Old columbian vise identification

[hoinox11]

A few months ago I purchased an old Columbian 204 1/2 vise from my go-to tool guy and since haven't been able to really nail down a date on it. I did find from a few catalog snippets that show it was produced during the early 20's ($79 bucks then!), but that's about it. From those same catalogs it looks like Yost produced a near identical model in the late 20's-early 30's at which time the Columbian version was absent from the printings. Maybe they worked out of the same facility? If anyone can confirm/deny this please chime in, because it's got me stumped with the scarce information I've found.

Here are some pictures of it. Just in case you're curious the milk crate was only a temporary solution... it's currently mounted to a table made out of HSS3x4x3/16 A500 Gr.B now, but I had to improvise for a day or two because of that giant wing nut.

 

[Rileysan]

That is a gorgeous vise! It's missing the pipe jaw inserts but otherwise looks great.

I checked the Dayid vise wiki and couldn't come up with a date so I think you are stuck with the catalogue snippets you were looking at. As far as I know, there were no dates of manufacture stamped any place on Columbian vises.

As for your question about a Yost/Columbian connection, I don't think there was any. They were manufactured in two different cities hundreds of miles apart.

Brian

 

[hoinox11]

Thank you I thought so too! Columbian really did master making vises that looked as good as they worked. Fair enough, the hunt on it's origin continues then! I appreciate the reply for sure.

One more question though. Where would one go to find the pipe jaw inserts? I've found a few places that produce new ones, but I think I'd want to stay with a period correct set.

Side note... I see you're from Independence which is funny because I'm from Salem!

 

[Rileysan]

Thank you I thought so too! Columbian really did master making vises that looked as good as they worked. Fair enough, the hunt on it's origin continues then! I appreciate the reply for sure.

One more question though. Where would one go to find the pipe jaw inserts? I've found a few places that produce new ones, but I think I'd want to stay with a period correct set.

Side note... I see you're from Independence which is funny because I'm from Salem!

Glad to see you update your location and welcome to GJ! Yes, I live in Independence. I keep a sharp eye on CL ads for the area so if you're in the market for anything, we can watch for each other.

As for the jaw inserts - unless you find a parts vise (read: broken) your only choice is to have them made. There is a member on this forum who makes jaw inserts. I'm sure he'll chime in before long

Brian

 

[Voi]

I did find from a few catalog snippets that show it was produced during the early 20's ($79 bucks then!), but that's about it.

Just curious but could you tell from the ad snippets if the lettering on the side was running the same direction and if it was curved or straight?

I've heard it suggested that horizontal vs vertical and curved vs. not curved can pinpoint an era of Columbian vises.

I think have about half a dozen Columbians now (but none as cool as yours, IMO) and I think I have three different lettering types. I'll try to document that soon.

 

[Outlawmws]

With that swivel base, and I assume a big wing nut on the bottom under the "bench" I'd hazard a guess at late 1800's to very early 1900's.

Nice find!

 

[CNGsaves]

Wow, excellent find !!

You willing to part with that vise for full RETAIL price . . you know $79 ???

Scared to calculate the inflation adjusted amount . . . . . . .

Glad to see you got that black spray bomb paint job off of there.

 

[hoinox11]

Just curious but could you tell from the ad snippets if the lettering on the side was running the same direction and if it was curved or straight?

No, I just looked at them again and unfortunately it's not high enough resolution to make anything out. Interesting stuff though, found them here --> http://scuttle.dayid.org/wiki/index.php/Category:Advertisements

Wow, excellent find !!

You willing to part with that vise for full RETAIL price . . you know $79 ???

Scared to calculate the inflation adjusted amount . . . . . . .

Glad to see you got that black spray bomb paint job off of there.

Thanks! I'll have to pass with selling unfortunately, but if that wasn't the case I would be afraid for you with the adjusting for inflation! We live in a world where a king size candy bar is over $2.00 in most stores now which is a scary thing...

Glad to see you update your location and welcome to GJ! Yes, I live in Independence. I keep a sharp eye on CL ads for the area so if you're in the market for anything, we can watch for each other.

As for the jaw inserts - unless you find a parts vise (read: broken) your only choice is to have them made. There is a member on this forum who makes jaw inserts. I'm sure he'll chime in before long

Brian

Sounds like a deal, as I also keep watch on there periodically. I may just make a dxf of a similar set and see if I can't convince the plaz table guy to burn out a set from some 1" gr.65 plate or something equally obscene lol.

 

[KMScott]

PM me with your e-mail address and I can send you the .dxf file of these pipe jaws that might fit your vise. If they don't then maybe you can move stuff around, scale the geometry or re-design by adding or removing the teeth and make a set that fits. The pattern is typical of pipe jaws for Columbian's and other vise makes. I added a pic of your jaws too. The 205 is a 1/2 wider then your vise. Nice find hoinox11.

 

[Bogash]

Wow, excellent find !!

You willing to part with that vise for full RETAIL price . . you know $79 ???

Scared to calculate the inflation adjusted amount . . . . . . .

Glad to see you got that black spray bomb paint job off of there.

$79 in 1925 is $1079.39 now!!!!

Cool find!

 

[hoinox11]

@Bogash- Wow, thats an insane amount of inflation, so kudos for actually doing the math on that as I've never been brave enough!

@KMScott- that would be great if you don't mind thank you! I started drawing them based off of some jaws for my m3, but never got around to finishing them. Those look great by the way, what material are they? Shoot that whole thing is immaculate, so hats off to you on that one!

 

[Carla]

Based on a quick look in the old Columbian scrap-books........that 'wing-nut' swivel mount was still being advertised in late 1926. It appears that the 'wing-nut' swivel base was being 'phased out' and the later pattern swivel 'phased in' in that general time-frame.

It could well be possible that the 'wing-nut swivel base' was kept in production for some time later than that, just for the combination pipe vises, as there would have been some demand from construction firms. The wing-nut swivel base was useful in 'job site work', as only the base bottom must be bolted to a temporary bench, and the vise itself could be easily taken off the bench and locked up in a 'job box' at the end of the working day.

The lettering on yours does have a 1920's look, generally, but its tricky to date an item from the 'cuts' in the old advertising clippings.

cheers

Carla

A few months ago I purchased an old Columbian 204 1/2 vise from my go-to tool guy and since haven't been able to really nail down a date on it. I did find from a few catalog snippets that show it was produced during the early 20's ($79 bucks then!), but that's about it. From those same catalogs it looks like Yost produced a near identical model in the late 20's-early 30's at which time the Columbian version was absent from the printings. Maybe they worked out of the same facility? If anyone can confirm/deny this please chime in, because it's got me stumped with the scarce information I've found.

Here are some pictures of it. Just in case you're curious the milk crate was only a temporary solution... it's currently mounted to a table made out of HSS3x4x3/16 A500 Gr.B now, but I had to improvise for a day or two because of that giant wing nut.

 

[Provincial]

hoinix11, I have a Columbian 206 that still has one pipe jaw left. You are welcome to borrow the jaw for a sample if you have to make a set. I live in Dallas.

 

[hoinox11]

Thank you Carla that's some good info! I really like the wing nut style. Definitely feels sturdy and secured once it's tight. I wonder why that design was phased out over time. Reed also made some similar looking ones.

I appreciate that Provincial! I think I can work off of the drawings that KMScott posted though, so you won't have to part with the only jaw you have temporarily. That 206 must be a beast though, how tall is it?

I do have another question for you KMScott. Does the bolt in the side of the body just press against the jaw to hold it in place?

 

[KMScott]

I do have another question for you KMScott. Does the bolt in the side of the body just press against the jaw to hold it in place?

Yes, the set screws hold the pipe jaws in place. My Columbian had three seperate pipe jaws, yours might need a center block like the pictures of a Parker pipe jaws I added. Parker uses a pin to hold their pipe jaws, a better set up since the pipe jaws can float a little to align up on a pipe during clamping. The set screw method has caused most pipe jaws to get lost.

On another note, I set the jaws up at 14 degrees and use a end mill to cut the teeth. I added a example image. I can send you the geometry, just send me a PM with your e-mail if interested.

 

[WWShop]

Damn!! I'm F-ing jealous! Very nice!

 

[hoinox11]

...My Columbian had three seperate pipe jaws, yours might need a center block like the pictures of a Parker pipe jaws I added. Parker uses a pin to hold their pipe jaws, a better set up since the pipe jaws can float a little to align up on a pipe during clamping. The set screw method has caused most pipe jaws to get lost.

I see what you mean there with the Parker. Mine does have a separator built in that looks as if it would function similarly to the the triangular piece between the two pipe jaws on the fixed end. I assume yours would be the same layout then? I haven't been able to do much on this over the last week as I've been distracted with rebuilding/restoring a 9990a box, so I apologize for the delay in replies! I will message now though, and thank you again

 

[hoinox11]

Back from the dead! A while back I had made a table for this, so I figured I'd post it. Made from a brake drum off of a Kenworth, some 3/4" threaded rod, 3/4" steel plate. The top plate was tapped so that the working surface was flush. Holds up great and is height adjustable.

 

[1982fxr]

I've never seen a base piece like that. The "teeth" are so pronounced...

 

[hoinox11]

I've never seen a base piece like that. The "teeth" are so pronounced...

It's definitely a strange one, but I like it a lot better than the ones that use a slotted base with the adjustment at the top. This one really feels like it locks the position securely when it's set.

 

[mbgomez]

I have the same vise but was wondering what type of material its cast from seems to be bronze looking at your pic unless you spray painted it black or gold

 

[mbgomez]

Magnet will not stick to it scratched the bottom and colored was of a brass or gold color anyone have a clue on what I have

 

[Outlawmws]

It may be BE-CU - so be careful cleaning until you know and ID it.

Clearly for working in a non-spark environment.

 

[mbgomez]

It may be BE-CU - so be careful cleaning until you know and ID it.

Clearly for working in a non-spark environment.

What is cu?

 

[Outlawmws]

What is cu?

Copper. They use an alloy of beryllium and copper for a really strong "bronze" that can be made into tools. it's also used for highly conductive "copper" springs.

The beryllium makes it a fairly dangerous metal for any cutting/grinding/abrasive operations.