Fixing Post Vice question

[johnsonrgc]

Hi folks,

I just got around to mounting an old post vice that I had. It needs some tuning up though. The main problem is that the jaws are not parallel when looking from the top. When I crank it closed the right side of the jaws contacts first leaving about an 1/8th inch gap on the left. I assume I'll need to take an angle grinder to it.
Also, while I realize that the vice surfaces aren't parallel, and won't be due to the rotational swing of the jaws, the jaws on my vice seem to meet at a very extreme angle (like 30 degrees with the wide part up). Does someone have (or know where I can view) some closeups of a good post vice so I can see what I'm working with here. I've never seen one up close that's in better shape than mine so I don't have any reference.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[Eric M Ericson]

I just checked my cross vice and the jaws meet tight top to bottom and all the way across. (sorry no digital camera) but it looks about like a machine vice,nice and tight. mine on the other hand is missing the mounting bracket. (what do I expect for $5)

 

[mikeS]

If the jaws are off side to side that can be fixed by tightening the pivot bolt. If the tops of the jaws do not meet, that is level, the plate that holds the pivot bolt is possibly bent or it could be in the leg that the pivot plate is attached too. The unlevel (top of the jaws meeting is usually caused by too much or too big a hammer.

Go to www.keenjunk.com look in the sketchbook there is a pic of a postvice mounted on a really neat tripod.

$5.00 oh man, I payed 10 cents a pound for my 40LB course I payed $40. for my 50lb