Vice Advice.

[Flange]

I have just acquired a Fortis vice which needs a bit of TLC. The main problem is a broken bolting down bracket at the back, see pictures.

Given that I need to weld a new bracket onto it I might as well tidy it up a bit. Apart from a bit of wear in the slide which I guess I will live with seeing as vices don't have gib strips I will need to paint it.

My question is this, does anyone on here know what colour a Fortis number 11 vice should be? At the moment this one is rust brown which I guess is not original.

Thanks

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[tedsters]

I have never seen one pretty cool though

 

[SweetD]

Wow that thing is in rough shape! Does it have a move-able static jaw - looks like there is a hole there for where a pin would go...but also looks like it's been welded?

Hope you got a good deal - looks like a stout vise (vice in England) - good luck with the restore!



Dave

 

[oldldh]

That will be one nice vise (vice over there)...


What size is it/how much does it weigh???

 

[Flange]

Does it have a move-able static jaw - looks like there is a hole there for where a pin would go...but also looks like it's been welded?

I dont think it has a moveable static jaw but to be honest I have not looked. I was really busy today so just brought it back home, took a couple of pics and got on with my ongoing garage refurb (will be the subject of a forthcoming post)

What size is it/how much does it weigh???

The jaws are 5 1/4 wide and (according to google) it weighs 56 pounds.


Unfortunately google cant tell me what colour (color) it should be though.

 

[exmaxima1]

Looks very much like a Record Fitters vise: same quick release mechanism, shape of base, handle style, and dynamic jaw. Seeing how you can buy a really nice Record 23/24/25 in the UK for less than $100 (usually about $50), I don't think I'd even bother with that rusty mess.

But if I had to pick a color, it would be blue like the Record sitting behind it.

 

[Fretters]

That'll come up lovely with a bit of a fettle. That damage to the rear lug looks nothing more than cosmetic. Provided the bolt hole and the metal around it in that rear section is still okay, that bit which has broken off isn't necessary. Won't make a jot of difference to it's mounting strength. Just round the bottom ragged corners off with a file to save it digging in when you bolt it down.

Colour wise, as far as I know, I think they went the same way as Parkinson, with the deep burgundy, though it's hard to know for definite due to the ones which usually turn up are either paintless else have had some generic colour lathered on. Look on Ebay for item no: 161257528475 I think that's the type of colour you want to be aiming for. It would have been slightly lighter in tone when new, (enamel darkens somewhat as it ages).

A few hours with that, and it'll look a completely different beast by the time you've done. Likely last us both out too. They weren't exactly shonky vices. They rate up there with Parkinson/Samsonia, Record etc.

 

[Flange]

I don't think I'd even bother with that rusty mess.

I do get an amount of satisfaction taking a rusty mess and making it into something less rusty and less messy.

That'll come up lovely with a bit of a fettle. That damage to the rear lug looks nothing more than cosmetic.

Colour wise, as far as I know, I think they went the same way as Parkinson, with the deep burgundy,

Thanks. The lug is totally broken off including the bolt hole so it will need welding.

I have seen pictures of them painted burgundy, green and blue so I was not sure. As it happens I have some two pack Isuzu colour called 'Red Mahogany' which is a burgundy colour so I might go with that

 

[Fretters]

Sounds like a safe choice. Even if it's not the original colour, burgundy/maroon always looks nice on equipment. Keep us updated on progress btw.

 

[zkling]

I don't think I'd even bother with that rusty mess.

I do get an amount of satisfaction taking a rusty mess and making it into something less rusty and less messy.

 

[Mark Garrett]

I have been using a Fortis vice for about 10 years now it was a Ministry of Defence item. Underneath the military 'cockpit green' it appears to have been dark green originally. I have been trying to upload a photo without success - but managed a link to Flickr! They are a really well built vice.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/k_garrett/22558514520/in/dateposted-public/ Fortis Vice by K Garrett, on Flickr