Vise question - dynamic jaw movement

[Lombie]

My seemingly-eternal quest for a good vise as a restoration project with my son goes on. I'm looking at a Reed 404 1/2 and the seller says there's about 1/16th of an inch of play in the dynamic jaw when the vise is fully opened. Otherwise it's reportedly in great shape.

Is a certain amount of play acceptable on a vintage vise or should I be looking for something that's entirely wobble-free?

Thanks, as always, especially with my newb questions...

-Lombie

 

[Fretters]

That wouldn't be of concern to me personally. When you think about it, you only need a gnats fart of movement at the base end and it'll seem much worse a few inch out. Provided the slide isn't excessively worn, I'd be happy enough with that amount of play. When you tighten it, any but the most excessive of slop will be irrelevant anyhow.

 

[ganymede]

Most vises have varying degrees of play in them. Even most new ones will.
Check good for cracks or missing chunks .
If the slide was used as an anvil make sure it didn't crack or get deformed to the point where the vise will no longer open all the way.
When it's closed make sure the jaws are parallel .