ever seen a Craftsman bench vise like this??

[1982fxr]

what is it?

 

[nine4gmc]

I was going to say I had one but looking at those Record-like ridges, I have no clue.

 

[Carla]

I would tend to suspect that it is an interesting variety of 'decorator item', a 'fine art' piece, lovingly hand-crafted by the charming native artisans of far-off, picturesque, Gondwanaland. (or some such place)

cheers

Carla

 

[Fretters]

The big number(s) on the front jaw indicating jaw width usually suggest some generic import.

 

[jmglastetter]

The first 3 digits before the period represent the code number of its manufacturer.

 

[jmglastetter]

The 5 digits after the period represent the Sears item # it was sold under off the shelf.

 

[Super Sport]

The big number(s) on the front jaw indicating jaw width usually suggest some generic import.

I'm 95% certain the last of the USA Craftsmans also had that large number, but I agree that it usually indicates import.

 

[Sonny2010]

Never

 

[zkling]

Yes, from what I remember, they were made in Japan in the mid 80's to early 90's ish and also sold under the "sears" branding. Again IIRC, they are pretty crudely put together.

To my knowledge all of the USA made craftsman vises had "Made in USA" somewhere in raised lettering externally visible on the vise. Some of which did have the large jaw width embossing on the side of the dynamic jaw. The Japan and then China made vises were then marked inconspicuously on the bottom of the swivel base with COO.

what is it?

O and to answer your question, it is a 4" swivel base, bench vise. Commonly used to hold parts or stock secure while working on them. Often mounted to a work bench (hence the name) or a short column for to increase work envelope. :: Couldn't resist.

 

[1982fxr]

Yes, from what I remember, they were made in Japan in the mid 80's to early 90's ish and also sold under the "sears" branding. Again IIRC, they are pretty crudely put together.

To my knowledge all of the USA made craftsman vises had "Made in USA" somewhere in raised lettering externally visible on the vise. Some of which did have the large jaw width embossing on the side of the dynamic jaw. The Japan and then China made vises were then marked inconspicuously on the bottom of the swivel base with COO.



O and to answer your question, it is a 4" swivel base, bench vise. Commonly used to hold parts or stock secure while working on them. Often mounted to a work bench (hence the name) or a short column for to increase work envelope. :: Couldn't resist.

thank you so much

 

[7th Kahuna]

I'm 95% certain the last of the USA Craftsmans also had that large number, but I agree that it usually indicates import.

I have seen a picture of a Craftsman vise with the large number on front that was also stamped 'Made in USA'. The number here looks different (different font) than the typical Asian ones. The 391 prefix is inconclusive.There is a reference to an unstamped 391 vise with included instructions printed in Japan. In the 80's though, I seem to remember a lot of printing getting done in Japan. There is also a suggestion that 391 may indicate The Adjustable Clamp Company. The Adjustable Clamp Company, which manufactures Jorgensen Clamps, has been around since 1903. Looks like a nice vise in any case.

 

[ajchien]

I have not seen one like that before. It does look like a Taiwan import, however, I'm not aware craftsman Had imported from there. There are vises from japan ... I would look under the swivel base to see if I could find a country of manufacture.