Tool Talk

Blacksmith and Metal Working Forum => Blacksmith and Metalworking Forum => Topic started by: Mac53 on October 09, 2012, 10:12:52 AM

Title: New Columbian Vise (with pics)
Post by: Mac53 on October 09, 2012, 10:12:52 AM

Hey all,
Last week I purchased a new (to me) vise in really great condition. It is a Columbian 606 M2 with smooth jaws.

Is there any information I could get on it without pictures? I'll try to get some of it later this week. I'd really like to know why it has smooth jaws, as I haven't seen that before....and no, they aren't worn. Any way to figure out how old it is?

Here are the photos:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/thehighlandsking/IMAG2132_zpsc2dfeb86.jpg)
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/thehighlandsking/IMAG2133_zpsa95cb5ad.jpg)
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j132/thehighlandsking/IMAG2134_zps8500233b.jpg)

Title: Re: New Columbian Vise
Post by: Branson on October 09, 2012, 07:13:47 PM

All of the Columbian vises I've seen are wood working vises.  These usually have smooth jaws drilled for attaching wood or masonite so they won't mar the wood.  Columbian vises have a good reputation it seems.  A picture would be most helpful. 

Title: Re: New Columbian Vise
Post by: mikeswrenches on October 12, 2012, 10:16:59 AM

Mac,

This site has some info on Columbian vises.  Also a bunch of pictures.  Looked interesting.

http://www.mprime.com/Emmert/columbian.htm

Mike

Title: Re: New Columbian Vise (with pics)
Post by: Mac53 on October 12, 2012, 07:18:24 PM

updated with pictures

Title: Re: New Columbian Vise (with pics)
Post by: scottg on October 12, 2012, 09:11:48 PM

Nice vise!
 Smooth jaws were just an option you could have when ordering one.
The sheet metal trade, among others, wanted smooth jaws. Coppersmiths silversmiths etc
   yours Scott

Title: Re: New Columbian Vise (with pics)
Post by: Mac53 on October 14, 2012, 12:11:25 PM

Thanks! It is really in perfect shape.
That makes sense.
Any idea on how to figure out an age?