Taskmaster Bench Vise

[893cv]

Does anyone know about this vise? I am looking at one for $100 and need to know if it a good deal!

 

[Arachnotron]

Re: Taskmaster Bench Viser

How big is it? Is it one of the Wilton clones? Not sure on the quality or COO.

Does it look like these?

 

[Outlawmws]

How high is up? need pics/size condition...

 

[893cv]

It is a Taskmaster 4 like the gray one in Arachnotron photo.

 

[WMichelsen]

I just picked up a Taskmaster-6 for nearly free. The catch: it clearly needs new jaws.

Any ideas where to find jaws? They are 6 x 7/8 x 1/2 (not unusual), but the screw holes are approx 1/16" off-center and 3-3/4" apart. I can't find a source jaws of this configuration.
Unfortunately, most sources don't show the hole location dimensions (or any dimensions at all).

Or, maybe I should drill and tap new mounting holes for common jaws?

 

[paulsomlo]

I just picked up a Taskmaster-6 for nearly free. The catch: it clearly needs new jaws.

Any ideas where to find jaws? They are 6 x 7/8 x 1/2 (not unusual), but the screw holes are approx 1/16" off-center and 3-3/4" apart. I can't find a source jaws of this configuration.
Unfortunately, most sources don't show the hole location dimensions (or any dimensions at all).

Or, maybe I should drill and tap new mounting holes for common jaws?

Or better yet - get a set of these https://www.mcmaster.com/3385A17/, then get some aluminum bar and make jaws that will fit the vise.

 

[WMichelsen]

Or better yet - get a set of these https://www.mcmaster.com/3385A17/, then get some aluminum bar and make jaws that will fit the vise.

Semi-agree. I thought about that, also. And, that's what I'll do if it comes to that. Maybe mild-steel instead of aluminum.
But, this is a pretty solid vise. I'd rather have a pair of serrated hardened jaw plates. ... Still searching.

 

[paulsomlo]

Semi-agree. I thought about that, also. And, that's what I'll do if it comes to that. Maybe mild-steel instead of aluminum.
But, this is a pretty solid vise. I'd rather have a pair of serrated hardened jaw plates. ... Still searching.

Everybody thinks they need hardened and serrated - I suppose because that's what was original. But if you do some searching on the forum here, you'll find numerous examples of people that use their vises everyday and prefer soft jaws. I have four Wiltons - a mechanics vise, two tradesman, and a machinist, and I replaced the jaws on each one with aluminum. If the vise is good and the jaws meet nicely, I don't think you need the serrations. And when you want to clamp something you don't want marred, you'll be glad. If you insist on hardened and serrated, I think you'll be searching for a long time.

 

[WMichelsen]

Why is it so hard to find dimensions and mounting hole location data for jaw inserts? I can't imagine I'm the only person to need replacements for an off-label purpose. (BTW, I started a list of the inserts and specs I found and intend to post it.)

Anyway, happy to report, I found an inexpensive pair of 6-1/2" x 1" x 5/8". Those dimensions are a little larger than original, but workable. Very important... the mounting holes are only 2-3/8" C2C. That's significantly inside the originals (3-3/4"), so I can drill & tap new holes in the jaws for them. I think this will work out just fine.

If I had a mill (but I dont), I'd take 1/8" off the mounting face to true it up, and better fit the new insert thickness. I may cut off the 1/4" extra insert length on each side with an abrasive disc. We'll see. But overall, I'm very pleased with this compromise fit.

 

[Outlawmws]

Why is it so hard to find dimensions and mounting hole location data for jaw inserts?

Hundreds of companies and thousands of differnt models over closing on 200 years? Most of the companies no longer exist? Gee, I can't imagine why it's difficult...

 

[GeoBruin]

I'd consider the slightly oversize jaws as a feature. Keeps you from cutting into the cast iron if you're using a hack saw or a file etc. Plus, you get a little extra jaw width. Just be careful about cranking down too hard (or beating on) something that's clamped in only one side of the jaws. Even then, a 1/4" stick out likely isn't enough for you to get into any trouble.

 

[WMichelsen]

Hundreds of companies and thousands of differnt models over closing on 200 years? Most of the companies no longer exist? Gee, I can't imagine why it's difficult...

Ummm... really??
If a current mfg/vendor makes/sells jaw inserts, why can't they make the dimensions available? Most only indicate the particular vise for which it is a replacement part. I'm not seeking info for NLA stuff (why would I?).

McMaster-Carr does a pretty good job for the Wilton and Yost that they carry (although a few numbers seem incorrect). Other than that, it's pretty rare to find any specs.

So I'll agree with your last text sentence, but without sarcasm. Why is that difficult?

 

[WMichelsen]

GeoBruin, I agree with you. Weird that 1/4" seems annoyingly a little too much, but probably not enough to bother with.

 

[Beerhippie]

Ummm... really??
If a current mfg/vendor makes/sells jaw inserts, why can't they make the dimensions available? Most only indicate the particular vise for which it is a replacement part. I'm not seeking info for NLA stuff (why would I?).

McMaster-Carr does a pretty good job for the Wilton and Yost that they carry (although a few numbers seem incorrect). Other than that, it's pretty rare to find any specs.

So I'll agree with your last text sentence, but without sarcasm. Why is that difficult?

I feel your pain, bro'.

I run into this constantly with trying to find parts that I can make work for stuff that no longer exists. For instance, here at the pub, we have a very cool "display case" cooler from somewhere way back in the past ('30s-'50s, best guess). It has only one maker's mark, a triangular badge with an ornate "Pyramid" on it. From all my searching, no company called "Pyramid" ever made a refrigerator. I need parts for it. Try to order parts (door latches, etc) without make, model and serial # for a refrigeration device! All I need is some nicely dimensioned diagrams, but, noooooooooooo..... I even asked several suppliers if I could send 1:1 scans of hole lay-outs, but again, noooooooooo....

 

[1982fxr]

Why is it so hard?

They wanted you to buy a whole new vise.

 

[neophyte]

Why is it so hard?

They wanted you to buy a whole new vise.

They wanted the customer to buy new jaw inserts from the manufacturer, or a dealer, since the profit margins were probably way better on just jaw inserts.

I’m flummoxed by why Ridgid can’t provide specs like vise hole spacing and size for their Peddinghaus forged vise bases.

 

[WMichelsen]

Just to close out this thread (as far as my jaw insert retro-mod).

I drilled and tapped for the new jaw inserts. I'm an ignorant amateur with machining and now realize I could have done better ensuring the location of the pilot holes. I have a good enough drill press. But, securing the inconvenient shape of the vise base and jaw is ... difficult. And, even though I made center punch divots, I think the bit wandered. The alignment is not perfect. It's not bad, and plenty good for me.

Regarding drilling, I'm glad I have a bucket of old bits. Not knowing what metal composition this vise casting is made of, I used my sacrificial bits. It sure felt like I encountered 3 different layers. Each drill depth started slow, then eased up, then hit a wall. And, the shavings were always more like filings than drill shavings. (That's all warning/info if anyone does similar mod).

 

[Wolley]

That looks pretty good. Those chips are normal for cast iron. You could easily cut the ends of the new jaws flush with a hack saw or cut off wheel. Then file or grind smooth. Whats next, full paint job?

 

[WMichelsen]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm considering cutting off the ends, as you mention. Maybe.
Paint job? If I do, it'll be just a wire-wheel prep and rattle-can spray. It's just a working vise.
I'm about $50 into this 6" bullet'ish clone. I'm pretty happy about that

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd leave the jaw extensions. I could have used that "Feature" just today!