Wilton C2 - pipe jaws

[LCconvert]

Well,

I am a new member here and found this site by searching on vises. You guys seem to be the gurus of all things vise...

Since I have been on a quest to find my perfect vise, I have aquired a columbian 103.5, reed 104.5, morgan 104, and last but not least a wilton C2.

The C2 was made in 1979 and has seen a little use but still is in usable condition. The top of the jaws have been hit with a grinder one too many times!

I am really excited about this vise except for the fact it is missing the pipe jaws. At first I thought this would not be a problem but the more I look at it the more it bugs me that they are missing.

I have seen replacement jaws for sale but they state for 1998 models and later. Does anyone know a source for older pipe jaws or has anyone tried these in an older C2? My C2 uses a little allen head bold to hold the jaws in place.

thanks and I look forward to many more hours I don't have reading this forum!!

 

[BJ42LX]

Pictures, please!

 

[autopts]

Well,

I am a new member here and found this site by searching on vises. You guys seem to be the gurus of all things vise...

Since I have been on a quest to find my perfect vise, I have aquired a columbian 103.5, reed 104.5, morgan 104, and last but not least a wilton C2.

The C2 was made in 1979 and has seen a little use but still is in usable condition. The top of the jaws have been hit with a grinder one too many times!

I am really excited about this vise except for the fact it is missing the pipe jaws. At first I thought this would not be a problem but the more I look at it the more it bugs me that they are missing.

I have seen replacement jaws for sale but they state for 1998 models and later. Does anyone know a source for older pipe jaws or has anyone tried these in an older C2? My C2 uses a little allen head bold to hold the jaws in place.

thanks and I look forward to many more hours I don't have reading this forum!!

Do you have holes on the side where a set screw or pin would go thru to the other side? I have Wilton C-2 pipe jaws.

 

[LCconvert]

There is just one threaded hole on one side for each jaw. The allen head "set screws" are there but the jaws are not. I think the set screws would just keep the jaws from falling out.

Is this the type you have?

 

[autopts]

There is just one threaded hole on one side for each jaw. The allen head "set screws" are there but the jaws are not. I think the set screws would just keep the jaws from falling out.

Is this the type you have?

Yep, mine fit C-2's but they have no inset to acommodate set screws. I'll send you a photo with the dimentions. They are brand new Nick

 

[back2class]

i had an old c2 . ended up selling it for $125 because i could not get pipe jaws. best option may be to make some yourself.

 

[LCconvert]

Yep, mine fit C-2's but they have no inset to acommodate set screws. I'll send you a photo with the dimentions. They are brand new Nick

A picture would be great!

I have the same model and jaw set up as v7guy. He did a great and well documented restore of his C2 on this forum.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69225&page=6

If your jaws are new, do you think they will fit my C2? The new jaws that are being sold all state that they are for 1998 models and newer. I am wondering if the size changed at all...

 

[LCconvert]

Actually if it wouldn't be too much to ask could someone post pictures of the original pipe jaws for a C2 like mine and someone else post pics of the new replacement ones. The best would be side by side pics but it is probably not likely one person has both.

Sorry for being so demanding but I really am scared to spend some big money on jaws that wont fit my vise.

 

[autopts]

These are them I'm sure. Photobucket.....sometimes I don't know about them..This is their 640 X 480..Go figure!

 

[LCconvert]

These are them I'm sure. Photobucket.....sometimes I don't know about them..This is their 640 X 480..Go figure!

thanks!! As far as I can tell they look identical to the ones in v7guy's restore thread.

If you don't mind, can you measure the dimensions for me.

thanks again.

 

[v7guy]

grabbed the jaws and measured them up, there are no divets or marks on the jaws themselves, they are just held in by the interior of the hole in the vise and the tension of the set screw.
the measurements are as follows.
3 5/16

1 3/4

1 1/4

3/4 at the most narrow part

I went ahead and added this post to my restoration thread so it can easily be found there as well.

Hope this helps

 

[LCconvert]

Jason, thanks for the pics, it helps alot.

 

[LCconvert]

Here is some pics of my C2 vise. I have already torn it apart.

The PO really beat on the top and did a lot of welding too (hence the "drippings"), but the rest of the vise is in nice shape. The top of the dynamic jaw is the worst, the tops of the jaw pads are also pretty bad.

I would like to freshen it up. Any suggestions on how? Is it possible to sand the "drippings" off and smooth up the top? What about the jaw pads, re-machine?

I still can't decide if I want to repaint it. I guess if I do any sanding on it I will have to...

 

[v7guy]

I reckon any of the things you mentioned would be a move in the right direction. I'd be kinda tempted to leave the marks/welding berries alone unless they come off easy or they get on the way of clamping something down. Kind of a personal preference/aesthetics type thing.
The jaws themselves I'd try to clean up just from a functional perspective.

 

[bgott]

You can grind it smooth. I cleaned up stuff like that on my Reed C2, it didn't hurt it's feelings a bit!

 

[LCconvert]

Well I cleaned up the vise and now I can see a lot of the orignal paint. I think the vise is looking good. I don't think I will repaint it as it will be my main user.

Here is a pic. Now I am just waiting for the pipe jaws to come in!!

 

[autopts]

Well I cleaned up the vise and now I can see a lot of the orignal paint. I think the vise is looking good. I don't think I will repaint it as it will be my main user.

Here is a pic. Now I am just waiting for the pipe jaws to come in!!

Oh! Thats a beauty!! You can turn the jaws upside down. It looks fantastic just the way it is.

 

[LCconvert]

Yeah, I like it. It is a little overkill for my purposes but it makes me smile everytime I see it!

I thought about flipping the jaws but there is too much welding shlag on them. What would be the best way to level the top of the jaws. Sanding? What sand paper and what type of sander? Or does this need to be done by a pro?

 

[dwm]

If you want the top of the jaws completely level, they'd need to be milled. Might be pointless since enough material might need to be removed such that they no longer touch the bottom of the jaw channels once flipped over. If it were me, I'd hit 'em with Roloc sandpaper and scotchbrite discs on the die grinder just enough to be able to flip them over. That is, if the other side of them looks better.

 

[BJ42LX]

I thought about flipping the jaws but there is too much welding shlag on them. What would be the best way to level the top of the jaws. Sanding? What sand paper and what type of sander? Or does this need to be done by a pro?

LC,

Sounds like you're in way over your head. Listen, I wouldn't want you to get hurt with this thing. I'll take it off your hands for $100. You'll be much better off without it.