Rock Island MFG #55

[Metal Works]

So I just aquiered a Rock Island #55. I have looked everywhere oknthe internet and haven’t found anything on it. Seen a couple lost on a 56. This think is a beast. It’s also in amazing shape for how old I think it is. I was wondering what info someone could give me and the value of it. Thank you

 

[Private Lugnutz]

A few examples of the Rock Island model No. 55 vise have been posted in the mega vises thread, including a reply in which a member posted a catalog excerpt showing the specs for the entire pre 1910 series from No. 50 to 56. If you go into the Sticky at the top of this forum titled READ B4 POSTING! there is an A-Z Index of threads. Scroll down in the first section (by Type) to the 'Vises' thread. Click on it. When you're in the thread use the Search function in the upper right to search the thread on 'Rock Island 55'.

Not sure why you want to know the value when you just acquired it, but that is always subjective. It's a heavy XL vise (6" jaws) from a desirable maker, but the condition is sketchy. I am not sure what's going on with that homemade U-bolt clamp around the swivel jaw, or the homemade sheet metal slide protector, but I am sure you can see that it's been patched up a few times, too.

 

[genog]

Value?

 

[olddog1]

Is the stationary jaw supposed to swivel?? Maybe for odd-shaped work?

 

[RTM]

Is the stationary jaw supposed to swivel?? Maybe for odd-shaped work?

Yes, without that U bolt, it might, but why is it there.

Edit, also, why is that block of wedge shaped metal between the U bolt and pin

 

[olddog1]

Yes, without theaterU bolt, it might, but why is it there.

Beats me. I've never seen one. Cool vise though!

 

[Beerhippie]

In addition to the "neck brace", this doesn't look promising:

Lots of brazing sticking out from beneath the sheet-metal shroud a PO put on it. I'm guessing "rode hard and put up wet" for condition.

 

[drivesitfar]

What happens if you remove the u bolt? Any brazes or welds cause hard to see in your pics with my old eyes? I’m guessing the width of the jaws is 5 inch. Yes? How much does it weigh without the u bolt?

Welcome to GJ btw

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I have my doubts about the OP coming back. Has all the hallmarks of a quick hitter flipper post to me. But if we're going to have fun speculating...

I am not sure what's going on with that homemade U-bolt clamp around the swivel jaw,

without that U bolt, it might, but why is it there.

Edit, also, why is that block of wedge shaped metal between the U bolt and pin

the "neck brace"

What happens if you remove the u bolt?

I was thinking that whole brace is to prevent the swivel jaw from swiveling. Essentially making it a stationary jaw. Why would that be necessary? The only thing I can think of is that pin being broken in place. Which is ironic, because we all know the most common issue with a swivel jaw on an old newly found vise is the opposite - being seized in place and unable to swivel! If that pin is not doing anything, though, the swivel jaw would be free to turn willy nilly. Not sure why that would be a major issue, as it would flush itself with a square work piece as well as an un-square work piece. But it sure looks like a clamp to me. There's a bar under the stationary jaw tower spanning the U-Bolt and that wedge on top has been recessed to fit the pin. It looks like the whole thing is tightened up right good to keep the swivel jaw from swiveling. My guess.

I’m guessing the width of the jaws is 5 inch. Yes? How much does it weigh without the u bolt?

Here is an excerpt from the 1919 Lomont & Co catalog that I mentioned Ed (@Oregon rock crusher) posting in the Mega Vises thread. It lists the 55 as 6 inches and 158 lbs.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I suspect that Rocky was fighting one tough hombre and took one hit too many from the BFH. It likely took out the swivel jaw pivot lip tipping the jaw back and rendering the vise near useless. The ever resourceful PO pulled a successful repair with what he had on hand. The U bolt saddle rode a little too low on the jaw to be a perfect repair so he added a scrap of plate for a spacer to hold it up on the jaw which also perfectly aligned it with the anchor point at the front slide support.

That rear sheet metal slide guard is quite innovative as well....one can only speculate what evil lies beneath. What is peeking out from under it is highly suspect. It does likely prevent swarf from building up on the slide and riding into the vise causing binding issues. All in all that old RI vise is probably still capable of effective work holding even if in a diminished capacity. Ed.

 

[drivesitfar]

Lug: Thanks for the 411 and the catalog page too!! I saw it was the OP’s first post so time will tell if he checks back in and posts again with more pics and questions.

ORC: I think the BFH damaged more than a few of these great old vises that is for certain. Maybe cause these old vises came out of the factory while a good portion of the vises used were Blacksmith vises that are meant to be beaten on? And some of the old ads had sledge hammers hitting their vises pictured might have been another reason.

I’ve got more than a few old swivel jaw vises but only one Rock Island one and almost all of them except maybe one didn’t swivel when I bought them. In fact a 75 year old guy was adamant that his 97 year old dads Prentiss #26 that his dad bought new wasn’t a swivel jaw so instead of arguing with him I smiled and handed him his asking price and drove an hour back home just smiling. I still remember that purchase for a Benjamin over a decade ago. Since the swivel jaw had never been used when I removed it by pushing it from below upwards the pin had rusted in place and the machining under the swivel jaw looked almost brand new and it was 100 ish years old.

It kinda looks like there might be a braze weld on the dynamic jaw but some of the rock islands especially their earlier 1900’s versions casts left the factory that way.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

ORC: I think the BFH damaged more than a few of these great old vises that is for certain. Maybe cause these old vises came out of the factory while a good portion of the vises used were Blacksmith vises that are meant to be beaten on? And some of the old ads had sledge hammers hitting their vises pictured might have been another reason.

Oddly, I can't really condemn those who in pursuit of "getting the job done" used some tools to death. I'm sure at the time the damage occurred vises were not revered as they are today. That so many vintage vises survive to this day is testament that they were rugged enough for most tasks. When the factory wheels are at idle and the boss is getting impatient a plant man is compelled to do whatever it takes to get things up and running again. Breaking the company vise would be the least of your worries if you don't get the job done quickly. Just one scenario I find excusable....

 

[drivesitfar]

Orc: I hear you and agree. I recall going into a shop where my gramps (60 years logging) took me to see if his D9 Cat dozer had been repaired. I probably was 6 years old or so and I saw two guys hanging on maybe a 4 foot long pipe with a wrench (maybe Plvmb) and socket on a rusted bolt trying to remove it. More than a few times I saw guys in shops beating on their parts in the jaws of huge vises to get the job done. That said sometimes it was just laziness or no care for their employers tools cause there were other ways to get the job done so to speak.

We’ve seen how inexpensive vises sold for in the early 1900’s hence maybe the attitude then but seeing a guy now beat on a $1500 vise cause he didn’t want to heat the part or soak it in some rust remover is sad especially when the tool wasn’t his.

You hanging around the huge machines and tools you have at your work I bet your eyes have seen some amazing and dumb stuff. How’s retirement now where you can fix your own stuff and play with the grandkids?

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I'm pretty sure that, same as you, retirement has been more like a career change Drives. I try to get four or five good days of recreational shop time a week and the rest is consumed with watching the grand kids games, BD partys, visits, or day trips, mostly to the coast. I have at least three vises in que at the moment but am trying to finish up a 1962 PM 87 bandsaw project today that has taken up the last two weeks of my "retirement".

 

[SkyPuncher]

Must be a common fix! (not mine)

 

[drivesitfar]

Yep I’ve seen more than a few with these big u bolts on them. Like ORC mentioned the vise that started this thread actually had a little more to it with the extra parts.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Must be a common fix!

I don't know. That one looks factory. Same finish as the vise.