Morgan Vice 10-A, is it complete? Value?

[joseywales]

We cleared out my in-law’s and this vise was on my FIL’s bench, in working order. I removed it myself, and the only thing I recall moving was a cotter pin he had on the end.

Is this vise complete? Other than the missing pad, two bolts.

What should have been where the cotter pin was?

Is the handle original?

We’re going to sell it for him. I’m sure it’s worth more than the $10 he apparently paid for it, you can see $10.00 written on it

thanks

 

[neophyte]

On some Morgan woodworking vices, there is a plate that holds the two guide rods and screw in alignment at the back.
Sometimes the vises don’t have this in vintage ones I’ve seen.
The plate is likely useful to minimize wear, and to insure smooth operation of the vise, but I’m not sure if it slways came on the vises, or that it is completely necessary, paryicularly on a sold nut version of the vise.
The plates are sometimes stamped heavy sheet steel, and sometimes cast, snd would have three holes.
As far as the handle goes, it might be original, but you might want to call Milwaukee Morgan, and purchase a new one, or make one if you have the skills. That one is beat up and should probably be replaced.
Otherwise, clean it ip, remove the rust from the guide rods( probably with something gentle like steel wool, not something chemical like Evaporist or vinegar) and then wax the rods and buff them with a hard Microcrystaline wax, like Renaissance Wax.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks. Any thoughts on value?

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Joseywales:

I have the same vise. Been using it for 10+ years. It's a great vise because I'm not a woodworker, but having a WW vise is great for holding workpieces that may get damaged in a standard bench vise. As Neophyte said, there's a plate at the back of the vise that helps to keep the rods & spindle aligned. In the first picture, replaced the cotter pin with a hair pin so the vise could be easily disassembled. I added the washer between the hair pin and end plate to protect the paint. The wood jaw faces are made from wood salvaged from a 1940s school teacher's desk. They are held on to the iron jaws with magnets.

Regarding resale value, you should check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to see what others are going for in your area. IMO: they're undervalued, considering the value of using one. If you need it. In my part of the world, your vise (as pictured) would sell for <$50.

The handle: I believe that the aluminum handle on mine is original because the ends are held in place with dowel pins. But, most WW vises I've seen have wood handles.

If it was me: I'd make a back plate & new handle, restore it and put it to work. The rod nuts come off easy with a air impact while gripping the smooth part in a soft jaw vise. It would make a good heirloom.

 

[toolmiser]

I would agree with the $50.00 price. Like said lots of those vices have wooden handles, both of mine do, I had a pipe handle on one and I prefer the wooden one. Why not clamp it to a table top and see if it works ok without the backing plate? For it's function, maybe even a plywood one would work? Much easier to make.

 

[joseywales]

Hmm. Thanks @Mark in Indiana and @neophyte . I actually do have the plate that guides the rods.

My first thought was, WW vise, so let someone who can use it for that purpose take over. I do like the idea of a non-marring vise, so I'll peruse my anemic shop and see if there's a bench to attach this to, then decide whether to rehab it.

Agreed, it's my FIL's, so it'd be nice to hold on to and use. I just don't want it sitting. If I decide to rehab it, I will post any questions in the Vintage section.

Thank you both, Mark