Looking at used post leg vices for forging

O

Ome108

Joined
Apr 29, 2014
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Hi Guys,
Is the pitted looking metal jaws still good enough to learn on?
Most of old post vices are either rusty or very pitted on the inside faces of the jaws.
Will these still last a while, or should be avoided.
What would be the maximum for a 5.5" wide jaw, 44" long and 68-78lbs.
Thanks in advance,
Jon
 
The main things to look for in a post vice are...

-Look for any bends or welded areas along the shank and movable jaw. That's where they tend to deform and break.
-Remove the screw assembly and check the threads for damage on the screw shaft itself and inside the screw box.

The rest of the parts are decently serviceable.
 

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The spring is often missing or broken. This is easily replaceable with one made from 1/16" steel. Almost anything from 1045 to 1095 will work. I have even used mild welding steel from HD. Harden it and temper at 500-600F.
 
Ome108,

Where are you in NY? I have an old post leg vice I'm not using. It needs some welding but only on the leg. Shouldn't be a big deal if you can weld.
 
Thanks so much for the offer, just picked one up at ebay with spring and mounting hardware , has 5.25" vice and 70 lbs. I think it is a iron city, claims to be circa 1906.
Does anyone know what NR MEANS when connected with a post and leg vice.
We live in Freeport, NY
I do not know how to weld yet, but will eventually learn.
Thanks again for all the info.
Jon
 
Thank You Stacy<
is there any type of steel for the spring that would not require to be hardened?
Thanks<
Jon
 
You can just bend it to shape and use it that way, but the spring tension will weaken with tome and you will have to bend it back occasionally. Hammering the spring along its length will somewhat work harden it.

If you have a forge, and any type of quenchant, making the spring hard is really simple.

I have seen a vise converted to using a compression spring ( coil spring). They ran coat hanger wire through it and around the legs.
 
The vice will still function without the spring, too. It isn't a deal breaker, in my opinion. But the slight difficulty of making one is outweighed by the benefit it offers the user.
 
It got here yesterday, no name, but massive legs, looks like wrought iron , but I am still new at this.
It has a #4 underneath the mounting plate with holes.
Does anyone know the significance of that number4, or the other numbers ?
This leg and post vice weighs 72 lbs , and the only possible damage is a repaired handle where it meets the ball, some built up dark yellow substance. I don"t know if it's a repair or just something to soften the meeting of the two, during opening and closing the vise.
Any info is appreciated,
Thanks,
Jon
 
Hi Stacy,
At the bottom of my page it says I can't post any atta hments?
Is that mean photos?
Where to go to find out how to post pics with my thread.
Thanks,
Jon
 
Wrought Iron or Cast Iron/ Cast Steel?

If there are any identifiable markings proud of the surface; It's the latter...

If it's stamped and the markings are not proud of the surface; It's likely the former...

#4 could be indicative of the jaw size, or it could be a casting mold pattern... I find the weight of the post vise is usually indicative of jaw size. I have an 90 lbs. Iron City and it's jaws are 5-3/8". The 110 pounders are usually 6"+ jaws... and they get bigger... :/


There are high quality cast Iron post vises hiding out there like the Fisher parallel chain vise...

The yellow stuff could be old lubricants, Brazed repair, sometimes people do other weird things to old tools like fill in voids with epoxy... lol
 
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