Introduction and my Parker 5X

[MattGavriloff]

Some of this will be a duplicate from the massive vise thread, but I wanted to start a fresh one as well for more of my own info.

Hello all, My name is Matt. I live in the the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. (Escanaba, for those interested and not lost in Canada on a map already) I like old tools, Axes, Hatchets, Hammers, and Vises specifically. My background is mostly automotive related. Repair and then 15 years with one of the "Big Three" parta retailers. Store and Commercial account Manager. Most recently I've settled into a Parts Sales position for an RV dealership. Love the atmosphere and the schedule. There's more to tell, but on to the main reason I finally joined and posted.

Recently, Jan 1st to be exact, I came into possession of a MASSIVE Parker 5X Vise. Found through Craigslist, and purchased with little inspection because I felt the asking price was fair, and well, it's FREAKING huge...lol. It has been well used, abused, and left neglected for I have no idea how long, but its "complete" and it works. I qont get into all the details yet, but the first thing I am looking for is a main nut. I have to measure the screw, but a rough tape measure puts it at about 1 1/8" x 3 thread. Have to dig out the Mic. It has a large chunk broken out, which I still have and could likely be somewhat repaired. But I'm starting by seeing if by chance one is out there.

I know everything gets directed to the vise thread, hence the crosspost. I am about 137 pages in reading the whole thing. Some pictures of the Vise on question, and I will post pictures of the rest of the good, bad, and ugly sometime tonight yet if I get some work accomplished first.

 

[zkling]

Please post a picture of the nut and where the large chunk is broken out.

I would advise you to thoroughly inspect all components before putting too much time and money into it, or getting too attached. The jaw surfaces may present another issue for you.

Make sure the nut dovetail (female portion on the body side) is not cracked.

 

[bczygan]

Some of this will be a duplicate from the massive vise thread, but I wanted to start a freah one as well for more of my own info.

Hello all, My name is Matt. I live in the the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. (Escanaba, for those interested and not lost in Canada on a map already) I like old tools, Axes, Hatchets, Hammers, and Vises specifically. My background is mostly automotive related. Repair and then 15 years with one of the "Big Three" parta retailers. Store and Commercial account Manager. Most recently I've settled into a Parts Sales position for an RV dealership. Love the atmosphere and the schedule. There's more to tell, but on to the main reason I finally joined and posted.

Recently, Jan 1st to be exact, I came into possession of a MASSIVE Parker 5X Vise. Found through Craigslist, and purchased with little inspection because I felt the asking price was fair, and well, it's FREAKING huge...lol. It has been well used, abused, and left neglected for I have no idea how long, but its "complete" and it works. I qont get into all the details yet, but the first thing I am looking for is a main nut. I have to measure the screw, but a rough tape measure puts it at about 1 1/8" x 3 thread. Have to dig out the Mic. It has a large chunk broken out, which I still have and could likely be somewhat repaired. But I'm starting by seeing if by chance one is out there.

I know everything gets directed to the vise thread, hence the crosspost. I am about 137 pages in reading the whole thing. Some pictures of the Vise on question, and I will post pictures of the rest of the good, bad, and ugly sometime tonight yet if I get some work accomplished first.

Welcome to GJ! Nice vise. Parkers are my favorite.

My brother lives in Rapid River, actually 15th Road on the Stonington Peninsula. Please don't snag all the good deals on CraigsList up there. Leave a few for him.

Bill

 

[thehorse13]

Welcome.

We have a few talented machinists on this site. I've had a main nut made from scratch for a giant early Prentiss 21. It ran me about 100 bucks and worth every cent to me. All I had to do was mail the remains of my destroyed main nut to the guy and he made me a new one.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Thanks for the welcomes. I'll get some pics of the nut up today, along with the other problems it has. I'm fully aware of two things, it's not likely to be "cost effective" to repair this vise...and even if I do, it'll never be a heavy duty clamping device again. Both are ok with me, I'm satisfied with functional if weaker, and pretty. I've never seen a vise this big up close before, and it makes me smile every time I look at it...lol. Some people just don't get that feeling.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Many more pictures added to the big vise thread. Here are a couple of the nut for anyone not wanting to check multiple threads.

 

[thehorse13]

Many more pictures added to the big vise thread. Here are a couple of the nut for anyone not wanting to check multiple threads.

Mine looked a lot worse than that and the machinist was still able to make me a new one. There is no reason why your vise cannot return to full service once you have a new main nut made. My Prentiss 21 works just as good as the day it was made, even with the newly machined main nut.

 

[MattGavriloff]

I appreciate the optimism. There may be a few other reasons though, check out the main vise thread pictures and info for the full story, but this old girl was used pretty hard at one point...or maybe at all points...lol. Currently hoping for the unlikely, that someone out there has one they're willing to part with.

 

[thehorse13]

I updated my post with pictures for reference.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Well thanks for that. Seeing your nut does make me feel a bit better about mine, even though the rest of the Vise is rough too. Seems like a very nice piece, and worth every bit of $100 for a custom job if you ask me.

 

[thehorse13]

My vise had other issues but one by one I solved them all and now it can perform any type of work again. My vise served out the hard years in a factory where brake shoes were made for steam trains.

Yours doesn't seem nearly as bad as mine. I think you've come to the right place to bring your vise back to life.

 

[MattGavriloff]

That's encouraging, thank you! I plan to pick away at it slowly. Getting things cleaned up currently, watching for any further problems. So far most of the small bits have soaked in simple green and been scrubbed. Tomorrow or Wednesday I'm taking the base and slide to the carwash since I do not think it wise to try to clean this beast in the tub. The wife would not be pleased. Not to mention if something slips out of my hand, or tips over, it'd probably go through the tub...lol

Happen to have a before/after pics of your Prentiss?

 

[drivesitfar]

Matt: since you've been posting on both threads i'll subscribe to this one in case you make more posts here, but i'll probably reply on the big one so others can see what you are doing cause these little threads seem to get lost eventually.

i'd still like to see an old vise in a chunk of ice!!

good luck

 

[MattGavriloff]

Haha...no such luck Drives. Temps have stayed warm enough where my tote has been ~45*ish in the morning. Drain half and add back hot and good to soak. I'll update the big thread hopefully this weekend with pics. The body is clean and the slide should be tomorrow.

 

[drivesitfar]

I know temps in MINNY SODA can change close to 100 degrees in a day so is the Parker in it's block of ice yet?

just checking in while bumping your thread up to the top so others can see your challenges.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Nope, Good news! it's actually sitting on the work bench clean and "together" awaiting further progress. I will hopefully get some current pics of it up in the vise thread in the next couple days. Been too busy the last few to do much other than look at it and muse...lol

Here's a couple of it sitting now.