Stanley No. 400 Miter Vise

[240SX]

I picked up this Stanley No. 400 Miter Vise (USA) a couple of weeks ago. Years back I used to use one like this for building custom picture frames for a local shop. I'm undecided if I should try and restore it or just use it as is. Thoughts?


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[Dennis Leigh Henry]

My dad had one of those.. kick myself for not talking my step mom out of it before the auction......

 

[hsvtoolfool]

Restore it you enjoy that sort of thing. There's a lot of these
out there and you won't hurt the value. It's not something
Tool Collectors go nuts over. Picture frame shops love 'em.
Nice for glue-ups.

 

[DadsTools]

If you have a use for it, I'd just clean the rust off it. Maybe refinish it if you want it to look pretty. As a general rule, if an item has severe finish problems as this one does, you don't hurt the value of it by restoring it, unless it's something so rare and desirable that buyers will pay good money for it just as it is.

I've found that with most vintage woodworking tools, the value is intrinsically linked to its functionality. Most folks buy vintage woodworking tools primarily to use them, not to collect for display. If it can no longer be used effectively, it usually doesn't matter how old or rare it is, it will have little value. Roached and rusted finishes against bare wood is not usable.

 

[240SX]

If you have a use for it, I'd just clean the rust off it. Maybe refinish it if you want it to look pretty. As a general rule, if an item has severe finish problems as this one does, you don't hurt the value of it by restoring it, unless it's something so rare and desirable that buyers will pay good money for it just as it is.

I've found that with most vintage woodworking tools, the value is intrinsically linked to its functionality. Most folks buy vintage woodworking tools primarily to use them, not to collect for display. If it can no longer be used effectively, it usually doesn't matter how old or rare it is, it will have little value. Roached and rusted finishes against bare wood is not usable.

I do plan on using this as I have a bunch of old moulding around from my custom framing days that I'd like to turn into some usable/sell-able frames.

 

[crguy]

I do plan on using this as I have a bunch of old moulding around from my custom framing days that I'd like to turn into some usable/sell-able frames.

Save yourself a lot of hassle, and make a better product with an electric mitre saw.

 

[240SX]

Save yourself a lot of hassle, and make a better product with an electric mitre saw.

I'll cut the material with my compound mitre saw but I'll use this to clamp the moulding in to place to shoot it with brad nails.

 

[DadsTools]

Save yourself a lot of hassle, and make a better product with an electric mitre saw.

Well geez, that's no fun at all! Besides, this is the VINTAGE tool section of GJ. The vintage part is the whole point, isn't it?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Save yourself a lot of hassle, and make a better product with an electric mitre saw.

It's a vise, not a saw.

In any case, people were making pretty nice miter cuts with hand saws for a long time before electricity came along. If all you're cutting is picture frame stock a hand saw is going to be just as fast anyway.

 

[tombell572]

Stanley made these into the 1980's in the USA--that's when I bought mine. An excellent, solid 90 degree vise. I make frames for my wife's photography and I wouldn't be without it. Solid for nailing by hand or a brad gun. You would need to clean it up if you're going to use it. Used ones are not cheap but as said earlier, because of their usefulness rather than antique value.

Tom B.

 

[jmw-1955]

There used to be knurled aluminum speed handles for the 19-400 Stanley Picture Frame Vise. I can’t locate them any longer. I don’t believe they were Stanley branded. Some company along the way made them for the PF industry. Thanks, Jim

 

[Cleave]

I'd just wipe it down, put a little oil on the threads, and put it on the shelf for when needed....

 

[RTM]

Heck, mine was painted silver top to bottom. Seller joked the paint may have been the only thing holding it together. Its still silver, it still works.