[Antique] Great Old Vise That Will Replace The Existing Cheap And Weak Vise

[Micke S]

I got a nice vise from a friend today. It is in great condition but needed a make-up before replacing the one I use now. The remaining grinding marks on jaw tops will be filled with JB Weld for a less annoying appearance. It is a work-horse though and not for show.

 

[T Bredehoft]

I think I'd leave the scars, they are reminders of work done by the vice, just not by you.

 

[Micke S]

Yes why not. The jaws are in a lot better condition than they are on my probably 40 years younger China vise (cast iron).

It seem to be an old drop forged Peddinghaus vise. They are common for professional plumbers among others. A friend told me today he has two of them, since 50 years. I see it as a bargain, I paid 50 dollars for two of these. One was given to a friend.

 

[A618fan2]

Wow, that scrubbed up nice! Makes me want to clean up a couple of mine.

 

[Micke S]

Wow, that scrubbed up nice! Makes me want to clean up a couple of mine.

Thank you ! It looks okay and there is no rust anymore.

But giving it a second though I realize it may be a lot better just to clean and fix possible defects on old machines. The feeling and look of vintage products are lost for ever when you start to grind and paint and the original look is often very beautiful, including wear and tear.. Luckily this is not a very rare part. I have a couple of old machines , lathes, mills etc. It has been obvious to not repaint any of them since they are beautiful, so this was more of a mistake as I see it.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Micke,
That's a great looking restoration. Be very careful. Vise restoration is a very addictive vice.
BTW: My restorations generally preserve the small nicks & dings. I believe that it's part of the vise's character.

 

[Micke S]

I take this as a learning by mistakes renovation . Paint layout is not correct etc. But it feels great to maneuver and will serve fine in the garage.

You are absolutely right Mark. It would be difficult to reject another old vise on e.g. a flee market when you know what a real vise is compared to low price new cast iron items.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Micke,
Check out "Vises of garage journal" if you would like over 1927 pages of vice porn. There's a lot of good information about history, restoration, and overall use.
Nothing better than using a vintage vise. The feel, quality and style is second to none.

 

[Micke S]

Thank you Mark for telling about the "Vises of garage journal". I've started to look and fully understand why you warned for instant addiction !
It is a lot to see and a lot to learn, and I'll go thru every page.

 

[Micke S]

Micke,
Check out "Vises of garage journal" if you would like over 1927 pages of vice porn. There's a lot of good information about history, restoration, and overall use.
Nothing better than using a vintage vise. The feel, quality and style is second to none.

Today I went and fetched an old Bacho lathe and the guy also had this beautiful 6" Boley vise. Unfortunately it was not for sale now but maybe later...