Vise Info Thread

[KMScott]

Rex 702 Combination Vise. 4-1/4" jaws.
Missing pipe jaws and under the bench swivel plates and release handle.

 

[KMScott]

Prentiss 163. 4" jaws that weights 30 lbs with the swivel base and opens to 6".

Edited thanks to Dave600.

 

[skmbabon]

@CRSINMICH and probably other GJers spotted something interesting in the ~1912 Wilkinson-Kompass Smart coach makers vises catalog cut that I posted yesterday. Right above the Smart listing is a Machinists' Bench Vise No. 49. The illustration clearly shows that it's a Keystone (Hollands), and is marked "N" on the static. It's not listed under either designation in the spreadsheet. Here's the W-K catalog entry and one from a 1926 Hollands catalog, prepared by CRS.



Today CRS and I discussed it by PM. That motivated me to check the vise brochures tab on the spreadsheet (at the bottom) for Hollands, where I found the 1905 C. Cloepfer catalog cut that I added to the post today since it has the Smart No. 8 and No. 9. Funny how things work out.

I don't know much about Hollands and Keystone so input on what to enter for the No. 49 / N on the spreadsheet would be helpful.

 

[skmbabon]

Eatons Tecomaster T30
Almost certainly made by Rae.
Jaw width 3"
Jaw opening 2-1/8"
Weight 6-3/4 lbs.

Joining it's big brother T40 on the spreadsheet.

 

[Dave600]

Prentiss 163. 4" jaws and weights 23 lbs. Missing the swivel base?

I have catalog pages of this Shepard vise starting in 1899 out to 1933. It always had a combo style swivel system with a centre post that you could put thru the bench and loosen the nut to swivel it as well as using the two mounting holes to mount it like a stationary vise. Here is a copy of the 1922 page I have.

 

[skmbabon]

Merrill's Parallel Swivel vises. Like the handle!
Fisher Double Screw Parallel Leg Vise.
From 1897 Montgomery and Co., New York catalog.

 

[CRSINMICH]

REX Combination Vises
from 1917 catalog​

 

[CRSINMICH]

BULLOCK and GRIPWELL vises​

Both appear to be house brands for H. Channon Co. of Chicago. Look just below the woodworkers' vises in the 1910 catalog and the 1916 catalog. There is an oval slide vise that, in 1910, is identified as a BULLOCK. In 1916 it is not specifically identified as BULLOCK and, more interestingly, is stated to be "made entirely of steel".

Gripwell is assuredly a house brand because there are many items in the catalog with that name.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Rae Machine Tool Works, Limited
Hamilton, ON
Oval slide vise​

First Rae branded oval slide vise I've seen. This one clearly modified, presumably to substitute for a missing shelf. No specs. Added to spreadsheet.
Edit: I forgot to credit @Dave600 for spotting this, buried in an ad for pipe vises.



It's been noted before that Rae had some kind of relationship with National Machinery & Supply Co, Ltd. also based in Hamilton. Interesting that in the trade indexes I've seen to date National is often listed under "Oval slide vises" but I have yet to see Rae listed in that category.

Here are comparable National branded vises. No ads for oval slide vises for either company have been found.

Here's a 1923 catalog scan for your National Machinery & Supply Co. oval slide vise, formerly known as the Canadian Yeates-Gordan Co., who were early manufacturers of the Yost vise.

 

[Fierljeppen]

BULLOCK and GRIPWELL vises​

Both appear to be house brands for H. Channon Co. of Chicago. Look just below the woodworkers' vises in the 1910 catalog and the 1916 catalog. There is an oval slide vise that, in 1910, is identified as a BULLOCK. In 1916 it is not specifically identified as BULLOCK and, more interestingly, is stated to be "made entirely of steel".

Gripwell is assuredly a house brand because there are many items in the catalog with that name.

Both the Bullock and Gripwell vises were private labeled Rock Island Mfg. vises.

 

[ranger08]

picked up this columbian 504 1/2 for very cheap, remarkable condition with very little signs of use just a lot of crud, i note this one has the "M" symbol for malleable iron cast on the inside of both the castings

 

[CRSINMICH]

Fierljeppen: Thanks for that information. I thought it would be something along those lines but I was too lazy to cross match vise specs.

 

[Dave600]

BULLOCK and GRIPWELL vises​

Both appear to be house brands for H. Channon Co. of Chicago. Look just below the woodworkers' vises in the 1910 catalog and the 1916 catalog. There is an oval slide vise that, in 1910, is identified as a BULLOCK. In 1916 it is not specifically identified as BULLOCK and, more interestingly, is stated to be "made entirely of steel".

Gripwell is assuredly a house brand because there are many items in the catalog with that name.

CRSINMICH - The 1916 oval vise (Models 25, 30, 35 and 40) are made by Erie Tool Works.

 

[akasrick]

CRSINMICH - The 1916 oval vise (Models 25, 30, 35 and 40) are made by Erie Tool Works.

This catalog cut is from Parker's #6 catalog. I'm unable to find a date in it. Notice the models stricken from the cut, this catalog is littered with "a Discontinued stamp" in that ink. I'm guessing it fits in at 1916 which fits Dave600's and Fierljeppen's posts on oval slide vises.



akasrick

 

[CRSINMICH]

Everyone: Thanks to those who have responded to my posts with corrections or additional information. I spend a lot of time (WAY too much time) looking at old catalogs and magazines. There are seemingly infinite rabbits to be chased down infinite rabbit holes. My main purpose is to have the information in one easily accessible place for future reference. Thanks again.

 

[akasrick]

Everyone: Thanks to those who have responded to my posts with corrections or additional information. I spend a lot of time (WAY too much time) looking at old catalogs and magazines. There are seemingly infinite rabbits to be chased down infinite rabbit holes. My main purpose is to have the information in one easily accessible place for future reference. Thanks again.

A worthy purpose, Chris in Michigan(?)
And much appreciated.


akasrick

 

[KMScott]

I second what akasrick said.

 

[skmbabon]

What about the Gripwell "Automatic swivel vises" on the last page of those CRSINMICH posted? I've seen the type before but don't recall where or by whom.
Edit: Stumbled on to the answer: Rock Island

Rock Island Manufacturing Co. : 1920 Catalog : Rock Island Manufacturing Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

18 p., illus., 27.2 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[Dave600]

This catalog cut is from Parker's #6 catalog. I'm unable to find a date in it. Notice the models stricken from the cut, this catalog is littered with "a Discontinued stamp" in that ink. I'm guessing it fits in at 1916 which fits Dave600's and Fierljeppen's posts on oval slide vises.



akasrick

akasrick - I have this exact copy. I do not own actual copies, I just download them whenever I find them and will flag the date when indicated by the person. I have this copy from 1919.

 

[akasrick]

akasrick - I have this exact copy. I do not own actual copies, I just download them whenever I find them and will flag the date when indicated by the person. I have this copy from 1919.

The Parker date alludes me in the #6 that I look at. Guess I'm back to Sq. 1, it also has a Smithsonian stamp that looks like the date 18-0 or something, and a cut with a 1906 patent in it. I burned myself with it a few years back. I skip over it frequently.

akasrick

 

[Fierljeppen]

akasrick - I have this exact copy. I do not own actual copies, I just download them whenever I find them and will flag the date when indicated by the person. I have this copy from 1919.

The Parker date alludes me in the #6 that I look at. Guess I'm back to Sq. 1, it also has a Smithsonian stamp that looks like the date 18-0 or something, and a cut with a 1906 patent in it. I burned myself with it a few years back. I skip over it frequently.

akasrick

Here's a 1919 magazine ad showing the Parker no. 6 catalog in question.



For those of you who think we're taking things a little too far...nope!

 

[neophyte]

Here's a 1919 magazine ad showing the Parker no. 6 catalog in question.



For those of you who think we're taking things a little too far...nope!

Either the US $ shot up massively, or the Japanese Yen tanked within the past 100 years, because those exchange rates have nothing to do with modern values.

 

[akasrick]

Here's a 1919 magazine ad showing the Parker no. 6 catalog in question.



For those of you who think we're taking things a little too far...nope!

That adv. shows an Eclipse vise.

Edit----- doubled quote

That adv. shows an Eclipse vise, in the catalog...


The cover(?)....



It skips the Ratchet drills section, goes right into vises.

Note to self.
Is there another catalog in this machine?

akasrick

 

[Outlawmws]

Either the US $ shot up massively, or the Japanese Yen tanked within the past 100 years, because those exchange rates have nothing to do with modern values.

WWII happened and the postwar depression/inflation in Japan

 

[neophyte]

WWII happened and the postwar depression/inflation in Japan

True, but seeing the old exchange rate is sort of shocking.

 

[skmbabon]

What vise is this? I can't recall.
Going cheap, closes in a couple hours in NY. Shipping available.

OLDER TOOLS, VISE, DRILLS | Live and Online Auctions on HiBid.com

hibid.com

 

[skmbabon]

Henry Master Bulldog 6 inch
This premium line from Henry is among my favorite Canadian made vises, along with the Smart coachmaker line above.
These manage to look tough and classy at the same time
All steel, bolt-on jaws, and unlike other Henry lines has an anvil and replaceable nut. The patterned jaw towers were a registered industrial design.

Detailed pics and a new link on the spreadsheet. Waiting on further specs.


Photo credit: Parker Joyce



The vise shown is currently being sold in Toronto on FBM.

Facebook

www.facebook.com

Edit: added design registration

 

[CRSINMICH]

skmbabon: It's a Sheldon woodworking vise. I have one that I use as a tail vise and find it invaluable.

 

[skmbabon]

skmbabon: It's a Sheldon woodworking vise. I have one that I use as a tail vise and find it invaluable.

Thanks. I was pretty sure it started with "S" but for some reason couldn't identify it on the spreadsheet. It's a slick vise.
Still only $2 bid but too much hassle to ship across the border - especially since there are other items in the lot.

 

[skmbabon]

Littlestown Hardware & Foundry Co. (Littco)
Littlestown, PA
No 166 "Household Woodworking Vise"
​

A 6 " light duty woodworking vise. Many producers of this type, all quite similar. The distinguishing feature of the 166 seems to be a horizontal rib from the spindle to the right guide rod, which I have yet to notice on a competitor.
Except that is, on a real oddball, the Transogram. Vise branded by a toy and game company, found on the Progress is Fine blog. The Littco No 166 may be the OEM model but the spindle on the Transogram is much smaller.
@Motorman55, who knew there was a vise to go with your dart board!



Edit: Also looks the same as this Hercules No. 1.
This model may not be from J. Pascal Hardware in Montreal. There are documented No 8 and No 6 (right side pics below); neither is a match for this in terms of how the name appears or how the vise attaches to the bench. Nor do the No 6 specs match the Littco No. 166.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Here's a couple of examples of an interesting "Hars" Parker no. 954S vise. Photos contributed by @drivesitfar and @dumper.

I

Besides the casting error and "S" added to the model number, it has an unusual base and handle ends, not seen on ordinary Parker no. 954 vises of that era, (1930's).

I've only seen -3- of these vises and was wondering if anyone has any information for this vise anomaly.

 

[skmbabon]

Record 634 Combination Vice
Photo for spreadsheet

 

[PierceA]

Fierjeppen: Is there a threaded hole in the center of the base of that Parker 954?
It appears to be much like the later Reed vises where a model number was stamped on the vise's raised modle number
spot, and an 'S' added if it was to be sold with a swivel base. And a swivel base could be added later as well.
Also a bit like Wilton and their added or not swivel bases.
I personally have not seen a similar Parker like the one you show. I think I have at least 2-3 Parker 4" vises, both fixed
and swivel base..
And interesting odd item from Parker.

PierceA

 

[Fierljeppen]

Fierjeppen: Is there a threaded hole in the center of the base of that Parker 954?
It appears to be much like the later Reed vises where a model number was stamped on the vise's raised modle number
spot, and an 'S' added if it was to be sold with a swivel base. And a swivel base could be added later as well.
Also a bit like Wilton and their added or not swivel bases.
I personally have not seen a similar Parker like the one you show. I think I have at least 2-3 Parker 4" vises, both fixed
and swivel base..
And interesting odd item from Parker.

PierceA

No idea on the threaded center hole of the base, since I don't have any photos of the bottom. I agree that the swivel base looks like a universal design. Parker's universal base was first advertised in 1965.

You can see the similarities in the base of the "Parker no. 954 S" and following "Parker no. 974-A" vise.



The Parker no. 954 S model vise must have been designed to be a swivel base, since the casted "PAT. 1930" refers to -2- patents explicitly for a vise swivel base.



These are the only Parker no. "95X" vises that I've seen with the "PAT. 1930" castings, all of the others are "97X" vises, which makes sense.

Any way, it's an interesting vise puzzle. I kind of feel like it could have been a prototype, but that's just speculation. Thanks for chiming in!

 

[CRSINMICH]

WESTERN ELECTRIC VISES
(Not Western Auto)
​

Notice that the 1916 bench vises are different sizes but they are all Model 171.

The "Trident Combination and Multi-Vise is an interesting Frankentool. The catalog cut refers to it as 'Diamond Multiple Action Vises' and 'Diamond Drill Press Combination'. The picture of an Adams Diamond combination vise is included here for purposes of comparison.

 

[CRSINMICH]

I knew that ADAMS DIAMOND vises had an optional drill attachment but I just found this 1909 catalog cut that explained that it was intended for boring the felloes of wooden wheels. It looks different than the "TRIDENT" from Western Electric.

FYI, there were no fewer than 12 patents for anvil/vise/drills. Most were never produced.

 

[skmbabon]

Phoenix vises (and clamps), though not sure if that is also the maker of the Farmers anvil vise and the No 71-73 oval slide vises at the top of the columns.
From the 1900 Fall & Winter No 24 catalog of Stanley Mills Co., Hamilton ON. Great name for the catalog!

 

[KMScott]

Atlas 2-1/2 I-beam Clamp-on vise. 2-1/2" jaws.

 

[FMC1959]

Atlas 2-1/2 I-beam Clamp-on vise. 2-1/2" jaws.

I realize that open screw vises are usually considered less heavy duty, or less desired when searching for a capable bench vise, but personally, I find they have so much character. For anyone who collects vises, they are worthy additions to any collection.

 

[KMScott]

I realize that open screw vises are usually considered less heavy duty, or less desired when searching for a capable bench vise, but personally, I find they have so much character. For anyone who collects vises, they are worthy additions to any collection.

Yes I know what you mean. I’ve been searching for the Atlas 144 and larger vises. Especially the 568 model with 8-3/8 jaws that weights 345 lbs. Is there one out there? Came across this clamp-on and added it to the spreadsheet. I would love to have one.