Reed MFG 204R - Some questions

[Left_to_lobster_2020]

Hi,

New here. I was given a 204R a couple of years ago. It’s had pretty light use given it was sitting in a Moose Lodge. It was pulled out before the building was demolished. I plan on welding up a stand for it to use it in my barn since my smaller one took a “poop”. I plan on repainting it before putting it back in use. I have most of us disassembled except for the jaw/screw. A couple of question:

1. I’ve watched a couple of YouTube videos. I am struggling to get the split nut out. I currently have it sit with some Kroil on it. I tried WD-40 and punching it out. No success. Any other tricks?

2. I have the rest of the parts are sitting in degree greaser in some buckets. I usually wash everything down good with water, air hose it dry, then non chlorinated brake cleaner with a final air hose dry before painting. What kind of spray paint holds up on these vise for normal wide range use? Really concerned about solvents - etc.

3. What’s the best way to date these vises?

 

[ejot]

I like bare metal finished in multiple coats of boiled linseed oil applied hot.

Reed date stamp thd-

REED R Series. Post your Reed date stamps.

The Office Reed R series Vise Date and timeline Thread. Post your Reed date stamps. After 2 and half years and 130+ reeds. I think its fair to say we have figured a few things out with the R series, as well as the A series and the older reeds. All reed vises will have dates on them. This...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Corvette Mark]

The split nut can be almost impossible if it’s rusted or seized in. I’m sure you’re aware, there is a set screw that needs to be removed first. The only thing I found really works is getting a very long drive punch because then you get a much better angle to apply force to. If you use a shorter drive punch, it ends up being at nearly a 45 degree angle so I lot of the effort is wasted.

 

[moorett]

Pictures may get you some more responses.