Tool Talk

Blacksmith and Metal Working Forum => Blacksmith and Metalworking Forum => Topic started by: mikeswrenches on October 31, 2014, 10:19:56 AM

Title: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 31, 2014, 10:19:56 AM

This is the only bench vise I've ever seen with two handles.  The conventional handle on the front is 11” long and the auxiliary one on the side 7”.  Interestingly, they both will open and close the front jaw.  Weight is 63 1/2 lbs.

The length is about 15” and the heighth is 7 in. to the top of the jaws.  The maximum opening is 7 inches and the jaws are 4 1/4" wide.  The jaws are made of 3/4" steel plate, which is unusual in itself.  The rear jaw is bolted to the main casting so it could be replaced or reconfigured if necessary.

Unfortunately there are no marks to identity the maker.  The only thing I found was a small stamping on the top casting on the seat where the ball type thrust bearing seats.  There is a picture below of the mark.

This had to be a very expensive vise to make so you would expect to find a name or patent no. somewhere...unfortunately there is nothing.
Anybody have any ideas on the maker, or have you seen one like it?

I took this all apart to see how it worked and in another thread will post those pictures and an explanation.

Mike

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: JoeCB on October 31, 2014, 10:45:08 AM

Very nice ! I'm guessing that the side handle is a "rapid travel" to open or close the jaw. The front handle is the "Clamp" to tighten the jaw on the work.

Joe B

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: Twilight Fenrir on October 31, 2014, 11:21:33 AM

That's a pretty awesome vise! Gotta admit, I'm a bit jealous :P

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 31, 2014, 11:42:42 AM

Joe, It does move somewhat faster using the "side" handle but not enough so to call it "rapid travel".

However, if you were holding something with your left hand, it would be much easier to close the jaws on the part by using the side handle and then use the front one for final tightening.

Mike

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: eddie hudson on October 31, 2014, 03:25:52 PM

The mark reminds me of a tulip.

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 31, 2014, 04:28:09 PM

Eddie, I thought the same thing.  Unfortunately, it doesn't mean anything to me.

Mike

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: turnnut on October 31, 2014, 08:38:28 PM

it looks like worn letters on the left of the ? tulip mark.  like an X

didn't we have that mark before ?

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 31, 2014, 08:44:52 PM

No other marks.  Just the "tulip".

Mike

Title: Re: A very unusual vise, with TWO handles
Post by: wrenchguy on October 31, 2014, 08:49:42 PM

Nice, real nice.  Maybe u could post here, the vise thread of the internet, over a 1000 pages, 21,000 replies and many vice experts. 

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782