New Reed Vise Project

[coolreed]

I just purchased a Reed Swivel Vise #204 1/2 R. The plan is to refurbish the Vise completely. And I have a few questions.

Can one still purchase parts for an old Reed Vise?

The collar that screws into the stationary jaw that secures the lead screw is split into. Can I purchase a new one?

What color are Reed Vises painted from the factory?

The small bar that secure the swivel portion of the Vise needs to be replaced. Where can one get a replacement?

I have completely disassembled the Vise and will strip it completely. Do you normally sandblast a vise or do you wire it?

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Coolreed
OKC, OK

 

[Outlawmws]

I prefer to use electrolysis, as its a LOT less effort, and give I think better results than blasting. (I don't care for the patina blasting give, particularly on the parts to be left bare metal...)

If not that then wire wheel it.

The locking bar can be made fairly easily. a long 6" bolt or so (the right size...) grind the hex round, get a Jam nut and after installing the bar in the nut, run the jam nut down until it is jammed into the end of the threads, cut the excess thread off (you can leave a little) and peen the left over threads into the nut. Repeat the grinding of the hex to a round and dress off the peened end. all done!

 

[Outlawmws]

And PICS; don't forget the PICS!

 

[bl00]

Can one still purchase parts for an old Reed Vise?

The collar that screws into the stationary jaw that secures the lead screw is split into. Can I purchase a new one?

What color are Reed Vises painted from the factory?

You can call Reed to see if they have any old stock.

The collar is supposed to be like that.

Here's a pic of one with factory paint.


and

 

[coolreed]

Thanks for the replies. I have tried to load some pictures to no avail.

Reed rep emailed me and told me the collars are supposed to be split. That was a relief. He also said Reed does not support the old vises with parts.

I finished 95% of the restoration and the vise looks awesome. I would like to show befort and after pictures if I can figure this picture loading thingy out.

If you guys could give me some advice on how to upload/download a picture that would be nice. Sorry but I have never experienced a site that would not allow you to paste a picture. Please be gentle as I am an old fart.

 

[coolreed]

Hopefully here is the before and after pictures of my recent Reed Project.

 

[bggrnchvy]

Looks much better.

 

[Fergy35]

Nicely done! I have an old Reed and an old Charles Parker that I am planning to do one of these days.

 

[coolreed]

I am still in the learning stage about Vises and restoration. I am an Engineer so I like to think with mechanical and electrical things.

But I have found that I have been going totally OCD on them and may seek professional help,...to find even more vises.

Seriously, I love to restore things. Now if I could only find a really really large vise to restore.