Is this Versa Vise Able to be Saved?

[mike_paxton]

I came across a Will-Burt Co of Orrville Ohio Versa-Vise.

Although it had one cast section broke, it also had a lot of accessories, so ended up buying it.

For now, I'd like opinions on whether the section pictured, could be fixed. The break was fairly clean, but they also broke the screw as well, so don't know if it could be pulled out somehow and a new one inserted into the handle.

Any thoughts, would be appreciated and if fixable, any ideas on how to go about it?

Mike

 

[rsanter]

Can you find or buy a replacement for that part?
It cam be welded but will never be as good as original, but likely can be good enough

You can also cut that whole part off and machine a billet part that you weld to the other section

Bob

 

[nine4gmc]

I would let that one go to vise heaven, maybe make some book ends with it...

 

[Outlawmws]

Can it be "saved"? Yes. Is it worth the effort? Probably not...

first you have to see if you can get the screw head out of the casting and replace the screw into the head. (is it a std acme thread?)

Then you would need to drill the slide and jaw parts for pins, (maybe 1/8" drill rod an inch or so deep into 3/16 or so holes deliberately a little sloppy) cross drill the holes and then chamfer the edges of the mating breaks a bit and braze the heck out of i t( the cross holes for access to get material into the dowel pins, and fill it...

And it still won't be as good as new...

Unless you can get a parts vise, I think Nine called it...

 

[neophyte]

Aren't those supposedly made out of some "semi-steel" alloy, and if so would it be as hard to weld it?

 

[zkling]

I'd fix it and use it. Main question is what welding tools and skills do you have access to? Torch set? Stick or tig welder? I would braze the main casting and arc weld the screw. It will function just fine and those are neat vises.

How much was this project if you don't mind my asking?

Where are you located? Someone that is local to you might be willing to help.

 

[Outlawmws]

Aren't those supposedly made out of some "semi-steel" alloy, and if so would it be as hard to weld it?

Not sure what you mean by "Semi Steel"

Brownells makes the same vise (I'm guessing they may have bought Will Burt...) and this is the materials description:

The highest quality U.S. materials and craftsmanship go into producing the Multi-Vise. The body is constructed of tough, 50,000 psi tensile strength, ductile, iron,

So 50,000 PSI cast iron. cast requires some attention to detail to weld, but it can be welded/brazed.

They have some parts available but while the main body is available the slice is not listed. Maybe a call and a question as to whether the parts are available and interchange?

 

[mike_paxton]

Did check with Brownell's to see if they sell the part I need for mine, but they said they do sell some parts off theirs, but not the one I need.

I do have access to a good welder, but before going that route, I'd have to figure out how to get the handle out of the Versa Vise and if got that done, whether could match up a new threaded rod that would re-attach to the handle and work with the existing nut.

I did buy it broken, as knew the parts on it could be used on other Versa Vises, but before decide the best route, wanted to discuss other options and you folks never let me down.

Thanks again!!!

Mike

 

[Outlawmws]

You might put a search on Eprey for Versa Vise with the notifications. Parts DO come up...