Vise Advice Please

[jake342]

While I'm just getting into vise hunting I'm seeking some advice! I have envy for everyone who has awesome vise restorations and I want to join the club. Came across these two, same owner, looking for some advice on condition and any other suggestions. Thanks.

http://bloomington.craigslist.org/tls/4499271491.html

 

[Sachseguy]

Not a steal by any means, but both are quality pieces and a bargain compared to today's prices for high quality USA made vises. I'd certainly grab the Columbian. I'm not sure, but I think the Craftsman was made by Columbian. On second thought, buy both of them! I would.

 

[Davefr]

I agree that these are probably fair (not great) prices. If you need a vise right away they'll be decent.

If you have the time and/or willing to hit up g-sales you can probably find much better deals.

 

[exmaxima1]

While I'm just getting into vise hunting I'm seeking some advice! I have envy for everyone who has awesome vise restorations and I want to join the club.

Both vises are way overpriced. I just sold the same Craftsman vise, brand new in box (20 years old) and it sold for about 1/2 that. I would never pay more than $50 for a vise with rolled steel slide.

Keep looking

 

[ken w.]

I agree. You could do better. I see used vises on CL , estate sales , garage sales and flea markets at bargain prices all the time.Good quality vises for $ 50.00 and under. I think both of these are good vises and you would pay more for one new like these , I'd go the used route.

 

[sz0k30]

You need to look in the "General Tool Discussion" forum under the thread "The vises of Garage Journal". It'll tell you everything there is to know about vises.

 

[ritzblitz]

Don't spend that money on that vise.

I'm selling a green Charles Parker 974 on eBay, search chas Parker and you'll see it.

Most old vises are better than what is available nowadays.

Check out the vise thread.

 

[jake342]

Thanks everyone. I went to an estate auction this weekend to check out an old Reed. It was a smaller version with non-replaceable jaws that were beat up pretty bad. Also the sliding jaw was very warn with tons of play so I passed. It is pretty fun looking for old vises. Once I buy one I'm sure ill keep buying just like everyone else.