Tool Talk

Woodworking Forum => Woodworking Forum => Topic started by: Lambert on April 23, 2012, 08:44:12 AM

Title: Antique wooden Vise Screw, wood nut and vise handle. Worthwhile?
Post by: Lambert on April 23, 2012, 08:44:12 AM

Hey Everyone,

I recently found an antique wooden vice made out of beech. Appears to be at least 100 years old. No Makers marks, but its in good working order save for some minor cosmetic issues. Is this worth cleaning up? Im considering saving it for a future workbench project but may also sell it if its worth anything since i already have a decent vise

Title: Re: Antique wooden Vise Screw, wood nut and vise handle. Worthwhile?
Post by: john k on April 23, 2012, 11:57:07 AM

I don't have one, yet, but the serious wood workers use them, and even make  new ones.   I'd definitley clean it up and give it a try.

Title: Re: Antique wooden Vise Screw, wood nut and vise handle. Worthwhile?
Post by: scottg on April 23, 2012, 02:06:49 PM

 Does it have the nut?? Antique screws were cut various barely different sizes, and finding a tap to cut internal threads to match, will be hard.

 What size is it?
  Some of them are 1/2" diameter for use in a small hand screw.
  Some of them are 4" diameter for an ancient printing press, but only 8" long.

 For a wooden vise, you have to discount the thickness of the moving jaw.
 Then subtract the thickness of the bench leg or apron or wherever you plan to attach it.
 Whatever length screw you have left is how far your vise will open.
So really, to be an effective vise screw they have to be pretty long.

  2" is a good diameter.  Anything bigger than that, gravy!!
    yours Scott

 
 

Title: Re: Antique wooden Vise Screw, wood nut and vise handle. Worthwhile?
Post by: Lambert on April 23, 2012, 05:13:50 PM

Hey again, and thanks for the replies.

I've attached a link to the picture of the screw itself- its 2" in diameter and about 18" long just counting the 2" section. looks kinda rough in the photo, but the threads all seem to work fine. Any thoughts?

https://picasaweb.google.com/103196526639913269086/ViseScrew#5734722425060391154 (https://picasaweb.google.com/103196526639913269086/ViseScrew#5734722425060391154)

Title: Re: Antique wooden Vise Screw, wood nut and vise handle. Worthwhile?
Post by: scottg on April 23, 2012, 08:29:43 PM

Bang a Rang!
 Buddy that is a vise screw!
Well worth any trouble.
 yours Scott

Title: Re: Antique wooden Vise Screw, wood nut and vise handle. Worthwhile?
Post by: Branson on April 24, 2012, 07:39:49 AM

And when will you see another for sale?   I think I've seen maybe two in the wild.  Bought one for the carpenter shop at Sutter's Fort where it works today, 30 years later.   "Bang a Rang! " is right!  Definitely worth the effort.  Make yourself a jaw and put it to use!