Restored Whitmore vice

[IainP]

Clearing out my Dad's old workshop, I found this old vice ("vise" in USA I believe!).
Without any knowledge or experience of restoring such things but with access to youtube, I "educated" myself and gave it a go.
Result: not bad! Does anyone know anything about the Whitmore vice and how old this might be? I'm surprised how little appears about these online.
Thanks, Iain

 

[captain14]

Your first one? That's good.

Welcome to GJ. I hear vise restoration is addictive. Start looking for the next project.

 

[KMScott]

Nice job on the Whitmore vise Iain. First one I seen, the guys from the woodworking thread should know something about your vise. Is it a 10" model?

 

[IainP]

Thank you! Yes, first time I tried to restore anything actually. And yes it's already got me addicted.. there's not a lot to mess up with them, I've found, so total amateurs like me don't need to feel intimidated at having a go. It's also got me trying other things, now I've discovered the magical effects of leaving rusty old stuff in white vinegar for a day or two then taking a wire brush to them. Seeing shiny new metal appear is a great feeling.

 

[IainP]

Thanks too. "Is it a 10" model?" Ah now my inexperience shows itself! Not sure if that refers to its width (around 6" I'd guess but don't have it in front of me right now) or its fully extended length. Will check tomorrow.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks too. "Is it a 10" model?" Ah now my inexperience shows itself! Not sure if that refers to its width (around 6" I'd guess but don't have it in front of me right now) or its fully extended length. Will check tomorrow.

Vises are determined by jaw width. Not a big deal just curious. I like it and I see more restores coming.

 

[Recordus]

IainP -

Good work on the restore! I don't think your vise is a re-badged Record, but it appears to be a good copy of the little Record #V175, which was the largest of their "Hobby Woodworking Vises" that were lighter duty and non-quick release. They made three sizes of these "Woodcraft" vises, the largest of which was the only one I've seen in the US and had a 7" jaw width with a 6-1/2" jaw opening. I've got one mounted on my shop bench for quick sawing or holding a piece of wood still when I can't summon the strength to clear off my actual woodworking bench.

 

[bulwnkle]

Looks good. Restoring old tools is indeed addictive, there should be meetings or something.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[IainP]

"the only one I've seen in the US and had a 7" jaw width with a 6-1/2" jaw opening" yes, just measured it and it's the same. Thanks for the info. "Restoring old tools is indeed addictive, there should be meetings or something" You are SO right. I got into this just a few weeks ago to get some cheap tools to try to make a crank organ (John Smith Busker Organ) but now I'm spending all my time at auctions and Car Boot sales, picking up rusty stuff. A whole new fascinating world! (The organ will be build one day...)

 

[Rick B.]

That's a real nice job. I love seeing the refurbs. Thanks for sharing.