Show us your bench vice(s)

[rtbcomp]

Not strictly bench vices, but there's a small machine vice that I've had for about 50 years and a hand-held engineer's vice.

 

[rtbcomp]

Is that a cryptic clue? Just been scanning the page trying to figure which is picture 1.

@Arc Tourist has deleted his post

 

[Arc Tourist]

Sorry, having issues with my computer. Photos posted, but message didn't, will try again later.

 

[Arc Tourist]

Not exactly a bench vice, but a vice that will definitely reside on my bench is this vintage Millers Falls Hand Vise. The nickel plating is a little worn, but the parallel jaws meet perfectly and there is no slop, wobble, or backlash in its operation. A nice feature is that the handle can be mounted at a 90*angle if desired. This will be a very useful tool for grinding or working on small items. There was a set of accessories in the hollow handle, not really needed but handy I guess if you like Swiss Army Knifes or multi tools and such. The other hand vice on the left was my old standby.

 

[Arc Tourist]

I was looking for a couple of things in storage today and came across this. Its a Stanley craftsman vise my Dad used back in the 1960s; one of the tools he used on his portable carpenter's bench. It has fibre non marring jaws. I painted it for him before he passed away; guess that's why I favour green as the color for most of my tools.

 

[winchman]

Just back from the 1000 engine rally bought a York 900 swivel base vice as you can never have too many.
Any one know anything about them?

 

[MattF]

You mean a 90? Czech company. Founder of Wilton in USA worked for them, then emigrated, founded Wilton, hence the styling similarities.

 

[winchman]

You mean a 90? Czech company. Founder of Wilton in USA worked for them, then emigrated, founded Wilton, hence the styling similarities.

Yes its deffo a York must say 90 will take a photo tomorrow

 

[winchman]

Yes its deffo a York must say 90 will take a photo tomorrow

Its a 100, forgot to take a photo, should I keep this and sell my Record?( 3 " non quick release like new)

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Got today, car boot. £0.50.

 

[MattF]

Its a 100, forgot to take a photo, should I keep this and sell my Record?( 3 " non quick release like new)

Only you can decide that. I'd personally keep both.

 

[Arc Tourist]

Got today, car boot. £0.50.

View attachment 144797

You lucky so & so !!!!! That looks like a Starrett.

 

[winchman]

Only you can decide that. I'd personally keep both.

l thought you would say that! For what its worth I would be better keeping it as I like it

 

[Dieselman 63]

l thought you would say that! For what its worth I would be better keeping it as I like it

I always think of it as ‘could there be a point in the future when I might need this’ and try to be as harsh as possible. I replaced and sold my 34P for the big Woden qr - I’m unlikely to need a plain screw vice once I get the Woden rebuilt. On the other hand, my Record 643 machine vice is nearing completion, replacing the tiny Record 412. I will be keeping the latter however, as although completely outclassed by the new one it is very useful for holding small parts whilst painting.

 

[UncleAl]

Hi All,

I can across this thread a while ago when looking for a vice recommendation when a small Chinese vice exploded and a part of it gashed me in the forehead.
I was surprised to fine Record is no longer made in Sheffield and saddened to find the forge was shipped out years ago.
Anyway with the help of this thread I was determined to own a portion of English engineering especially when my Dad worked as an engineer there some 50 years ago.
I came across found a guy shutting down his garage and I managed to bag a bargain with a Record 83 and 84 and a Fortis 10 and 12 both these last 2 with anvil. all for £40
All are Q/R and all are marked as Steel.
The 83 is in very good order but had a worn half nut, where it would pop a thread when tightening.
This was the first I repaired returning it to fully working order.
The 84 needed a strip down a good scrape and a de-grease, This is now in working order, just needs the handle straightening now to finish off.
Previously I bought a pot of Record blue enamel but on reflection am not sure painting both the Records is the right thing to do as I don't want to cover all the history they show
The Fortis 10 is without a handle and the jaws are so worn the bolt is showing through the metal (bolted from the back) so this will need most attention.
The Fortis 12 is a right beast and will need either the jaws jaws grinding flat or new ones making.
Things I have found out.
Both Fortis vices seem to have be manufactured in a dark tractor green. can anyone confirm if this was a standard Fortis colour?
The half nut on a quick release vice can be repaired easily
Contrary to other info I have seen on this site my copy of the 1950 Record 16 Catalogue still has the 84 listed as all steel unbreakable (not iron)
but it doesn't have the 83 listed on there.
There are various styles of Fortis vices of different ages, some more block shaped, some curvier, some with flat nose lead screw , some with Acorn style nose, some with and without anvil but I cant find anything as yet to determine what age each are.

 

[Seadog]

Welcome to the forum. You'll find many vice addicts here. @CwazyWabbit seems to be the chap with the most knowledge. This link may be of help - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9iwuyy1vzrwvszs/AAApmsWFvTmKRWUj53V7eiwla?dl=0

 

[winchman]

York V Record
Well used the record today its No2 with 3" jaws and I paid about £15 brand new, so if the york stays I will have to find another home for it as its a bit big for the bench the Record is on and the big Fortis I have is coming to the grave its rough and ready just like me but I love it, just wish I hadn't painted it.

Hello to Uncleal, can we have some photos?

 

[Arc Tourist]

Hello Uncle Al, welcome from a, paint it green, Vice-aholic.

 

[MattF]

Hello to Uncleal, can we have some photos?

Says the bloke who's posted none yet either.

 

[winchman]

Says the bloke who's posted none yet either.

Apologies
Whats the pin thing for in the last pic?