Wilton Vise

[pottsie454]

I bought a used wilton vise online. My first wilton. It's a 101157 model number. I got it for more than what most people would pay on here but it still was a good price for eBay. Ups stops at the house and I'm like a kid on Christmas! Then I spot it. A crack. . Ruined my night. How bad is it? Should I be worried? Anything I can do?

The listing number was 400525544513.

It was hard to see the crack from the listing. But here a is a better picture.

 

[bigcaddy]

I had to use the auction pics to take a look but a crack like that isn't the end of the world. That occurs when somebody gets a bit too randy with a hammer and pounds down a bit too hard on top of the jaw inserts. Its one of the more delicate parts of the vise casting so it understandably breaks. Another weak spot is where the dynamic jaw fits into the stationary jaw, right at the edge of the casting. Wiltons don't have a large support piece and they get broken often.

The damage isn't too bad and consider yourself lucky that it wasn't worse.

 

[Davefr]

The crack is pretty clear in the seller's second image when you click the full size image (which you should always do).

Is just the corner of the ledge cracked or the entire ledge? If it's just the corner it'll be just fine. If it's the entire ledge then I'd use his 14 day satisfaction guarantee.

Precision machinist vises are for holding not getting beat on.

 

[Farmall450]

Did the seller mention it?

If not & you think you over paid ask for a return.

 

[cclfn]

I bought a used wilton vise online. My first wilton. It's a 101157 model number. I got it for more than what most people would pay on here but it still was a good price for eBay. Ups stops at the house and I'm like a kid on Christmas! Then I spot it. A crack. . Ruined my night. How bad is it? Should I be worried? Anything I can do?

The listing number was 400525544513.

It was hard to see the crack from the listing. But here a is a better picture.

Pottsie,
Have you notified the seller yet? That vise, by his description was not as listed he lists it as used - fully functional - and "Jaws in good condition" I would contact him immediately and let him know you are not satisfied and if you haven't already, tell him you haven't completed the feed back as you are waiting to hear from him. It looks like he sells a lot so he may not have noticed or know anything about vises. I think you could also return it but you need to contact him first.

Good luck!

 

[Zeke]

Wiltons are cast steel as opposed to cast iron? I don't know, but either can be welded. You can't do the thing any more harm. If you can return it or get a partial refund, I'd try that first. I only posted because all is not lost.

 

[pottsie454]

I haven't contacted the seller yet but I do plan on it to see what he says... The damage is clearly visible from the pictures but I must have over looked it. It would seem to me that the seller should have mentioned it in the listing though.

To me the crack is probably isn't in the worst location. It only goes to about halfway through the ledger. I will see if I can get a better picture.

 

[cclfn]

I haven't contacted the seller yet but I do plan on it to see what he says... The damage is clearly visible from the pictures but I must have over looked it. It would seem to me that the seller should have mentioned it in the listing though.

Contact the seller you can't assume everybody is able to detect a cracked Jaw from a photo but this is right below his description of the vise with jaws in good condition.

"Buyer pays for return shipping unless I make a mistake in the item description. I am not an expert on all items I sell but do try to describe each item as completely and accurately as possible-please ask any questions and I will do my best to answer them. My goal is 100 % buyer satisfaction-if you have any issue with an item please let me know so I can make it right. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!"

I think you guys can work it out.

 

[LXCam]

^^^ so basically if you return it, your eating roughly a hundred bucks worth of shipping and he's out nothing. Myself, I'd hit him up for a discount and call it a learning experience. Hell it seems like other then that crack you are happy and that crack the way you describe it isn't going to detract from its usefulness. I say find someone to weld it, paint her up nice and call it good.

 

[Outlawmws]

Leavoing aside the Eprey issues, If it were mine, I'd get get the jaw insert out and stop drill the end of the crack, then clamp it and die grind a Vee where the crack is and braze it. Preheat the whole thing in an oven prior to brazing, and then bury it in hot sand to cool. after it cools (overnight?) pull it it and file the excess braze material out of the jaw pocket.

 

[EOC_Jason]

First, figure out what it would take to make you happy. Do you want to return it, do you want a partial refund, what?

If it was me, I would ask for a partial refund. No reason to spend all that money shipping it back. Like others said someone was just pounding downwards on it REALLY hard.

Depending on how bad the crack is, either go the brazing route, or maybe even some JB Weld can fit it up if it's not too bad. Need more pics to see how big the crack is underneath.

 

[pottsie454]

Better pics of the carnage...

Thanks for the help and suggestions...

 

[Davefr]

Send it back. That's a large chunk ready to break off. (all the way to the middle!! Not just a little corner)

Tell the seller you expect your return shipping to be reimbursed.

 

[Outlawmws]

So it's cracked on both sides? Or nearly all the way through?

 

[deltaphisig]

It's a boat anchor. Give him a chance to make it right. If he refuses, use eBay and/or PayPal buyer protection.

 

[pottsie454]

Just cracked on one side. It's hard to tell if its all the way through, I can only tell where the crack is in the exterior. But it follows the ledger all the way over to just past the middle as you can see. Underneath the static jaw you can't see any signs of the crack with the exception of what your see from the side.

I am so bumed about this. .

I've been needing a vise for a while but have been holding out for a wilton bullet.... Now I guess I'm back to holding out. It's a pain in the *** to clamp things to my bench!!

 

[rlitman]

Wiltons are cast steel as opposed to cast iron? I don't know, but either can be welded. You can't do the thing any more harm. If you can return it or get a partial refund, I'd try that first. I only posted because all is not lost.

Not true. Wiltons are nodular cast iron. That is not weldable.

 

[KMScott]

Not true. Wiltons are nodular cast iron. That is not weldable.

Is this true? That is what third members pumpkins and drive shaft yolks are made out of. This type of cast iron is very tough, I have welded it. I used Eutectic 680 tig rod and had luck. I would be real surprised if Wilton's are made from this type of steel. I do not believe the shoulder under the jaws would have cracked like it did if it was nodular iron. It would have cracked the whole way at the corner. A real weakness of Wilton's. If it was mine and I was to repair it I would channel out the crack and weld it with 680 Eutectic tig rod or use Eutectic 224. If you use brass then you are stuck with brass, can not weld over brass.

Kevin

 

[LXCam]

That's a hell of a lot more crack that how I understood your original post. Bummer!. Well if you can't get a complete refund you could also pin the jaw to the casting so your not completely relying on the bolts for shear strength.

 

[autopts]

50% of the blame you can point to yourself. The other 50% is the seller's negligence in not mentioning it. If that was my Witon listed, that crack would definitely been addressed. It would never hurt to write the seller mentioning your displeasure. If he's responsible he may give monetary relief of some sort. If its going to be your main user vise. Just use it as is. That's one area where a repair will not hold up unless you turn that jaw support into a mound of repair material, Even if it cracks off, it will work fine.

 

[pottsie454]

It is already pinned, if I understand what your saying. It has a dowel in the center of the replaceable jaw. Is this correct?

 

[LXCam]

It is already pinned, if I understand what your saying. It has a dowel in the center of the replaceable jaw. Is this correct?

Right. But I would add two more outwards and center of the screws.

 

[kc-steve]

Not true. Wiltons are nodular cast iron. That is not weldable.

It is weldable. But maybe you mean to say it will never be as good as new.
I wouldn't attempt it but I don't weld cast iron for a living either. There are people (specialists) who weld cracks in the old cast iron cylinder heads for a living. But I still wouldn't trust it with a vise.

Steve

 

[Canoe50]

I haven't contacted the seller yet but I do plan on it to see what he says... The damage is clearly visible from the pictures but I must have over looked it. It would seem to me that the seller should have mentioned it in the listing though.

Contact the seller you can't assume everybody is able to detect a cracked Jaw from a photo but this is right below his description of the vise with jaws in good condition.

"Buyer pays for return shipping unless I make a mistake in the item description. I am not an expert on all items I sell but do try to describe each item as completely and accurately as possible-please ask any questions and I will do my best to answer them. My goal is 100 % buyer satisfaction-if you have any issue with an item please let me know so I can make it right. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!"

I think you guys can work it out.

This. "Buyer pays for return shipping unless I make a mistake". The seller never mentioned the crack, (which he definitely should have) therefore the mistake was clearly his and the return shipping charge is on him. You're obviously not happy with it....send it back on his dime.

 

[Canoe50]

50% of the blame you can point to yourself. The other 50% is the seller's negligence in not mentioning it. If that was my Witon listed, that crack would definitely been addressed. It would never hurt to write the seller mentioning your displeasure. If he's responsible he may give monetary relief of some sort. If its going to be your main user vise. Just use it as is. That's one area where a repair will not hold up unless you turn that jaw support into a mound of repair material, Even if it cracks off, it will work fine.

Sorry, I disagree. 100% of the blame goes on the seller for not mentioning that crack. It definitely should have been included in the description.

 

[pottsie454]

I agree with both of you.. Its definatly my negligence of not paying more attention to the pictures. Unfortunatly with the lighting and the already chipping paint it was hard to spot until you exaimed it. But, I also agree with you Canoe, he should have mentioned the crack. It is painfully obvious in person.

I contacted the seller last night and politley asked him to what agreement we could work out. Personally, I would rather not send it back... If nothing else it will be nice garage art... but to use it, you will have to be delicate with it. Hopefully he agrees to knock some cash off the purchase price so that it reflects art, not a useable vise. What would you guys consider a fair price for its condition?

I will keep you posted on what he returns with, ebay says he is on vacation until Friday... So it might be a couple days before I get back with you.

 

[Davefr]

It's your choice, but I wouldn't want it at any discounted price. If I were in your shoes I'd return it and insist the buyer pay return shipping. (It looks like shipping was only $18 - large flat rate box???)

Finding another 4" Wilton won't be too tough.

 

[rlitman]

It is weldable. But maybe you mean to say it will never be as good as new.
I wouldn't attempt it but I don't weld cast iron for a living either. There are people (specialists) who weld cracks in the old cast iron cylinder heads for a living. But I still wouldn't trust it with a vise.

Steve

Cast iron cylinder heads are not nodular iron. You've got as good a shot with JB Weld on a Wilton vise as you do with any real welding or brazing process.

 

[pottsie454]

Just got an email back from the seller. He is away until Saturday but will be getting back to me then. He said he would be happy to work something out.

Now I just gotta decide what I want to do. Send it back or get a discount.

I see I've already got Dave's opinion.

Thanks again for the conversation. This thread has made it a little easier to swallow.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Just got an email back from the seller. He is away until Saturday but will be getting back to me then. He said he would be happy to work something out.

Now I just gotta decide what I want to do. Send it back or get a discount.

I see I've already got Dave's opinion.

Thanks again for the conversation. This thread has made it a little easier to swallow.

If he's willing to refund say at least 50%, I'd probably do that and see how long it lasts with a cheap JB Weld repair. It's then about the same price as a Harbor Freight Vise.

Anything less than that though, and I would ask for a refund, even if I had to eat shipping with a flat rate box.

Maybe it was an honest mistake, but I doubt it. It should have been mentioned.

 

[autopts]

If he's willing to refund say at least 50%, I'd probably do that and see how long it lasts with a cheap JB Weld repair. It's then about the same price as a Harbor Freight Vise.

Anything less than that though, and I would ask for a refund, even if I had to eat shipping with a flat rate box.

Maybe it was an honest mistake, but I doubt it. It should have been mentioned.

Unfortunately that vise will not fit a large FRB. If you want to send it back, contact Ebay and see if you can send it back thru them. Ebay gives us a cheaperl rate on freight. Maybe you can even use the same box it came in.

 

[Zeke]

Wiltons are cast steel as opposed to cast iron? I don't know, but either can be welded. You can't do the thing any more harm. If you can return it or get a partial refund, I'd try that first. I only posted because all is not lost.

Not true. Wiltons are nodular cast iron. That is not weldable.

I was asking, not saying. I would still try to get the price adjusted and try to use the vise. Most of my vise clamping isn't all that tight. Now and then I bear down, but I have a few to choose from.

 

[grimreaperc4]

A 4" wilton will fit in two Flat rate boxes ...... if it does not have the swivel. I believe it cost me $30 or so to ship my last one. Take the ACME screw out put it in one box, it will be a little bulged out put the dynamic jaw back in the static jaw and place it in the large flat rate.

Anyways, what i would do is. Ask for $50 to $70 back. V the crack out, get your heating torch out, heat it up hot as hell, get flux core mig wire turn it up as hot as you can and melt some steel in there..........it will weld trust me i have welded on two Wilton vises one a 70's model and one a 2000 model. They will weld and it will be strong enough as all of your load should be in compression (if using it correctly) and your vertical load should be taken by the center pin and two bolts as long as you don't beat on it like the last gorilla did.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[autopts]

A 4" wilton will fit in two Flat rate boxes ...... if it does not have the swivel. I believe it cost me $30 or so to ship my last one. Take the ACME screw out put it in one box, it will be a little bulged out put the dynamic jaw back in the static jaw and place it in the large flat rate.


Question, How do you fit a 16" spindle handle in a 12" x 12" X 5 1/2" Large USPS FLB? Do they make a bigger box I'm not aware of? Besides that, the base of that vise is 8" wide. Even if you lay the body sideways, you won't be able to close the box. Am I missing something?
Peace Out!

 

[grimreaperc4]

A 4" wilton will fit in two Flat rate boxes ...... if it does not have the swivel. I believe it cost me $30 or so to ship my last one. Take the ACME screw out put it in one box, it will be a little bulged out put the dynamic jaw back in the static jaw and place it in the large flat rate.


Question, How do you fit a 16" spindle handle in a 12" x 12" X 5 1/2" Large USPS FLB? Do they make a bigger box I'm not aware of? Besides that, the base of that vise is 8" wide. Even if you lay the body sideways, you won't be able to close the box. Am I missing something?
Peace Out!

Put her in there crooked......how long is the ACME thread....Actually i forget how i got her in there but i will find the pictures of the boxes made up tomorrow and send them to you.........or we can make a wager....just so happen i have a 4" wilton sitting in my garage. I will try and get boxes tomorrow i will cut them open so you all can see and i will place the 4" wilton in the flat rate boxes......

If i can get it to fit then i win 20,000 Git-R-Done point if i don't i win 100,000 loser points. I really should stop drinking tonight. Actually i will wager a $20 on it if you want, I know it fits.

 

[autopts]

Remember. he's got a current 400N 16" long. I'm dying to see your photos.. LOL!!!


Well, your right. It does fit in a LFR box.

 

[grimreaperc4]

LMAO...... Not one flat rate box two boxes, The big square one for the body and the shallow one for the screw. I found the pic but just can't upload them from my phone

 

[autopts]

Naw! That's just the spindle in that box? Maybe yours was a 1st generation 1940's Wilton. They were smaller. But! I gotter done!!

 

[Outlawmws]

Cast iron cylinder heads are not nodular iron. You've got as good a shot with JB Weld on a Wilton vise as you do with any real welding or brazing process.

Where do you get that nodular cast iron is not weldable?

Sure it won't be the same as before it was welded, but it IS weldable.

 

[Outlawmws]

autopts, I have received items that were like that, on receipt. I don't think they started the trip like that, but they completed it JUST like that! (One was a compound bow... I have no clue how it got here without losing a limb, or at least some parts broke inside the "packaging")