Prentis 22 Vise

[Airboater]

Hey guys first post here, Ive got the opportunity to purchase a prentis 22 swivel jaw vise. I have been doing some research, searching past threads and I follow the mother of all vise threads I have some questions though. This seems to be an older 22. It has the small prentis stamp on the back behind the swivel jaw. Did prentis ever use forged jaws like a reed? I have attached a picture, but when I looked I couldn't find a seam like the newer prentis's additionally the pin is there but frozen and looks original but also looks hammered on. The back of the dynamic jaw slide has a 3-4 inch crack on top. The push "button" that lets the base swivel seems to be frozen. Lastly the hole in the lead screw that the handle goes through is quite worn and would need a bushing welded in and machined back to repair the hole. I have full machining capabilities and would also have no problem welding the slide. The seller wants 250$ do you guys think that fair for a project of this caliber?

 

[Packard V8]

The seller wants 250$ do you guys think that fair for a project of this caliber?

Yes, the Prentiss' don't come along every day.

No, not for $250 of my money.

jack vines

 

[Airboater]

Yeah really the biggest issue I have with it, is the jaws. They are worn pretty much completely smooth and they sure don't look removable.

 

[Maui]

If it is cracked or has been weld repaired I usually pass unless the price is so low that I can buy it for a parts vise.

 

[Airboater]

The only crack on it is the rear slide which would be somewhat easy to v out and weld, but I know what you mean.

 

[1982fxr]

a cracked slide on a Prentiss? No way!! I mean no way dude!!!!!!!!!!!!

sorry op, just being sarcastic. Prentiss is actually about my favorite maker but...they are almost always broken in one way or another.

Prentiss with a cracked dynamic slide = the sun shone in Phoenix today.

 

[drivesitfar]

AirB: that's a 165 pound vise so not surprised that it's been beat some. very hard to find them not beat or broken. that said you are asking a group that might have maybe 5 or 10 working vises already in their garage or shop and unless it's a SWEET deal or in perfect shape they'll pass.

I have a sort of unwritten rule that I NEVER CLICK ON A NEW MEMBER'S link or picture. you might be a great guy and honest, but we get a lot of IDIOTS trying to mess with the site now and then. hopefully you are not one of those and I saw you posted again so i'm giving you the benefit of the doubt.

that said are you able to download that picture on GJ? I use the paperclip method that is just up at the top of where you are writing your posts and if you have a picture you took saved to your laptop it should show up. for some reason some come up like yours as one you need to click on so maybe you imported it from an auction site or online.

in any case you potentially have a very expensive vise there and I've seen some members drill a hole at the end of a crack in the slide, cut a huge V, then braze is and put the slide on a mill and mill it perfectly flat like new and you wouldn't be able to tell unless you know it was there and the vise would work perfect.

I saw that exact Prentiss #22 selling in California last week for $1,800 that was sort of restored.

good luck and welcome

 

[woody 73]

I apologize because my pictures do not give the following vise any justice (not the best pictures)...

Anyways this is the little brother to the #22 the #21 in all her glory, no cracks in perfect working order and just over 100 lbs.

Packard I hear you big time but Prentiss don't come up very often in my area and I had to strike while it was in my hands, so I had to pay his price.

 

[woody 73]

A few more shots...

 

[Airboater]

Drivesitfar, thanks for the reply. I understand your issue with clicking on an attachment. I'm posting from my phone, let me see if I can figure the picture thing out a little better.

 

[Airboater]

If I could confirm that all the prentis 22 models had removable jaw inserts I would probably pick this thing up. Although I can handle the machine work of milling the vise if the jaws are cast in, I really don't think it would be worth it considering the price

 

[drivesitfar]

AirB: I think I own and maybe have seen more Prentiss vises than most of the members and I've yet to see one with a solid jaw on a swivel jaw model. I've seen a few WELDED and jaws missing and I hear you on that one it's hard to tell. my guess it's not solid jaws so if you can get a wire brush and some simple green or cleaner to scrub off the dirt or grime I bet you'll be able to see the jaws and IF they are welded.

did you know it weighs 165 pounds? sorry the pictures of mine are on a laptop that isn't working today, but it's a great vise.

keep us posted and post up more pictures and maybe the younger guys with the better eyes can help us see what those jaws look like.

Woody: nice looking 21

 

[Airboater]

Yeah that's kinda what I thought about the jaws. It's just misleading though because when I looked at it there were no signs of screw heads on the inside of the jaw at all either... We'll see I have plenty of vises but this is a monster.