Tom Graham]

I’m purchasing this 954 “B” Union Tool / Charles Parker 4” vise (with what some have called the Union / Parker “handshake” logo, with square sheet metal retainer.) I’ve read here about the legacy of Parkers and how Union Tool picked up their brand, remaining parts and, most importantly, preserved the quality.

For this size vise, I would have preferred a swivel base. Does anyone know for sure whether there is a swivel base (whether originally manufactured by Charles Parker (or Union) that is specifically designed for this vise? Maybe the 974 B swivel base? It would be wonderful if you have one for sale and would DM me — or point me to another source.

I don’t yet have the vise in hand, but will be able to post dimensions and or photos of the underside of the fixed base casting of this specific 954B tonight or tomorrow.

Here are the three photos that I have so far.

p.s., Wouldn’t this vise be considered part of the Charles Parker Machinist - Eclipse series?

[First post.]

 

[akasrick]

I’m purchasing this 954 “B” Union Tool / Charles Parker 4” vise (with what some have called the Union / Parker “handshake” logo, with square sheet metal retainer.) I’ve read here about the legacy of Parkers and how Union Tool picked up their brand, remaining parts and, most importantly, preserved the quality.

For this size vise, I would have preferred a swivel base. Does anyone know for sure whether there is a swivel base (whether originally manufactured by Charles Parker (or Union) that is specifically designed for this vise? Maybe the 974 B swivel base? It would be wonderful if you have one for sale and would DM me — or point me to another source.

I don’t yet have the vise in hand, but will be able to post dimensions and or photos of the underside of the fixed base casting of this specific 954B tonight or tomorrow.

Here are the three photos that I have so far.

p.s., Wouldn’t this vise be considered part of the Charles Parker Machinist - Eclipse series?

[First post.]

Advertised as an Eclipse vise.
Parker-Union catalog NO 65 not dated, dist. by York Machinery shows a 954A with the wrap around jaws and bases.
Lousy scan on this computer. Looks like no handshake in the cut.


akasrick

 

[Tom Graham]

Thanks, @akasrick! With the catalog image you provided, it’s evident that the swivel base was indeed sold separately, originally to upgrade all sizes of the Union/Parker Eclipse Machinist vise from a fixed base to a swivel base (and in my case from a 954B to a 974 B)

Here’s a photo and the dimensions of the underside of the fixed base on my Union/Charles Parker 954 (4”). (And a better image of the relevant catalog page.)

I’ll be trying to source a complete, original swivel base to mate to my fixed base (with all pieces including center shoulder bolt and wrench.)

 

[akasrick]

Thanks, @akasrick! With the catalog image you provided, it’s evident that the swivel base was indeed sold separately, originally to upgrade all sizes of the Union/Parker Eclipse Machinist vise from a fixed base to a swivel base (and in my case from a 954B to a 974 B)

Here’s a photo and the dimensions of the underside of the fixed base on my Union/Charles Parker 954 (4”). (And a better image of the relevant catalog page.)

I’ll be trying to source a complete, original swivel base to mate to my fixed base (with all pieces including center shoulder bolt and wrench.)

I wish you luck in your "quest". It's nice to have your own thread with your tool. There is other ways here to get more eyes on your project. A classified thread, a repair thread, a vise info thread and the vises of garage journal thread.
Again good luck.

akasrick