Vise Info Thread
- Thread starter FMC1959
- Start date
KMScott
Well-known member
CRSINMICH
Well-known member
KMScott
Well-known member
Pretty rare vise CRS. Guy did a good job restoring it. Thanks for the catalog page.
Blue-Point 4" WVE104RT made in Spain. There was a similar one posted a few years back without the model number.
www.garagejournal.com
Apparently you get get a related model new:
www.alliancesuppliesonline.com.my
The VISES of Garage Journal
you guys and your dirt cheap prices are killing me. People in canada know what good vises are worth and they're hard to come by. Am going to have to apologize in advance. Hollands 14 was a CL buy last fall. It's dirty and has some surface rust but was listed for $5 and just 5 -6 miles from...
www.garagejournal.com
SNAP-ON Forged Bench Vise (Blue-Point) / Model: WVE105RT Automotive And Workshop Equipment Workshop Equipment Vises / C-Clamps / Work Benches Malaysia, Melaka, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur (KL), Johor Bahru (JB), Sarawak Supplier, Distributor, Supply, Supp
SNAP-ON Forged Bench Vise (Blue-Point) / Model: WVE105RT Automotive and Workshop Equipment Workshop Equipment Vises / C-Clamps / Work Benches Malaysia, Melaka, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur (KL), Johor Bahru (JB), Sarawak Supplier, Distributor, Supply, Supplies, ALLIANCE SUPPLIES SDN BHD is Malaysia’s...
www.alliancesuppliesonline.com.my
Attachments
Moody No 50. I think the last digit is zero. Can't make out all the characters on the dynamic jaw.
Don't know if there is a connection to the Moody 420p coachmakers vise in the spreadsheet.
This and posts following it:
Don't know if there is a connection to the Moody 420p coachmakers vise in the spreadsheet.
This and posts following it:
Attachments
Last edited:
Champion Blower and Forge Co. of Lancaster, PA. Well-known for their blowers and post drills.
VintageMachinery.org has considerable information about the company, including a 1931 Mossman-Yarnelle Co. catalog page which includes the 3 models that are marked "CB & F Co.". The lineup is referred to as "Master Swivel Vises" but also "Master Machinists' Vises", and then each model has a further different description with an interesting hierarchy
So far this is the only catalog at VM.org showing these models.
Photos of NO. 30:
www.garagejournal.com
CB & F Co. NO. 40
CB & F Co. NO. 50
VintageMachinery.org has considerable information about the company, including a 1931 Mossman-Yarnelle Co. catalog page which includes the 3 models that are marked "CB & F Co.". The lineup is referred to as "Master Swivel Vises" but also "Master Machinists' Vises", and then each model has a further different description with an interesting hierarchy
So far this is the only catalog at VM.org showing these models.
Photos of NO. 30:
The VISES of Garage Journal
Thanks VA I'm stoked to not only have one but 2 of these unicorns! The missing lock wrench on the black one will probably be near impossible to find, but the blue one is about 85% condition, has the wrench, a couple chips but no breaks. So I have a beater and a show queen. Although this repair...
www.garagejournal.com
CB & F Co. NO. 40
CB & F Co. NO. 50
Last edited:
Champion Blower & Forge Co. of Lancaster, PA. Combination machines incorporating a vise.
Many companies made models with similar capability - vise, anvil, drill, etc. CB & F Co. may have been the only one to sell units with integrated stand and switchable power source.
1926 catalog at the Internet Archive does not have the 3 models of "CB & F Co." utility vises posted above, but has 3 models of combination "repair outfit". Same combo models are in Catalog 44, 1922. These designs covered by Patent Number 1,328.250 granted January 13, 1920. Later related Patent 1,377,202.
The attached cut describes and illustrates the switchable power source - the crank can be moved from the blower to the drill mechanism.
This type of 5, or 6, or 7-in-one device was popular from roughly 1900 to 1930, judging from how many types appear in catalogs from that period. I was wondering yesterday why they declined in popularity (likely the issue of "jack of all trades, master of none").
Fortuitously, ran across this transitional machine today - the Champion Forge Shop. Popular Mechanics ad from 1953 and catalog page from 1955 attached.
It offers separate devices (vise, drill, press, etc.) but integrated into a stand, and again with a switchable power source, this time an electric motor. I wonder how well it sold?
The included vise was not from the earlier "CB & F Co." utility vise line posted above. It has a hardy hole, which appears the "Champion" line that I'll get to next.
Many companies made models with similar capability - vise, anvil, drill, etc. CB & F Co. may have been the only one to sell units with integrated stand and switchable power source.
1926 catalog at the Internet Archive does not have the 3 models of "CB & F Co." utility vises posted above, but has 3 models of combination "repair outfit". Same combo models are in Catalog 44, 1922. These designs covered by Patent Number 1,328.250 granted January 13, 1920. Later related Patent 1,377,202.
The Champion Blower & Forge Company : Catalogue No. 52 : Champion Blower & Forge Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
144 p., illus., 27.9 cm, trade catalog
archive.org
The attached cut describes and illustrates the switchable power source - the crank can be moved from the blower to the drill mechanism.
This type of 5, or 6, or 7-in-one device was popular from roughly 1900 to 1930, judging from how many types appear in catalogs from that period. I was wondering yesterday why they declined in popularity (likely the issue of "jack of all trades, master of none").
Fortuitously, ran across this transitional machine today - the Champion Forge Shop. Popular Mechanics ad from 1953 and catalog page from 1955 attached.
It offers separate devices (vise, drill, press, etc.) but integrated into a stand, and again with a switchable power source, this time an electric motor. I wonder how well it sold?
The included vise was not from the earlier "CB & F Co." utility vise line posted above. It has a hardy hole, which appears the "Champion" line that I'll get to next.
Attachments
Last edited:
Champion Blower & Forge Co. of Lancaster, PA. Later model "Champion" utility vises. These are distinguished by "Champion" marking in an appealing script that was typical of most of the company's branding.
Unrelated except for the name.
Bonney and Western Tool also made bench vises named "Champion".
Champion Hardware Co. of Geneva, OH made a clamp-on woodworking corner vise, which for some time also displayed "Champion" in script, but looking closely it's not the same, nor could I find any link between the companies.
Catalog 71 - no date but pre-1955 based on catalog number. Includes 5 models of Champion Swivel Base Vises. The model descriptions follow after the earlier CB & F Co. utility vise line - as the vises increase in size: Radio > Home > Garage > Shop. Note the absence of a hardy hole.
Champion NO. 5: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vise-handle-replacement.125085/post-8667565
Champion NO. 6: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vises-of-garage-journal.44782/post-7959620
Catalog 80 - assumed to be 1955 due to included price list from that year. Much more detailed description and specifications than Cat. 71. Note that the Forge Shop appears in this catalog, but the included vise still doesn't match the separate vises in appearance.
Same model numbers and jaw widths as Catalog 71, however all models have changed:
Catalog 82 (1955). Same models and details as Cat. 80 except weight of NO. 5 is 62 pounds instead of 65 - probably incorrect as all other specs are identical and weight is again 65 pounds in Bulletin 85.
Bulletin 85 - also assumed to be 1955 due to included price list from that year. Previous 5 models are included with same specs. New are model NOs 34 and 45 - 3" and 4" - sporting different specs than the same jaw size previous models, notably larger jaw opening and smaller anvil. The illustration is the same as previous catalogs, however the 45 does finally resembles the more blocky shape vise included with the Forge Shop.
34 is an unusual model number, but it existed w/base marked "30". The "30" indicated a base for 3" vise - see the NO. 3-1/2 pics where the base is "35".
Champion NO. 45: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vises-of-garage-journal.44782/page-1826#post-7959620
The following vises are not in the above catalogs.
This is likely a post 1955 NO. 3, as the new blocky style would have meant different specs in Bulletin 85: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/2021-garage-sale-thread.470804/page-84#post-9176080
Blocky NO. 3-1/2 w/base marked "35".
Blocky NO. 4
Unrelated except for the name.
Bonney and Western Tool also made bench vises named "Champion".
Champion Hardware Co. of Geneva, OH made a clamp-on woodworking corner vise, which for some time also displayed "Champion" in script, but looking closely it's not the same, nor could I find any link between the companies.
Catalog 71 - no date but pre-1955 based on catalog number. Includes 5 models of Champion Swivel Base Vises. The model descriptions follow after the earlier CB & F Co. utility vise line - as the vises increase in size: Radio > Home > Garage > Shop. Note the absence of a hardy hole.
Champion NO. 5: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vise-handle-replacement.125085/post-8667565
Champion NO. 6: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vises-of-garage-journal.44782/post-7959620
Catalog 80 - assumed to be 1955 due to included price list from that year. Much more detailed description and specifications than Cat. 71. Note that the Forge Shop appears in this catalog, but the included vise still doesn't match the separate vises in appearance.
Same model numbers and jaw widths as Catalog 71, however all models have changed:
- All models weigh more
- NOs 3, 3-1/2, and 4 have hardy hole
- NOs 5 and 6 have greater jaw opening.
Catalog 82 (1955). Same models and details as Cat. 80 except weight of NO. 5 is 62 pounds instead of 65 - probably incorrect as all other specs are identical and weight is again 65 pounds in Bulletin 85.
Bulletin 85 - also assumed to be 1955 due to included price list from that year. Previous 5 models are included with same specs. New are model NOs 34 and 45 - 3" and 4" - sporting different specs than the same jaw size previous models, notably larger jaw opening and smaller anvil. The illustration is the same as previous catalogs, however the 45 does finally resembles the more blocky shape vise included with the Forge Shop.
34 is an unusual model number, but it existed w/base marked "30". The "30" indicated a base for 3" vise - see the NO. 3-1/2 pics where the base is "35".
Champion NO. 45: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vises-of-garage-journal.44782/page-1826#post-7959620
The following vises are not in the above catalogs.
This is likely a post 1955 NO. 3, as the new blocky style would have meant different specs in Bulletin 85: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/2021-garage-sale-thread.470804/page-84#post-9176080
Blocky NO. 3-1/2 w/base marked "35".
Blocky NO. 4
Last edited:
CRSINMICH
Well-known member
skmbabon: That Champion outfit looks very similar to Stewart's Handy Worker. I excerpted the section about the Champion "Repairer" No.32 because it had some of the specs. Thanks for posting that link.
I'd like to add that Champion No.4 to my Homeowner's Garage Vise sub-collection.
I'd like to add that Champion No.4 to my Homeowner's Garage Vise sub-collection.
Attachments
I didn't check the patents given above for the Champion repairer, perhaps that will be helpful in comparing to the Stewart?
So the question is, which Champion NO. 4?!
From cat. 71 - no hardy hole?
From cat. 80 - with hardy hole, heavier?
Post Bulletin 85 - blocky style with hardy hole, presumably also larger jaw opening, smaller anvil than previously?
My posts ended up having way more detail than I anticipated providing when I came across the pic of the CB & F Co. NO. 50 and discovered it wasn't in the spreadsheet... so it goes
After all that @KMScott may want to take me and an un-repairable vise for a short trip in his boat
Feel free to leave the updates for me to deal with at some point, Kevin!
CRSINMICH
Well-known member
"So the question is, which Champion NO. 4?" : Which one?, which one? Let me see. Oh, I guess I'm not too particular. Which do you have that you'd be willing to part with?
Last edited:
No, I don't have any of them, but the question made me laugh after going through all the catalogs and realizing that there were 3 different versions of the same model within just a few years!
At any rate, there seem to have been a bunch of them on eBay over time. Good luck with the search.
At any rate, there seem to have been a bunch of them on eBay over time. Good luck with the search.
CRSINMICH
Well-known member
DESMOND SIMPLEX 'WELDERS' VISE
(By 1952 Desmond started referring to it as a 'Positioning Vise')
This vise appeared in a 1941 catalog. The 1947 ad gives more information and the 1952 cut is a clearer picture. It's hard to read the specs in the 1941 cut but they read (I think):
Model No. Jaw Width Opens Weight Price
33W 3 1/4" 5" 47 $13.05
41W 4 1/4" 6" 62 $14.36
43W 4 3/4 7" 74 $16.97
Attachments
Last edited:
KMScott
Well-known member
Reed 104R. 4" jaws that opens to 6". I cleaned this one up.
Attachments
Dave600
Well-known member
I have several RAE vises, Made in Ontario (Hamilton and later Orillia).
W4 - Already have photos for this on spreadsheet. Missing: 9.5 lbs, 2.5" open. exp screw, anvil, utility.
RAE 3 - photos below, as purchased. Jaw width 3 inches, Weighs 12 lbs, opens 2.5 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
W4 - Already have photos for this on spreadsheet. Missing: 9.5 lbs, 2.5" open. exp screw, anvil, utility.
RAE 3 - photos below, as purchased. Jaw width 3 inches, Weighs 12 lbs, opens 2.5 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
Attachments
Dave600
Well-known member
More RAE vises. Made in Hamilton or Orillia in Ontario, Canada.
RAE 35 - weighs 13 lbs, opens 2.5 inches, jaw width 3.5". Photos as purchased below. This specific one is newer, made in Orillia. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
RAE 35 - weighs 13 lbs, opens 2.5 inches, jaw width 3.5". Photos as purchased below. This specific one is newer, made in Orillia. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Attachments
Dave600
Well-known member
RAE 4 vise. Made in Hamilton and Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
Weighs 30 lbs. 4 inch wide jaws, opens 4-1/8 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
Weighs 30 lbs. 4 inch wide jaws, opens 4-1/8 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
Attachments
Dave600
Well-known member
More for our spreadsheet. Thank you Kevin !
RAE 50. Made in Hamilton and Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
Weighs 37 lbs. 5 inch wide jaws, opens 5-1/2 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
RAE 50. Made in Hamilton and Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
Weighs 37 lbs. 5 inch wide jaws, opens 5-1/2 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
Attachments
Dave600
Well-known member
RAE 5. Made in Hamilton and Orillia, Ontario, Canada. (The industrial version of the RAE 50.)
Weighs 50 lbs. 5 inch wide jaws, opens 6-1/2 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
Weighs 50 lbs. 5 inch wide jaws, opens 6-1/2 inches. Replaceable jaws, stationary. No anvil, no pipe jaws, no swivel jaws.
Dave,
Attachments
nice colour combo works well, were they always in black with re writing?
CRSINMICH
Well-known member
KMScott
Well-known member
Ranger, I'm pretty sure they did not paint the letters. I just liked the color combo and have found customers like painted vises more then say if I used Black Oil. Most old Reeds of this style was painted grey from the factory.
Stowell Manufacturing & Foundry Co.
Milwaukee, WI
Hanson 5 in 1 Vise
Ole Hanson was granted a patent Oct 18, 1898. A unique look and method of fixing the accessory parts distinguishes the Hanson vise from multi-purpose models by other manufacturers. The saw vise jaws seem to be a unique feature for a combination vise.
This is may be the first version, showing the patent date on one side of the base, and Hanson's name and residence - Litchfield Minn -on the other side. It is also marked "No 2" on the base at the opposite end to the handle, under where the anvil should be (it's broken off of this example). Notice that the base flange extends straight from front to back.
DATAMP shows the patent assigned to Stowell Manufacturing & Foundry Co. - Milwaukee, WI. One version, shown in promotional materials, has a base with protruding lugs for hold-down bolts. "Stowell Mfg & Fdry CO, So. Mil. Wis." is cast on one lip of the base, on the other side is "O.H. Hanson Pat Oct 18 - 88". The flange at the end has been reduced in size, so there is no model number there.
Here's one with the lugged base (broken and welded on the side) that shows model "No. 20", however none of the pics show any other markings so can't be certain it was made by Stowell.
Stowell made another version with a straight edge on the base. Unfortunately no pic of the other side. No visible model number.
It's not clear when or for how long Stowell made the vise, but it was not their only product.
Because of the unique look, it's possible to say that Eaton's, the Canadian department store and mail order giant, sold the vise from 1918 to 1926, possibly longer. Surprisingly the price dropped from $7.75 to $6.00 over those years.
Check out this older thread by @trackwelder for GJ members' photos and discussion.
Additional pictures at Vintage Machinery.
A company history write-up here, but focused on hay trolleys.
Last edited:
He’s photos of a 104 which I believe to be the original paint, itwas from the same mechanics workshop in constant use since ww1
you can just see the red lettering poking through the grease crud, i tried my best to just remove the crud to show the colour
