porkchop Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 There is a pretty large Amish auction I will be attending this weekend. I am in need of a vice, and if I happen to stumble upon a post vice, what would be the max price I should pay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
781 Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 too many variables. size condition how avalible they are in your area how much $$ in your pocket how bad you need one. Personaly I have paid a buck up to $300 but have seen people pay 1000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd&mlteach Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 I started this endeavor in 2009 and I have three post vises. 4 1/2 $24 dollars at the scrap yard 5 1/2 $40 off ebay 100 Pound 5 7/8" for $40 I just passed up a 5 inch for 50 last week. You pay what you want to, but around here they can still be found cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seldom (dick renker) Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 just depends on how bad you want one and how comfortable you are paying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilt and Hammer Workshop Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 This thread might help you a bit . http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/31866-just-how-much-for-a-post-vice-these-days/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 $1.00 per pound plus or minus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrap metal hoarder Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 On e-bay they go for some major $$$, and they sell. I just paid $125 for a 4" after a month long search. I guess here in my part of country they are harder to come by. If you can get a decent one for under a $100, i'd jump on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobody Special Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 In georgia, paid 40 for a four and a half incher couple of weeks ago, not sure on the weight, fells like about 70, 80 lbs. I've seen similar go for around 200 here, but kept my eye out, and if I'd wanted more, the guy I got mine from had almost 10 in various condition for the same price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkchop Posted April 19, 2013 Author Share Posted April 19, 2013 Seems like it varies depending on region. I'll definitely keep my eye out...I think 100 will be my max. I'll post if I find one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted April 21, 2013 Share Posted April 21, 2013 If the threads are still good and all the parts are there, spend as you see fit. Any good quality vise that you bought brand-new would cost you at least $100, and you can't get new post/leg vises, so you really can't go wrong. Before you pay top dollar, though, make sure it has all the parts to mount it. You should have the flange with the bolt holes, bracket that attaches to the flange, and the gib key/wedge combo that cinches the bracket tight to the flange. Oh, and it should have the leaf spring to help open the jaw. If the threads are sound, but a part is missing, that's grounds for a drop in the price. Just explain to the auctioneer that parts are missing and that it needs to be mentioned to the bidders. I paid $50 for mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd&mlteach Posted April 21, 2013 Share Posted April 21, 2013 When I bought mine I used this one as reference on what to pay.https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/page.php?theLocation=/Resources/Product/Blacksmith_Vise/Small_Blacksmith_Vise.xml/ I also used this number to help justify/show my wife what a great deals my vise purchases were. She thought they were cheap enough to be okay with spending the money. And I knew they were great, because who doesn't love a good post vise? When I look at them, especially the early ones, they are beautiful examples of craftsmanship and design. To see each of the forge weld lines of the individual pieces laid over and hammer marks left from when it was made, brings me almost to a standstill much like a forged anvil. They are impressive and to me, museum-quality heirlooms of functionality. If they are not new they are priceless, as they most likely will never be made that way again. If they are new then, they are just prohibitively priced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd&mlteach Posted April 21, 2013 Share Posted April 21, 2013 Porkchop if you are still looking for a vise check this one out. It is more than I would spend but might be close enough for a drive. http://reading.craigslist.org/tls/3756551062.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkchop Posted April 26, 2013 Author Share Posted April 26, 2013 Well, I didn't find anything at the auction. Not a single vice was to be found sprawled amongst the twenty acres. An 75 lb. anvil, though not sure what brand, went for only 65$ in not bad condition. wd, that's a great find. I search craigslist often and hardly ever come up with anything. Thanks for sharing, I'll get in touch with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd&mlteach Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Glad I could help, I am also sorry that I forgot about not posting links to c-list. Porkchop let me know how you make out. If you missed that one I just saw another one pop up tonight that was $80 for a 4 incher. There is a heavy looking five maybe 6 inch vise for 175 closer to me in York. Message me if you want the details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkchop Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 Wd, thanks for the help, but I actually scored a nice 5" (?) columbian today without a spring for 40$. I Can't imagine it will be too difficult to make a spring for it. I only say 5 because it doesn't come apart past that. Patience is a virtue, in which I am learning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkchop Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd&mlteach Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 $40 that is my kind of a price! Very nice score! It looks like it is in nice shape. From what I know usually the jaw width is what is measured as to identify vise size, not how far apart it opens. When you get a chance measure the width of the jaw face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkchop Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hah, thanks for saving me further embarrassment! The jaws are 4 1/2" wide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd&mlteach Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Nothing embarrassing about it, and you got a nice deal, enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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