Vise Info Thread

[Dave600]

Woden 186 E/8 Waiting on spec:s.

Here is a 1957 catalog showing the specs of the Woden 186E/8. Jaw width is 5-1/4 inch, jaw depth 3-3/4, opens 7 inches, weighs 81 lbs. Lettering it the table is a bit blurred but I checked the numbers in a 1958 page but that was missing its weight.

 

[KMScott]

Woden 186 B/3. 4" jaws that opens to 6".

 

[KMScott]

Charles Parker #32. No Spec:s

 

[skmbabon]

Record 14P pics
@Dave600 posted a catalog page here.

 

[autopts]

Here's a new one. It's a Columbian No. 44 that's bigger
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395104551907 Anybody have any info on it?

 

[454ragtop]

Here's a new one. It's a Columbian No. 44 that's bigger
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395104551907 Anybody have any info on it?

Newish, 60's maybe? Has the cheaper style jaw inserts, rather than the "T" or "C" type.

 

[Willy Wilson]

What is it?

 

[Dave600]

Newish, 60's maybe? Has the cheaper style jaw inserts, rather than the "T" or "C" type.

Here's a new one. It's a Columbian No. 44 that's bigger
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395104551907 Anybody have any info on it?

Never seen a Columbian 44 like this. I think the jaw inserts were done later in its life. I think the original hardened jaws were permanent and somebody machined them out and installed these inserts. Columbian had an exposed screw 44 and C44 and the newer D44 but this is a lot older than them.

 

[KMScott]

Columbian 44. 4" jaws that opens to 6-1/2" safely.

 

[KMScott]

Woden 186 B/4. 4-1/2" jaws that opens to 5-1/2" and weights 42 lbs.

 

[KMScott]

Athol 502-1/4 Clamp on. 2-1/4 jaws.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Here's a new one. It's a Columbian No. 44 that's bigger...Anybody have any info on it?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395104551907

estimated circa (1914-1917).



I believe this is the first version of the famous Columbian "hollow" malleable iron machinist vises. The first mention of this "patent pending" vise was in 1914.

,

It seems that the Columbian Hardware Co. re-used the model numbers from their predecessors, the Van Wagoner & Williams Co., as seen in the 1899 catalog scan below.



I've seen a handful of these vises, including this Columbian Hardware no. 32 vise, with the "triangle-C", which was first seen in 1916.



In 1917, the Columbian Hardware Co. issued a new catalog with their newest "500" and "600" series machinist vises. These models lived up to the advertising hype and were produced for 100 years, before Wilton discontinued the brand around 2017.

Although rare, these vises do show up from time-to-time and certainly deserve a place in someone's vise collection.

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Charles Parker # 86. No Spec:s yet except for weight. 76 lbs. Thanks to Fierljeppen for the catalog pages. Swivel releases from under the bench.

Picked up a C.Parker #86 but it does not have the vise options, only pipe jaws (as pictured in KM and Fierljeppen's posts).

Here's a long shot: does anyone have a lead on a set of vise jaw towers for that model?

Laughable I know but I have to ask... odds are slim that set has held on for 155 years.

 

[skmbabon]

Record Fitters' Vises



Record No 21


Record No 22
@craggus2000 did a nice restoration on one of these a few years ago.

Record no 22 quick release vice/vise restoration

Hi all, I've finally taken the plunge and managed to get hold of a Record 22 quick release fitters vice to restore. Reckon it's about 70 years old. I'll try and post pictures tomorrow as don't have my camera at the mo (now added), but had a few questions... Although there doesn't seem to be too...

www.garagejournal.com

Record No 23

Record No 24


Record No 24

The VISES of Garage Journal

I like those plastic jaws. Where did you get them?

www.garagejournal.com

 

[KMScott]

Picked up a C.Parker #86 but it does not have the vise options, only pipe jaws (as pictured in KM and Fierljeppen's posts).

Here's a long shot: does anyone have a lead on a set of vise jaw towers for that model?

Laughable I know but I have to ask... odds are slim that set has held on for 155 years.

I think you are saying your vise is missing the jaws. Not the pipe jaws, if so those jaws take about 6-8 hours to build. I know my trade has taken a hit in the last 15 years but still $400 in labor (shop rate at $50/hr) and around $50 for materials is to much for most owners. The deal breaker is having the vise to fit the jaws. Here is one I finished a couple months ago. Good luck.

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Thanks KM, the 900 series Parkers are probably my favorite if I had to chose one style. I did mean the vise jaw removeable "towers". It has the pipe jaw towers (dynamic and static). I really don't expect to see any but its worth asking around, you never know. I'll post some pics after it arrives today.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Thanks KM, the 900 series Parkers are probably my favorite if I had to chose one style. I did mean the vise jaw removeable "towers". It has the pipe jaw towers (dynamic and static). I really don't expect to see any but its worth asking around, you never know. I'll post some pics after it arrives today.

Yes, please post as many relevant photos as you can. That's one of the rarest model Parker vises that I'm aware of.

 

[Fierljeppen]

I think you are saying your vise is missing the jaws. Not the pipe jaws, if so those jaws take about 6-8 hours to build. I know my trade has taken a hit in the last 15 years but still $400 in labor (shop rate at $50/hr) and around $50 for materials is to much for most owners. The deal breaker is having the vise to fit the jaws. Here is one I finished a couple months ago. Good luck.

I found this 1948 magazine article the other day and thought of you immediately. I'm very curious if this would have been a good option for you or not, as far as time-savings and overall cost of production.

 

[akasrick]

I found this 1948 magazine article the other day and thought of you immediately. I'm very curious if this would have been a good option for you or not, as far as time-savings and overall cost of production.

I had asked myself, Why didn't Parker stock this profile in lengths and then cut and fit to the jaw width?

akasrick

 

[KMScott]

I found this 1948 magazine article the other day and thought of you immediately. I'm very curious if this would have been a good option for you or not, as far as time-savings and overall cost of production.

The ad brought up a material question I always wondered about. I believe Parker used Hot Rolled steel in their jaws just like the ad mentions. The Hot Rolled steel is soft and easily hand serrated with a file like on most Parker jaws.

To answer your question, yes this shape would save me a couple hours of work but I would not be happy with the material they suggested. The steel now a days is so superior to Hot Rolled and Carbon Tool Steel. Both materials could be case hardened but that was never done that I know of.

A2 or S7 (air hardened) is a great Tool Steel for jaws but buying this steel rolled in a rough shape like the ad would be hard to find. The Machinist back in the 40's would still have to go thru the steps except for Step 1 and 2 as shown in my pic's. The machinist might have used a Shaper instead of a Surface Grinder like I used. Charles Parker had great Tool and Cutter grinders. They made a cutter for the vise then the exact opposite cutter for the jaws. Note the same stamped numbering on the jaws and vise's. Parker jaws are challenging to make and are a thing of beauty if done right.

 

[Fierljeppen]

The ad brought up a material question I always wondered about. I believe Parker used Hot Rolled steel in their jaws just like the ad mentions. The Hot Rolled steel is soft and easily hand serrated with a file like on most Parker jaws.

To answer your question, yes this shape would save me a couple hours of work but I would not be happy with the material they suggested. The steel now a days is so superior to Hot Rolled and Carbon Tool Steel. Both materials could be case hardened but that was never done that I know of.

A2 or S7 (air hardened) is a great Tool Steel for jaws but buying this steel rolled in a rough shape like the ad would be hard to find. The Machinist back in the 40's would still have to go thru the steps except for Step 1 and 2 as shown in my pic's. The machinist might have used a Shaper instead of a Surface Grinder like I used. Charles Parker had great Tool and Cutter grinders. They made a cutter for the vise then the exact opposite cutter for the jaws. Note the same stamped numbering on the jaws and vise's. Parker jaws are challenging to make and are a thing of beauty if done right.

Thanks for the very detailed response! "Material matters".

Apparently, Hugh Vogl would have agreed with you completely. It appears that the Wilton Tool Corp had some major issues with their earliest vise jaws (1941-1944), until the Metallurgists of their steel supplier solved their problem.



I'm envious of your skillset.

 

[akasrick]

That explains milled and fitted.
four.cycle's post on the Chas Parker vise catalogs? thread.
Just filling in the blanks of my understanding.

akasrick

​

 

[KMScott]

Emmert Tiger # 34. 2-1/2" jaws that opens to 4-1/2 and weights 20 lbs

 

[KMScott]

Mystery vise found in Japan, 4" jaws.

 

[KMScott]

Parkinson’s Perfect Model 8. 5-1/4" jaws that opens to 7" and weights 74 lbs.

From the owner.
5” Parkinson’s Perfect Model 8
Circa 1890
Split configuration with a mid profile parting line. Oddly this design appears to be superseded with a single piece static in the 1886 patent.
The appearance of the model number 8 without a letter following, indicates that it precedes the 1894 Model 8A.
Substantially heavier and more complex casting than the later models @ 30kg.
Largest half nut and screw I have seen @ 28mm.
This unit was likely manufactured in Bradford prior to Shipley Canal Ironworks.

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Yes, please post as many relevant photos as you can. That's one of the rarest model Parker vises that I'm aware of.

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Yes, please post as many relevant photos as you can. That's one of the rarest model Parker vises that I'm aware of.

 

[Fierljeppen]

I've got your estimated vise circa @ (1869-1900), based on the "1869 patent jaws" and the latest offering found in a 1900 catalog scan.

You'll probably never find the removeable "round jaws", however your missing swivel base "1867 patent wrench" does become available from time-to-time.

What a great addition to your vise collection...thanks for sharing!

 

[ViceRoy2030]

I've got your estimated vise circa @ (1869-1900), based on the "1869 patent jaws" and the latest offering found in a 1900 catalog scan.

You'll probably never find the removeable "round jaws", however your missing swivel base "1867 patent wrench" does become available from time-to-time.

What a great addition to your vise collection...thanks for sharing!

Thanks Fierljeppen. I do have the swivel base plate as well, its just hidden but in perfect condition. I can't believe even parts of the chain the hold the swivel pins as well as the pins survived all theses years.

Finding the jaws is a faint dream but I'll keep lookin.

 

[akasrick]

A man wrote this in 1885 about Parker Vises.
This is the appropriate thread to post this.



akasrick

 

[KMScott]

Wilson 4-1/2.

From the owner.

Wilson 4 1/2
The Wilson
TURRET JAW BENCH VICE W. H. COLT (Engineers) LIMITED TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON W.C.2
Has a complex profile that is difficult to capture from a single angle.
Offset jaws, twin staggered guide shafts, multi profile rotational rear jaw, cast brass bolt on nut with integrated reservoir.
Despite its complexity, it is impressive in ability and operation .
I have seen some people describe this vice as a jewellers vice, but given the scale, unless the jewellery is for elephants, I don’t see how that would be possible.

 

[KMScott]

Mysterious Super Swivel. No Spec:s

From the owner.

Mysterious Superswivel in the house!
After repeated exposure to these I decided a while ago that I wanted one, too.
And I guess as belated Xmas present one suddenly popped up locally in a decommissioned building!
So… It's definitely been used but a deep WD-40 clean didn't show anything bad. Some rust here and some dings there, the jaw inserts need some love, and the swivel jaw lock pin is missing. But moves freely and easily.
She’s a keeper!​

 

[Outlawmws]

Both of those last two are very cool! I think I like the red one best, but for gunsmith work #2 is best. are those last two pics in that first series before pics?

 

[KMScott]

Both of those last two are very cool! I think I like the red one best, but for gunsmith work #2 is best. are those last two pics in that first series before pics?

Yes, thought I add pics of what the owner started with.

 

[12vx2]

Yes, thought I add pics of what the owner started with.

In the pictures it looks as if with the offset jaws and offset guide rods, long round stock up to a certain diameter, could be clamped in the formed grooves and hang straight to the floor under the vise. That seems to be a unique feature.

 

[KMScott]

12V, yes I agree. A well thought out design.

 

[KMScott]

Another Athol 724. 2-1/2" jaws that opens to 3-1/2" and weights 18 lbs.

Ratcheting Handle and Swivel Jaw.

 

[CRSINMICH]

BALL CLAMP or BALL BASE VISES
These are not regular vises attached to positioners. They are vises with a ball on the bottom.​

1883 Read, Gleason & Read
1894 Millers Falls
1930 Record *
1940 Parkinsons
The last picture is of a positioner offered on the same page. I included it as an illustration and because it's really cool.

* The catalogue was unclear about the maker of the ball base vice but all the other vices on same page were Record vices. Note that Record called it a "vice" even though the the picture uses the Parkinson's spelling "vise".

I had intended to post these and ask if anyone had ever seen another ball base vise but then KMScott posted that terrific ball base in post #3672. Has anyone else come across different one?

​

 

[Vise_Squad]

Yost No. 1 Universal Vise (Patternmaker's)
Canadian Yeates-Gordon Co. ~ National Machinery & Supply Co.
Hamilton, ON

​

The Canadian Yeates-Gordon Co. was established in Hamilton around November 1910 sometime in 1911 by the parent company from Meadville, PA.

​

Strangely I can't find any information about the Meadville operation. Not coincidentally, that is where GM Yost Co. built its new plant in 1908. Sept 29 of that year Yost was granted US Patent 899,779 for improvements to the Emmert vise (patent 457,710) - two years after Joseph Emmert died. Another connection - Gilmore Yost had been manager at Emmert Manufacturing Co. (and would go on to Columbian Hardware Co. in Cleveland, Ohio where he patented more vises).
By 1910 Yost was advertising its Universal Woodworkers Vise. The ad doesn't indicate that it was designated No. 1 or that the patent date was shown, but it may have been a simplified illustration.

​

Crossing the border...

In May 15, 1909 Yost applied for an equivalent Canadian patent, granted Jun. 29, 1909: number 119,203.

Was the Canadian Yeates-Gordon Co. then established in 1910 specifically to manufacture the Yost No. 1?
I can't find anything on the backers of that company except the creation, also in 1911 in Hamilton, of the National Machinery & Supply Co.

​

Incorporators included P. McC. Yeates, which gives us half the company name. Also of potential interest is one L. F. Stephens - in 1907 Yost had purchased the Snediker vise plant in Yonkers, NY, which also manufactured for the Stephens Patent Vise Co. But nothing so far to connect the person and company.

At any rate, in 1910 or soon thereafter the Canadian Yeates Gordon Co. produced the Yost No. 1 in Hamilton. Finally, vise pictures

​

The patent hounds will notice that the casting indicates the US patent date, not the Canadian one.

Fast forward to Jan 2, 1913. National Machinery & Supply Co. is selling Yost machinist's vises, made in Canada. What happened to Yeates-Gordon?!

​

28 days later the same publication answers that question.

​

"The firm [National Machinery & Supply] was formerly known as the Canadian Yeates-Gordon Co."
However, since both firms were started in 1911 within 6 months of each other that raises additional questions about why the two companies had co-existed and what motivated the change.
Vise manufacturing companies seem to rarely have had a straight-forward existence!

National updated the casting, which means anyone with a Yeates-Gordon Yost No. 1 can confidently say it was made from 1910 to 1911 - or a bit later if they had inventory to clear out.

​

Hmm, still the US patent date...

Another Canadian Machinery ad from July 1915 is identical to the 1913 machinist's vise ad (there were others in between).

But by 1916 National had a spiffy new logo, the machinist's vises bore the National name (and looked identical to Rae vises), and Yost was not mentioned.

​

As for the Yost No. 1 Universal vise...

[Nuts, hit the 10 picture limit. Too bad.]​

Edits: Based on new information.

Nice post! I have one that needs some repair. Saw another sold around here in working condition. I get the impression they were a poor cousin to the Emmert in terms of quality.

 

[Vise_Squad]

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.

I may have mentioned before, or someone else has, but RAE were advertised as unbreakable: some kind of semi-steel or malleable iron used. Pity my L.S. Starrett Athol wasn't. LOL