Rathertakearide
New member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2016
- Messages
- 1
Hey Garage Journal.
The story: In mid-September I went to the house where my mother lives to pay her a visit. Her roommate (the home owner) happened to be having a yard sale that day and I saw this large vise sitting on the ground, and couldn't help but check it out. Over the next couple of hours as I was running errands I googled "Reed Vise" and "Reed Vise Restoration", which led me to this site and others where I got excited about a new project. When I went back to the house I asked mom's roommate how much she wanted for the vise and she came up with a very fair: $1.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMo_r9KaIlMQrCdB01QuIIla0ElikGZdzQg7hx5R9XjPvDiv63nMoP9SUYLBveX6g?key=Q3dBLUNSX21lempLVUE4UE9jZnFod19LakJGVGtB&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f57kUQc5_vTiSaiFZyxTB54MzeyuHM0yJOJBQbvIW-pecv2X3PUhK37WnK2aKCG8Tl1j728gEsUg' /></a>
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNtsqd5OGHvAAshUL_mPI2i8GexhOFWo3OUEdGjeDyTe7Ry7wJvk4AW0GmSSZjLXQ?key=UnUwbUNySm5UZ2J0LWlsVlRvVHFULUdITHZIOFlR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eviggKGJqrL6Zs0zq8Z2oI36MRlAQfyD9po-0wyXJEwmNql5L77ILglZ13xEo84EC1o7_Ar2emMs' /></a>
I really had no idea what I was getting into. . . As a lifelong resident of Arizona and California, decades of rust was a beast I just hadn't confronted before.
My first challenge was to remove the set screw that holds the split nut in place. After several days of soaking with PB Blaster, with no results I hit the area with my propane torch to try to get some expansion/contraction effect, but the size of the hunk of steel I was heating just meant that the heat was being absorbed through a large area and the set screw and surrounding steel were not differentially expanding.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPEcm8R51c-PoYdYemVTs56xIZeBShDyfFPIpIthedwk2Fg-vw47ZRpMFGU0G6wDw?key=cEg2dG1jT3E3d3ZlUllzVnByTTBsdTk4S1BIODNR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CCxCJgUuYKfpXjtLg3ym_Y5CSLEf8OkFA7eWjwiTC4qOEc-TXwFEHgE6cTbAUU7qM6QCCKx9wLRS' /></a>
After a week or so of soaking in PB Blaster and propane heating, I still wasn't getting anywhere. One day I was around the corner from a machine shop so I went inside to ask for advice. They suggested AeroKroil over PB Blaster, and said that drilling out the set screw might just be my only recourse.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNUS0l_B-RyPUcProedO9UI72Rqc7lopUEmyyOX9rwS-0F3AxEOMLn2SIw8CcOS3w?key=SWw5V0tXZmw2TnpQaWdKdmZyMzBZNjl0Nk1BY1N3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bIMGd5k0rH8uLIC34VBEkF3lWfGIOStpjJ2klmb3T8H-gO0cIKqtQ3HWm0vA-8legz0oWoIfR5YR8Q' /></a>
I purchased Kroil and tried it for another week or so, with no luck. Finally I broke out the drill bits to drill out the set screw. I started with a 1/8" bit which allowed me to drill a hole through the slot in the set screw and through the screw itself. I graduated to 3/16" and 1/4 inch and at that point found that I'd relieved pressure sufficiently to allow me to unscrew the set screw (whew!).
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMk8piwbVDUj1wp75epDZmmaAKDRcS8I9_FuxElW9LQeyxt3z8390zgwaLUW-eEsQ?key=OGVsMnhnWm1yTVBlbnJpSFZHZVJiRmVSNlAtOTV3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YhLuHG_-OvC51bJ01jRO7-ZXL1FT5CcAG-2FVUJginqOdjRv3J9I_OQ8X3_FdgE5zEtPJpaCkJ6V' /></a>
I thought I was home free with the removal of the set screw, but found that the split nut was just as rusted in place as was the screw. Another week of Kroil combined with enough frustration to encourage me to strike harder with my punch and hammer and the thing started moving counter clockwise. It took a good hour to get the split nut out, but finally I had the whole vise spread out in front of me on the workbench
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPN5J-BxxwmB9147MhWWFagILmNzCnCqKtUytsk7KBnu8uGdrmJE6WiZ3jhp_Jazg?key=MXctcS1xMGROaGtFZkNLX2JyaEVlYjJlTWJ0Yk1n&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8OEMhao-JFMBGriEd3aR6NU63mTzmxjsyl-Gj0Ua9RrL86mLg3H2Xbns7o1jG5zILTqrk5PZuyThug' /></a>
Next step in the process: removal of all that rust and paint. Fortunately, the internet didn't let me down here, as I was introduced to all that is good with electrolysis. As I couldn't find the perpetually referenced $10 used battery charger on Craigslist or at my local garage sales, I had to go spend $27 for one at Walmart. It worked great!
I made an electrolosis tank by repurposing a deep plastic waste can I had, using a couple of pieces of scrap rebar from a nearby construction site, a coat hanger, some copper wire and a piece of PVC I had in the garage.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNf0u1gEyfAgMB00VDjRA5AIvMdBgon2q3FkHX-CAZ5dqwAR170NfUHTudGd6NNpA?key=NjVIWTZaNVhNTHVjTlhrNE5MQXhRSGpiRVVjakRn&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0lRlNOxXBZlQ0d9EEIa8QIqwY-Vj-QsoSfSPZiPoAQZKMC9DEtzLYk-sbMLyPZCxCDzYGRx0_2Enww' /></a>
Just look at that boiling stew of steel-grime
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOz_xnJ7USaJj25XjQqG-1xrLLu3q2WUvhOF0TRwJFKQuYJTDbsrt21RGUWOIXhHw?key=LVNDMTN5dkNrTzVtLVhSYkpGbjZEQUhMdTJXVUFn&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6nAFO4_lFXHfO2xMxxMp6NUUogqd24FvZZiOtPgQy7rhm3e-f94Ow2pVqJfbQ2_XFofOinBYiZJBSQ' /></a>
And ultimately I was left with clean bare metal (which quickly developed a touch of flash-rust)
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOdPK855xtxkCzS5noDL7XCIpO1wy0wH2atJIchaEnKu2jQNWTkbIRgfbbHXIg7rw?key=aUN5dzVOOU4tN1ViNExCdHZiek0xNnJJN0JFQ0F3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Xxq6vUyFnyQg0lyXoQQuW0dNWNvr0ME5PUyzkEN9nvDt-XPKbsdTkMjeJ0_hM6aHneB1q4ur5D8pew' /></a>
I needed to clean up the surfaces that I wouldn't be painting. I don't have a bench grinder, but found these Nyalox Cup Brushes to be inexpensive, attach to my drill and work pretty well. I used the 120 and 240 grit brushes.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNFKygdyz79v9jt6fJ606w2pF5DyGisQj8qXjr0a9Ge9ko42TxwgZHTtOaUuRfxqQ?key=SkpWQzlocERVNnJYU3hqanpiQ2pDMVBWSDlMa1JB&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pl1bUcNJvNDw3Cgjx9mr28cZvjuZTRileruUdky_j-EKw1F8XEK3gLBI0FjdwfqE0B4wV8VgMj4n' /></a>
I treated everything to a coat of Metal Ready which removes the flash-rust and leaves a light layer of zinc phosphate that prevents future rusting.
Next was time to mask the pieces for painting.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMUqEGkdplrWiyNd-wZUS06Qux60_DTlITJa4_gYZod3REBwxpBtoNUAOqoG6YruQ?key=aUZyRkNXa2lqYzFVNmlhMUdvclpGTU1VNEkzUFdB&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Lj3VG5Zc9YT3CXYbe9IwbIG-IZ3qo-Cdz85NoZw__PlKTZBCUKFOvXERNY18XYbovHWqrCWVVuKQqQ' /></a>
Ad-vise (get it
): I used pennies wrapped in pieces of shop towels to fill the ends of the main nut, and a paper towel roll cut to length to support the tape I used to cover the end of the dynamic jaw.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOtoahUyeAAXmGK_HAIzesGIxCavDhT7_NELdBLExcx1DNVc48eKghZfEkG9r00jw?key=cWlBMDVIc3FKODR4UDJMRkNyLV9rUS1RcXp3N1RR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1-89ZM-uOqcZcagn6p_pPiwDr-nYQ5FE_2bkVHHcAbU5OqKa2kwuJCOKx0Ns3PFsDqCueOIgpUB-dQ' /></a>
And onto painting. I used Rust-Oleum Hammered black, which is more of a carbon black rather than a deep black.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP1VT5PNoPCOcFnsUN5zcjDNCmt1KGJT7wWo_98BbU3o5BDmYVPLfVzRBWjLdRomA?key=QWpTcG9xd3JvOFZ1T0YxaHhTbGc1RXJGRnI5LVNn&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uA6zICpgO88SBOo_pILMih8xWx9vlcF6sQlv-E8noN33tY2rOnf5wvUKu2oZ8Tb50JUwjsTCJA_R8g' /></a>
I'd seen people mention painting the raised lettering with acrylic model-type paint, using makeup sponges. "No problemo" I thought. How wrong was I. It was quite a chore to get a reasonable result. Fortunately a shop towel and 90% isopropyl alcohol removed my errors -- I probably wiped out 5 mistakes for each area I got right.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM0Cgbo3OWPBj07tjFbITqtPWfdzRiX8kjt5slcT-8Xk81qoAk6OlkoJwriD1a9Pg?key=TE5wb3p6dkh4RjJwdGxmc0xpYzljUTdJN0U4a3BR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wkocod_p_vcS3ZpbTRcsZPBv1GkPE4iILphTsNyCDJxhWLpS-AVeE5TQOPpsxo88fQYpS9F7C5Zztw' /></a>
. . .
Skipping ahead. I have yet to do final assembly, but here is what the final product will look like.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPntTNx5QlBDZnClqKP23gG6SE3tSEBTWA9J8khGwfg1v56k5-_UwaXDz7RgrATyg?key=aFo4Q0RXRkJwcks0SUpfaFBQMWdqbUozVl9YbnV3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CMFmHA1sWuxTKJQId6gJqB_Avmm7n-RtvlWefOx4vKmWejtTnlbqOwdFREa9ooL8ZDg5gT6sp7oONg' /></a>
The story: In mid-September I went to the house where my mother lives to pay her a visit. Her roommate (the home owner) happened to be having a yard sale that day and I saw this large vise sitting on the ground, and couldn't help but check it out. Over the next couple of hours as I was running errands I googled "Reed Vise" and "Reed Vise Restoration", which led me to this site and others where I got excited about a new project. When I went back to the house I asked mom's roommate how much she wanted for the vise and she came up with a very fair: $1.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMo_r9KaIlMQrCdB01QuIIla0ElikGZdzQg7hx5R9XjPvDiv63nMoP9SUYLBveX6g?key=Q3dBLUNSX21lempLVUE4UE9jZnFod19LakJGVGtB&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f57kUQc5_vTiSaiFZyxTB54MzeyuHM0yJOJBQbvIW-pecv2X3PUhK37WnK2aKCG8Tl1j728gEsUg' /></a>
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNtsqd5OGHvAAshUL_mPI2i8GexhOFWo3OUEdGjeDyTe7Ry7wJvk4AW0GmSSZjLXQ?key=UnUwbUNySm5UZ2J0LWlsVlRvVHFULUdITHZIOFlR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eviggKGJqrL6Zs0zq8Z2oI36MRlAQfyD9po-0wyXJEwmNql5L77ILglZ13xEo84EC1o7_Ar2emMs' /></a>
I really had no idea what I was getting into. . . As a lifelong resident of Arizona and California, decades of rust was a beast I just hadn't confronted before.
My first challenge was to remove the set screw that holds the split nut in place. After several days of soaking with PB Blaster, with no results I hit the area with my propane torch to try to get some expansion/contraction effect, but the size of the hunk of steel I was heating just meant that the heat was being absorbed through a large area and the set screw and surrounding steel were not differentially expanding.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPEcm8R51c-PoYdYemVTs56xIZeBShDyfFPIpIthedwk2Fg-vw47ZRpMFGU0G6wDw?key=cEg2dG1jT3E3d3ZlUllzVnByTTBsdTk4S1BIODNR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CCxCJgUuYKfpXjtLg3ym_Y5CSLEf8OkFA7eWjwiTC4qOEc-TXwFEHgE6cTbAUU7qM6QCCKx9wLRS' /></a>
After a week or so of soaking in PB Blaster and propane heating, I still wasn't getting anywhere. One day I was around the corner from a machine shop so I went inside to ask for advice. They suggested AeroKroil over PB Blaster, and said that drilling out the set screw might just be my only recourse.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNUS0l_B-RyPUcProedO9UI72Rqc7lopUEmyyOX9rwS-0F3AxEOMLn2SIw8CcOS3w?key=SWw5V0tXZmw2TnpQaWdKdmZyMzBZNjl0Nk1BY1N3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bIMGd5k0rH8uLIC34VBEkF3lWfGIOStpjJ2klmb3T8H-gO0cIKqtQ3HWm0vA-8legz0oWoIfR5YR8Q' /></a>
I purchased Kroil and tried it for another week or so, with no luck. Finally I broke out the drill bits to drill out the set screw. I started with a 1/8" bit which allowed me to drill a hole through the slot in the set screw and through the screw itself. I graduated to 3/16" and 1/4 inch and at that point found that I'd relieved pressure sufficiently to allow me to unscrew the set screw (whew!).
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMk8piwbVDUj1wp75epDZmmaAKDRcS8I9_FuxElW9LQeyxt3z8390zgwaLUW-eEsQ?key=OGVsMnhnWm1yTVBlbnJpSFZHZVJiRmVSNlAtOTV3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YhLuHG_-OvC51bJ01jRO7-ZXL1FT5CcAG-2FVUJginqOdjRv3J9I_OQ8X3_FdgE5zEtPJpaCkJ6V' /></a>
I thought I was home free with the removal of the set screw, but found that the split nut was just as rusted in place as was the screw. Another week of Kroil combined with enough frustration to encourage me to strike harder with my punch and hammer and the thing started moving counter clockwise. It took a good hour to get the split nut out, but finally I had the whole vise spread out in front of me on the workbench
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPN5J-BxxwmB9147MhWWFagILmNzCnCqKtUytsk7KBnu8uGdrmJE6WiZ3jhp_Jazg?key=MXctcS1xMGROaGtFZkNLX2JyaEVlYjJlTWJ0Yk1n&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8OEMhao-JFMBGriEd3aR6NU63mTzmxjsyl-Gj0Ua9RrL86mLg3H2Xbns7o1jG5zILTqrk5PZuyThug' /></a>
Next step in the process: removal of all that rust and paint. Fortunately, the internet didn't let me down here, as I was introduced to all that is good with electrolysis. As I couldn't find the perpetually referenced $10 used battery charger on Craigslist or at my local garage sales, I had to go spend $27 for one at Walmart. It worked great!
I made an electrolosis tank by repurposing a deep plastic waste can I had, using a couple of pieces of scrap rebar from a nearby construction site, a coat hanger, some copper wire and a piece of PVC I had in the garage.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNf0u1gEyfAgMB00VDjRA5AIvMdBgon2q3FkHX-CAZ5dqwAR170NfUHTudGd6NNpA?key=NjVIWTZaNVhNTHVjTlhrNE5MQXhRSGpiRVVjakRn&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0lRlNOxXBZlQ0d9EEIa8QIqwY-Vj-QsoSfSPZiPoAQZKMC9DEtzLYk-sbMLyPZCxCDzYGRx0_2Enww' /></a>
Just look at that boiling stew of steel-grime
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOz_xnJ7USaJj25XjQqG-1xrLLu3q2WUvhOF0TRwJFKQuYJTDbsrt21RGUWOIXhHw?key=LVNDMTN5dkNrTzVtLVhSYkpGbjZEQUhMdTJXVUFn&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6nAFO4_lFXHfO2xMxxMp6NUUogqd24FvZZiOtPgQy7rhm3e-f94Ow2pVqJfbQ2_XFofOinBYiZJBSQ' /></a>
And ultimately I was left with clean bare metal (which quickly developed a touch of flash-rust)
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOdPK855xtxkCzS5noDL7XCIpO1wy0wH2atJIchaEnKu2jQNWTkbIRgfbbHXIg7rw?key=aUN5dzVOOU4tN1ViNExCdHZiek0xNnJJN0JFQ0F3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Xxq6vUyFnyQg0lyXoQQuW0dNWNvr0ME5PUyzkEN9nvDt-XPKbsdTkMjeJ0_hM6aHneB1q4ur5D8pew' /></a>
I needed to clean up the surfaces that I wouldn't be painting. I don't have a bench grinder, but found these Nyalox Cup Brushes to be inexpensive, attach to my drill and work pretty well. I used the 120 and 240 grit brushes.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNFKygdyz79v9jt6fJ606w2pF5DyGisQj8qXjr0a9Ge9ko42TxwgZHTtOaUuRfxqQ?key=SkpWQzlocERVNnJYU3hqanpiQ2pDMVBWSDlMa1JB&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pl1bUcNJvNDw3Cgjx9mr28cZvjuZTRileruUdky_j-EKw1F8XEK3gLBI0FjdwfqE0B4wV8VgMj4n' /></a>
I treated everything to a coat of Metal Ready which removes the flash-rust and leaves a light layer of zinc phosphate that prevents future rusting.
Next was time to mask the pieces for painting.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMUqEGkdplrWiyNd-wZUS06Qux60_DTlITJa4_gYZod3REBwxpBtoNUAOqoG6YruQ?key=aUZyRkNXa2lqYzFVNmlhMUdvclpGTU1VNEkzUFdB&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Lj3VG5Zc9YT3CXYbe9IwbIG-IZ3qo-Cdz85NoZw__PlKTZBCUKFOvXERNY18XYbovHWqrCWVVuKQqQ' /></a>
Ad-vise (get it
): I used pennies wrapped in pieces of shop towels to fill the ends of the main nut, and a paper towel roll cut to length to support the tape I used to cover the end of the dynamic jaw.<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOtoahUyeAAXmGK_HAIzesGIxCavDhT7_NELdBLExcx1DNVc48eKghZfEkG9r00jw?key=cWlBMDVIc3FKODR4UDJMRkNyLV9rUS1RcXp3N1RR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1-89ZM-uOqcZcagn6p_pPiwDr-nYQ5FE_2bkVHHcAbU5OqKa2kwuJCOKx0Ns3PFsDqCueOIgpUB-dQ' /></a>
And onto painting. I used Rust-Oleum Hammered black, which is more of a carbon black rather than a deep black.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP1VT5PNoPCOcFnsUN5zcjDNCmt1KGJT7wWo_98BbU3o5BDmYVPLfVzRBWjLdRomA?key=QWpTcG9xd3JvOFZ1T0YxaHhTbGc1RXJGRnI5LVNn&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uA6zICpgO88SBOo_pILMih8xWx9vlcF6sQlv-E8noN33tY2rOnf5wvUKu2oZ8Tb50JUwjsTCJA_R8g' /></a>
I'd seen people mention painting the raised lettering with acrylic model-type paint, using makeup sponges. "No problemo" I thought. How wrong was I. It was quite a chore to get a reasonable result. Fortunately a shop towel and 90% isopropyl alcohol removed my errors -- I probably wiped out 5 mistakes for each area I got right.
- Pour a small amount of acrylic paint in the bottom of a turned over dog food can
- Cut off a small part of the makeup sponge to use (don't try to do a big area)
- Wet the sponge end with paint and then blot well on paper towel
- Lightly touch to the raised letters. Repeat light touches.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM0Cgbo3OWPBj07tjFbITqtPWfdzRiX8kjt5slcT-8Xk81qoAk6OlkoJwriD1a9Pg?key=TE5wb3p6dkh4RjJwdGxmc0xpYzljUTdJN0U4a3BR&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wkocod_p_vcS3ZpbTRcsZPBv1GkPE4iILphTsNyCDJxhWLpS-AVeE5TQOPpsxo88fQYpS9F7C5Zztw' /></a>
. . .
Skipping ahead. I have yet to do final assembly, but here is what the final product will look like.
<a href='https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPntTNx5QlBDZnClqKP23gG6SE3tSEBTWA9J8khGwfg1v56k5-_UwaXDz7RgrATyg?key=aFo4Q0RXRkJwcks0SUpfaFBQMWdqbUozVl9YbnV3&source=ctrlq.org'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CMFmHA1sWuxTKJQId6gJqB_Avmm7n-RtvlWefOx4vKmWejtTnlbqOwdFREa9ooL8ZDg5gT6sp7oONg' /></a>
Last edited: