Tomas W

Looks good. We’re you able to get the box out?

Haha. I might just frame them now and leave well enough alone. Naaaa I will use them with a giant smile on my face

Love the rabbit ears.

I say if it worked for you for 20 years. It is not a piece of junk. May not be desirable to some people. Heck I would be proud to have that in my shop.

I just got back from a tong making class at Adams Forge. It was a 6 hour class on Box Tongs. I had 1 previous class. A introduction to Blacksmithing. We made a bottle opener. The class was super informative. There were 10 students. One left after a few hours. Unfortunately he got very frustrated. The class entailed detailed lecture while the instructor did. We then went and tried to follow suit. Man do I have some nice blisters now. I was one of 3 people to actually get their tongs riveted to a functional state. I feel really good about that. I will need to tune them up more. But heck I made me some tongs.

Awesome. It must weigh a ton. Great work.

Great setup. I do have a question. Is the base made from a bunch of 2x4s? Or what wood setup?

Just leave it in and clean it the best you can. You are going to beat the snot out of it anyway.

Just beat it out use a piece of wood to protect the box threads. There must be some upset metal keeping it from coming out. Knock it forward and see if the face of the box. The front round section with the female threads. Look to see that the face is not mushroomed.

Leave smooth. The box should pull out the back side away from the jaw. Check and see if there is any pins holding the box. It should be free to move but not turn. That is how they are designed. They need to float.

Just tap it out with a rubber mallet or some wood. I suspect that there is an upset someplace holding in. It should slide right out.

Very well could be. Look at Wilton Bullet Vises. Start high and see what the market will bring. You will get counter offers and some low ball guys.

Dang that looks nice. Do you even need to clean it up?

I agree too on the impatient wanting it now. They will keep these profiteers in business. It took me over a year to find my HB. Then literally 2 weeks later a 50 lb Vulcan in really nice shape turned up from a seller I always talk to. Got it for $50. I refuse to deal with people like that. Most of the sellers at the swap meets I go to are VERY PROUD of their things. The same stuff sits for years.

I just thought I would share anvil prices in the Los Angeles area. This one guy single handedly drives all tool prices through the roof.

You’re welcome. Keep in mind Taiwan stuff is far superior to mainland China products. Especially in the 80’s. I live in Los Angeles and that vise would go for $200-$300 easily. Regular old light duty 3-1/2” Colombians in fair shape have asking prices of $30-$40 at the swap meets.

Doing a little digging. I found the following. Buffalo Mfg was founded in 1979 in Taiwan. Looking around Buffalo seems to make decent Vises. Used 6” and smaller tend to go in the $10 per inch range. But being such a large vise it would most likely bring more. Of course depending on where you live. Best of luck selling that Beast. It looks fantastic.

I liked your video very much. Very nice repair in your vise.

I like dill pickles. I think that may be a match made in heaven. I tried to start my tongs last night. Unfortunately one I started my first heat. The wind started blowing. I did not want to burn my backyard or neighbors houses down. So out went the fire.

Thanks all. I just picked up some bar stock to make the simple tongs. I hope to have time this evening to fire up the forge and whip them out. Already cut to length and have the holes drilled. I still need to breakup my charcoal into small pieces. That will only take a few minutes.

Thanks. I can pick up the material on the way home tomorrow.

Thanks guys. I will be firing it up tomorrow after work. I will be taking all advice into account to make sure all goes well. I really need so scrounge up some tongs today. Vise grips suck.

Frosty will do. I will make sure to break them up. Makes total sense. I will be sure to stay hydrated. I seat like a pig normally so I always have my water. I will make sure to drink more when forging. Thanks all for the help.

Thanks. I guess ignorance payed off this time. That and a lot of patience. He probably got tired of me pestering him and sold it that cheep.

That would be me then if I get the wife involved. I will use some kids from down the block. Keep them out of trouble for a few hours.