Wilton Columbian Vise

[The Ratchet Man]

Wilton Columbian or Craftsman Professional Vise

Anybody have this vise? Been wanting one for a while and I got a coupon now. I like the fact that its reversible for larger capacity. Also looking for COO. Doesn't matter that much but was still curious.

Wilton Columbian Vise

 

[EOC_Jason]

Probably made in China, I think only their machinists' bullets are made in USA...

"25,000 PSI tensile ductile iron body parts"

For $180 you can get a MUCH better old-school vise off CL or eBay...

 

[welder4956]

Wilton Columbian?

Is that like a Kia Mercedes?

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I was thinking China also. I looked it over at the store and saw no markings on the box or vise. I might've missed it though. Do you think it would stand up to heavy home use? It will need to put up with what I throw at it but only occasionally.

Let me throw my second choice in the mix. I think this is a bullet style you referenced. Don't have to much knowledge on vises because I've been using the same CM 3 1/2" for the last 20 years. Same questions as above.

Craftsman Professional 4 1/2"

Keep in mind I just need something a little larger than what I currently have. I want it to last me another 20 years though. The 2 I've posted so far will meet my needs. Just curious of the quality.

The Wilton will be $160 with $20 off coupon. In stock in the store so no shipping.

The CM will be $120 and no coupon but it has free shipping.

I'd prefer to buy new as I just don't have the time to bring a used one back to new condition like I'd want.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Wilton Columbian?

Is that like a Kia Mercedes?

I figured that was the flavor...kinda like coffee.

 

[EOC_Jason]

That c-man is also made in China, however there's been a couple threads on it. It's actually probably the best non-usa made bullet vise you can get for that amount of money. I would definitely choose it over the Wilton reversible thing... People say just be sure to take it apart and grease it good once you get it because they don't put much in there.

With father's day coming up, they will probably have it on sale for like $10-$15 less...

I was planning on putting the Desmond Stephan Simplex 43P in my signature on eBay this evening. Click the link and see if it is something you might be interested in. If so, PM me and we can talk price... It has 4.75" wide jaws, opens a little over 7" with the slide & screw fully engaged, and weighs 55 lbs... Date stamped 1-40 (Jan 1940)...

 

[oldldh]

The Craftsman Professional is a good "bang for the buck"...however, you will need to take it apart and clean and grease it...

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Well the CM should be here shortly. Thanks for the help.

I've never bought a vise before but bought 2 today. The one we talked about and another 3 1/2" like the current one I have. That one was a loaner from my dad. I took the work bench when I first moved out and the vise came with it. That was about 13 years ago. Its been through hell and part of the threads are stripped. It was $17.99 back in '81 when he bought it. I found another screw available through Sears but they want $72 for it...really?

So I found a NOS one on eBay with original box and paperwork in mint condition. So I'll return the loaner in better condition than I received it.

He was just talking about how beat up the one he loaned me was the other day when he came over. He's in for a surprise...

 

[EOC_Jason]

Those little craftsman vises can really take the abuse. My father was re-painting his workbench and cleaning up the garage and he let me restore his old little 3-1/2" craftsman. A little elbow grease and a new coat of paint and it it looks better than new.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

That's the same one I've had and the same one I just bought. I wish I had the time to restore the first one but it worked out better for me finding this mint one. You did a nice job on that one for sure.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

My new vise showed up today. I'm very impressed with it. It's a major upgrade over the vise I've been using for so long. The box says the jaws are replaceable. I would like to have some on hand in case I tear one up 20 years down the road. They might not be available later down the road. Where would I source a couple of extra pairs of these?

I see what yall mean about lube and clean before use. While it was lubed very well they left several large fragments from the casting process in the tube. I'll just brake clean everything and start from scratch with the grease.

Another question though, how do you remove the rear dome piece? It appears to have a small pin pressed through the housing and the dome but I can't believe that pin would survive all the force that would be applied to it. Hard to tell what else is in there with all the grease in the back of the tube.



This is the one I replaced with an exact NOS match that I found on Ebay for my dad.

 

[bobcatdan]

Yost makes a USA reverseable vise, 65,000 psi DI. $300 to 400 depending on size, 6 or 8" jaws.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Yost makes a USA reverseable vise, 65,000 psi DI. $300 to 400 depending on size, 6 or 8" jaws.

I had looked at those Yost on several different sites. They looked well made but I was trying to stay under $200.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I would try the sears parts phone #. Does the manual give you a parts diagram or part number for the jaws?

I don't know about the c-man bullet vise, but in the wilton's the pin in the back basically just keeps the threaded tube from turning. There is a lip inside that takes the force of the vise squeezing.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I would try the sears parts phone #. Does the manual give you a parts diagram or part number for the jaws?

I don't know about the c-man bullet vise, but in the wilton's the pin in the back basically just keeps the threaded tube from turning. There is a lip inside that takes the force of the vise squeezing.

Do they come with a manual? Mine didn't. It could've fallen out of the big hole in the bottom of the box though. I really wish Sears would double box the real heavy stuff.

I'll call Sears later today I guess. I know I'm gonna regret this call...

 

[kenfain]

There's a guy on e.Texas c.l.has a huge, vintage columbian .wants 9 bills for this thing. Looks like it's in good condition. Nice patina, original. 900.00$ . Really? I just don't get the whole vise thing. I bought a big Chinese thing. Now I can feel free to swing a bfh. Get the job done. At 9 bills, I'd have to be more careful. Huge vises and careful, not a good mix. But hey that's me. Whatever keeps you happy. Just thought I'd share what might be a find for someone.

 

[EOC_Jason]

There's a guy on e.Texas c.l.has a huge, vintage columbian .wants 9 bills for this thing. Looks like it's in good condition. Nice patina, original. 900.00$ . Really? I just don't get the whole vise thing. I bought a big Chinese thing. Now I can feel free to swing a bfh. Get the job done. At 9 bills, I'd have to be more careful. Huge vises and careful, not a good mix. But hey that's me. Whatever keeps you happy. Just thought I'd share what might be a find for someone.

I've seen one guy posting his POS rusted 6" columbian all over Texas for like $450 for more months than I care to count....

I did see a 5" Reed (205R) in east Texas asking $150... I can't believe that didn't sell yet....

 

[kenfain]

Yea. Couldn't be the same one. It was 12 in. But like I posted earlier, I just don't see the attraction. I mean it's only a vise. Maybe someone should explain it to me. I have to say I could certainly use another expensive obsession.

 

[1982fxr]

There's a guy on e.Texas c.l.has a huge, vintage columbian .wants 9 bills for this thing. Looks like it's in good condition. Nice patina, original. 900.00$ . Really? I just don't get the whole vise thing. I bought a big Chinese thing. Now I can feel free to swing a bfh. Get the job done. At 9 bills, I'd have to be more careful. Huge vises and careful, not a good mix. But hey that's me. Whatever keeps you happy. Just thought I'd share what might be a find for someone.

a chinese vise doesn't exactly make me feel free to swing away with a BFH. More the opposite. Injuries are not cool. Especially when there are others in the shop.....jus' sayin'

got a link to the $900 one?

 

[kenfain]

Gotta do what ya gotta do. Don't have time to be a Nancy. My tools are WORKING. Not laying around looking pretty. But if I pay more than a couple hundred for a stinking vice. That piece will be for display only. No can do on the link. I'm working from a cheap pos. Tiny phone here. But if you want to find it. It's in the Craig's list. East Texas. The guys in Tyler TX. Close to Dallas. Sorry I don't know if this thing would even do a link. Kinda like posting pictures. If that don't work for ya, and you think you might want this thing. I'd be happy to get his info. Email to ya.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Ah ha! Found it... He spelled it "Colombian vice".... *sigh*

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/grd/3841527174.html

Looks to be in very nice shape... Missing pipe jaws...

 

[kenfain]

Yep that's it. But ain't that a bit over the top on price? I know he quotes a price from grainger. And we all know they are really proud of their stuff. I know it's a huge vice. But is that price realistic? I mean you could buy a car for that price. Please tell me he's crazy.

 

[rusty65]

He's a lite crazy but that is one nice big vise and is worth quit a bit but 900 is just crazy in my mind if I needed a big vise the highest I would probably pay for that vise is 500-550.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Both Wilton & Reed still make the Columbian combination vises, up to 6" wide jaws...

I'm not really sure how big that is he's selling, I can't read the number on the side. His measurements don't correspond to any existing model so I don't think he measured right.

Let's say for the sake of argument it's the biggest they make at the 206 model.... Personally I would be more in the $400-$450 range, also would depend on shipping. One issue is it's missing its pipe jaws. You can probably buy them (From wilton or reed) or make some but it's going to cost a fair amount of money. It's in very nice condition, usually big vises get beat all to hell because of heavy use. Handle looks very straight, slide looks smooth and clean...

I'm happy with my Reed 4C though... Why would I want a lesser vise? *grin*