BTKS Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I just picked up a 5in post vise, jaw width 5in. The front or movable jaw has a large dished out spot on top that cuts into the face of the jaw. My real question is, if I fill in the area by arc welding, what rod should I use? Is filling the spot a good or bad idea based on historic or antique value? The value to me is that of a usable old tool. Is there a problem with too hard or too soft of fill material or any other pitfalls I'm unaware of. I'll try to add some pics tomorrow. Thanks in advance for any pointers. BTKS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Feel free to fix it, there are so many vises out there that you don't have to worry about historical value. Over the past 39 years I have seen a lot of vises repaired by welding. 6011 or 7018 your standard rods should work fine, but my guess that folks more knowledgeable about welding rod will provide better insight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arftist Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I personaly would use 7018, it builds up faster and runs smoother. However, if I had 6011, and no 7018, then I would use that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 You could also make jaw covers from angle iron if you decide not to weld it. Do a spark test on it and see if the jaws had steel plates forge welded on and if so do the proper pre-heat before welding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTKS Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 TO ALL: I'll go with the 7018. I'm not sure how to spark test it. I've seen one spark test to tell cast from forged steel but that's it. I'm a true novice in the craft, I know enough to be really dangerous! Thanks for all the help! BTKS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob S Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 send us before and after pictures. we like pictures. :ph34r: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTKS Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 [attachment=35766:Post vises before 002.JPG] Here are some before shots. The first several are the vise with the damaged jaw. The last two are another vise. Looks like it was pieced together and has a modern bench vise screw in it. Anyone have any idea what manufacturer or approximate age? Anything would be appreciated. BTKS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTKS Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Oh, I did spark the damaged vise with a small grinder. The leg of the front jaw sparked sort of orange with straight sparks. The face of the jaw looked orange / yellowish and has a three point sort of crow's foot appearance. I think I saw a hint of a joint line where a face may have been forged on. Hopefully I'll have after shots tonight or tomorrow. Depends on the other chores that have to get done. Later, BTKS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 7018 sounds OK to me for the jaw fix. It appears that you may have an IRON CITY vise, the #1 pictures. Is there an Iron City stamp within a six pointed star on the side of the movable leg? They were made in Pittsburgh in the "olden days." The box and screw may be a replacement. They look COLUMBIAN. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 So the sparks sound like wrought iron for the leg and steel for the face of the jaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTKS Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 I preheated with a large propane burner. All seemed to go well. I used 7018 and burned it in fairly hot. An old codger showed me a little trick. He put a copper plate between the jaws so I would have a nice straight line without having to grind too much inside the opening. That old codger was dear ol dad! Amazing what you can learn from them!!! Frank: I looked all over the vise and couldn't find any other symbols. Thanks for the info. Here's some after shots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 very well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob S Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 finer than frog hair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Well the proof of the pudding is in the *eating*; so use the heck out of it and report back how it's holding up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Allyn Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Looks good as new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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