Need help, Chas. Parker 288-1/2 Vise

[Recoil Rob]

Need help, Chas. Parker 288-1/2 Vise - PICS ADDED

I may be able to get the above vise but I could use some more info. I know all about the company but this specific vise has 4" jaws I believe and the jaws are quite tall. The handle seems thin for the vise but most unusual is the base. It is a non-locking swivel base, or at least I can't see how to lock it. The base of the actual vise is round and it sits atop another round plate which looks as though it is held to the bench with one large through bolt in the center.

The jaws swivel through 360˚ very easily.

what do I have here. I know, PICTURES! but I didn't have my camera.



thanks,

Rob

 

[Outlawmws]

There had to be a couple of holes in the vise to either bolt it to the bench without the swivel, or for access for the brake activation bolts.

Was the bottom bench piece flat plate? Someone may have home-brew replaced it and only bothered with the center screw.

 

[Recoil Rob]

No holes in the base that I saw and I don't think the bottom piece was flat plate. I'll get pics.

Rob

 

[bl00]

Should look like this one.

There should be a handle that attaches to the big screw that comes out of the bottom. The screw goes through your bench and a handle is attached from underneath. Check the bottom two on this ad that Lump posted to get a visual.

 

[autopts]

I may be able to get the above vise but I could use some more info. I know all about the company but this specific vise has 4" jaws I believe and the jaws are quite tall. The handle seems thin for the vise but most unusual is the base. It is a non-locking swivel base, or at least I can't see how to lock it. The base of the actual vise is round and it sits atop another round plate which looks as though it is held to the bench with one large through bolt in the center.

The jaws swivel through 360˚ very easily.

what do I have here. I know, PICTURES! but I didn't have my camera.



thanks,

Rob

Hi Rob, my knowledge on Parker vises is somewhat limited. The 1 st generation late 1800's early 1900's had two digits. Early, that vise was a # 88. Then, they made it a 288 1/2. Then they changed the numbering to a 434 1/2. Its a tall combo and one hell of a vise. Yours might have been one of the 1st with a swivel base. Morgan copied that vise exactly including that same # 288 1/2 number. This was one of 2 that I had.

 

[Outlawmws]

Should look like this one.

There should be a handle that attaches to the big screw that comes out of the bottom. The screw goes through your bench and a handle is attached from underneath. Check the bottom two on this ad that Lump posted to get a visual.

Those are Colombian's and they still look to have flange holes...

 

[mossyboy6]

I have seen a few like you describe.

heres one:

and an atlas:

 

[Recoil Rob]

I went back and brought light and a camera! Here she is. What I thought was a metal base is actually a large thick disc of hardwood under the vise. The wood is stationary while the vise swings around. I imagine there would have been an eared handle underneath instead of just the nut that is now there.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Anyone know a source for large wing nuts?

 

[Outlawmws]

Anyone know a source for large wing nuts?

Do you weld? A nut that big, just add some ears, or better yet, a handle.

 

[Packard V8]

Obviously missing the pipe jaws, but it is still a Parker and worth having at the right price.

jack vines

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm going to guess that small hole in the flange is intended for a mating hole in the bench and a drop in licking pin (Nail?) so it doesn't twist and have to rely entirely on the single nut on the bottom.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Obviously missing the pipe jaws, but it is still a Parker and worth having at the right price.

jack vines

Yep, I agree, I'll make an offer.