REED vise question?

[Coaster36]

Hey everyone, Ive been lurking for a few months. I learned a lot here and came across an old Reed vise at an antique mall. They are asking $50 for the vise but Id obvisosly like to get it for less. What do you guys think about this vise. I believe it was a 104 model. It seemed there was no slop in the head. Is there anything I should check out if I go back out there and offer him something for it. The handle has a slight bend in it and the swivel bar was missing.

What would be a fair price to offer?

 

[Coaster36]

This picture was supposed to be added I dont know where it went.

 

[rocco]

i'd pay 50$ for it, i have the same one and i'm extremely happy with it.

 

[Coaster36]

I think Im going to go get it.

What should I look at while im there again? Anything make it no good?

 

[porphyre]

That's a 204.

It might be my imagination, but does it look like there's a ground off weld on the slide? Potentially re-attached the dynamic jaw? I'm looking at the super close-up picture.

$50 would be an ok price, but nowhere near "You ****" or even "Good Deal". A 204 will weigh about 50lbs, so $1/lb is pretty tall for the condition. The slide looks like it's been beat on a bunch and the vise seems to have not been cared for too well. The bent handle is a big minus.

I'd try to get it for $30. Maybe y'all could meet in the middle?

Check the mounting feet for cracks.
Make sure the jaws close flat and even.
Check for excessive backlash... spin the handle one direction 2 full revolutions, then slowly, carefully, turn the handle back the other way. The dynamic jaw should start moving before you hit 1/4 turn, preferably before you hit 1/8 turn. Anything more than 1/4 turn shows excessive wear of the lead screw or the main nut. I find it easiest to spin and have the handle hanging down, then put a fingertip on the long end of the handle and start spinning the opposite way.

 

[autopts]

I think $50 is reasonable. If the non replaceable jaws are worn completely smooth, I myself would then pass on it.