Jaws for a Prentiss

[dickg]

Hi
I am new to this forum, but hope someone can point me in right direction.
I just finished restoring a Prentiss 264 1/2 vise. (see pics) I believe this vise is from the earley-mid 40's since it says Meriden CT vs New York. I believe this is when/after Parker vise bought Prentiss. Anyway I need to have some jaws made, one was on the vise and one missing. Any infor/help appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[woody 73]

My mind is so blank at this moment, but we do have a GJ member that makes jaws for vintage vises like yours; maybe someone can chime in and give you his or her name.

 

[larry4406]

Kevin Scott is the man who made Prentiss jaw inserts for my Bulldog 51. I think he has closed that service down?

 

[Shiftless]

Yep, he has retired.
Perhaps somebody else will soon step up to at least partially “fill his shoes”.

 

[dickg]

Thanks, I hope someone else can pipe in with options. I'm also looking around my area for machine shops but most only do CNC type work with large set up costs.

 

[Shiftless]

What are your planned uses for that vise?

I’ve never done this but...

If you have a table saw, you could probably make new soft jaws out of the kind of plastic used for cutting boards. Or even brass or aluminum using an abrasive cutoff wheel instead of a blade on your saw.

Sounds more than a bit dangerous so if you aren’t experienced, better not do it.


.

 

[dickg]

Thanks for you thoughts and ideas...

I inherited it from my dad and spent last week restoring it. It was in tough shape. I'd like to try and keep it as original as possible and would like to try and get something made which is harder than brass/aluminum. I don't have specific intentions yet with it's use. I'll keep trying machine shops in my area. Many are closed due to not being "essential".
Maybe I'll get lucky in a few weeks thanks again

 

[woody 73]

I knew that members would come through with that name, to bad he stopped doing it.

I had a bad experience once with a small machine shop (don't ask), but yes indeed that is the way to go. In fact I did not give up and by luck I found another small shop and he helped me out. Man what a difference night and day between a rotten crook and a nice honest man; wish I had found the second man first...

Good luck with what ever route you take.

 

[larry4406]

I still have the fabrication drawing Kevin Scott sent me back in 12/2014 for the Prentiss jaw inserts he made for me. He sent me the drawing to first check that his design would fit. They were $65 back then and I am glad I took the plunge then!

I am leery of posting it without his permission.

 

[dickg]

Completely understand...

 

[KMScott]

Hi ****
I think these jaws will work for you and I do have some in stock. I retired last year and have found a new owner close to me and in the process of moving my shop and turning over my websites to him. Here is a drawing and if it looks like it fits your vise then send me a Private Message for the details. Kevin Scott

 

[SweetD]

This guy Eric would probably be able to hook you up. He's done vise part work for me in the past and at least one other member here. Really nice kid and knows his stuff. Very reasonable pricing as well.

https://ecmanufacturing.weebly.com/about-us.html

 

[ClappedOutBport]

Yep, he has retired.
Perhaps somebody else will soon step up to at least partially “fill his shoes”.

IIRC Kevin was doing them with a mill? This would be a perfect product for one of those shaper guys. Group 40 jaws on a platter, set the stepover to the knurling distance and let-er rip. I'm kinda suprised none of the shaper dudes have started doing that.

 

[dickg]

Thanks everyone for your help!!! Been in touch with Kevin and also local machine shop. (thanks SweetD). I have some choices now - Thanks again all

 

[thehorse13]

This guy Eric would probably be able to hook you up. He's done vise part work for me in the past and at least one other member here. Really nice kid and knows his stuff. Very reasonable pricing as well.

https://ecmanufacturing.weebly.com/about-us.html

I can testify that this guy is a fantastic machinist too. He made a main nut for a 100+ year old Prentiss for me and it is perfect.

EDIT: I should also mention that Kevin made an end cap for one of my Wilton bullet restorations and it too was perfect. You can't go wrong with either of these machinists.

 

[Ecosta777]

Hi everyone, **** stopped by my place on the weekend to drop the vise jaw off. I made him up a set out of 4140 pre hardened steel. He asked that they have countersunk holes for 5/16-18 screws. I've attached a few photos and the dimensions as well for anyone who'd like them. I had a couple other members message me about jaws as well, so if anyone else is interested in a set let me know.
Eric

 

[KMScott]

Nice job on those softjaws Eric. Keep up the good work. Kevin

 

[dickg]

Nice job on those softjaws Eric. Keep up the good work. Kevin

Thought I'd post pic of jaws on vise. Thanks Eric and everyone for your help.
Unfortunately I forgot to take the "before pics"

 

[ClappedOutBport]

You're going to come to love that band clamp lock if you don't already. Looks good.