Reed vice questions

[rebel rebel]

All, I am new to GJ so please forgive me if some of these questions have already been answered in the past.
I have a Reed model 103R that I inherited from my grandfather. (as well as a lot of vintage Craftsman USA power tools and misc vintage hand tools)
The Reed vice is in ok condition, not much rust but a lot of greasy grime, splattered house paint and whatnot. I would like to restore it but I still plan to use it for typical shop work. Should I leave it alone with the existing patina alone or restore? I realize they made tons of these so I know it isn't rare. Also, what color were they when they left the factory back in the day? If I were to refurb. and paint, what would be the best brand/color to use?
Any answers or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Roberts210]

It all depends on what you like. Some people (me included) like to de-gunk an old vise, clean, prime and paint it in something close to the original color. Others like bright, primary colors--red, blue, etc. Some guys slather boiled linseed oil (BLO), onto the bare cast iron, and let it dry.

I use 2-part, epoxy primer but Rustoleum spray enamel. I've also used Van Sickle tractor paint, which is tough paint, but slower to dry than the Rustoleum. So it's really all up to you. Congrats on getting your grandfather's tools.

 

[rebel rebel]

thanks, I kind of think I'll restore it. I got hooked on watching the YouTube videos of ppl restoring old hand tools, then I noticed a lot of ppl were restoring vices. With the COVID 19 pandemic and all, I have plenty of free time. Went out in the shop and collected all the old rusty tools I could find. I have a nice drill press with a wire wheel attached. I've enjoyed cleaning up the wrenches. I think I'm ready to go to the next level of cleaning, restoring and painting. The Reed vice would be a perfect candidate. It looks like it was originally painted black. Thanks for your info.

 

[DirtFish17]

My old Reed vise was Grey color originally. I re painted it blue.

 

[DirtFish17]

Before and after.

 

[RTM]

The best place to look for help with your vise restoration is here. Most problems have been asked and answered.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

Also known as Vise Repair 101

 

[Rinspeed]

Before and after.

Very nice, what is that color.

 

[RG Rude]

Very nice, what is that color.

DirtFish, I'm also interested in knowing the color.

 

[Packard V8]

Here on GJ, we have the full gamut of opinions on restoration levels. Do what pleases you and is appropriate to your use.

For me, paint adds no utility to a vise. The way I use my vises, the paint would get chipped and dirty the first day. A wipe with an oily rag is the only shine mine get.

As a corrollary, a neighbor has a $100,000 Ford F350 dually Powerstroke pickup. There is a cover over the bed. When he raises the cover, there's not a scratch inside. I'm not a bit embarrassed when I park my well-used 2004 beside his; it hauls dirty, greasy engines every day; we just have different needs and uses.

jack vines

 

[threeputt]

Before and after.

I like picture number 2. Very nice job

 

[drivesitfar]

REBEL: good for you getting your grandfather's tools and wanting to spiff them up and USE them.

for me I have a few old Reeds that have their original color and for those i usually just clean them up a bit if I'm going to use them and wipe on a coat or two of BLO (boiled linseed oil). if the vise has several coats of paint or I decide to strip it i'll just put on a few coats of BLO and apply a few more as needed which isn't often cause at my place rust is a patina if not effecting it's use.

here's a pic of my big Reed 4c that I had sandblasted and I had him put on a few coats of BLO about 6 years ago and it still looks and works ok for me.

ask questions if you have any and like mentioned post up before and after pics on the vise repair 101 and don't forget to add the story about it being your gramps.

cheers

 

[Rinspeed]

for me I have a few old Reeds that have their original color and for those i usually just clean them up a bit if I'm going to use them and wipe on a coat or two of BLO (boiled linseed oil). if the vise has several coats of paint or I decide to strip it i'll just put on a few coats of BLO and apply a few more as needed which isn't often cause at my place rust is a patina if not effecting it's use.

Do you need to warm the parts up before applying the BLO, I thought I read it works better if the parts are warm.

 

[drivesitfar]

I usually apply BLO during the summer cause my garage isn't heated so i guess the answer is yes it's best to apply when warm otherwise it takes forever to dry.

another tip is if you have an old can of BLO make sure to shake it a lot sort of like an old can of paint cause it might take forever to dry.

some of the guys bought new or used smokers and put on BLO and set them in the smoker or a dedicated shop oven. don't use in an oven you cook food in and I also hear is smells pretty bad, but the shine is awesome if that's what you are looking for.

CAUTION: more than one guys garage or home has burned down by wadding up a rag with BLO or wood stain and not disposing of it in a covered metal bin cause they can self combust into flames. you can also rinse or just hang to dry if you don't want to toss the rags or paper towels.

 

[RTM]

I usually dry my parts after their last bath with the electric heat gun, and positioned in front of a few 500w halogen lights. That does a reasonable job, I think I got them in the 120 deg F range, which helps. They stay in front of the lights, turning occasionally for an even tan with minimal lines, while the oil initially is drying. Try to use a rod through things to avoid touching while moving them.

Not as good as an oven bake, but better than waiting days for the tacky to go away.