Is this a Wilton vise? !!PICS!!

[Greg72]

Trying to buy a set of replacement jaws for it, but I can't find a serial number or model number on it. Not sure how "specific" the jaws are so I wanted to match this up as closely as possible to a manufacturer / model....

-G

 

[bradshawtech]

According to google it does appear to be a Wilton.

Now, onto other concerns..... Is that how that vise is mounted all the time?

I hope not if you have any small children or animals running around in the area. Whoa! Top heavy.

Sorry to bust your chops but, I had to ask.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Looks like it is. I know a guy who can make you new jaws for it and even a pair of aluminum soft jaws.

 

[Greg72]

Anyone know how to find a model number?

I can find "Wilton 600" on Google, but the image show vises with "Wilton" cast into the side, and usually have the bullet-shaped tail section. This one has a very blunt area off the back.

The immediate need is to get a set of replacement jaws, but it would be nice to actually know the model number so I could look into other replacement parts down the road as well...

Scott, I'm sure Jim could make me a set of jaws but I'd hate to use up valuable CNC favors for something that I could probably find myself at a reasonable cost?


-G

 

[4X4HIGH]

Anyone know how to find a model number?

I can find "Wilton 600" on Google, but the image show vises with "Wilton" cast into the side, and usually have the bullet-shaped tail section. This one has a very blunt area off the back.

The immediate need is to get a set of replacement jaws, but it would be nice to actually know the model number so I could look into other replacement parts down the road as well...

Scott, I'm sure Jim could make me a set of jaws but I'd hate to use up valuable CNC favors for something that I could probably find myself at a reasonable cost?


-G

Jim could spit those out in his sleep (barring whatever "shop time" is available).

That is a MECHANIC 600 vice not to be confused with a Machinist 600 vice. That vice appears to be fairly old also.

 

[Greg72]

Well....

Turns out its not a Wilton after all. I've been doing more research and all the Wilton's use a standard 4" hole spacing for the screws. This one is at 3.75".

I have a feeling that cuts down my options for a set of "off the shelf" replacement jaws substantially....

Image and dimensions:

-G

 

[sixb]

Well....

Turns out its not a Wilton after all. I've been doing more research and all the Wilton's use a standard 4" hole spacing for the screws. This one is at 3.75".

I have a feeling that cuts down my options for a set of "off the shelf" replacement jaws substantially....

Image and dimensions:

-G

You should be able to build replacement jaws with the tools you already have You can get the material at metal supermarket.

 

[Greg72]

I am fundamentally opposed to investing too much time fabricating my own "tools"....

This vise was a generous gift and has served me well for many years now, but the jaws need replacing and the screws are frozen solid into the jaws (either cross threaded or hopelessly rusted)... I had to drill out the set screws just to get that part free, so now I have no choice but to deal with it.

I may just scan Craigslist / eBay for a couple of weeks.... seems like good quality vises show up there all the time, and I'd be able to just plop it onto my fancy "workstool" and get back to the actual project in my garage.

-G

 

[rdn2blazer]

I would have said Wilton too, but you're correct in that ALL the Wiltons I've seen have it cast on it. It looks hella beefy so I'd fix it how ever you have to since it's been good to you all those years. The fact that it's old makes it even cooler.

 

[Greg72]

I think the deciding factor is if I can get the broken screws out of the vise body....

If they come out, I'll ask Scotty for a(nother) favor and get a set of custom jaws with the 3-3/4"hole spacing. If the screws DON'T come out, maybe I'll just drill out a new set of holes at the "Wilton standard" 4" spacing and buy an off-the-shelf set of replacement jaws.

I really DO like the patina of old equipment like this vise and my big Apex disc grinder..... Plus the best pricing I can find on a new Wilton 6" swivel base machinists vise is around $1200...


-G

 

[rdn2blazer]

I think the deciding factor is if I can get the broken screws out of the vise body....

If they come out, I'll ask Scotty for a(nother) favor and get a set of custom jaws with the 3-3/4"hole spacing. If the screws DON'T come out, maybe I'll just drill out a new set of holes at the "Wilton standard" 4" spacing and buy an off-the-shelf set of replacement jaws.

I really DO like the patina of old equipment like this vise and my big Apex disc grinder..... Plus the best pricing I can find on a new Wilton 6" swivel base machinists vise is around $1200...


-G

Yep, and your vise is well seasoned too. It can be fixed, will just take a little bit of work.

 

[blazinzuk]

Just remember while wilton is certainly the most hyped vice out there, there are lots of other brands that are great vices that are not nearly as sought after ( so cheaper)

Charles Parker ( Chas Parker) is a great vice but not nearly as popular as old wiltons therefore usually cheaper

 

[Greg72]

Yep, and your vise is well seasoned too. It can be fixed, will just take a little bit of work.

Rob,

What are my odds of drilling new holes into that casting? I think one of the reason most vises cost so much (the good ones anyway) is because the casting is not your typical cast-iron. Don't know the metallurgy but I think whatever it is has a much higher tensile strength so it may end up laughing at my drill bits.


-G

 

[bigjbear]

Slow speed, lots of pressure. Keep the bits sharp and cool and you'll be fine.

 

[rdn2blazer]

Rob,

What are my odds of drilling new holes into that casting? I think one of the reason most vises cost so much (the good ones anyway) is because the casting is not your typical cast-iron. Don't know the metallurgy but I think whatever it is has a much higher tensile strength so it may end up laughing at my drill bits.


-G

It will drill regardless of what it is. I can't remember what the chips look like for ductile cast iron. If it's cast steel it will be similar to drilling steel. If it gray cast which I'm sure it's not it will drill powder chips. Thats why Gray cast iron is crap. Hit one out of the way corner with a good fairly sharp file and see if it seems tough at all to file. It should file really easy I would bet. If it files easy it will drill like butta. Hell it may be cast steel which would be awesome, and the reason it's been such a good vise.

 

[Greg72]

It will drill regardless of what it is. I can't remember what the chips look like for ductile cast iron. If it's cast steel it will be similar to drilling steel. If it gray cast which I'm sure it's not it will drill powder chips. Thats why Gray cast iron is crap. Hit one out of the way corner with a good fairly sharp file and see if it seems tough at all to file. It should file really easy I would bet. If it files easy it will drill like butta. Hell it may be cast steel which would be awesome, and the reason it's been such a good vise.

Just ordered up a set of Wilton replacement jaws with the 4" hole spacing. I decided not to screw around (pun intended) with the current boogered up holes/screws.... I'll just grind them flat, and use the new jaws as a drilling index for some new holes..... drill 'em, tap 'em, lock 'em down!!!


Gotta get back to the MAW Build.... I've got front suspension stuff to solve!


-G

 

[rdn2blazer]

Put a dab of anti seize on the fasteners so you dont have them seize up again.

 

[K85 Octane]

All this talk about vices I had to look. Yep, my vice at work.

 

[Greg72]

Show off.....








-G