bwpigeon

On 5/12/2019 at 1:44 PM, mpc said:

The title says it all. I saw a listing for a 4” post vice thats in decent shape but needs a spring. I’ve never looked into post vices so but the price is well below what I normally see. Assuming everything but needing a new spring is fine, is it a “buy” at $100?

Easy,  make a new spring, all you need is some 1" or 1 1/4"  spring stock or an old spring. heat it re curve it to fit and them quench  and temper it.

On 5/28/2019 at 3:41 PM, Irondragon Forge & Clay said:

I would find it an aggravation to pull the jaw open without a spring, especially since they are so easy to make.

If you have a forge and anvil make one.  You have all of the tools you need.  That is what  blacksmithing is all about.

On 5/27/2019 at 10:41 PM, Cedar Crest Forge said:

Nice vise, but that doesn't look like a blacksmithing vise. Actually, those sanders don't look like they were designed for a blacksmith shop either. What exactly is your goal?

In an ideal setting, you would have a mentor guiding your projects, and the tools you buy would directly support those projects. 

It looks like you are randomly buying tools. Those tools will then decide what projects you will be able to make. This is the opposite of where you want to be.

Cole vices are not for blacksmith work.  I have several and use then all the time.  They are for gripping, not hammering.   Take a look at the jaws, if  they have replaceable jaws, they are not for blacksmith work.  Blacksmith vices were designed with solid jaws and not replaceable.  Which means not usually damaged by beating on them with a hammer.  True blacksmith vices were designed with that in mind.  Bear in mind that any vice can be damaged by hammering on it.  Especially if you do not lock the vice and beat on it while it is open.  This is a good way to damage the gripping edge.  You don't have to ask me how I know, I think my dad's boot print is still in my butt for doing just that.

On 7/5/2019 at 1:19 AM, Steve Shimanek said:

Reverse your spring 180 degrees and try it again; it is possible you might be missing a wedge, but the spring needs to be rearranged first.

I have several of these, it looks like you are missing the second wedge,  there should be one driven in from each side.  Look at the length of the slot in the mounting plate there should be enough room to fit in the second wedge.