Show us your bench vice(s)

[adam1181]

Thanks for your input, i've been trawling the net but can't find anything similar with just a number 2, i wonder if it's a copy of record or paramo but it does seem to be of decent quality, i have a parkinsons model f that is hollow underneth but doubt it's a pakinsons without any other markings. i'll get it stripped down and see if theres anything else under all the different shades of paint.

 

[winchman]

Just bought a Record No 85 with quick release, so what can you tell me abouit it?
It was £10

 

[rikrobson]

The 5 means its quick release. The 8 is its size. If it had no qr it would be a no 8

 

[Maker]

The 5 means its quick release. The 8 is its size. If it had no qr it would be a no 8

Are you saying you've cracked the code?

 

[CwazyWabbit]

So what does that make the No 83 and 84? They are both quick release, the 83 has 3 1/4" jaws and the 84 has 4 1/2 jaws.

 

[MattF]

Thanks for your input, i've been trawling the net but can't find anything similar with just a number 2, i wonder if it's a copy of record or paramo but it does seem to be of decent quality, i have a parkinsons model f that is hollow underneth but doubt it's a pakinsons without any other markings. i'll get it stripped down and see if theres anything else under all the different shades of paint.

Keep us updated on that one. The hollow underside is common with larger vices, like your Model F. Smaller vices tend to have less void under there. That one is definitely no Parkinson model I know of. Styling is similar to Record or Woden, with the main difference being that elongated, square ended support underneath the front jaw. They're usually a tad stubbier and more curved at the front end.

Just bought a Record No 85 with quick release, so what can you tell me abouit it?
It was £10

It's definitely an 85? I only knew of the 83 and 84. Any chance of some photo's of that one? The 8* series is a steel fitter's vice, according to the literature.

 

[MattF]

The 5 means its quick release. The 8 is its size. If it had no qr it would be a no 8

The second number relates to the size, with the 8 appearing to be the model designation.

 

[winchman]

I will take a pic later this week

 

[MattF]

Cheers. You did well getting it for that price, btw.

 

[winchman]

Thanks
Just had another look
Its defiantly an 84, its blue under the black paint.

It looks worse than it is really, going to clean and paint and possibly mount on a post in the garden.

 

[Farside]

"Character and a bit of history."
That do you?

 

[MattF]

Metal isn't always rusty. Patina, as it's termed, is merely the appearance something has gained over the years through use and environment. Rust is simply rust, grime is simply grime, but usage marks and such are what make the patina. It's just a unique appearance something has gained over time.

 

[MattF]

Thanks
Just had another look
Its defiantly an 84, its blue under the black paint.

It was the fact you'd said it was an 85 which was throwing things off.

It looks worse than it is really, going to clean and paint and possibly mount on a post in the garden.

A quick clean up and a coat or two of a Lanolin based spray, inside and out,would probably be simplest and most effective if you're planning on mounting it outside.

 

[Farside]

Metal isn't always rusty. Patina, as it's termed, is merely the appearance something has gained over the years through use and environment. Rust is simply rust, grime is simply grime, but usage marks and such are what make the patina. It's just a unique appearance something has gained over time.

Well, quite. I say, old bean, I'm thinking of setting up a small enterprise to artificially age vices, by beating them with chains and spraying some old oil on them and lightly singeing with a blowtorch, the same as those antique johnnies do.
I envisage eager punters queueing up at least oh, one deep, ready to press their hot and sweaty cash in my hands as they waltz off down the road with their 107-year old Parkinson Supreme in the boot of their car, ready to mount as the display pride of place in their living rooms.
Of course, such an undertaking would not be complete without nationally-known and respected names on the letterheads and a small fee, consisting of as many brews as you like and free linseed oil for a month would be forthcoming for able assistance and 'consultation'.
I will be offering sales training courses to those who want to take on a Classic Vices franchise - all areas are available at the moment. I can see the market growing for aged industrial tools and now is the time to get in on the ground floor, so to speak.

 

[Turbo]

Not quite vices but here's some record g-clamps I restored.

Before

After cleaning. They looked so good I was tempted not to paint them. Had to weld one clamp and make new pads for 2.

And after

Paint finish isn't great but it's only a g-clamp and it will get chipped in use anyway. The ones in red are drop forged steel record no 121 3" clamps and quite collectable by the prices they make on fleabay. The blue ones are regular 3" & 4" clamps.

 

[winchman]

It was the fact you'd said it was an 85 which was throwing things off.
.

Sorry I must be going senile

 

[kier]

went to buy a cider press
and bought this as well
its made in england Woden 190/8a
anyone know of these
the slab its on is 2ft square
he said it came from Aston Martin when they moved from Newport Pagnell

 

[MattF]

It's a good quality, cast steel vice, 6" jaws. The steel vices are supposedly able to take more of a pounding than the cast iron vices.

 

[Farside]

I must keep an eye out for some of those Record clamps. I have some that are made of monkey metal, and while they're good enough for most things, they tend to squirm a bit under real tension.

 

[MattF]

I think there was/is also a brand called Lion? They've always struck me as a chunky looking clamp.