Been looking for a couple of years for a 1780 Wilton. Not just any though as I am NOT the guy who plops down $900 for ANYTHING much less a tool that I will beat on and abuse. I was looking for an ugly one that worked well in the neighborhood of $150. Probably why it took a couple of years to find one! But I did. A farrier and relocating to the PNW and did not want to take it with him.
Looks like a 1780 from early 90s. Came with copper soft jaws and taped and gummed up serrated jaws. Weighs in at a smooth 110#. Works great!
Got it home and quickly determined my old bench would not do for this much vise. Tore down the old plywood / MDF / 2X4 bench that had been modified continually for a decade or so. Decided to go with 3/8 plate steel with 2" framing and legs. I have a huge blueprint file 4'W / 3'D / 40"T that I wanted under it as well as another roller that is 52"W. The legs of my bech are outside the 8' table length to accommodate them. Had the steel place shear 1' of the short side to make a 3X8 surface and used the 1' drop as a mounting plate / backsplash for the bench.
Overall I am super happy with both now and look forward to many years of use.
Looks like a 1780 from early 90s. Came with copper soft jaws and taped and gummed up serrated jaws. Weighs in at a smooth 110#. Works great!
Got it home and quickly determined my old bench would not do for this much vise. Tore down the old plywood / MDF / 2X4 bench that had been modified continually for a decade or so. Decided to go with 3/8 plate steel with 2" framing and legs. I have a huge blueprint file 4'W / 3'D / 40"T that I wanted under it as well as another roller that is 52"W. The legs of my bech are outside the 8' table length to accommodate them. Had the steel place shear 1' of the short side to make a 3X8 surface and used the 1' drop as a mounting plate / backsplash for the bench.
Overall I am super happy with both now and look forward to many years of use.
