S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
0 members (),
303
guests, and
5
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums10
Topics38,522
Posts545,769
Members14,419
|
Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,468 Likes: 207
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,468 Likes: 207 |
I don't have a dog in this fight, but did notice a YouTube Video that shows a large number of vintage vises ( and other tools) in a collection located in Dallas Tx. If anyone is interested it is found in YouTubeAbom79, SNS282: Blacksmith Tools Shop Day. Abom 79 is Adam Booth from Pensacola Fla. There are a great number of different vises of various sizes in the very interesting collection. Mike
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 404 Likes: 29
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 404 Likes: 29 |
That's an incredible collection... I kept thinking, 'well, now we know where all the old tools went.' For those interested, the vises and anvils start around minute 18. Click here to start at that point: https://youtu.be/bI11wqTUKls?t=1080
Jim
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 476 Likes: 69
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 476 Likes: 69 |
My main vise is a vintage Rock Island No.52. 4.5 jaws with 9 opening, swivel base, and swiveling rear jaw.
Not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but "Stephen and Son" uses a setup a lot like your throne-horse for stock work. I got the concept from my gunsmithing school days.
A.M. Little Bespoke Gunmakers LLC. Mineola, TX Michael08TDK@yahoo.com 682-554-0044
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 404 Likes: 29
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 404 Likes: 29 |
Those are all imported. The 304n doesn't say specifically but it's been discontinued and replaced by the 704n, from Reed: "Mid-line vises are imported." And the red 'utility' vises, carrying the 2c number, are imported as well. See the highlighted text in the screenshot: So the choices really are a $1000+ Wilton, a $600+ Morgan, or a used vise. It's entirely a matter of opinion, but I would choose to go with the vintage piece.
Last edited by Woodreaux; 11/19/19 04:08 PM.
Jim
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,767 Likes: 757
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,767 Likes: 757 |
Whoever answers the email at Shields thinks they have US built 304s in stock. That ship may have sailed, but, it was recent if it did.
The vintage piece has its own look, but, there is a little more than just opinion to consider. The newer Morgan and the Wilton are built of ductile iron. It is far less fragile than vintage iron.
I have looked at lots of cracked vintage vises this week at various online spots, after following this post.The internet wasnt really a thing when I bought my new vise in 1993, but, my conclusion then, is the same, now.
New, is better.
Best, Ted
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
Especially when you never use it... Your brAin is denser that ductile iron....old or new. Teddy why you go so psycho about a vise ? All a vise can do is hold something.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
I have looked at lots of cracked vintage vises this week at various online spots, after following this post.
Best, Ted
lOts my arse. Well share with us Ted....I think you're full of it. Haaaa...
Last edited by HomelessjOe; 11/19/19 05:03 PM. Reason: I'm betting the Only crAx is in yer head
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 277 Likes: 5
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 277 Likes: 5 |
Ehhh.. .Im gonna disagree with you on the newer is better. My vises range from 60 100+ years old, and they still do the job they were designed to do. My suspicion is that quality American vises made prior to WWII were cast steel as opposed to cast iron; Ive seen several that were welded on, where the welds did not show the porosity normally associated with welded cast iron.
Like vintage guns, there is a different feel when using vintage tools. Most of my tools are pre WWII, in addition to vises, I also have a soft spot for cast iron levels, (Google vintage Davis Levels) some are beautiful works of art, and after 100 years still as accurate as any level I can buy from HD or Lowes. And , all have a feel that you dont get with modern day tools. I suspect that vintage vise manufacturers quest for quality was their downfall... They built vises to last, and they did, all my vises have outlived their original owners.
Last edited by Mike Hunter; 11/19/19 05:47 PM.
|
|
|
|
|