- Thread starter MattF
- Start date
Hello from Canada,
I've been researching the history of Canadian vise manufacturers. Look for my same username on Garage Journal if you have an interest. I'm here because some trails lead to the UK.
In this case: a Clark Machine Perfect No 1. Weight 6.5 lbs., 3-1/4" jaw width, 2-1/4" jaw opening, 7-3/4" length, 3-3/4" high, and 4" wide at the base. Clark used "Perfect" as a brand on larger bench vises as well as power hacksaws. No written reference to the No. 1 has turned up so far.
Clark Machine Perfect No1 with decal. The right side has no markings.
Apart from the decal, and missing the text "PERF" on the lower front left side, it seems to be a close match to what sellers are calling a Parkinson's Perfect No. 1. I've seen pictures of three examples in Canada, but haven't found the model in any Parkinson's catalog on this site or elsewhere.
One example of the claimed Parkinson's Perfect No. 1. Notice the groove the dynamic jaw slides in does not extend as far forward as on the Clark, leaving room for the "Perf" text.
Another variation was made in Japan, according to the seller, but nothing in the photos indicated that.
The groove for the sliding jaw again stops sooner than on the Clark model, but the "PERF" text is absent.
It seems possible that people assume Parkinson made the middle version because its "Perfect" line of vises is much better known than Clark's.
Is there any evidence that Parkinson's ever made a vise like this?
I've been researching the history of Canadian vise manufacturers. Look for my same username on Garage Journal if you have an interest. I'm here because some trails lead to the UK.
In this case: a Clark Machine Perfect No 1. Weight 6.5 lbs., 3-1/4" jaw width, 2-1/4" jaw opening, 7-3/4" length, 3-3/4" high, and 4" wide at the base. Clark used "Perfect" as a brand on larger bench vises as well as power hacksaws. No written reference to the No. 1 has turned up so far.
Clark Machine Perfect No1 with decal. The right side has no markings.
Apart from the decal, and missing the text "PERF" on the lower front left side, it seems to be a close match to what sellers are calling a Parkinson's Perfect No. 1. I've seen pictures of three examples in Canada, but haven't found the model in any Parkinson's catalog on this site or elsewhere.
One example of the claimed Parkinson's Perfect No. 1. Notice the groove the dynamic jaw slides in does not extend as far forward as on the Clark, leaving room for the "Perf" text.
Another variation was made in Japan, according to the seller, but nothing in the photos indicated that.
The groove for the sliding jaw again stops sooner than on the Clark model, but the "PERF" text is absent.
It seems possible that people assume Parkinson made the middle version because its "Perfect" line of vises is much better known than Clark's.
Is there any evidence that Parkinson's ever made a vise like this?
dieselsamurai
Too many projects not enough time!
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Neighbour gave me this not sure if i should bolt it to the bench or not ....
dannysheff
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glue it to a breezeblock?
dannysheff
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pretty sure no relation to J Parkinson's and Sons of Shipley Yorkshire - they used the Perfect brand for their quick release vices from 1880 or so until they closed in about 1980
dannysheff
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Yes - Woden seems to have tried out several variants of this (which they patented) but each time reverted to the Parky type QR
Arc Tourist
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Hello, and welcome to the forum.; and vice-a-holics thread.
Thanks guys
The above was my first post here but I've found some good info on the site before. Only made it about half-way through this thread so far!
Interesting thing! Clamps onto a pipe so perhaps that's a clue
CwazyWabbit
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What diameter is the pipe hole?
The_Yellow_Ardvark
https://www.death-clock.org/
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The closest I have seen was in the late 70's when they built a housing estate.
They were clamped onto Gas Board pipe bender.
not sure of diameter, its for sale, wants alot for it, looks very well made but cant see what i could use it for
www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/antiques-collectables/tools/listing/4755894672?bof=9mStBFJg
www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/antiques-collectables/tools/listing/4755894672?bof=9mStBFJg
i have several of their anti clockwise release, very easy to use!!
CwazyWabbit
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Especially as it's only 6 inches long, the hole looks to be less than an inch in diameter. It looks to be a well made vice, note the jaw facings are keyed into the jaw, seems unusual for a two inch jaw width.
Arc Tourist
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Could it be a convenience accessory that can be attached on an older type of single arm watch makers lathe ?
SteveB58
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Reasonable assumption, but might the vice be a little heavy for such a small lathe?
Arc Tourist
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Although needing a coin or something next to it in the photo for scale, the shape and ball end of the clamp lever appears the same as on the watch makers lathes that I've seen. In the photo above, I noticed there appears to be a part number on the side of the vice, " 87A ", which may give a clue in tracking it down ? I wouldn't think weight would be an issue for an apparently tiny vice, or the potential size of the workpiece it would hold ? Its definitely an interesting vice.
Edit: Just for giggles and sh1ts, I wouldn't mind having one attached next to the phone mount on my bike. An over the top addition to a comprehensive tool kit.
