The VISES of Garage Journal

[KMScott]

Smitty
Thanks for the photos. It seems that the nut on mine was never drilled. I got it from a guy who pulled it out of the weeds and the first owner didn't seem to know much about it either. I'll drill the holes and get it back together. I just have to track down some pins or drill rod of the right diameter to make some.

You can get knurled pins here, most Wiltons used 1/4 diameter. Another option is to drill and ream for a 1/4 and tap the Static body for a 5/16:18 long set screw and turned the set screw end down to a 1/4 inch for easy removal. I wrote a blog on how I did it. Good luck.

https://www.mcmaster.com/knurled-pins/shaft-type~knurled/

https://wiltonviseparts.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/those-pesky-wilton-end-cap-pins/

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Hello Vise Friends:
The other day while picking up pipe fittings from a big box store, I saw this vise mounted on a handy man's truck bumper. I've seen Wilton vises, Asian vises, etc mounted to service truck bumpers. I've never seen an open screw vise, with the removable jaws and cut tool out in the open. Sorry I didn't take more pictures, but if I started snooping around another person's truck, it would have brought an unwanted confrontation to me. Here's the picture for your review.

 

[1982fxr]

You can get knurled pins here, most Wiltons used 1/4 diameter. Another option is to drill and ream for a 1/4 and tap the Static body for a 5/16:18 long set screw and turned the set screw end down to a 1/4 inch for easy removal. I wrote a blog on how I did it. Good luck.

https://www.mcmaster.com/knurled-pins/shaft-type~knurled/

https://wiltonviseparts.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/those-pesky-wilton-end-cap-pins/

Does anyone know which length/part number of the 1/4" options it would be?

I'd like to order some but don't have any to measure at the moment...

 

[Outlawmws]

Mark I'm shocked that bumper vise has its cutter in the anvil area!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

You can get knurled pins here, most Wiltons used 1/4 diameter. Another option is to drill and ream for a 1/4 and tap the Static body for a 5/16:18 long set screw and turned the set screw end down to a 1/4 inch for easy removal. I wrote a blog on how I did it. Good luck.
...

Thanks KMS. I have 2 3-½" bullets and they both have 3/16" pins. I'll get my digital calipers on the other set of pins and see exactly what the diameter is on the knurled end. Those pins from McMaster-Carr are .188 on the smooth end and .198 on the knurled end. I looked earlier at your blog which I had read before. Good stuff.

 

[Inno]

SNIP

INNO: that Wilton Bullet made in Italy looks almost new and wondering if Wilton had a factory over there or had another company make those for them. that older one sure does look like a BUGGATI which are some of the most expensive vises we've seen here the past 10 years. or i'm looking forward to seeing and hearing what other members think.

SNIP

Thanks for your comments DrivesItFar. I am hoping for more feedback on this rare vise. I know there was some excited discussion in another thread here years ago when a similar Italian Wilton came up.

I looked up Bugatti vises online and they are beauties for sure!

Since the original post was several pages back, I'll attach an image of the Italian Wilton again.

 

[ezriderga]

I have had this Craftsman vise for well over 20 years and it has served me well.

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Its now officially an addiction...

 

[2baditsnotachev]

Just picked up this old Prentiss 528

 

[va.grouseman]

Elk, and 2bad, those are 2 very nice specimens.---Oh, and we do online interventions if the collecting becomes an uncontrollable obsession.---There's help available, but you got to want it.

 

[RBarnes]

Just picked up this old Prentiss 528

What width are the jaws on the 528? I am loving the worn blue paint on it. Hard to tell by a photo, but is it the original color? I know most people on here like to repaint vises, but I am guessing someone could save most of that paint with a gentle cleaning. Wish I could find vises like that out in the wild.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Its now officially an addiction...

Calling two vises an addiction.... I remember when I had my first beer.

 

[RBarnes]

Thanks KMS. I have 2 3-½" bullets and they both have 3/16" pins. I'll get my digital calipers on the other set of pins and see exactly what the diameter is on the knurled end. Those pins from McMaster-Carr are .188 on the smooth end and .198 on the knurled end. I looked earlier at your blog which I had read before. Good stuff.

Quoting txlonghorn, but I am curious to know what people think that have tapped out the holes for a threaded plug and then used the threaded set screw/plugs instead of the pins? I have read people suggesting that and would like to know the pros and cons. I realize it is not original, but wonder if there is another reason not to do this? Seems like it would be pretty easy unless the holes are messed up, then you have a pin problem also. I am not advocating either way, just learning...

 

[va.grouseman]

Think I'm going to shoot the moon on this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224441112792

 

[Forgottonia]

My grandfather picked up four or five of these at a sale probably 60 or 70 years ago. The last one ended up with me a couple years back!

4.25" jaws. Measures about 40.5" top to bottom, and about 33" from the bottom to the surface that sits on the bench. (I favor a tall bench, so I had to build a little reinforced platform between the leg and the floor.)

There are a few small nicks on the jaws, but it's in decent shape for its age. I painted it flat black when I installed in on that bench a couple years ago. No markings on it that I could find to indicate a manufacturer.

 

[2baditsnotachev]

What width are the jaws on the 528? I am loving the worn blue paint on it. Hard to tell by a photo, but is it the original color? I know most people on here like to repaint vises, but I am guessing someone could save most of that paint with a gentle cleaning. Wish I could find vises like that out in the wild.

It's a 6" I'm not sure if it's original or not? I was thinking about painting it like a candy burgundy color.

 

[drivesitfar]

VA: I know you are just stirring the pot and getting the popcorn ready cause that little guy doesn't have a chance fitting on a chain.

RB: if I were you i'd remove your email from a post I saw you make a few days ago. I'm not saying that is the reason for your spam type email, but if you ever talk to a mod they remove hundreds if not more spam trying to ruin our forum daily so an email link is a red (or maybe white) flag to those that want emails.

Forgot: it's great that you got one of your grand dad's old blacksmith vises, but we need more pics and lots more information (jaw width, any names or markings, weight or anything else you like). that said there are not a lot of blacksmith vise lovers here even though these old vises were made to hit stuff on.

ALL: moving a few things around yesterday I came across this beauty. if any sellers are out there and think that spray bombing an old vise to shine it up can get you more money know this I OFFER LESS if that helps. I didn't see any cracks or welds, but the plate has been replaced with an owner's made one so i'm guessing it will work if and when i need it to. Rock Island #142 (and another bent handle)

 

[Smitty]

Elk311: nice find on that old school Wilton C3, those were well designed vises.
2bad: that 528 Prentiss is a big vise and it looks like it’s in great condition. Prentiss did make specific wrenches for those but they’re a bit hard to find.

 

[va.grouseman]

Previously posted by Drivesitfar.

VA: I know you are just stirring the pot and getting the popcorn ready cause that little guy doesn't have a chance fitting on a chain.

 

[RBarnes]

RB: if I were you i'd remove your email from a post I saw you make a few days ago. I'm not saying that is the reason for your spam type email, but if you ever talk to a mod they remove hundreds if not more spam trying to ruin our forum daily so an email link is a red (or maybe white) flag to those that want emails.

I really have not had much trouble with that from the GJ. I get a little frustrated with the private messaging since most people cannot send photos through it. I would actually much rather sell things on the GJ classifieds since I would not have to pay all the ebay fees etc.

Unfortunately the emails from Ebay with the strong arm technique seem to be legit...Whenever some business like ebay tells me I have to do something, or else, I tend to go with the "or else".

 

[2baditsnotachev]

2bad: that 528 Prentiss is a big vise and it looks like it’s in great condition. Prentiss did make specific wrenches for those but they’re a bit hard to find.[/QUOTE]

There's actually a smaller prentiss with a cracked slide for sale local to me and still has the wrench on it, hoping they're the same size.

 

[Smitty]

I have at least three different sizes of Prentiss wrenches. You’re definitely going to need the larger size.

 

[rk_tek]

Does anyone know which length/part number of the 1/4" options it would be?

I'd like to order some but don't have any to measure at the moment...

On my '67 C3 I measured the depth to hit the screw at 1.5" so I ordered 1-1/4" pins

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Mark I'm shocked that bumper vise has its cutter in the anvil area!

I was tempted to wait around for the owner to see if I could buy it.

 

[drivesitfar]

Smitty: while i've always enjoyed your collection and your quick turn around from dusty/rusty to gems I forgot to say I really liked that Fulton huge swivel jaw vise and you are correct the ball ends (size of a baseball) on a big Fulton or Rock Island really does look good.

i'm not sure how many states you cover when you drive to pick up a vise, but i'm guessing more than one or you shop via Ebay and auctions cause I can't say i've seen any area have all the cool vises you've gathered since you've been posting them on here. WELL DONE SIR!!

my question to you is do you like the baby bullets and prentiss vises better than the HUGE vises or are they just either to keep around for a family picture without moving the axis of the earth more off it's normal position when you move the big uns around your shop?

 

[Forgottonia]

I've gotten a lot of use out of this little Craftsman. I bought it in the early 90s.
Had it in three houses I've owned. It was my daily driver for quite a few years. It used to be installed in my basement where the Blacksmith post leg vice is now.


Nice little no-name vise with 3.5 inch jaws. Almost like new—I've never used it. It was $10 at a second hand store. I dunno why I bought it. I guess because I had $10 in my pocket and there was a vise for sale.

 

[Smitty]

Drives: First off thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. That Fulton vise is a beast and a well designed one at that. It has the distinction of having the only swivel pin that I haven’t been able to remove and I’ve removed quite a few. Most of my vises come from my general area and I have no problem driving a couple of hours each way to find deals. I do buy off of eBay on occasion, usually for rare hard to find vises.
I really enjoy collecting the smaller ones with Prentiss jewelers vises being my favorites. Baby bullets and small Reeds are also high on the list. Big 6” combos really look great on the bench, I think I have examples from around ten different manufacturers. I’ve been dragging my feet on that family photo because they’re heavy and most are bolted down. Big or small I like em all and especially clean examples.

 

[Outlawmws]

Think I'm going to shoot the moon on this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224441112792

Hmmm - you and 55 others?

 

[1982fxr]

On my '67 C3 I measured the depth to hit the screw at 1.5" so I ordered 1-1/4" pins

I wish I had anything that big. I usually have machinist bullets up to 4.5 jaw and tradesmans up to 6".

I'd guess those take smaller pins?

 

[2baditsnotachev]

I have at least three different sizes of Prentiss wrenches. You’re definitely going to need the larger size.

This one is a 226, cant find much on that. Any idea if that's the one that'll work?

 

[Smitty]

Prentiss sold out to Parker in the late 40’s and changed the numbering system to the 200’s.
Your 528 changed to a 266 so a wrench from that model will fit.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[va.grouseman]

Hmmm - you and 55 others?

But Outlaw, I'm holding the Rook and 4 1s.---The auction is over.

 

[rk_tek]

I wish I had anything that big. I usually have machinist bullets up to 4.5 jaw and tradesmans up to 6".

I'd guess those take smaller pins?

My No. 3 has a single pin that goes through a slot in the bottom on the nut. I suspect that's the case with your smaller vises as well. You can use a drill bit as a poor man's guage pin to determine the correct diameter and length. I used a digital caliper to check the depth on mine.

 

[2baditsnotachev]

Prentiss sold out to Parker in the late 40’s and changed the numbering system to the 200’s.
Your 528 changed to a 266 so a wrench from that model will fit.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

She sold it on me

 

[11b30b4]

Everyone, you are welcome for the video link, I am glad it was helpful. Like I said, I had no idea that method would work and when I rebuilt my first Wilton, I pondered on how to push those pins out from inside for quite a while.

Another video I found, Ray Caniglia decided to tap and use set screws to replace the pins. This Wilton that Ray worked on had some significant challenges to overcome because the previous owner welded a ton of parts together. Although, I would have done some things differently, the 9-video series is worth watching to see some of the unique approaches Ray took. I also like the use of a brass bearing that he fabricates to smooth and align the spindle. Anyway, the taping and set screws are in part 8 here:

Several of yall have suggested this tap and set screw method, and I agree this is a great idea. Further, I believe this is how Wilton should be doing it, it just makes more sense. I can see the pins being used in the 40s but that is something Wilton should have changed as they updated designs. Further, I can think of no good reason to not have the holes line up.

I have run into similar issues on the thrust nuts on the spindles for classic craftsman drill presses and those pins are blind, so they are a ton of fun to remove.

View media item 109493
So, has anyone ever seen a Hollands 516 (6” Jaw)? I checked the spreadsheet and there is not one listed. A friend of mine from Colorado is in town and we went to an estate sale Wednesday and snagged a very abused Hollands 516 for $200.00 It’s the largest vise either of us has worked on.

View media item 111804
The previous owner had welded a washer to the spindle to keep it from backing out. That was fun to remove.

View media item 111803
It was also missing the thrust collar with the set screw that should have been used to keep the spindle inside the moving jaw. The handle was also just a large long bolt with a nut. We are currently rebuilding it and once we finish, I will have him join the forum and post some pics.

 

[Trapps]

I never knew I needed a quality vise. Until Garage Journal. And while the used vise market is perhaps more stable than the ridiculous used drill press market, it is only slightly more stable.



Because I have fully functioning, albeit not cool, 6" Kobalt, I had not been looking hard, just paying attention on occasion.



Today a vise damn near fell into my lap. Hockey fans (Detroit Red Wings in particular) might be familiar with Bruce Martyn's bespoke voice (funny song, but FF to 2:47):



Across the blue line, there he goes!

Wow!

He shoots.

He scooooooores!!!!!

It would appear I have a June of 1950 4" 8400 HD in good to very good condition.



To the experts here, I'd be mucho appreciativo if you'd correct me or add relevant info.



After the obvious clean up and lube, I need to decide if I want to do a full resto or just start using it.



This will require some reading here on JG where the vise content is a bit thin....



[emoji481]

 

[Fierljeppen]

I never knew I needed a quality vice. Until Garage Journal. And while the used vice market is perhaps more stable than the ridiculous used drill press market, it is only slightly more stable.

Because I have fully functioning, albeit not cool, 6" Kobalt, I had not been looking hard, just paying attention on occasion.

Today a vice damn near fell into my lap. Hockey fans (Detroit Red Wings in particular) might be familiar with Bruce Martyn's bespoke voice (funny song, but FF to 2:47):

Across the blue line, there he goes!
Wow!
He shoots.
He scooooooores!!!!!


It would appear I have a June of 1950 4" 8400 HD in good to very good condition.

To the experts here, I'd be mucho appreciativo if you'd correct me or add relevant info.

After the obvious clean up and lube, I need to decide if I want to do a full resto or just start using it.

This will require some reading here on JG where the vice content is a bit thin....

Nice score! However your Wilton model no.400S could not be from 1950. Wilton didn't move to Schiller Park until around the mid-1950's.

Could you please add a photo of the bottom of the slide, as seen in the photo below? It will have a date stamp that will help ID when your vise was machined and shipped. Looking at your casting #'s, you should find a date code between (1961-1966).

As far as restoring it, your vise is already in beautiful original condition. Clean it, lube it and use it.

 

[RBarnes]

Think I'm going to shoot the moon on this one.

I am willing to "shoot the moon", if the person who bought the 407 today wants to resell. I can live without the stand, but really want the vise.

 

[Trapps]

Nice score! However your Wilton model no.400S could not be from 1950. Wilton didn't move to Schiller Park until around the mid-1950's.

Could you please add a photo of the bottom of the slide, as seen in the photo below? It will have a date stamp that will help ID when your vise was machined and shipped. Looking at your casting #'s, you should find a date code between (1961-1966).

As far as restoring it, your vise is already in beautiful original condition. Clean it, lube it and use it.

Thanks for chiming in!!!

I, wrongly, assumed the June 1950 based on the marks inside...Duh. Learning here.

Nothing on the slide. I looked at Keith Rucker's video, but he didn't show the removal. should I take the slide off? If so, how?

TIA!!!

 

[lucasd2002]

Lucas, sorry to say but the girls that are managing and building the jaws for my old site are not keeping up. I am afraid they may give up if things don't change. Nick has taken over as the go to guy for jaws. Check him out on e-bay. I will be back in Colorado the end of May to build some jaws for a few rare vises and then I can see what changes the company needs to make to get jaws back on the site. Jaw making is not HARD, just have to work efficient and keep the machine running. They are not doing this. I am not happy with their progress. Kevin

Thanks Kevin. I just ordered an endcap from your old site. I will get the jaws from Nick.