Vise Info Thread

[KMScott]

Chas Parker 974B Made by Union MFG CO. 4" jaws that opens to 8" and weights 60lbs.

 

[lifespeed]

You can not go wrong with a Reed, A-Scale, Hollands, Morgans, Rock Islands and Chas Parker vises all 4" jaw widths as long as they are not damaged, welded and the jaws are pretty decent. The fun is finding the one that pleases your eyes and wallet without buying new.

I'm afraid I am not a vise restoration hobbyist or collector, I just have some projects that need a vise. I did check Craigslist, but the only Chas Parker had jaws that were absolutely wrecked. I couldn't see paying what they wanted for it.

 

[KMScott]

I'm afraid I am not a vise restoration hobbyist or collector, I just have some projects that need a vise. I did check Craigslist, but the only Chas Parker had jaws that were absolutely wrecked. I couldn't see paying what they wanted for it.

I wish you luck in your pursuit of the perfect vise. I do not know anything about the new vises and the ones built in Asia but maybe someone on the big vise thread can answer your questions. I added a link to that thread. Good luck.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782&page=3144

 

[snooter]

2 of my favorite vises..i paid next to nothing for these back in the day..

 

[KMScott]

Lewis #38 Vise. 4" jaws that opens to over 6" and weights 56lbs.

 

[KMScott]

Bluegrass 3" and 3-1/2" Open Screw Vise's. Seem well built and both have a hardy punch.

 

[McBrownie]

Lewis #38 Vise seen on a CL ad. I am guessing here since it matches a catalog page's spec:s. 4" jaws that opens to over 6" and weights 56lbs.

Kevin, this sure has a lot of Prentiss characteristics. The base and locking lever, if memory serves. What do you think?

 

[KMScott]

Kevin, this sure has a lot of Prentiss characteristics. The base and locking lever, if memory serves. What do you think?

Yes, built by Prentiss. It is noted on the spreadsheet. Good to hear from you. Been a while.

 

[KMScott]

Reed 406R Swivel Jaw Vise. 6" jaws that opens to 9" and weights 164lbs. This one is a GJ member Vises.

 

[notlob]

Columbian Vise pages from The Warren Group (Division of Warren Tool Corp) catalog estimated to be circa ~ 1975.

Full catalog available for download here:
https://archive.org/details/WarrenGroupCatalogNo375

 

[notlob]

Note cross reference tables at end.

 

[KMScott]

Penn Vises built in Austria.

100mm (3.937 wide jaws) weights 13lbs and opens to 3-1/2"

120mm (4.720 wide jaws) weights 24lbs and opens to 6"

140mm (5.512 wide jaws) weights 42lbs and opens to 7-7/8

160mm (6.300 wide jaws) weights 59lbs and opens to 8-5/8

 

[maico]

Can't see the German company Bessey in the spreadsheet ? Are their vices made by someone else ? The company itself has been around since the 1890s

http://www.newmetalworker.com/Reviews/besybnchvise.html

FZA vise catalog

http://www.agenziaforte.com/download/fza_mcp_morse/Catalistino-FZA-MCP.pdf

Italian FZA Panther 120 forged steel

 

[KMScott]

I'll look into the FZA, Leinen and Bessey vises when I get some time. Thanks maico. Seems the jaw widths, weights and max opening match the Penn vises. I do not think I can pull pictures from a pdf file easy but will give it a try.

 

[maico]

Dolex in France have been making vises in France for a long time
https://www.dolex.fr/en/

 

[KMScott]

Columbian 235 Clamp-on vise. 3" jaws that opens to 2-3/8 and weights 3-1/2lbs.

 

[maico]

Gressel have been making bench vices in Switzerland for decades

http://www.gressel.ch/storage/brochures/20_AX_PS.pdf

 

[notlob]

Here's a link to 5 pages of pics and catalog pages for various vintage British (and at least 1 Aussie) vise makers:

http://s583.photobucket.com/user/demographic01/library/British%20made%20vice%20manufacturers?sort=3&page=1

 

[va.grouseman]

Notlob, you must have coughed up the ransom. ???

 

[KMScott]

Prentiss Lewis pattern #938. 4" jaws that opens to 7" and weights 48lbs. Thanks GETRIDAONE.

 

[KMScott]

Chas Parker 492-1/2. 2-1/4 wide jaws that opens over 2" and weights 9lbs.

 

[KMScott]

Meadville #1 Combination Vise. 4" jaws that opens to 4" and weights 43lbs. Very similiar to the J.S. Co vise.

 

[va.grouseman]

Man that's nice KMS.---Yours?

 

[KMScott]

Man that's nice KMS.---Yours?

Gets. At least I think, he helped me with the spreadsheet this morning and supplied the pic and spec:s.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

That is not my vise. I found one that was complete on CL a few years back but the guy would not ship it

 

[KMScott]

Chas Parker # 18. 1-1/2 jaws. Very tiny vise and will add more spec:s when I get them.

 

[KMScott]

Rock Island 98. 7" Jaws that opens to 12" and weights 210 lbs. Has replaceable jaws and a stationary base.

 

[twertsy]

I'll look into the FZA, Leinen and Bessey vises when I get some time. Thanks maico. Seems the jaw widths, weights and max opening match the Penn vises. I do not think I can pull pictures from a pdf file easy but will give it a try.

If you want to send the PDFs to me I can get the pics for you.

 

[akasrick]

Possibly for the record;
Bonney 250A ?
Jaw width 2 1/2"
Opens 3 1/2"
Weight 8 lbs.
Bonney picture has it as 10lb.
Manning, Maxwell and Moore adv. has it as a Machinist Vise. weight 8 lbs.
I don't have that picture, believe it was on the Vintage Vise thread;
Base says Bonney,

akasrick

 

[KMScott]

Possibly for the record;
Bonney 250A ?
Jaw width 2 1/2"
Opens 3 1/2"
Weight 8 lbs.
Bonney picture has it as 10lb.
Manning, Maxwell and Moore adv. has it as a Machinist Vise. weight 8 lbs.
I don't have that picture, believe it was on the Vintage Vise thread;
Base says Bonney,

akasrick

Thanks a bunch, recorded. I listed as a Machinist. Thanks. Kevin

 

[KMScott]

Reed 107. Stationary base. 7" cast in Jaws. 191lbs and opens to 12"
Check out the slide protector. No weight or max opening on the flanged base model.

 

[KMScott]

Made in England Craftsman. 3-1/2" jaws. Waiting on more spec:s.

 

[akasrick]

Thanks a bunch, recorded. I listed as a Machinist. Thanks. Kevin

Kevin
Thank you for those words.
I see that spreadsheet has some room for "Bonney Champion" pictures.
I think I have a #115, have to get it weighed, maybe you guys can find some time to add it.

akas Rick
akasrick

 

[FMC1959]

Reed 107. Stationary base. 7" cast in Jaws. 191lbs and opens to 12"
Check out the slide protector.

That is so cool.

I remember about 3 years ago someone on CL had this 104R with the slide protector for sale, maybe 3-4 hours round trip from where I live. He was asking something like $100 or so and stupid me, sat on my thumbs and let it get away.

 

[akasrick]

Possibly for the record.

Bonney Champion #118
3.8 lbs
jaw width 21/2 inches
opens 2 inches

akasrick

*Edit*

Has to be put back together.
**Edit**
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6403101&postcount=36
akasrick

 

[KMScott]

Thanks akasrick, Got it recorded.

 

[maico]

Schlegel seem relatively common make in the used market on Germany. EMF 150 and 125 models

 

[KMScott]

Prentiss # 83. 5" Jaws and weights around 100lbs but can not confirm. Side open channel and check out those large pad type Pipe Jaws.

 

[maico]

Bison Polish made vices spec. sheet

http://www.bison-bial.co.uk/public/data/resource/upload/00197/196730/1240-de.pdf

 

[KMScott]

Bison Polish made vices spec. sheet

http://www.bison-bial.co.uk/public/data/resource/upload/00197/196730/1240-de.pdf

Thanks Maico, sure have given me a bunch of work to do. I still have not added your other European vises to the sheet yet. Do you know if the older ones are the same as these newer Bison Vises?