Hollands 53 1/2 resto

[hdshinn]

I Purchased this Hollands 53 1/2 some time ago and finally decided to break it down and get it in working order. Of course I failed to learn about buying a used vice before discovering this site so be kind ... I think the guy saw me coming.

I should have taken a shot before getting it apart but here are the parts and pieces lying on the shop floor:

What I don't understand are the welds on the bottom of the base ring. It doesn't appear that anything was broken that required welding. I would assume that the base ring thing was cast in two parts (??) The arrows point to the separation that was welded.

Side note - how does one position an image between paragraphs of text rather than have them all appear at the end of the post?

I plan on doing a thorough degreasing and cleanup and get all sliding moving parts in smooth bind free operation. I'm wondering if I should take a belt sander and remove the excess weld material from the bottom of the base? All the other parts are in good shape, the pipe jaws are good, the anvil part looks intact and all. Any comments/advice is certainly welcome.

 

[autopts]

"What I don't understand are the welds on the bottom of the base ring. It doesn't appear that anything was broken that required welding. I would assume that the base ring thing was cast in two parts (??) The arrows point to the separation that was welded.


Those swivel bases were almost all cast and if thats a weld, that might be why it isn't holding. It might have to be brazed. If those non replaceable jaws are worn out, I wouldn't put alot of $ into it, however if the jaws are still nice and squared out nicely, a Hollands is a durable vise and with some sanding, it will make for a very nice restoration. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[SweetD]

Side note - how does one position an image between paragraphs of text rather than have them all appear at the end of the post?

The way I do it is to upload my pics to photobucket, then copy the link provided from photobucket and paste it into your post wherever you want it.

You want to use the "IMG Code" option for the link from photobucket. It's the last one shown when you hover over the picture you are wanting to post.

Look forward to seeing your vise resto.

Dave

 

[Catalyze]

Graz on the Hollands. I hope that the jaws are fine and it all lines up well. You can probably get the swivel base repaired without any drama. Have fun with the clean up and post those photos!

The way that I insert photos is to download them to this site. In your control panel you will find a line that says photos and albums. Make yourself an album and download your photos to it. Then you can just copy and past the link from that photo and insert it by using the "Insert Image" icon in the Reply Message window. You can insert them anywhere you want in a message by just doing this.
"Click the Insert Image and hit Control V or Paste into the window"

If the above line was a photo, after you insert it....then hit Enter to drop your cursor/marker down a line or two and continue writing along.
"Click the Insert Image and hit Control V or Paste into the window"

And so it goes.....Insert.....drop down a couple of lines and start typing again.
Good luck!
Craig

 

[hdshinn]

Thanks for the replies, folks! And the advice on photo insertion.

I'm still curious as to how that base ring could have been cast as a single piece. I'll try to get some more detailed closeup photos to illustrate.

I shouldn't complain too loudly; I think I only paid about 50 cents a pound for the thing which seems to be a good deal considering other comments I've read here.

Does anyone know how to date the Hollands vices?

 

[JACKSTER8TR]

Hi Denis
Just joined a few minutes ago as I was looking for info on a Hollands 53.5 and I saw your posting. I don't have the pipe jaws with mine - thanx for posting - now I have an idea what I'll be scrounging for. Bought a Hollands #53 1/2 for $30.00 a few days ago, started stripping the paint layers off and should be ready for media blasting tomorrow. I love this thing. Been looking for a U.S.A. vice to restore for years. From the photo on Craig's List where I bought it I had no idea this brute weighs in at 93 lb.. From what I can tell, your base appears to be cracked due to rust and or stress. This part of the base is a single casting on mine. Yours appears to be cracked on the line that creates the slightly recessed floor - stepped in about half an inch from the outside edge of the base. In your case, it would appear that this line acted kind of like a score on a piece of tile or glass just prior to snapping. It's a bit difficult to see on yours with the scaling rust but if you wire brush back some of the area on this line opposite the weld, you should be able to detect what I have noted. I'll try to keep a photo record of the restoration and post it here. In the mean time, if you need pics of anything, let me know as I'll be recording as I break it down as well as on the re-assembly. I don't know if my email is listed so - [email protected] if you'd like to email me - PM me if you'd like a phone call while re-assembling (or whatever) - I'm in California (retired Building Contractor - Designer - Fine Art Photographer). I've become a bit too happy with this thing and may decide to start a collection.... and yes ... I am crazy.

Regards

Jack

 

[Outlawmws]

On the photos, you can insert an image after uploading in the thread also. just right click the uploaded link name, and the bottom selection is "copy Image location"

Use that and paste into the image insertion tool (click the post card looking thing) and it's there.

Old thread - did you ever finish the vise? completed pics?

 

[tominmi]

Dennis, Were you able to complete the repair of your Hollands vise?