Rock Island vise

[Big Red Dog]

Just bought an old Rock Island vise. No.154a, 4-1/2" jaws, has a unique removable pin in the anvil, anyone know the history on it?

 

[Steevo]

Pictures would help.

 

[ndnchf]

Agree -

 

[Big Red Dog]

I wanted to include pics, but as I am a newby and untrained in the ways of posting, I couldn't figure out how to do it. I have pics on my iPhone which is also my only means to this site, so if you could give instructions I would appreciate it.

 

[ndnchf]

This may help:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13567

 

[Outlawmws]

I wanted to include pics, but as I am a newby and untrained in the ways of posting, I couldn't figure out how to do it. I have pics on my iPhone which is also my only means to this site, so if you could give instructions I would appreciate it.

In the post reply, (not quick reply) window, use the "Manage Attachments" button below the text editing function and upload.

 

[autopts]

Guessing, its a smaller open spindle but its stil got the hardy in the anvil and might be in good condition since its hasn't been lost. I'm wrong 80% of the time though.

 

[Big Red Dog]

Here is a picture of my Rock Island vise, no. 154a, 4-1/2 jaws. Any help on the history would be appreciated.

 

[Big Red Dog]

 

[Big Red Dog]

 

[Big Red Dog]

This picture deal is really making me angry.

 

[Big Red Dog]

The link should be: http://s1061.photobucket.com/albums/t467/b

 

[Big Red Dog]

 

[Big Red Dog]

http//s1061.photobucket.com/albums/t467/big_red_dog/

 

[tsbrewers]

 

[beerdog]

There must have been different exchangeble heads.

 

[autopts]

Wow a rare Rock Island pattern makers vise and a swivel back to boot. Tip...Don't use that vise for normal work holding. Put that in the "Vises Of Garage Journal thread. I bet it would be the only one of its kind in there. Very nice!

 

[Big Red Dog]

Thanks for the tip and thank you all for bringing the picture up. I had intended on using this vise for my general purpose work but maybe I'll use it as a secondary. So you think it's a pattern makers vise? Any idea how old?

 

[Steevo]

That is the most unusual Rock Island vise I have seen. Is the movable jaw all original, or is it built-up with some kind of casting or welding?

Also, does the rear jaw pivot when you pull up the pin?

 

[autopts]

Thanks for the tip and thank you all for bringing the picture up. I had intended on using this vise for my general purpose work but maybe I'll use it as a secondary. So you think it's a pattern makers vise? Any idea how old?

Yes, its for working with Aluminum thin sheet stock, maybe thin stainless and you would use your hands to bend and mold the stock into the shape you want. You really shouldn't hold stock in it to hit with a hammer. The last one I had was a Columbian (no swivel back) and the jaws were warped and about 3/16" apart on one side. Rare as it is, Pattern makers vises (except Emmert) don't bring alot on the market.

 

[Big Red Dog]

All the casting looks original albeit a little rough in places but there are no signs of modifications. The stationary jaw does not swivel, it is locked in place by some pretty complicated joinery.

 

[bl00]

The stationary jaw does not swivel, it is locked in place by some pretty complicated joinery.

The jaw should swivel with the pin out. It may be stuck after too many years of not moving. Let some penetrating oil soak into the cracks then put a piece of wood against the side and give it a few whacks with a hammer. Here's few pics of a different model Rock Island with a swivel jaw, so you can see where it should move.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2026047&postcount=3452