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Vise ID

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Shiftless

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Can anyone ID this old vise?

Does the other side have a big number like 5 or 6 cast in?
Looks a lot like the cheapo Chinese imports from a variety of sellers most notably Harbor Freight.
Sometimes you can find the country of origin cast into the bottom of the swivel base.
 
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thehorse13

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It looks like a modern Chinese junker to me. If the next question is about the value, it's next to worthless unless you're looking for a boat anchor.
 

Shiftless

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It looks like a modern Chinese junker to me. If the next question is about the value, it's next to worthless unless you're looking for a boat anchor.

:rocker: I use that phrase from time to time.
It would be interesting to hear boat anchor suitability reports from a member who has a small boat and would be willing to spend an afternoon this coming summer with a buddy and a few beers testing the HF vise versus an actual boat anchor.

Seriously, Maverick, look for a vintage vise from any of the makers discussed over on the vise thread. I would sell you my 3 inch Wilton Bullet, or a Prentiss or an Athol or a Rock Island, but cross country shipping would be kinda high. I bet there are vise collectors who live within an easy drive of where you are who would make a deal for you.
 
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drivesitfar

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Mac: I might have to disagree with shift and horse because that vise looks older and European made. I'm in my cell and even using readers its hard to tell but it looks like it has better lines than the Chinese imports that are not great. Any more pictures
 

thehorse13

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:rocker: I use that phrase from time to time.
It would be interesting to hear boat anchor suitability reports from a member who has a small boat and would be willing to spend an afternoon this coming summer with a buddy and a few beers testing the HF vise versus an actual boat anchor.

I am happy to report that this test has already been run by yours truly. A junky vise makes an excellent anchor for a fishing boat. We used a HF vise one time when my buddy somehow lost his anchor. All he had in the back of his truck was a junky old Chinese vise that he used for welding. We fastened it up and the day was saved.
 
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NJ Marty

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Looks like a Rapid vise made in Poland. I had one and it was very well made and the tolerance was the best I have ever seen. Turn the handle and zero play in jaw movement.
 

Shiftless

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drivesitfar

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Mav: now i'm on my laptop and i see the 150 which is a 6 inch wide jaw so if it checks out in person you have my vote to buy it. how much is it?

Marty: good memory or call. BTW in case you didn't hear i added a few categories to the vise of the year for 2015 and one is vise family photos. care to make a post or two on that thread of your favorites and maybe a family photo?
 
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maverick302

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Mav: now i'm on my laptop and i see the 150 which is a 6 inch wide jaw so if it checks out in person you have my vote to buy it. how much is it?

Marty: good memory or call. BTW in case you didn't hear i added a few categories to the vise of the year for 2015 and one is vise family photos. care to make a post or two on that thread of your favorites and maybe a family photo?

You've been exceptionally helpful. I've been keeping my eyes out for one of the brands we've discussed but right now everyone wants crazy money for what I'm finding. Every now and then I stumble on something like this, among a lot of machinists tools or something and I have to pose the question to the experts.
 
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