I recently acquired a large Reed Mfg no. 205 bench vise. It weighs almost as much as my anvil. It had a swivel base which is broken. I'd like to repair it although if that's not feasible I can always just hard mount it.

My initial thoughts are to cut off the broken part, thread and tap some holes, bolt a plate on the bottom and weld a ring to the plate to support the outer portion of the vise. Of course, the difficulty would be getting multiple positions for the holdowns to attach to.

Anyone have any other solutions. Like maybe someone has an old, unsalavagable 205 and they'd be willing to sell the base

Most of these bases are cast which is tricky to weld at best, impossible at worst.

Cast can be welded satisfactorily but I'd be wary of using under the stress of hard use. Also, I don't have any other parts of the base.

I think I'ed take it to a machine shop and see if they could turn one for you ...A36 or 1018 would be better than cast

Good idea. You're not my rich uncle are you? lol

Good idea. You're not my rich uncle are you? lol

I don't think so ...I had a shop make me a gear for a blower a few years back it wasn't that much...the part you showed looks like it would easy to make on a lathe I bet you could weld something up

Forget the swivel base. Bolt it down using the holes in the vice body.

Forget the swivel base. Bolt it down using the holes in the vice body.

I probably will. I don't have time to put that much work into it. But...when I finish everything else, it will be first on the list!