Show us your bench vice(s)

[dannysheff]

Right gradely, but where's thy compost?

just for you, S58 --

2 of the heaps - second with self portrait as worz

((vices close by, but not in frame))

 

[SteveB58]

just for you, S58 -- View attachment 416247View attachment 416248

2 of the heaps - second with self portrait as worz

((vices close by, but not in frame))

Champion. Going to have to dig some of mine in soon, running out of space.

 

[SteveB58]

Can any of the vice gurus answer this one?
I’ve got a Record 23 as my main vice and the jaws are taking a bit of punishment as most jaws do.
My question is - Why are the mounting screws offset towards the base of the vice, is there an engineering reason for this?
If the screws were set in the middle then when the top of the jaws were sufficiently punished they could to turned over to reveal a fresh surface to pound on.
This offset means that to get nice sharp edges on the top surface, I would need to get a new set of jaws.

Isn't the 23 a fitters vice, so not really designed for heavy hitting?

 

[Arc Tourist]

Interesting video of a old fortress where there is a collection of numerous huge old blacksmith and other vices, and over 400 different anvils.

 

[6ply]

Anyone recognise this lump of rust?

 

[Dcal]

Swindens, much sought after and very restorable.

 

[Richiew]

Been magnet fishing again?

 

[6ply]

Been magnet fishing again?

You'd need a strong magnet

 

[MattF]

One you've acquired?

 

[6ply]

One you've acquired?

Me? Yes. Doing it up for myself. Also got another record 32 for the kids as they are showing interest in metal work. The record will be an outside vice as I don't like the kids being in my workshop.

Progress so far...

 

[Richiew]

Looking better already.

 

[6ply]

Looking better already.

Next job will be too get those jaws apart. The ram appears to be seized but if I can get it to budge just a little...

 

[Richiew]

I think @Screwdriver has done a few of these. Maybe he has some advice for you?

 

[jack-daniels]

@doubleboost Swindon vice

 

[6ply]

@doubleboost Swindon vice

Similar but different. Mine doesn't have that screw in end cap. But it has the same rust.

 

[MattF]

Next job will be too get those jaws apart. The ram appears to be seized but if I can get it to budge just a little...

Stand it on end & put some oil, paraffin, or anything else similar, on there to work its way between the parts, & leave overnight. It shouldn't take much to free them.

 

[6ply]

Stand it on end & put some oil, paraffin, or anything else similar, on there to work its way between the parts, & leave overnight. It shouldn't take much to free them.

Already done. Heated too. I suspect it will need pressing out but I'll try this way first.

 

[SteveB58]

Already done. Heated too. I suspect it will need pressing out but I'll try this way first.

View attachment 417508

Diesel is the best penetrating oil I've found, give it time and a little persuasion. What sort of finish are you looking for, all sparkling and painted, or get it working, greased and a whip with an oily rag ?

 

[6ply]

Diesel is the best penetrating oil I've found, give it time and a little persuasion. What sort of finish are you looking for, all sparkling and painted, or get it working, greased and a whip with an oily rag ?

I'll clean it, make new jaws, fix anything missing or broken, paint with my favourite shade of Lidl grey, then use it. It's not a showpiece.

Soaked overnight in a mix of paraffin and oil. Still locked solid. I'll apply again but I really do think it needs to go in a hydraulic press.

 

[SteveB58]

I'll clean it, make new jaws, fix anything missing or broken, paint with my favourite shade of Lidl grey, then use it. It's not a showpiece.

Soaked overnight in a mix of paraffin and oil. Still locked solid. I'll apply again but I really do think it needs to go in a hydraulic press.

No wish to teach my grandmother etc, but overnight is nothing. If you've access to a press all well and good, but I'd give it a while yet with a daily tap or two to shake things up. One of the most effective things I ever used when removing seized stabilisers or rudders was liquid nitrogen, that was better than Exlax for shifting things.