The VISES of Garage Journal

[larry4406]

Picked up this beauty today at a yard sale. It’s damn near mint condition but it’s missing the jaws and pin I searched around for them but no luck! Here it is a Prentiss 2-1/2 swivel jaw stationary. I paid $75 for it, now to get to work on some jaws and pin. Luckily I have a Bridgeport and lathe at work to whip some up.

I bet @KMScott has designs that will work for you.

 

[Patrickm82]

Thanks, I have made them before for other vises I have. I also have a Prentiss 20, and that pin fits it so I can copy that one.

 

[jawstight]

Both should be easily replaced. Or fabricated from scratch.

 

[dannyr]

something diff -- 3 "instrument vises" - larger 2in, smaller 1in width jaws - could be tool-room or apprentce-made but cast not machined bases

 

[Outlawmws]

but cast not machined bases

Bottom 2 could be half a hinge piece? Top one not so much...

 

[Patrickm82]

I think I found a set of jaws for my new 2-1/2. Found this broken 52 that I offered $30 for and she accepted. I think I’ll be getting it this afternoon. It would be $30 in material to make a new set so I figured why not. Hopefully it works out.

Edit:
Maybe not I just double checked and the 52 has 4-1/4” jaws damn!!

 

[KMScott]

Patrick, Prentiss was pretty good about having the same channel width and depth. The center to center on the screws are standard 3”. The width can be fixed with a carbide endmill on your mill. Those jaws should work for you. I made my 4” sets a 1/8 over size to cover the wider jaw towers back when I was selling jaws.

 

[Patrickm82]

Patrick, Prentiss was pretty good about having the same channel width and depth. The center to center on the screws are standard 3”. The width can be fixed with a carbide endmill on your mill. Those jaws should work for you. I made my 4” sets a 1/8 over size to cover the wider jaw towers back when I was selling jaws.

You are just the guy I was hoping would respond!! thank you it is just a little bit of a ride that I didn’t want to make for no reason. I’m going to get it then. Thanks again Mr. Scott.

 

[dannyr]

Bottom 2 could be half a hinge piece? Top one not so much...

yup -- crossed my mind - same shape, but most of such I have seen are weld fab - not sure a casting would take the leverage of that type of hinge?

 

[ctuai]

2" Millers Falls no. 161-A jeweler's vise w/ Bergeon brass insert.

 

[chargedmr2]

So, I picked up a Snap-On tool box yesterday and it came with this vise. Anyone know much about when these were made? The box and tools were from 1987 (ish), so I figured this vise probably dates to the same time. I did figure out that it's a Columbian D45 rebadged for MAC Tools. But I'm wondering how long they were made?

 

[Patrickm82]

Well I got the jaws and they are a perfect fit! I had to drill out 2 of the screws but no big deal.
Pretty happy to have original Prentiss jaws. They are soaking in the ultra sonic cleaner now.

 

[Patrickm82]

I think I found a set of jaws for my new 2-1/2. Found this broken 52 that I offered $30 for and she accepted. I think I’ll be getting it this afternoon. It would be $30 in material to make a new set so I figured why not. Hopefully it works out.

Edit:
Maybe not I just double checked and the 52 has 4-1/4” jaws damn!!

And I just sold the donor vise for $20 and got the jaws I wanted. All in all a good day

 

[bsoup]

Happy Memorial Day everyone. I'm working on repairing a Rock Island 541B, and I am missing one of the three pipe jaws. I'm curious if anyone knows of someone out there making replacements of these, or if you think a local machine shop would be able to do something like this... I'll attach some photos. Thanks.

 

[ldg397]

Just acquired a new to me Reed 105R. The slide has been beat on quite a bit to where it cupped the metal some up close to the jaw. I cleaned it up removed the paint and see no evidence of any cracks anywhere on the jaw or slide. I guess the cupped metal doesn’t hurt anything since it slides in and out fine and has no cracks??? The split nut has an extra split in it. It is in three pieces don’t know if it was already broken or I broke it getting it out?? My question is does it really matter it is a clean break and still threads in tight?? Guess I could try welding it back together? Opinions??

 

[Outlawmws]

Just acquired a new to me Reed 105R. The slide has been beat on quite a bit to where it cupped the metal some up close to the jaw. I cleaned it up removed the paint and see no evidence of any cracks anywhere on the jaw or slide. I guess the cupped metal doesn’t hurt anything since it slides in and out fine and has no cracks??? The split nut has an extra split in it. It is in three pieces don’t know if it was already broken or I broke it getting it out?? My question is does it really matter it is a clean break and still threads in tight?? Guess I could try welding it back together? Opinions??

I think you are good to go. two piece/three piece; should not matter.

 

[RTM]

Here is a pick up from last weekend's GS adventures. This was a Tool & Die maker's joy to own. He was quite proud of it, bought it second hand. Me, being a sucker for home made tools, decided I needed to add it to my arsenal. ETA: Oops, maybe not home made, looks like a Unit-Mat tool, see below . Jaws are 1-3.8" wide, and open to 1-1/8". Total weight is 294 g or 10.4 oz. Uses a 3/16" Allen key for the handle. I like the fact that it's set up to latch into a T track of some nature'

 

[bsoup]

Rock Island 541B after cleaning and paint. I drew inspiration from another 541 on the forum.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Rock Island 541B after cleaning and paint. I drew inspiration from another 541 on the forum.

Coors Banquet... we could be best friends!

 

[bsoup]

Coors Banquet... we could be best friends!

Next one is on me!

 

[KMScott]

Rock Island 541B after cleaning and paint. I drew inspiration from another 541 on the forum.

I restored one like yours. I know someone that might be able to make your pipe jaws. Send a pm and I’ll share the jaw builder.

 

[hudstr]

Here is a pick up from last weekend's GS adventures. This was a Tool & Die maker's joy to own. He was quite proud of it, bought it second hand. Me, being a sucker for home made tools, decided I needed to add it to my arsenal. Jaws are 1-3.8" wide, and open to 1-1/8". Total weight is 294 g or 10.4 oz. Uses a 3/16" Allen key for the handle. I like the fact that it's set up to latch into a T track of some nature'

This is a unimat vise for the unimat DB and SL models lathe/milling machine. The T-nuts fit into the T-slot of the carriage or milling table accessory. I don't think the were included in the base machine package, I think they were an accessory you had to buy. They sell for ~$90 on ebay.

 

[master Zoda]

Coors Banquet... we could be best friends!

Eww

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Eww

John Wayne, Apple pie, Merle Haggard, and Coors Banquet.... if you don't love those you obviously don't love America!