Rock Island Bench vise 597

[puzz]

I have a Rock Island bench vise 597. It needs jaws 6" x 1 1/2". Have checked many places and can't find a pair. Does anyone know where I can buy these?

 

[Daniel Dudley]

That vice is made in china, and you are unlikely to find replacement jaws. If you gooogle up replacement vice jaws, you will find some replacement jaws, but a trip to a local metal shop should get you some bar stock you can make into jaws pretty easily.

Good luck.

 

[echristiansen]

I'm curious too as I have the same vise and also need replacement jaws. My search also turned up nothing. I think the only solution is to get them custom made or make your own.

And I'm pretty sure my Rock Island 597 was not made in China... Here's a photo of mine. Anyone know how to date these? Mine has "81 C" stamped on the bottom of the fixed and sliding jaws.

Let me know if you find anything.

 

[puzz]

My vise was not made in China either. On the plate is says manufactured by Birtman Electric Co. Rock Island Division Rock Island, Illinois. The vise also is marked as made in the United States of America. No other numbers stamped on the vise. No luck in getting any info on this company either. Going to check machine shops in our area and see about getting one made. Have checked tool shops but they don't have the size I need.

 

[t. jones]

I just read through 10 fascinating pages on Vice restoration on practical machinest this morning I went back there to find you a link and it's gone.!! Guys were making new jaws and some were selling there handiwork. Thanx Trevor

 

[t. jones]

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/showthread.php/vise-squad-pics-lets-78814p19.html found it