First Post Vise

T

The Gopher

Joined
Mar 4, 2011
Messages
176
I'm slowly starting to gather some tools and while visiting my grandma last weekend I was surprised to find a post vise in one of their garages. My lovely grandma was more than happy to help me on my journey, especially when she didn't even know what it was, other than a place to hang some extension cords. It is a 4" vise, I couldn't find any markings and the spring is missing but the price was certainly right. Is there a place to get a spring, or is this something that can be made?

 
Almost any spring configuration will work. You can even use a compression spring. Make a bow shaped one from 5160 or 1084 if you want it like the original set-up.

You should take a plate of 1/4" steel and weld a large washer or bolt on it for the foot to sit on. The plate should go back and be bolted to the 2X4 on the wall.
 
thanks for the tips Stacy, this isn't my setup yet, this is a picture when it was at grandma's. Along with the missing spring it looks like the bracket was repaired as well, seems strong enough, but I might have to use an alternate spring like a compression spring. thanks again!
 
To fit a compression spring, make a long "U" clip from 1/2" wide 20 gauge sheet metal. Put the spring between the legs and put the clip around the outer leg, through the spring, and around the back leg. Open the jaws full open and bend the clip around the back leg just above the mounting brace.

Most good hardware stores, like True Value and Taylor's have a cabinet of big compression springs. Length should be the space between the legs of the full open vise at the mounting brace plus and inch. If needed to get the right length, you can use two springs together.
 
Nice find !
Without a makers name, No telling where it came from. They were almost a generic commodity item back in the day.
I dont think its really old, based on clues of construction & whats visible on a superphone. Its still in 100+ range.

Too bad its bench mounts been buggered. Nothing it cant be easily be dealt with. However, may prove it anoying to fit to a different bench.
Its returnspring would normally be attached via the same clamping collar what now been modified by that welded thing.
Again, its nothing cant be worked out. Most any sort of flat springy steel can make a spring.
Clean it up, grease its screw( whats probably never been done since it was brand new..)
Be sure it has its thrustwashers in place.
It can work another 100 years.
 
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