Vises

enjenjo · March 07, 2021, 01:56:28 PM

I have a really nice Columbian vise. The jaws are worn more on the left side. Deas anyone have a source for Columbian vise jaws?

Or a way to correct the jaws I have?

58 Yeoman · March 07, 2021, 02:09:11 PM

Would you be able to flip them end over end, or mount on the other jaws? Interchangeable? I've got a Columbian at the shop; I'll have to check to see if mine are interchangeable.

moose · March 08, 2021, 10:29:09 AM

Are the removable jaws worn or maybe the main jaws are sprung? If the removable jaws are worn could you jig them up and kiss the back on the mill to bring them back square?

enjenjo · March 08, 2021, 06:08:53 PM

Quote from: "moose"Are the removable jaws worn or maybe the main jaws are sprung? If the removable jaws are worn could you jig them up and kiss the back on the mill to bring them back square?

The jaws are worn. I bought this vise at a machine shop auction about 25 years ago. It's actually worn on both end, but the left end is worse. This is typical because most people are right handed and use the left side of the vise more.

On the old Columbians like mine the jaws are inserted into a T slot and held in place by two tapered pins. This vise has enough wear on the top that you can't even see the top of the pins, but the pin hole is evident on the bottom of the vise.

The simplest thing to do would be to set up the whole vise on the mill, put a block in the outer jaw so there is pressure on it, and face them in place. The only problem with that would be the smooth jaw faces. Not a deal breaker, but at times would be inconvenient. I could get a pair of universal slip on jaws, and I may do that if I can't find new ones

Charlie Chops 1940 · March 09, 2021, 09:00:39 PM

No help but this made me take a look at my Craftsman 5" vice which I've owned for about 60 years. It's jaws are held in on each side by a couple screws and the serrations are still quite good. I have repeatedly abused the snot out of this vice but it refuses to give up. A few years ag I had to rejuvenate the screw and remake one end of the handle. Probably have repainted it a half dozen times though. My Craftsman drill press is almost as old and I'm probably on the third belt but other wise good to go. It's vice came with it and works great but has a lot of lightening holes.

kb426 · March 10, 2021, 08:19:27 AM

When you look at the price of new vises, repair work is in order on most. I bought a lower end Baleigh last year that I really like. My old vise wasn't a real good unit but I didn't throw it away, either.

phat46 · March 10, 2021, 09:56:54 AM

Dang Frank, I would think there would just be a post about how you whipped up a set of new jaws for you vise, using a hacksaw and a drill press and a file. Are you getting old!?!? 😬😏😋😂😉😉

enjenjo · March 10, 2021, 10:16:43 AM

Quote from: "phat46"Dang Frank, I would think there would just be a post about how you whipped up a set of new jaws for you vise, using a hacksaw and a drill press and a file. Are you getting old!?!? 😬😏😋😂😉😉

It has been considered. I have a piece of tool steel big enough. My only hold up has been heat treating it. I may figure that out.