Reed 4C Vise Restoration

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

Here is something I have been working on for a very, very long time. I've got a ton of vises apart in the workshop apart all at the same time and just now have some time to start finishing them. This is a Reed 4C. Weighs 185 lbs by my scale, has 6" jaws and also pipe jaws. It was made sometime between the 1940's and 1960's.

I bought this about a year ago from a guy up in PA for $250. Probably a little much, but I really wanted it. A friend up there was able to pick it up for me. I know I have more "before" pictures, but I can't find them right now. You can't really tell from this first picture, but it was kind of rough when I first got it. It is next to a Wilton C2 (5" jaws, 100 lbs, w/ pipe jaws).

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599128123/" title="ReedAndC2 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/4599128123_f4946d6ba0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ReedAndC2" /></a>

When I got it home, I electrolysized every piece separately and got it all cleaned up, then painted it a greyish blue color and highlighted the letters black. Again, I know I have more pictures, but I can't find them.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4432852965/" title="IMG_3308 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4432852965_cd51bea1b9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3308" /></a>

It was missing the bolt in the bottom that keeps the vise centered when you are swivelling it, so I had to get another one and make a little bushing for it. Interesting, the thread size is something extremely odd ball and had been discontinued but they still had some old stock. Both the threads and the bolt head were too long, so I had to cut the threads back and then make the head low profile. It came out pretty well I think.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599739246/" title="IMG_3712 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/4599739246_6df224b592.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3712" /></a>

Also, the garter that holds the main screw in got broken somehow. I guess its not surprising since it is fairly thin cast iron. It doesn't seem to hurt it at all since it still works fine. I really like this system though. It's extremely strong.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599741308/" title="IMG_3719 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1030/4599741308_d2e965007c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3719" /></a>

The ring screws into the dynamic jaw over top of the main screw.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599740284/" title="IMG_3714 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/4599740284_0dbf62e12d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3714" /></a>

Anyway, the paint looked good but there was just something about it that I didn't like, so I took it to the radiator shop for a dip in the hot tank so I could start over.

After some thought, I decided not to paint it again. There is something about this one that screams not to be painted to me, so instead I got it all pretty with a wire wheel and put some paste wax on it. I thought that that would be a lot easier that painting, but it turned out to be a PITA. Maybe it's just my ineptness at waxing. Soooo here's what she looks like now:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599743474/" title="IMG_3721 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1067/4599743474_95d0e28b5b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_3721" /></a>

Next to the standard 6" Craftsman vise that everyone has:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599742276/" title="IMG_3720 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/4599742276_de41c787fc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_3720" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599732624/" title="IMG_3725 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/4599732624_63c2b0ef62.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3725" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599117599/" title="IMG_3727 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/4599117599_727b16f2b0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3727" /></a>

A couple of closing thoughts. First, I lubed everything with antisieze since somebody else on here suggested that it would be better than other types of grease. Second, I would like to point out that the main nut is made of steel, not cast iron. It also has a little adjuster screw to take the play out of it. **** it, Charles Parker.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599731554/" title="IMG_3707 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1193/4599731554_47720a3dc1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3707" /></a>

 

[mixxmstrmike]

That's a mighty big vise. Thanks for taking the time to share those pictures!

-Mike

 

[old salvage]

That little collet/nut is called a split nut. It is supposed to be broken (seriously). Iv'e got a 204 Reed and its the same way.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

That little collet/nut is called a split nut. It is supposed to be broken (seriously). Iv'e got a 204 Reed and its the same way.

Well that is certainly interesting. It really looks broken but split nut sounds good to me. I've never seen one that wasn't in two pieces.

 

[Thedroid]

That's a nice vice. We have an identical vice at work, the handles look longer in person. Give that handle a good twirl and it'll take off your face.

 

[Thedroid]

Oh and your right, a vice like that isn't meant to be painted. Nice job on the restore.

 

[old salvage]

Well that is certainly interesting. It really looks broken but split nut sounds good to me. I've never seen one that wasn't in two pieces.

Yes, its broken after its made..
Here's some similar nuts (so you dont think that I'm nuts ). They are threaded on the inside so they have screws to hold together but you get the idea...

 

[DavidB]

Nice job on that massive vise. With a vise that big I guess you just clamp the lawn mower down and sharpen the blade. You don't even have to worry with removing the blade!

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

Yes, its broken after its made..
Here's some similar nuts (so you dont think that I'm nuts ). They are threaded on the inside so they have screws to hold together but you get the idea...

That is really cool. I have never heard of such a thing, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. The way it's made, it would have been impossible to get the garter onto the main screw without either casting it there in the first place or making it a split nut deal. You learn something new every day. Thanks!

 

[mjozefow]

A couple of closing thoughts. First, I lubed everything with antisieze since somebody else on here suggested that it would be better than other types of grease. Second, I would like to point out that the main nut is made of steel, not cast iron. It also has a little adjuster screw to take the play out of it. I JUST WISH IT WAS A Charles Parker.

Fixed it! Does your Reed have a handle that stays where it is supposed to???

Nice job on the resto Kole, the bare cast looks great on that vise. Not that I would have expected less. I think you have done this once or twice???

I'm going to be joining the big Reed club here, so Ihad better hold my tongue.

 

[coolreed]

BajoSaveTheDay,..you are the Man! That is an awesome 4C Reed Vise.

I have a Reed Vice I am starting to restore and the Garter is broken on mine also. Can you get / buy a new one from Reed?

Thanks
Coolreed
OKC, OK

 

[autopts]

Banjo won the lotto and went into seclusion. Gone but not forgotton.


http://www.viseparts.com/category_s/64.htm

 

[dues71182]

Here is something I have been working on for a very, very long time. I've got a ton of vises apart in the workshop apart all at the same time and just now have some time to start finishing them. This is a Reed 4C. Weighs 185 lbs by my scale, has 6" jaws and also pipe jaws. It was made sometime between the 1940's and 1960's.

I bought this about a year ago from a guy up in PA for $250. Probably a little much, but I really wanted it. A friend up there was able to pick it up for me. I know I have more "before" pictures, but I can't find them right now. You can't really tell from this first picture, but it was kind of rough when I first got it. It is next to a Wilton C2 (5" jaws, 100 lbs, w/ pipe jaws).

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599128123/" title="ReedAndC2 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/4599128123_f4946d6ba0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ReedAndC2" /></a>

When I got it home, I electrolysized every piece separately and got it all cleaned up, then painted it a greyish blue color and highlighted the letters black. Again, I know I have more pictures, but I can't find them.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4432852965/" title="IMG_3308 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4432852965_cd51bea1b9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3308" /></a>

It was missing the bolt in the bottom that keeps the vise centered when you are swivelling it, so I had to get another one and make a little bushing for it. Interesting, the thread size is something extremely odd ball and had been discontinued but they still had some old stock. Both the threads and the bolt head were too long, so I had to cut the threads back and then make the head low profile. It came out pretty well I think.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599739246/" title="IMG_3712 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/4599739246_6df224b592.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3712" /></a>

Also, the garter that holds the main screw in got broken somehow. I guess its not surprising since it is fairly thin cast iron. It doesn't seem to hurt it at all since it still works fine. I really like this system though. It's extremely strong.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599741308/" title="IMG_3719 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1030/4599741308_d2e965007c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3719" /></a>

The ring screws into the dynamic jaw over top of the main screw.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599740284/" title="IMG_3714 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/4599740284_0dbf62e12d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3714" /></a>

Anyway, the paint looked good but there was just something about it that I didn't like, so I took it to the radiator shop for a dip in the hot tank so I could start over.

After some thought, I decided not to paint it again. There is something about this one that screams not to be painted to me, so instead I got it all pretty with a wire wheel and put some paste wax on it. I thought that that would be a lot easier that painting, but it turned out to be a PITA. Maybe it's just my ineptness at waxing. Soooo here's what she looks like now:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599743474/" title="IMG_3721 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1067/4599743474_95d0e28b5b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_3721" /></a>

Next to the standard 6" Craftsman vise that everyone has:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599742276/" title="IMG_3720 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/4599742276_de41c787fc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_3720" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599732624/" title="IMG_3725 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/4599732624_63c2b0ef62.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3725" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599117599/" title="IMG_3727 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/4599117599_727b16f2b0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3727" /></a>

A couple of closing thoughts. First, I lubed everything with antisieze since somebody else on here suggested that it would be better than other types of grease. Second, I would like to point out that the main nut is made of steel, not cast iron. It also has a little adjuster screw to take the play out of it. **** it, Charles Parker.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45099362@N02/4599731554/" title="IMG_3707 by BanjoSavesTheDay, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1193/4599731554_47720a3dc1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3707" /></a>

I have a reed 4C that im looking to sell, its the same vise in your pics! if your interested you can email me at [email protected] or call or text 832-562-1003

 

[tochnia]

Beautiful vise!
Out of curiosity are you able to lift it by yourself on table with this weight of 185lb.
I'm a bit afraid to go after such monsters as I will be ashamed to ask neighbours to help me for lifting...

 

[PCMusicGuy]

They are not impossible to lift by yourself if you have the strength, but it is certainly easier to take the jaw out when you want to move it.

 

[AngryBeaver]

This is a Reed 4C. It was made sometime between the 1940's and 1960's.

Actually, it was made in february of 1967, incase you didn't see the 2/67 date stamps on the Static and Dynamic jaws

 

[matt_i]

Beautiful vise!
Out of curiosity are you able to lift it by yourself on table with this weight of 185lb.
I'm a bit afraid to go after such monsters as I will be ashamed to ask neighbours to help me for lifting...

Don't hurt yourself, use a hoist!



I tore into this mess during the Covid-pause and its much better. But yes, even the Reed 4C can fly when properly motivated

 

[jonshonda]

If you have an electrolysis setup then there is no need to have someone else remove the paint, just put it back into the tank again and it will do the work for you.

There is a vise info thread and lots of other threads on here that will give you good insight on lubricants and resto techniques/finishes. The 4C is a very nice vise, and that CM next to it is childs play compared to the Reed.

 

[kald]

I have to say I liked the paint color. What is it?
I do think unpainted does look better though.

I just repaired a sledge handle with black gold club epoxy and I wiped the sledge lightly with epoxy and thought it would look great on a vise.