August 22, 201114 yr 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
August 22, 201114 yr 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.
August 22, 201114 yr 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.
August 22, 201114 yr 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!
August 22, 201114 yr Author 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
August 22, 201114 yr Author [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
August 22, 201114 yr Author 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
August 23, 201114 yr 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.
August 23, 201114 yr So the sparks sound like wrought iron for the leg and steel for the face of the jaw.
August 23, 201114 yr Author 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.
August 25, 201114 yr 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!
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