I have a 254 264 Prentiss Bulldog vise that "groans" when I'm closing it. This occurs only when it's about 2 or 3 inches from the fully closed position. Is there a way to fix this? I assume it's some type of alignment issue.
If I recall correctly, my Desmond Simplex (which is in my cold garage) does something similar but it doesn't bother me as much.
Bryan,
A 'groan' would be a 'resonance', caused by a 'stick-slip' condition between moving parts. Its usually the symptom of a situation where parts should be oiled, but are dry....the remedy, obviously is to clean, polish, and oil the parts.
Sometimes, a working surface will have become rough due to 'galling', a breaking-down of the smooth finish needed where parts interact with one another. The remedy for galling is to polish the affected surfaces of the parts, and keep them oiled in future.
It is entirely possible that the main screw may have become bent......have it out and check it on v-blocks, straighten as may be needed.
Another thing to check for on a Prentiss vise would be the fit of the main nut in the fixed jaw casting. The nut should be free to 'float' laterally to align itself with the main screw. This compensates for factory error in the castings.
If the pin securing the nut has been driven hard against the nut, so that the nut can't 'wiggle' a little, try loosening it with a few raps on the front of the nut, using a brass or copper drift and a fairly heavy hammer.
cheers
Carla
