Wilton Woodworking Vise - Help Needed

[straightcut]

So, I bought this woodworking vise without testing it and assumed it worked. Next, I took the rear plate (drag bar) off as it wasn't held captive with a washer and cotter key in an effort to clean and grease the acme main screw and guide rods. Upon re-installing the rear plate, I wound the vise open where it became stuck. It appears that it matters that you install the plate exactly as it came off (eg. there's a slight difference in the location of the three holes). I could neither close or open the vise AND the rear plate was jammed in place. Finally, I was able to get the vise jaws closed, then remove the rear plate, flip it and re-install it. At this time, I also found a washer that I had on hand and installed it with a cotter key.

Now, the vise opens and closes, but won't tighten! I'm not sure how the mechanism works to know why it won't tighten on an item. As an aside, I found the date stamp and by pure coincidence, it was made during my birth year and month! Now, I have to get this thing working!

I've included a few pictures that will hopefully reveal the problem. Thanks for any help on this one.

 

[exmaxima1]

That little slug with the shoulder on it is supposed to apply friction to the screw and engage the nut. It looks like it is worn and not gripping the threads.

It would be very easy to make a new one on a lathe (I used bronze on the last one I made), but you can get some new life by slipping a washer in the hole and putting the slug on top of it. You could try something soft like copper or brass, or even a hard plastic would work. Good luck.

BTW, I also think you have the nut in backwards (see pic below)

 

[straightcut]

Exmaxima, thank you for the advice! I didn't see the last tip that my nut is on backwards. I purchased a brass washer, filed it to size and dropped it in with the slug on top of it, but it did not produce the desired results. That's when I saw your suggestion to turn the nut around.

I'll give that a try and report back!

 

[straightcut]

Exmaxima, thank you for the pointer regarding the direction of the nut! I got that turned around and re-installed correctly and it now works perfectly!

Without your kind help, I would've been scratching my head for who knows how long.

 

[exmaxima1]

Congrats on getting it all back together and working again

 

[jimreed2160]

Glad to see you got the vise back on track. Now we want to see some pictures of shavings.

 

[straightcut]

HaHa! Hold please!

Let me see what I can do about that.