Mystery Vise

[Vettman]

Picked up this vise this morning and am curious as to mfg. The jaws measure 4 3/4. Vise stands 11 1/2 tall X 20 long. It appears to be covered in a heavy coating like Bondo. It probably weighs between 60 -65 lbs. I have been unable to find any dates or markings anywhere. Was thinking of media blasting it and repainting, but want to find out what I'm working with 1st. May leave it "as-is". Any help indentifying greatly appreciated.

 

[Dale B]

With all that bondo on it , I'll bet its Chinese / Taiwan .....

 

[Vettman]

I thought so too, but the older gentleman I bought it from said it was given to him by his grandfather. Also the lock nuts are sae 5/8".

 

[bgott]

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-inch-multi-purpose-vise-67415.html

Cheap Asian commodity vise, everybody sells a version.

 

[ZRX61]

Cheap Asian commodity vise, everybody sells a version.

They had to copy something originally... that may be it...

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

It's been my experience that the vises that are known for their craftsmanship usually have their name proudly on there for everyone to see. Opposite seems to be true for the cheap knockoffs.

 

[mkirkpatrick]

It is ether a Wilton or a copy,

http://www.wiltontools.com/us/manufacturing/en/wilton/product.html?node=4546&product=1103

 

[Dale B]

5/8 is a perfect match to 16mm........

 

[Vettman]

Cheap Asian commodity vise, everybody sells a version.

I don't think so. Look at the detail of the bottom. The removable jaws have fine machine marks on them. Much more detail than any Harbor Freight type product.

 

[larry_g]

Picked up this vise this morning and am curious as to mfg. The jaws measure 4 3/4. Vise stands 11 1/2 tall X 20 long. It appears to be covered in a heavy coating like Bondo. It probably weighs between 60 -65 lbs. I have been unable to find any dates or markings anywhere. Was thinking of media blasting it and repainting, but want to find out what I'm working with 1st. May leave it "as-is". Any help indentifying greatly appreciated.

I would be a bit careful with the stripping proceedure. Many fine pieces of early american machinery used filler to smooth out castings. Some of this stuff can be a ***** to deal with if you try to remove it. To pretty it up sand lightly and paint without messing with the filler.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[DavidB]

I don't think it's the standard everyday Chinese vise we're used to seeing in the stores these days. The jaws look much beefier than the HF or Wilton versions linked here. The new ones have the weaker T shape to the jaws. It looks older so maybe its a copy of the great grand father of the moden Chinese versions. I'm surprised it has no dates or name but it could be hidden under the heavy coating. I'd get it back to a condition that makes you happy and use it.

 

[Vettman]

I've decided to leave it "as-is" as it cleaned up pretty nicely. The original patina is OK with me. I found a very similar vise mfg. by First Jefferson Tool Co. (Ohio) I think this may be from the same company.

 

[Ram]

Well your right it is a mystery who the mfr is. I have one identical to it, rounded bolt flanges and pealing paint with bondo under it and pipe jaws with attaching hardware. Maybe we have the only two made.

Found a link on e-bay of one that comes very close, its called an ALLTRADE, however nothing in the Alltrade (china) line looks close to it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alltrade-Multi-function-Rotating-Bench-Vise-5-Inch-/250298589490?cmd=ViewItem&pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item3a46f56132

Ok, found another link, this is very close as well, but not the smooth machinery gray with bondo finish. Overall looks very similar, Sears Craftsman, and no name so its pretty much an import.

http://www.mysears.com/Craftsman-5-1-8-in-Bench-Vise-Rotary-Multi-Jaw-reviews#display_sort_filter

 

[mjozefow]

It is an import. I'm 99% sure anyway. If the maker didn't display their name, they are hiding something. Usually COO.

 

[FoMoCoPower]

China.........

 

[Vettman]

Mine looks identical to the Alltrade listed in the Ebay ad. The Sears model has a locking pin behind the anvil which mine doesn't have.

 

[Courtney]

Looks like one that was given to me. In fact, I found this thread by Googling "alltrade vice", looking for info on it.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Looks like one that was given to me. In fact, I found this thread by Googling "alltrade vice", looking for info on it.

I think he figured it out.......four years ago.