Parker 974b question

[momendesignworks]

Im new to this forum and was hoping I could find the info Im looking for here. I picked up a Parker 974b at an estate sale for $10. It was sold as is because the main screw was broken. Im having a hard time tracking down a replacement, but was wondering if anyone new if the main screw from a 973a would fit? My other option is to have a local machine shop machine me a new main screw.

Thanks

 

[thehorse13]

You can do what most of us here do. Ask if anyone has one laying around or watch Ebay.

Sometimes the classified section here will turn up something. There are also a few vise parts guys out on the net. I can't recall who they are right now but someone here will know.

Good luck on your search.

 

[momendesignworks]

Thanks for the reply. I havent been able to find the replacement on Ebay although I did find one for a 973a. Im not sure if its the same size though.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Your search may get widened if you measure the overall length, the diameter and the pitch (threads per inch), and post the measurements. Chances are that you will need a spindle with an acme thread. Posting some pictures of your broken spindle next to a tape measure will help.

 

[bluebolt]

Thanks for the reply. I havent been able to find the replacement on Ebay although I did find one for a 973a. Im not sure if its the same size though.

I seriously doubt it would be the same. Even if it was the same diameter of threads the 973 one is probably shorter and would not let the vise open as far.

 

[momendesignworks]

Here are a few photos. Hopefully these will help.

 

[zkling]

Ouch, what does the nut look like?

I have too much going on right now, otherwise I'd make a new screw for you. Do you know anyone that does machine work on the side? A large shop will probably be over the value to get that made.

 

[Roberts210]

The previous owner of that vise should be arrested for vice abuse. You can seen the hammer dings on the handle, and he probably broke it using a cheater bar.

 

[KMScott]

Ouch, what does the nut look like?

I have too much going on right now, otherwise I'd make a new screw for you. Do you know anyone that does machine work on the side? A large shop will probably be over the value to get that made.

You can make spindles? Hum. Single point the threads?

 

[bc88888]

Is there difference between a Parker 974 and a 974b? I have parts from a 974 somewhere that I will try to dig out

 

[zkling]

You can make spindles? Hum. Single point the threads?

Yes, exactly, it's very time consuming though between the form tool and having to take very small cuts due to the root width. I've made maybe a dozen or so now, mostly for blacksmith vises, some of those used some real odd threads. I attempted with the 4th axis on the mill once but couldn't get the cutter geometry correct quickly for the coarseness of the thread. Did you get a 4th with your haas? I'm still amazed all you do without a lathe of your own.

2nd thought, OP. If you were feeling real ambitious, you could convert to hydraulics. I'd still be curious to the condition of the nut and nut retaining legs.

 

[momendesignworks]

It has some obvious hammer marks near the jaws as well. It was owned by an old timer that did a lot of metal work and I believe it was his main user before he broke it. I bought his replacement which is an old Craftsman as well. For $10 I felt like it was worth trying to get it fixed. I hope to replace my current vise with this as a daily user.

The nut looks like its in good shape. I'll see if I can break it down and get a shot of it this weekend.

From what Ive read, I believe the 974 was re-designated the 974b when Union Mfg bought the name and equipmeny. Im not sure if the parts are interchangeable, but it is marked 974 on the bottom plate.