picked up a wilton vise

[joeyv69ragtop]

Hey all,

I got a new workbench for my 30th and figured I'd find a nice little vise to add to it.

I picked up this one here:
http://buffalo.craigslist.org/tls/3938029356.html

All I can find is the patent number, otherwise I don't know much about it. It's got 3 1/2 inch wide jaws and opens 3-3/4. There's a number on the bottom of the swivel base but I can't make out the whole thing. looks like:

##-66 3 1/2 but I can't read those first two numbers. The vise and base also have cast into them what appears to be an N, but I suppose it's probably a W for wilton?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Joe

 

[454ragtop]

Welcome, not really sure what info you're looking for, might want to ask a more specific question. That's sort of an entry level Wilton vise, aimed at home owners and lighter work. Made in USA, probably replaced the Shop King line, maybe from the sixties? Looks to be in decent shape, if it will do what you need, bolt it to the bench and use it.
Jim

 

[zoomieport]

I used to have one of those, they're pretty cool. It has a "quick release" and a "quick tighten" as I recall... Not a real big "pounder" but it's a slick, hard little worker!

 

[LXCam]

Typical mechanic vise. I have the same model in a 6" size I bought maybe 10+ years ago. Nice unit, your size new would have maybe run $150/180 if I remember right. For $45 you got a deal, these are decent quality units.

 

[zoomieport]

I agree with 454 on his dating, maybe even a little later... Autopts would know the time frame better... It also may be stamped on the slide, I've had Wilton's (other than bullets) stamped like that too, check it out...

 

[rusty65]

I don't really know a whole lot about your vise but here is a ad for a triple duty.

 

[joeyv69ragtop]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. It really makes me feel good about this purchase. I wound up getting an identical one to the craigslist link for $30. The one for $45 just had better looking paint. I nearly considered buying both of them just because they are pretty cool.

I've only been able to find the two numbers on it so far but if/when I dismantle it to clean it up and paint it fresh I'll check for additional numbers.

I've grown used to my dad's vise but never paid much mind to what it is. It's considerably larger than mine. I went to visit him last night only to realize he has one of the wilton bullet vises! No wonder everybody wants the wilton bullet style, I love that vise, it's a beast!

 

[J HAV]

You should ask your pops if he'll trade with you