- Thread starter MattF
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CwazyWabbit
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Thanks for the pictures, love seeing how the unusual vices work 
dannysheff
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And now for something (else) completely different ---- dumtidumtidumtida----
Light alloy vices - ie aluminium alloy (density under 3g/cc) and zinc (density over 7, so not that light - iron and teel alloys 8-9) (also fyi titanium over 4.5 and magnesium under 2).
Generally not to my taste, (and painted orange - euw) but this one's a bit diff: a sand cast aluminium vice with grooved jaws like a DOHM or a Nipper machine vice , one even rotating -- called JAB and patented 1067-163, made in England, jaws 2 3/4 plus a rotating 3/4 = 3 1/2in, weight 2 3/4 lbs. The only reference I could find to JAB was a vice jaw to fit onto regular vice and maybe a kind of hose fitting for automotive? Anyone know more.
Very interesting, but I'd rather Ranger's find as above, any day.
Behind it you'll see three other light alloy vices: how did I finish up with these - much prefer cast iron lumps?
Light alloy vices - ie aluminium alloy (density under 3g/cc) and zinc (density over 7, so not that light - iron and teel alloys 8-9) (also fyi titanium over 4.5 and magnesium under 2).
Generally not to my taste, (and painted orange - euw) but this one's a bit diff: a sand cast aluminium vice with grooved jaws like a DOHM or a Nipper machine vice , one even rotating -- called JAB and patented 1067-163, made in England, jaws 2 3/4 plus a rotating 3/4 = 3 1/2in, weight 2 3/4 lbs. The only reference I could find to JAB was a vice jaw to fit onto regular vice and maybe a kind of hose fitting for automotive? Anyone know more.
Very interesting, but I'd rather Ranger's find as above, any day.
Behind it you'll see three other light alloy vices: how did I finish up with these - much prefer cast iron lumps?
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dannysheff
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The other three vices ---
the Dicas Slough is a rather rough diecast zinc alloy with steel screw and jaws. (I remember from a while back at least two diecasting firms in the giant Slough Industrial Estate) - I've seen these around.
the one at the back is a high quality high pressure diecast zinc alloy vice (pretty sure HPDC from the parting lines as well as material), solid, also with a well fitted and machined screw and jaws of steel - I was told ex-navy (?? maybe less magnetic?, not much weight saving)
the final one is prob an apprentice piece - nicely machined from solid billet of aluminium alloy.
fyi diecasting makes use of the much lower melting points of these alloys (5-700C) than steel (1000++) so you can make a permanent steel die to cast many light alloy parts - But usually v pricey to make the die.
the Dicas Slough is a rather rough diecast zinc alloy with steel screw and jaws. (I remember from a while back at least two diecasting firms in the giant Slough Industrial Estate) - I've seen these around.
the one at the back is a high quality high pressure diecast zinc alloy vice (pretty sure HPDC from the parting lines as well as material), solid, also with a well fitted and machined screw and jaws of steel - I was told ex-navy (?? maybe less magnetic?, not much weight saving)
the final one is prob an apprentice piece - nicely machined from solid billet of aluminium alloy.
fyi diecasting makes use of the much lower melting points of these alloys (5-700C) than steel (1000++) so you can make a permanent steel die to cast many light alloy parts - But usually v pricey to make the die.
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SteveB58
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Ahh wonderful Slough. I did my very first teaching practice there. The place is, was, dominated by the smell from the Mars factory. What made Slough even more memorable for me is midway through my placement I got an early morning phone call telling me the roof had blown off the school, and not to bother coming in.
Re your possible ex navy vice. Can't say I ever saw anything like it of any ship I worked on - and I must have worked on 30 -40 over the years. When working on minesweepers/hunters, there were rather strict rules about magnetic tools and we were issued with a stainless steel tool kit, but as for the vices I don't remember.
dannysheff
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Yes Mars one side and Brylcreem the other, with about a thousand businesses in between - mostly trading, but quite a bit of manufacturing, mostly small to medium - said at one time to be biggest such estate in Europe.
Wasn't convinced by navy story, but a well made vice - why zinc alloy, I don't know.
dannysheff
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Sorry about the diversion -- what are people thinking about this fascinating vice? looks like a prototype (rough around the edges)? certainly looks related to Syers and Entwistle with their separate patents of 1877, but a third mechanism - I'd be surprised if we ever see another one the same but someone may find a patent or published info?
SteveB58
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Indeed it is. It had been an estate for immigrants. Firstly predominantly Welsh, or so I was told, these were then replaced by Asians displeased from Uganda, who then moved on .Each setting up shops and businesses. Mind you, not surprised that they left, Slough is horrible. As Betjeman once said, "Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough".
SteveB58
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While the Asians may have been displeased, they were displaced from Uganda.
What's the model number of your Columbian, looks like a fine vice in very good order, I've never understood how the swiveling rear jaw can actually hold triangular shaped objects though
dannysheff
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Parkinson offered the same style of swivelling jaw, but it's pretty rare.
Like the ad referred to, I was lucky enough to spot an American swiveller under thick paint - Charles Parker 270 with 3 1/14in jaws (also swivel base) - lucky the thick paint had stopped it rusting too much and seizing up, which is often the case with these. I may clean it up a bit more and sell, as I'm more interested in British vices, but Parker was listed in many UK catalogues, especially pre WW1. They were also pioneers in cast iron vises - I think they had patents back to 1854.
Arc Tourist
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Its a 403 1/2
Not sure about triangular, but acute angular shapes can be held quite well.
dannysheff
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I'm more interested in Ranger's vice above, but there's a v fine self-made vice on garagejournal just now - hope Callum won't mind me showing it -
The_Yellow_Ardvark
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A tidy littler vice walked into my life today.
That looks old
angellonewolf
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they might list it for that price but does it sell? plenty of stuff on ebay that dont sell ecause its to high priced
SteveB58
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Taken off? More like crash landed.
