Wilton 800 resto

[Tlowe]

I’m thinking I got pretty blessed the other day. Guy was going to scrap this because it wasn’t functional and needed some parts! Wilton 800S.... Seized up so the jaws won’t open but I’m pretty stoked to get into it once this Arctic blast leaves Texas. Any idea on what these are worth? I know what they cost new but I can find very little on the vintage 800’s. Not interested in selling just want to know what it’s worth. Also, it is seized up from being outside for god knows how long so I was thinking about trying electrolysis. Anyone with experience with that think it will help getting it unseized? I also know it’s missing parts but not sure what parts just yet. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Welcome to GJ.

Nice save, looks like you have some work to do.

Try reading this thread and asking questions on it:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

Wilton date code and information thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269079

The mongo vise thread has lots of information too:

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

 

[1982fxr]

The casting is broken in both sides around the rear pins and obviously the handle has been cut.

It's still an eight inch Wilton bullet though

 

[Shelbylex]

You got a great one! It can be fixed. Read on the multiple threads about it. There is a video on youtube of a guy trying to free a completely rusted 6" Wilton with a press (and succeeding!)
Casting can be rebuild with proper skills. Handle can be improved. Do not pay attention to minor things - the main point is that you already saved it!!!
Please start a thread once you start working on it - will be an interesting restoration!

 

[Roberts210]

Whats it worth? A lot.

 

[macgee]

As pointed out earlier, part of the casting of the main part (static jaw) holding the two pins that holds the main spindle screw nut has broken off/cracked preventing the vise to work.

I see the spindle nut sticking out the back but wont come out until you remove the cast iron end cap (be careful). I don't think its the end of the world but far from ideal. Maybe rotating the nut 90 degree's and then drilling new holes (top & bottom) for the pins holding the screw nut in place? Could be a fairly easy solution but Wont be original anymore but should get it back to working fairly well. The casting is a cylinder shape inside and I think the nut can be rotated inside the casting? The handle cap end has been removed or broken off, it's much less of a problem, many used vises have this issue and fixable. I can't imagine the forces someone applied to this vise to make the casting crack like that on a 800? I have seen this happen when vises have fallen off a table to the ground while the jaws are open, it always wants to fall head first, its ugly to see (trust me, RIP my Athol 6"). Or maybe they tried using it as a puller, putting undue loads on the pins and casting?

I recommend the first thing to do is remove the back end cap and then remove/unscrew the nut, then remove the spindle screw. You'll now have good access to the back of the slide where you can shoot penetrating lubricant like Kroil or Deep Creep Seafoam and let it soak for a couple of days (back end pointing upward), then heat it up to help expand it loosening things up. You could then gingerly drive the slide/dynamic jaw forward by tapping on it or using other means to moving the slide/dynamic jaw forward. Most likely the slide is bounded to the static jaw body. Please be patient, the whole process take s a while and this thing weighs an absolute ton! You almost need a hoist just to move it around or rotate it. Forklift is ideal

If you're able to do all of this, then I think your home free but more detailed photo's will be needed to better see what's going on before most here can give you good advice.

PS> Looks like there's been some welding repairs, seen in the 1st and 3rd pic?

 

[LNKMK8]

In its current state, I'd say its worth about $100 in parts, a bit more if the jaws are still in good shape. The base alone with the lock nuts is worth $100. Looks like it may also be cracked along the top side of the static jaw. I can see why it was headed to scrap, but then again it probably can be salvaged if you are able to put some time and welding into it. Even once it is "repaired" its value will be modest due to those repairs. IMO, maybe $300. I put a value of $800-$1200 on a good working one without damage or repairs, priced according to condition. But I'm not expert, just a vise nut

 

[jptopdwn]

Good luck with the restoration....I just picked up a crusty 600S to be restored. Gotta love the bullet vises.

 

[fl18guy]

Any chance this is a hydraulic or neumatic vise , what ever they call them. Not a sure just a shot In the dark

 

[Maui]

That one does not look like the hydraulic version. It looks like what was said above - somebody smacked the **** out of it and broke it.

 

[Tlowe]

Thanks for the replies and advice everyone.... took a bit but I got her back to life and ready to put her to work. No desire to sell but does anyone have any idea what price range one in this condition would go for? I know they’re around $4K new, but just curious what kind of market there is for this beast. Thanks again for the help.

 

[1982fxr]

Did you build those cracked spots at the rear up with weld?

Ebay sold listings is the best place to look but unless the vise is sold on ebay it's only a guide.

You could have 20 locals willing to pay $1,800 within two weeks or it could sit for 2 years at $800. Just depends where you are.

 

[Roberts210]

You done good on that Wilton!
Ditto on it depending on your location, and the market for robust, old, vises. But $800 to $1,800 is a pretty good estimate.

 

[Tlowe]

Yessir I did. Built it up and redrilled and tapped the holes. The swivel ring was in a few pieces and had to be welded also. Hardest part was getting the dynamic jaw unseized.

 

[Tlowe]

@Roberts210 thank you sir! It was definitely a challenge but the end product was well worth it.

 

[1982fxr]

Yessir I did. Built it up and redrilled and tapped the holes. The swivel ring was in a few pieces and had to be welded also. Hardest part was getting the dynamic jaw unseized.

To most buyers those repairs will knock the price down some. Any kind of breakage or repairs usually have that effect, even if they dont affect functionality.