Reed 205 1/2

[TheEdge64]

I acquired this vice some time ago, and it is in near perfect condition. The bad part is that, I thought I could replace the jaw inserts on this vice, but after careful inspection, I see that there are no screws, to unscrew. I contacted Kevin Scott who makes jaws for Reeds, but he thinks that this vice has cast in jaws. If that's the case, what can I do to restore the jaws? Is there no way to get these babies out? I would appreciate any advice someone could give me. I know that I can still use this behemoth. Thanks to all in advance

 

[rusty65]

wow that's a early reed i would say no way its newer then 1920. Yes the jaws are cast in place not easily renewable unless you have access to a milling machine.

 

[drivesitfar]

Edge: are you a machinist? i'm thinking if you are you can mill those jaws a bit cleaner, but that steel is very very hard. what i would do is clean it up and buy or make some copper or aluminum jaws for it because it certainly looks like it will hold most anything even without the soft jaws.

great vise and yes NO LITTLE THING IS IT.

also welcome to the forum and you came to the right place if you want to talk vises, tools, garages or most anything.

cheers

 

[TheEdge64]

Thank you both very much, no I'm not a machinist but I wish I was now. There's a lot of machinist here in Wisconsin, cause of all the paper mills. Maybe I can find out what it would cost to have some mill work done on those jaws, if not then I will take the advice on getting some covers made for the jaws. Great input and thank you for the welcome. I do appreciate it very much

 

[TheEdge64]

By the way Rusty65, you are right. Says 1912 on the side. She's a heavy mother tho, and until I get it mounted on my bench, I can't even really open the jaws all the way, got them to open 12" so far and the vice is nearly 2 ft. from end to end.

 

[ryan20021982]

If your more worried about using it then restoring it you could always have the jaws machined flat and have them put threaded holes for jaws of your choice.

 

[KMScott]

Those inserts are very hard, close to 60 Rockwell. Find a local machine shop that can machine out a pocket with a shelf and add threaded holes like ryan20021982 mentioned. Gotta have jaws already in hand for fitting or you may have to make a custom set.

Another option is to set your vise up on a surface grinder and side wheel grind them flat like I did on this Holland 23H. If buying vises with issues like yours might have then you need access to a machine shop or pay someone to do the repair. Good luck

 

[TheEdge64]

That's some very good advice, I will run with it and do some searching tomorrow for a good machine shop. I will post what I come up with in the future. Thank you both KMscott and Ryan.