Help with a Craftsman Vise

[Rock Dad]

Hi everyone,
I recently joined after seeing quite a few posts over the past year or two. A couple of weeks ago, I bought an old Craftsman Woodworking vise and am having trouble finding any info on it. I have tried Google searches and several tool forums. I have not even been able to find a picture of one like this.

The vise I bought has a center screw with a groove milled down the centerline which allow it to quick release. I am not able to get it to turn smoothly to go either in or out; it catches on the groove in the threaded shaft. Does it need to be greased or something?

The vise is in extremely good shape but appears to have replacement handle. It also had a Sears Roebuck tag attatched with a price of $4.79. In very small print at the bottom of the tag, it says the tag (I assume) was printed in 1934.Instead of a sliding dog on the front face like most current vises, it has a knob on a screw that rotates into position to act as a bench dog. I have not seen that type before. (I suppose it will be common to you folks . . .)

So, several questions:
How do I get the vise to function as it should?
Why does it not have holes to allow attaching wooden faceplates?
Any idea where I can find info on it?
Any idea what it's worth?

Thanks, seeing all the info on this board, I am sure someone has to be able to point me in the right direction.

 

[jakemac]

That decal is in excellent condition for it's age !

Here's a copy of page 28 from the 1934 catalog.

That's all I've got.

 

[Fretters]

Some better photo's of the screw and rear jaw might help with suggestions as to why it's not functioning properly. Hard to make out anything useful on that front from the existing photo's.

 

[drivesitfar]

Rock Dad: that 80 year old wood vise looks awesome, but what really makes the grade is the $4.95 sales tag with Jake's 1934 ad for $4.95. WOW

 

[CNGsaves]

Dayuuuuum . . . . that's pristine vintage C-man right there !!!

With impending demise of Sears, you've got museum piece right there with the $4.95 price tag from depression era '30's. Super rare !!

Do NOT do anything to that vise . . . leave it just as is. AWESOME !!

. . . . . and . . . . don't lose that price tag !!

 

[Rock Dad]

I will get some additional photos when I can.
Thank you both for the responses.
The screw worked fine in the shop, both forward and backward. When I engaged the quick release, the screw backed out. I did a little light cleaning. When I tried to use the screw, it just caught every time the groove was pointed down.

Ed

 

[drivesitfar]

RD: the quick release won't work if it's not lined up. maybe that's the problem. some of my wilton quick release vises are a little tricky so also check to make sure something isn't blocking the way.

if i was a smart *** i'd say something about you getting that from the store (80 years ago) with that tag. good thing i'm not.

nice find and as CNG mentioned don't lose that tag.

good luck

 

[Rock Dad]

So, the guy who had it was asking $60 I offered him $20, we compromised on $30. Sounds like from your responses that at $30 I did ok.

The people in the shop had almost everything priced really high. Junky Korean and Taiwanese fly reels worth a few Bucks listed at $60 - $70, a Stanley jointer plane missing the frog and blade for $80.... So I kind of low balled him on the vise.

Ed

Ed

 

[NJ Marty]

So, the guy who had it was asking $60 I offered him $20, we compromised on $30. Sounds like from your responses that at $30 I did ok.

The people in the shop had almost everything priced really high. Junky Korean and Taiwanese fly reels worth a few Bucks listed at $60 - $70, a Stanley jointer plane missing the frog and blade for $80.... So I kind of low balled him on the vise.

Ed

Ed

RD, You did great and having probably the nicest example of that vise in the country should make you giddy. The decal, paint and price tag are beyond great. Don't do anything to it, leave it be as it is. I wouldn't be surprised if its worth more than 100 times the original cost, maybe more.

 

[Rock Dad]

RD, You did great and having probably the nicest example of that vise in the country should make you giddy. The decal, paint and price tag are beyond great. Don't do anything to it, leave it be as it is. I wouldn't be surprised if its worth more than 100 times the original cost, maybe more.

Seriously?!?! You think it could be worth that much? Really think it's that rare?
Ed

 

[Rock Dad]

I know I searched the net for a long time and never found a photo or description of anything even close to it.

Ed

 

[drivesitfar]

RD: Marty is maybe a bit optimistic since it's a wood vise and doesn't have the original handle, but it is a cool looking vise. if i found one like that i'd probably replace my Wilton quick release and mount it to my bench because i have that year Craftsman tool box on top of my bench.

you might take a look at the woodworker's forum to see if they have any of these vises or join and see what they say.

how do you know it's not an original handle and can you post more pictures of the handle and full shots from all 4 sides?

that sales tag is pretty unusual and cool to have with the vise, but have no idea what that might be worth to a collector.

good eye for picking it up.

 

[Rock Dad]

Guys, I will take some more photos to give a better idea of configuration etc.

I dont know that the handle is not original, just kind of assumed that. It has the end caps painted gold which to my eye looks kind of odd. One end is held on with a nail that goes through it which certainly isn't original.

Copilot - I am pretty sure nothing is worn out on this vise, there is no missing paint and the the screw and rails are pristine other than a tiny bit of surface rust which is wiping off with very little effort. I will check when I get home but the screw disengages when the slot on the screw is in the "down" position; pointing at the floor. Would it be likely that it could disengage in both the down position as well as when it is rotated 180 degrees? It seems to disengage easily but when I go to use the screw to screw the vise face in or out, it catches on the flat on the screw every time it rotates to that "down" position.I can get it to work by kind of wiggling the screw and putting it under a light load but it doesn't work as smoothly as I assume it should.

Is it possible that it is designed to quick release and be pulled out, then slid back in to trap the workpiece using the QD feature, then only use the screw for a partial turn to tighten the clamp fully? I suppose that would work in practice.

Thanks for all the help guys,

Ed

 

[Rock Dad]

Oh, it also came with a small package wired to the handle with the price tag. The package had 4 square head lag screws in it which I assume were to lag it to the underside of a benchtop.

Ed

 

[Rock Dad]

Copilot,
thanks for the confirmation.

your description of how the vise is designed makes perfect sense now that I think about it. My newer Craftsman vise has the hinged nut on the screw that disengages by opening the vise slightly, then the front jaw can be pulled backward.

The screw does only have one flat

I am quite sure the nail that is in the handle is not original. As you state, the handle is turned with one end integral to the handle. The opposite end has an end cap that is turned and has a hole bored in it to slip over the end of the handle shaft. The nail does hold it on but is about 3" long and goes through the handle and then is bent at a 90 degree angle. it protrudes at least 2" out the side of the shaft. (I will try to get a close up tonight so you can see what I mean.

So, I guess the question is use it, sell it, or save it as a "museum piece"?

Excellent replaies form everyone; thank you.

Ed

 

[bluebolt]

I think the gold on the handle was to math the gold on the label.

Nice vise that's a "you ****" price for one that nice!

 

[Rock Dad]

I think the gold on the handle was to math the gold on the label.

Nice vise that's a "you ****" price for one that nice!

My first "You ****". Man, i feel like I belong now

 

[CNGsaves]

Not sure of value, but indeed that vise is rare, especially with the authentic price tag, and you can use catalog page copy (ie showing $4.95 price) that further documents it's vintage. The Antique Roadshow would call the tri-fecta (vise, price-tag, catalog page) all prominence to authenticate that indeed the vise did come from 1930's.

+1 to use it gingerly, after you've waxed it up for preservation.

Agree that a woodworker's forum would have best experts to tell you what's it might be worth. It it were mine, I'd build woodworker's bench worthy of such a cool vise on the side !!

P.S. Keep the nail with the pricetag . . . just in case nail is indeed original.

 

[Rock Dad]

Thank you all for your responses, I really appreciate them.

It just confirms my decision to become a member here.

 

[Rock Dad]

RD: the quick release won't work if it's not lined up. maybe that's the problem. some of my wilton quick release vises are a little tricky so also check to make sure something isn't blocking the way.

if i was a smart *** i'd say something about you getting that from the store (80 years ago) with that tag. good thing i'm not.

nice find and as CNG mentioned don't lose that tag.

good luck

Drivesitfar, I am not that old. I built a Delorean and scored some black market plutonium . . . . . and what did I bring back? A Crafstsman wood vise.

 

[drivesitfar]

RD: just be careful because even if you only buy You **** kind of deals your wallet will always be empty, but your tool inventory and knowledge of how to use them will grow so much you'll have to build one of those big garages.

welcome and post up more pictures of the vise and even the bag of bolts when you get some time.

cheers

 

[Rock Dad]

DrivesitFar,
I used to have a pretty substantial woodshop but family changes caused it all to go away except the hand tools/portable tools. My shop has shrunk froma three car garage to about 100 square feet - basically a hallway and small area in front of the single roll up door. Since Christmas time I have been really working to make it more useful. Planning to get some photos to post up here soon. i say my shop has an identity crisis because of the various things I work on in it.

Ed

 

[Rock Dad]

Here are some more pics of the vise . . .

http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/smallstreamtrout/media/websized-6-2.jpg.html
http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/smallstreamtrout/media/websized-7.jpg.html
http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/smallstreamtrout/media/websized-7-2.jpg.html
http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/smallstreamtrout/media/websized-9.jpg.html
http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/smallstreamtrout/media/websized-8.jpg.html

 

[drivesitfar]

RD: that nail might not be original, but the handle looks original. i do like those 80 year old screws wrapped in original paper so don't lose those and the tag. here's the pictures you gave the link for and just an FYI unless you have a specific folder designated for a certain item Photobucket shows all your pictures.

sounds like your shop is in a bit of a transition and also sounds like you have a positive attitude so it should head in a direction you prefer with hard work.

good luck and again it's a cool vise

 

[Rock Dad]

Guys, still trying to decide:
1. Keep it and use it (after cleanup and paste wax)
2. Sell it.
3. Hang on to it unused (my least favorite option)

If I choose to use it, any suggestions on putting wooden faces on the metal vice jaws? There are no holes to screw a auxiliary block onto the jaws.

Thanks,

Ed

 

[jakemac]

DST (double sided tape) or a little bit of silicone adhesive. Both can be easily removed if needed, but may remove paint when pulled off.

 

[Rock Dad]

I was thinking about a little RTV . . . . thanks Jake.

Ed

 

[Rock Dad]

I love that idea Copilot. I just bought a bunch of heavy duty magnets at HF for several projects. They would work great for that.

Ed

 

[Fretters]

I love that idea Copilot. I just bought a bunch of heavy duty magnets at HF for several projects. They would work great for that.

I'd be inclined to stick with a mild adhesive rather than magnets. Things like filing, hacksawing etc can become a pain if you have magnetism in the jaws. A bit of blu-tack is probably as good as owt else, and easier to remove. It only needs to be strong enough to stop the faces dropping off every time the jaws are open. If you go with any form of silicone, make sure to get one which is non corrosive.

 

[bluebolt]

I'd be inclined to stick with a mild adhesive rather than magnets. Things like filing, hacksawing etc can become a pain if you have magnetism in the jaws. A bit of blu-tack is probably as good as owt else, and easier to remove. It only needs to be strong enough to stop the faces dropping off every time the jaws are open. If you go with any form of silicone, make sure to get one which is non corrosive.

Never seen sawdust stick to a magnet Fretters LOL!

 

[nine4gmc]

Awesome vise, if you are not broke, don't sell it! I'd put it on a less used bench as a back up vise and use it for light work. If you don't have space for a back up vise, put it on a shelf and look at it but like mentioned, you will never find another in that condition, especially for that price. As for selling, I would think you could get $100-200 but that's just a WAG and when it's gone, it's gone...

 

[Rock Dad]

Thanks you guys. I never imagined I would have something that was that rare. Like I said in an earlier post, this place had a ton of absolute **** that they were asking incredibly high prices for but I offered the guy cash money and he bit. I thought I was just getting a cleaner older vise, not something kinda rare. What a happy day for me.

Ed

 

[Fretters]

Never seen sawdust stick to a magnet Fretters LOL!

Ah ****. Brainfart on my part there. I forgot this was a woodwork vice. Never saw the photo's as I wasn't logged in when I clicked on quote.

 

[Fretters]

Thanks you guys. I never imagined I would have something that was that rare. Like I said in an earlier post, this place had a ton of absolute **** that they were asking incredibly high prices for but I offered the guy cash money and he bit. I thought I was just getting a cleaner older vise, not something kinda rare. What a happy day for me.

Ed

That's one of those things which on its own would have been a nice piece, but combined with the tag and the bolts, they combine to make it something you might only come across once.

 

[Rock Dad]

That's one of those things which on its own would have been a nice piece, but combined with the tag and the bolts, they combine to make it something you might only come across once.

Yes, I think if I just had a nice vise, it would be an easy decision to just mount it to a bench. Since it has the tags and bolts I am kind of hesitant to put any "wear marks" on it.

Maybe I will float an idea to the members here. I might be inclined to make some sort of trade for a nice older drill press. Table top or floor model. Any interest in that kind of trade?

Ed

 

[danstead]

Hey Rock Dad,

I also picked up a Cman vise last week. Not sure how old mine is (and not as nice as yours) but it has a lever / pin in the front. Maybe mine has a quick release also and I didn't realize it! 4" x 10" and heavy

Newer Member to GJ, love this site!

 

[Fretters]

Yes, I think if I just had a nice vise, it would be an easy decision to just mount it to a bench. Since it has the tags and bolts I am kind of hesitant to put any "wear marks" on it.

Maybe I will float an idea to the members here. I might be inclined to make some sort of trade for a nice older drill press. Table top or floor model. Any interest in that kind of trade?

Ed

Someone always used to tell me, years ago, that not using a tool, (or anything else, for that matter), and just admiring it was nigh on criminal. Much as it is easy to get caught up in trying to keep something pristine, I tend to heed that advice these days. It's nice to have ones tools/machines looking nice, but if they aren't being used or going to be used, their existence is fairly pointless. Better to use something for the purpose it was designed.

 

[danstead]

Thanks Copilot, like the idea of Mag. tape!

 

[Rock Dad]

Danstead, that vise looks a lot like mine. It's a great vise.

Fretter, I agree about not using tools. I am resurrecting some old tools of my grandfathers. I am wondering if I want to use something that is rare. I might be more comfortable trading it off for something I would be more comfortable using.

Ed

 

[Fretters]

Danstead, that vise looks a lot like mine. It's a great vise.

Fretter, I agree about not using tools. I am resurrecting some old tools of my grandfathers. I am wondering if I want to use something that is rare. I might be more comfortable trading it off for something I would be more comfortable using.

Ed

If you're concerned about using it personally, selling or trading it would likely be the way to go, IMHO. You'd probably be able to drop on one which was more functional, (one with the jaws having screw holes, for example), and you wouldn't be constantly bricking yourself at the thought of scratching/marking it.

The thing to remember though is that it may not sell for much. It always just depends on whether you drop across someone who has a liking for certain things or brands and appreciates what the little extras mean. You're working with a somewhat concentrated and peculiar audience here with us, but not everyone will appreciate something for what it is.