Morgan 345 Vise Won't Open

[JD40]

Hey gang! I was compelled to buy another vise. This Morgan 345 followed me home for $5. For the price, I think it's in decent shape. It hasn't been abused too horribly. The problem is this: It won't open using the handle. The screw backs out, rather than making it slide. I can make it open by turning the handle and prying gently on the jaws. It will then pull itself closed nicely using the handle. I get the feeling that it's missing something. I've (hopefully) attached some pictures for you guys to look at. Does anybody see anything missing or know what the problem may be?

Oh, and excuse the hoarded up workbench...it's been a wild couple of weeks!

Thanks,

JD40

 

[Davefr]

Welcome to GJ!

It looks like your missing a thrust washer and a dowel pin on the lead screw. It's the thrust washer that pushes on the inner side of the dynamic jaw to open it and the pin keeps the lead screw assembly sandwiched inside the jaw.

Your image even shows the hole for the dowel pin and that shiny spot is where the washer was. That should be easy to repair. It takes a pretty stout washer or maybe you can double up common washers.

 

[JD40]

Your image even shows the hole for the dowel pin and that shiny spot is where the washer was. That should be easy to repair.

Thanks Dave! That's what I was thinking too, I just wanted some confirmation. I'll scrounge through my collection of bits and pieces and see if I can get this thing working again.

 

[Tomthumb717]

Not sure about the set up on the Morgan vise as I cant see the front or under the dynamic slide, most likely you are missing the retaining collar and associated set screw that would apply pressure to the dynamic jaw when the screw is turned. The set screw would fit into the hole that I think I see on the main screw.

 

[Shiftless]

JD40
Yes you got a great deal on a swivel jaw Morgan for $5
You ****!

I agree that you seem to be missing the collar and set screw and not a washer and cotter pin. I doubt that you will be able to go out and buy a proper replacement. If you have a lathe, you can make one. Or seek out a machinist.

 

[JD40]

Thanks for the ideas!
I did some more cleaning and looked at the main screw more closely. The blind hole in the main screw does not appear to be tapped. I guess that kind of messes up our set screw theory. I'll do some measuring and try to fabricate something to fill the gap and make it work.

 

[Tomthumb717]

JD, no the collar is what would be threaded not the blind hole.

 

[Shiftless]

JD, no the collar is what would be threaded not the blind hole.

Tt717 has it right. I have a Morgan vise. That’s the way mine works.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Not the best quality catalog scans, but it might help you fabricate the missing collar and set screw.

Love the swivel-jaw!

 

[Cleave]

Also look for set screw shaft collar if the OD of the screw shoulder is something normal.

And yes, we're all jealous of the deal.