Carl Wilson
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My Swindens has arrived from Steve. I'm very, very happy with it. Very well packaged too.
- Thread starter Carl Wilson
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Carl Wilson
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@scottmk1 I will probably do a thread on restoring it. Steve was quite right in that it is in very good condition. I think it should just be a case of stripping, cleaning and painting.
I don't know when I will get around to doing it as I'm concentrating on my mill just now. What I need to do is to rearrange my workshop fairly radically. Build some new benches, full length ones. The Swindens can go on one of those. My current all-steel bench would then be used for welding.
I don't know when I will get around to doing it as I'm concentrating on my mill just now. What I need to do is to rearrange my workshop fairly radically. Build some new benches, full length ones. The Swindens can go on one of those. My current all-steel bench would then be used for welding.
Carl Wilson
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I finally got off the ship and having lots of spare time, decided to refurbish the Swindens vice I bought from Steve.
As it was a pleasantly warm day with a bright blue sky I decided to strip the vice down and clean it up in my garden.
The vice came apart very easily. I've heard stories of them being pressed apart. Not in this case. The only damage I found was this special eccentric 1/4 BSW countersunk screw holding one of the jaws on. Must be like this so it can be adjusted....
Once disassembled I hit everything with a cup wire wheel in an angle grinder. All the parts came up nicely. The vice has a crowsfoot on it; judging by the castings I'd say this is a "War Finish" vice.
Gave everything that requires paint a coat of primer this evening.
As it was a pleasantly warm day with a bright blue sky I decided to strip the vice down and clean it up in my garden.
The vice came apart very easily. I've heard stories of them being pressed apart. Not in this case. The only damage I found was this special eccentric 1/4 BSW countersunk screw holding one of the jaws on. Must be like this so it can be adjusted....
Once disassembled I hit everything with a cup wire wheel in an angle grinder. All the parts came up nicely. The vice has a crowsfoot on it; judging by the castings I'd say this is a "War Finish" vice.
Gave everything that requires paint a coat of primer this evening.
Screwdriver
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Sorry but that took way too long.
I’d like it back now please.
I’d like it back now please.
Carl Wilson
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Sorry but that took way too long.
I’d like it back now please.
Sure thing. Just let me get it finished in the next few days and I'll pm you with a price.
Screwdriver
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Carl Wilson
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Never mind! One of the things I like about this vice is the leadscrew has a square thread as opposed to Buttress etc.
I need to get some 1/4 BSW countersunk screws to replace the tired ones for the jaws. Yes I know I could just use M8 or whatever. I'm a purist though.
I need to get some 1/4 BSW countersunk screws to replace the tired ones for the jaws. Yes I know I could just use M8 or whatever. I'm a purist though.
arther dailey
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if its wartime it will have the arrow head mark stamped on it some wheres.
Carl Wilson
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Yes it has a crowsfoot on it. Funnily enough my other Record vice has one too.
Carl Wilson
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First coat of Harrison Bluey Grey going on over two of primer. I don't know what colour these were (new ones seem to be yellow) but I like this.
Carl Wilson
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A vice in a vice!
Here it is done. The jaws aren't in properly yet as I need new bolts. I will get it on my bench as soon as they are fitted.
Here it is done. The jaws aren't in properly yet as I need new bolts. I will get it on my bench as soon as they are fitted.
Carl Wilson
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Back from the ship again. Last night I made some aluminium soft jaws a la @doubleboost.
The bolts are 5/16 UNC. I know that being stainless they maybe don't look "right" - but then I have to tell myself IT'S A VICE.
The bolts are 5/16 UNC. I know that being stainless they maybe don't look "right" - but then I have to tell myself IT'S A VICE.
Arc Tourist
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Interesting, I restored a Swindens like yours but didn't notice an eccentric on the screws; will have a look on my vice to see if they are the same.
Carl Wilson
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I was jesting. The eccentric on the screw was where it had received a not insignificant application of shearing force at some point in its approximate 80 year life. The screw was partially sheared.
Arc Tourist
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Got me. 
Now I recall, google ……. "Funny Screw Chart".
Now I recall, google ……. "Funny Screw Chart".
123hotchef
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I need to get my new shed finished so that I can start using the swidens I refurbed last year
Carl Wilson
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It's never ending isn't it. Jon's Workshop on you tube is a great inspiration to anyone building a workshop, in my opinion.
Carl Wilson
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My vice is missing the forged handle for the swivel lock. A 1/2 inch AF spanner fits it though.
I contacted Swindens and they want £95 for a handle. I'll just use the 1/2 inch spanner.
I contacted Swindens and they want £95 for a handle. I'll just use the 1/2 inch spanner.
