Got My New Bench Vise

[bvango]

I’ve been on the search for a nice vise that was 5 inches or larger for a bit now. I searched Facebook and had to drive a while but I picked up this 5 inch reed 105 for $70. I’m very happy with the price especially with the condition it was in.

I decided to strip it all the way down to bare metal and then let my kids decide what color to paint it. I am going to remake the handle to be original as this one is not.

I Cleaned everything with a wire brush, threw it in the parts washer, and then painted it up. I still
Have to get a paint marker for the lettering but for now it looks nice enough.

I put on fresh grease and it’s easy to move with a single finger and so tight it’s impressive. These old reeds are amazing. Glad to have a larger vise as my 1C was just too small for me.

Enjoy some pictures of the process! Hopefully I made out alright on it and it will sit here for the next 50+ years. Thank you to @Shiftless and a few others who helped along the way!

 

[bvango]

Tried to upload a video of it cycling but couldn’t figure it out

 

[TailGunner3000]

That is a great vise at a fantastic price. Better than almost anything made today. It's always nice to see somebody who doesn't just jump at, and overpay for, the newest thing just because it's shiny and clean.

 

[bvango]

That is a great vise at a fantastic price. Better than almost anything made today. It's always nice to see somebody who doesn't just jump at, and overpay for, the newest thing just because it's shiny and clean.

100% I have loved my 1c and am now loving this one even more for the room. The quality is just crazy. Over 100 years old and there is 0 slop in the slide or handle.

 

[Beerhippie]

Those pre-R Reeds are awesome! For some reason, they don't get the love that the R series does, but they're great vises.

Some see the cast-in jaws as a drawback, but they sure are strong.

PS: I've alerted the authorities that a vise has been stolen....

 

[bvango]

Thank you I agree - I do like it a lot so far. I was looking for a 205r but this popped up and for the price I couldn’t say no!

 

[Beerhippie]

Thank you I agree - I do like it a lot so far. I was looking for a 205r but this popped up and for the price I couldn’t say no!

I find that corner-mounting the vise--like you've done--pretty much negates the need for a swivel base. My daily-user vise has a swivel base and is mounted to the corner of the bench--hence I can't recall having ever used the swivel.

 

[bvango]

I find that corner-mounting the vise--like you've done--pretty much negates the need for a swivel base. My daily-user vise has a swivel base and is mounted to the corner of the bench--hence I can't recall having ever used the swivel.

That is true and then I don’t need to crank down the swivel this way it’s just solid in place. Either or I’m loving it and for the price couldn’t beat it!