Anyone into collecting vises?

4Nines · Nov 23, 2016

One of my new vices is vises! I have a friend that showed me some massive vises that he had and I've been hooked since. I've been falling down the rabbit hole of old early American vises and I can't seem to get enough. Especially when it comes to big vises. And when I mean big, I'm talking like 200 lb plus vises! Does anyone else here have this same sickness or am I just crazy? :tongue3:

Here's a Reed 4C that I picked up that weighs about 250 lbs 8-)

hvacker · Nov 23, 2016

I have had a very old blacksmith vice that came from My Mother's antique store. It's the one seen in smithy's
shops where the stem for lack of a better word goes down to the floor.
I'm not going to do any restoration as it's fine as it is. But when I've seen these being used it doesn't bring
the beauty of the vice. Like anchored in car wheel rims.
So what I'm doing is starting with a truck brake rotor for it's base, a 3" schedule 40 pipe for the riser and a plate from 4" angle making the final.
I think will do this vice justice. BTW my surprise is seeing these vices on the market for several hundred $$$.
I'll try to remember to post a photo when done.

kcm · Nov 23, 2016

Howdy 4nines, don't believe I've ever had the pleasure! :hello:

As I started working in a machine shop with my Dad at 8 1/2 years old, I go nuts about any and all older tools. Spent nearly 30 years doing woodworking. Sadly, no blacksmithing. My passion is for old grinders, as well as vernier measurement tools. Just recently got a 36" vernier caliper! Needs a little cleaning but otherwise in good working order.

I don't have much for vises, but found a page that has some info on yours:
Reed Vise - Vise & Tool

Hughie · Nov 24, 2016

Question. Not looking to collect a vice but would really like to get one that the casting doesn't break trying to clamp work into it. I see them around but really don't know what fair prices are.

ARC · Nov 24, 2016

I think the biggest problem you would have with collecting vises that big would be "bench space", heh.

vpnavy · Nov 24, 2016

Would love to see a picture of all your vices! Can't imagine collecting vices - the wife got upset with me when I was collecting small antique Chatillon scales! I think I will tell her I am thinking about collecting vices - that will sure get her on a roll!

kcm · Nov 24, 2016

Hughie said:
Question. Not looking to collect a vice but would really like to get one that the casting doesn't break trying to clamp work into it. I see them around but really don't know what fair prices are.

Check this out. The thread is titled, "Everything you need to know about bench vises":
Everything you need to know about bench vises... - The Garage Journal Board

1637 · Nov 24, 2016

i have a vise for wood that weights about 150 lbs.i hate moving it a round.
brad

boogeyman · Nov 24, 2016

vpnavy said:
Would love to see a picture of all your vices! Can't imagine collecting vices - the wife got upset with me when I was collecting small antique Chatillon scales! I think I will tell her I am thinking about collecting vices - that will sure get her on a roll!

Yep I can see it now...... :laughing7:

Break out the sleeping bag and sweep out the ole dog house! :tongue3:

Mudflap · Nov 24, 2016

I think Reed up in Erie PA is still in business.

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Number9 · Nov 25, 2016

I have a very large Wilton!

Well.. Maybe not...

"Baby Bullet"

OBN · Nov 25, 2016

Number9 said:
I have a very large Wilton!

Well.. Maybe not...

"Baby Bullet"

I think you just have Big Hands..

gunsil · Nov 26, 2016

I gotta admit I have too many vices!!

Xraywolf · Nov 26, 2016

I'm am a big time tool lover and user, but vices never sparked much of an interest outside of the need to have a couple handy.

My main "vices" outside of power tools are hammers, razor knives, ratcheting fasteners and diagonal cutters [especially old Klines]

edteach · Aug 9, 2020

I picked this up at an estate sale today. I paid 10 bucks for it and its in good working order. I don't know anything about Milwaukee Hay tool but that the make pulley and trolleys for hay stacking or did. I have no idea how old or what its worth is.
https://ibb.co/gST7sqM
https://ibb.co/zhtRBXm
https://ibb.co/B4GfPd0
https://ibb.co/0fhYT2n

A2coins · Aug 9, 2020

I have alot of VICES only 2 vises

Pia · Jan 7, 2021

OK -- I hope i am at the correct place. I do collect stuff. right now I am researching a 3 headed vice. So far it appears to be an EMMERT brand and the only number on one of the castings is 103. it is a medium size vice. Obviously older than me.
It has been butchered over the years. The 1st question is how to post a picture... still not into computers.... 2 Has anyone heard of EMMERT vices? 3. I did get it apart and it is functional BUT should I try to get it back to an original condition? i.e. remove the welded base and remove the rust?. Typically, I find what I call a "toy" - then clean it up - use it in the shop for a while and then sell it. Right now I want to know more about this odd vise.