Old bench vise install advice needed.

[PDoyle]

Just bought this vise. I've been looking for a good old vise for about a year.
Would you guys repaint this? What was the original color?
Is there a certain install method for installing vises?
I'm left handed. Should I install it on the right side of the bench or does it not matter?

 

[larry_g]

That vise looks to have some of its original color on it, silver/blue hammertone. That vise is installed wrong in my opinion. The fixed jaw should reach out beyond the front of the bench so that you can grab the workpiece vertically and it will hang straight to the floor without interference from the bench. For me I would not repaint as I would soon have it looking as it does. As far as which end of the bench I tend to hang where it has the most clearance around it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[goodboy]

Nice vice!

If it was mine I would strip the old paint off and polish it up...

Can't really tell from the picture but looks like it was green? You could strip the old paint off... Use a product like metal prep to etch the metal... Prime and paint...

Vices take a beating not only from hammers but chemicals... Paint probably wouldn't hold up well...

If you really like it have it sandblasted and powder coated. That would be cool

 

[PDoyle]

Thanks you guys. Great ideas.
The vise is just laying on the bench. I haven't installed it yet. Which is why I'm asking all the questions.

 

[CNGsaves]

Since you're left handed, you won't be able to use that vise.

Better sell it cheap. PM what money you want to take it off your hands.



























just kidding .......!!

That's a KEEPER vise. Restore that Wilton and keep it.

Color is your call. Some of the sage greens or gray look really nice.

Location on bench is likely depends more on how your shop is laid out. I've seen vises on either end of bench. If bench has plenty of room at left side, then go ahead and install on left side since you're a lefty.

Keep pics coming with that restoration !!

 

[larry_g]

Since you're left handed, and that is a righthanded vise, you won't be able to use that vise.

:

fixed it for ya

 

[CNGsaves]

I like it !!! Good to know you've got my 6 !!

Now if OP will believe that story . . . .

Seriously, OP scour though the awesome vise threads here on GJ and you'll make your own decision on color. We'll want to see pics either way.

 

[660 outlawed]

Not to steal your thread PDoyle but i got one similar to that, it is a 5 inch on fixed base but the Handle is missing. Is there anyplace to buy just the handle?

 

[ZRX61]

As for what color: Just stand in front of the Paint Prison at Lowes & see what color jumps out at you. I'm partial to the black hammertone myself, but that depends on who made the vise, my Morgans are bright blue, my Wilton was light gray.

 

[PDoyle]

Wow! Rough crowd!
Glad to see I made a good purchase. You could say...I bite the bullet...YUK YUK YUK.
I bought this one because it will "mesh"with my 1950's Geneva repainted metal kitchen cabinets installed on the same back wall as the work bench in the garage.
I like the idea of powder coating it. Wonder how much that would cost...Hmmm.$100?

Plan B, how do you prep a big piece of steel like this for paint? I've seen a newer one painted grey. Is there a special primer etc.?

 

[PDoyle]

Attached a couple of pics. of the vise primed. I used degreaser and some other intense liquids to clean. The vise has had alot of use. There are many nicks.
Next step is to find some OEM color matching paint. Verde green maybe if I can find it.
I was going to get it powdercoated but decided against it. I called the closest shop. They priced it at $100. to do it.

 

[dumper]

as for which end of the workbench, I am left handed, and have mine mounted on the right edge. Since the vise is not used constantly, having it on the right gives me the whole left end of the bench to work, without any obstructions...like a vise! Also, hacksawing, or filing, etc, when you go to put the tool down, there's a place to put it on your left- your workbench. I also have the vise mounted to the bench by t-nuts, so I can easily unbolt the vise and remove it completely, if I need the whole bench.

 

[48windsor]

I think that Larry g nailed it . The one thing that bothers me most is seeing a vise mounted in a way that you cant put something tall in it and have the bench get in the way . and Im a lefty too and my vise is at the rt end of bench but that s also where I had most clearance too

 

[PDoyle]

I came to the same conclusion. I'll mount it on the right for sure.
I think mounting it on the left would be a mistake.

 

[PDoyle]

Done painting.
Sprayed about 10 coats of Rustoleum Gloss Sage Green and had a can of Aluminum spray laying around. Should last about a month
Now to drill holes in the bench and lock it down.