My Heirloom Vise

[El Bicho Malo]

Here’s my Columbian Vise I recently got from my late grandfather’s workbench. Did a quick and dirty “restoration,” wanting to retain the dents and blemishes. Would love to know more about it if anyone knows anything. Other side has (stamped? Not raised) Columbian Pats Pending.
V

 

[Jayman17]

That’s a cool idea to install that plaque in tribute to your grandfather.

Jay

 

[El Bicho Malo]

Thanks!

 

[Fierljeppen]

It's a Columbian Vise & Manufacturing Co. model no. 804 steel welded vise, briefly available from (1947-1950). It was considered to be a strong and reliable homeowners vise and possibly the first steel welded vise.



The vise was designed and constructed in conjunction with the Parsons Engineering Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio. The following article goes into great detail about the; construction, materials and manufacturing process of the vise.



Although many thousands of these vises were produced, there aren't too many available anymore. The GJ members who do own them seem to be big fans of the vise though, with one of them duplicating the original vise sticker and having them produced for others. The original vises were painted bright red, as seen in the example below by GJ member "Mr. Wonderful".



El Bicho Malo...Your vise restoration turned out perfect and I'm sure your Grandfather would be very proud.

 

[ChefRex]

That's a steel vise unlike most cast ones, post it over in the big vise thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vises-of-garage-journal.44782/
Lots of information there!

 

[El Bicho Malo]

Guys - you're awesome. Better info than I had hoped for! Definitely had remnants of red paint on it, but I'm a sucker for machine green.

Coincidentally, I have some framed vintage newspaper ads of personal significance on one wall in the garage...gonna HAVE to add that one for sure!

 

[elav]

Great information. Old thread but hopefully those that know about the Columbian #804 are still here. I found one of these vises that has been repainted poorly but is generally in great shape. The slide of the vise has some of the original coating on it. It is gray in color and pretty tough. Does anyone know what finish they put on the slide?