03-12-2017, 07:09 PM
I acquired this vise with an outstanding issue--it was missing its collar. That is an important piece because it keeps the leadscrew in place. Without it, the leadscrew just screws out of the vise. The previous owner used a bolt to capture the leadscrew.
But it is a nice vise and in pretty good shape for its age (150yrs +). It is an early Parker with patent dates stamped on the jaws.
The collar geometry is complex and I used some tinfoil to make a mould.
This is what I need to replicate in wood.
The prototype in soft pine fit pretty well.
Here is the walnut collar.
I used my Japanese chisels, mostly the gouge to make the piece. I cut the prototype a little small and did not want to make the same mistake with the walnut piece. So I cut it proud and then cut a shallow dado on the top for an exact fit. And fit it did! It fit so tight that it got stuck.
I painted it to match the vise and installed it tonight. Looks pretty good at a distance.
I guess a piece of machined brass would make a more substantial collar. But I am a woodworker. The walnut works well. Time will tell if it holds up.
But it is a nice vise and in pretty good shape for its age (150yrs +). It is an early Parker with patent dates stamped on the jaws.
The collar geometry is complex and I used some tinfoil to make a mould.
This is what I need to replicate in wood.
The prototype in soft pine fit pretty well.
Here is the walnut collar.
I used my Japanese chisels, mostly the gouge to make the piece. I cut the prototype a little small and did not want to make the same mistake with the walnut piece. So I cut it proud and then cut a shallow dado on the top for an exact fit. And fit it did! It fit so tight that it got stuck.
I painted it to match the vise and installed it tonight. Looks pretty good at a distance.
I guess a piece of machined brass would make a more substantial collar. But I am a woodworker. The walnut works well. Time will tell if it holds up.
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Please visit my website
splintermaking.com
Please visit my website
splintermaking.com