This beautiful vise comes out of Meriden, Conn, the "Silver City." One of the Charles Parker factory buildings still stands in functionality in Meriden today, as, you guessed it- apartment lofts. I live about 5 miles away from the building. Great job per usual Scout!!
Absolutely beautiful, both the vise and how you refurbished it. I would love to have such a beautiful Parker vise. Tool knowledge and proper tool use are reasons why it's always a good day when a Scoutcrafter video loads. Banishing patina was never more justified than for this vise. It's an heirloom quality tool. Big thumbs up from the intermountain west.
Out here in the west, at least for me, it's pretty rare to run into these classic vises like your Parker - so this was really eye candy. I've restored a 5" Wilton Mechanic's bullet vise - beautiful but had to sell it - too big for the workbench (replaced it with a 4" Wilton bullet). I'm with you buddy, vises are my favorite tool to restore. The bigger they get, the more physically demanding they become, but they are such satisfying projects! Nicely done as usual!!
Looks great as it is. I have a Parker 955 fixed base I picked up for $40 on Craigslist that I will be restoring at some point. I think I might leave it unpainted as well!
I have a 974 in great condition sitting in my basement. I wire wheeled it over a year ago and just left it on my bench. I'll probably finish restoring it and put it into service once I sell a couple other vises in my collection. They really are great vises.
John, leave it as is as it has become a thing of beauty. I remember visiting my son in law on board HMS Defender and on the flight deck was an area where the helicopters were serviced. A new top of the line Record vice was available for the crew and I almost cried that some clown had put a pipe on the handle of a £750 vice and bent it out of shape. Son in law had a smaller vice in his work area (which looked after everything else apart from the aircraft or engines) and I beamed that it was used but had been greased and looked after. Lovely restoration as always and can you send some of the good weather to us in the UK.
You are a mind reader my friend! I just visited my Dad and he gave me my grandfather's larger vice he used to use. This video is just in time. The tip using the marker ad the file was one I would not have thought of. This one weighs a ton and is a Reed Manufacturing from Erie, PA. I want to get to it soon. Excellent tips and video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Scoutcrafter I love what you did to this Charles Parker 974 vice. I just bought one from my neighbor for $50. It was as rusty as yours, but a little banged up. I am glad you mention that screw in the front and the spring. I thought it was for a grease fitting, but it didn't seem like it originally had on. Thanks again and I think I'm going to keep mine natural also
vises, anvils ...to me are works of art ... sculptures that are testaments to the craftsman who abilities are reflected in those processes that create such pieces...e.g. the foundry molds, the molten steel etc...i always like your insights and caveats on care and proper use of these instruments that made America
That is one substantial vice. Imagine the work that has been carried out on it and yet it still is in such great shape. Someone has taken care of it during it's life so far and now it looks brand new again. Great job. 🏴
That would have to be the Rolls Royce of vises. I like it the way it is or maybe a wrinkle finish black. Great work as usual Scout. Cheers Stuart and Lea 🇦🇺
Hey John, Don't know if you remember, but you were kind enough to make a collar bolt for my vintage Parker 973 a couple of years ago. Thanks for introducing me to the classics! Plus, I love the natural look you gave yours, that's the way I left mine. Take care.
Just realized it would be my Grandmother's 103 Birthday today.........She had a Beat to Hell Shotgun (Busted Stock Wrapped in Electrical Tape & Just an Overall Patina Delight) that I inherited, that was one of my earlier restorations.......I'm still rather proud of the way it turned out.........Funny thing is, she had it as long as I could remember but when I ask her children (Dad, Aunt, Uncle) none of them had a clue where it came from......Winchester Model 37, 12 Gauge Single Shot.
I remember years back I was upstate and a guy was having a yard sale, underneath a big oak tree leaning on the trunk was a shotgun and next to it was a box of shells to go with it... Coming from NYC that was like seeing a UFO! 😂
But But the Patina..... I have got one a Parker 434 1/2 in the shed I need to sell, way too heavy for my back to carry. The 1/2 sizes are such a odd ball numbering!
I am one that likes the look of clean cast iron. I even painted the cast iron cylinders on my 82 Sportster using High Heat cast iron color paint. That spring loaded screw on the vise screw handle is a nice precision detail.
Great videos could you show how to start an accurate hole in steel or any metal without having the bit wander around? I wish there was a channel that gave an demonstration on various machinist tools and applications. Any ideas?
Will- What you need are "Center Drills" I use them often in my videos and they are cheap! Tom did a good video on them! ua-cam.com/video/w46cnvjIJzA/v-deo.html
I reviewed toms turnings great video my Dad was an experimental machinist who made models from engineering plans for the government. He had many interesting projects which were put into production after passing engineering approval. I only wish I was old enough to take advantage of his knowledge. Toms video brings back some of the memories, great video thanks! I subscribed!!!
HI ScoutCrafter, Do you recall the Parker remodel where you created a bronze screw to tighten the handle? I can't seem to find that video. I just came into a Parker 974 and doing a basic back into service and it is missing that screw so handle does not bang around. Do you know the thread size u used. Sure I wont find a spring so thinking a replacement screw. Any ideas? Much appreciated.
I love that vise it came out really nice. A steal at $50, or the original $60. I knew Parker were good quality vises, but did not know about the unique swivel lock, so thanks for explaining. I learned something. The vise looks terrific as is. Perhaps just some paint on the lettering to make is ScoutCrafter special. Dave.
The weather has been extremely nice! I We were able to see the International Space Station pass overhead the past two nights. That vice looks perfect cleaned up and protected. I'd leave it as is.
Hey, an Australian guy named Scrounga cleaned up a vise using a bench grinder and what he called an "nylon" wheel. When I asked him for a brand or other info he suggested that you might know where in the U.S. to buy one of these wheels. FYI it's not a nylon brush but a solid wheel. Do you know where to buy something like this?
Hello Robert! I think maybe you mean this- Buy one you won't regret it! smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DKABIOI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
G’Day. Just found your channel. Have watched a couple of videos and really liked them. You’re a natural presenter. Have been looking for things to watch during the current travel restrictions here in Australia (love getting out in to the bush). Am going to binge watch all your videos. By the way, am really glad you didn’t paint the vice. Looks brilliant in its natural state. By the way, how long have you been on UA-cam?. Only ask as the moderators quite often remove older vids. Cheers mate.
Hello Raymond! Welcome! We have a few great subscribers from Australia! I have been on UA-cam 11 years now but the last couple years have been devoted to tool restoration. Nothing crazy just a bunch of us cleaning up old tools that are of little value and having fun in the shop! Thanks again!!!!
Fantastic purchase at $50. That must have been some walk back to the car lugging a 60# vise! How about some glossy black lettering, and leave it at that? Thanks
I enjoy your restoration videos. I recently cleaned & painted a 4” Columbian bench vise that I purchased 40+ years ago. I decided to cold blue the front of the spindle (where the cross bar slides thru). I just wanted your thoughts (good or bad) on the bluing option.
Leave it for sure!! Those “Chas. Parker” vises are amazing! When union purchased them is that when they started marking them just as “Parker Vise” ? I think that’s correct but I’m not sure to be honest. Great tool!!! Amazing resto!!!
Lovely Restoration Crafter👌 That’s a high Quality vice.. here in the U.K. the Vintage Record Brand are amongst the best ones, we don’t get the variety you guys get unfortunately.. keep up the good work! Cheers!
Cool! I came looking for anything on these vises, because I have had one for somewhere around 40 years. Have not disassembled it like you do in this video, but I may. Making it look really nice seems like a great idea. Just one problem: It is missing the "horseshoe" which is screwed to the moveable jaw, and pulls open the vise. Seen clearly at 2:02, held by the single slot-head screw, and must be removed in order to pull out the main clamping force shaft. Removed and set aside at 2:12 in your edit, identified specifically at 2:45 I have a makeshift device which works, and am going to construct a better one. But I thought I should ask, Is there anywhere I might be able to obtain an original? I won't mind having to shim it... 😊
$50? Heck of a deal for that level condition. Good job. I'm one of those in the club of leave it natural if it looks good that way. A lot of vice vids on yt. Most are decent some are great some over the top. Yours is like the GOLDILOCKS story,"Just Right" Just clean 'em up and make sure they operate properly. Also applaud your minimalist use of lubricant(s). You're absolutely correct about dirt and debris attraction. I mostly don't use wet lubricants on my tools I like graphite. If you do paint it, I see CAT yellow as a good choice.💁 🙂✌️❤ P.S. From now on maybe carry a dolly with you on your tool hunts. Can't hurt.😁 Ha! Just noticed the age of this video.
I have a Chas parker 973 1/2 it was giving to me by my friend's wife and he passed away on 911 at the world trade buildings. Your teaching is amazing step by step thank you for your video it help me a lot. Thank you very much 😊
I like the natural color. It looks good but maybe a little ScoutCrafter Red accent on the lettering or logo. Thanks for sharing this great restoration.
I had a large REED vise for over 40 years. I always took good care of it and never damaged it in any way. As I got older I didn't use it much any more, so two years ago I sold it for 2-1/2 times what I paid for it and I have had sellers remorse ever since.
I got a Parker probably twice that size. The thing is a monster. I gotta find a front yolk retainer for it. I got something I made up on it but would love to get an original piece for it.
I have that same vice, got it for free from an old mill that was cleaned out, in Lewiston Maine, it has been used and abused but I mounted it and am adding to the character every time I use it., love it.
ScoutCrafter, My I make a recommendation, you need a shield/insulator between the Aluminum shim and cast metal. You will eventually get Galvanic Corrosion from dissimilar metals in contact. If the shim was in an enclosed area with no humidity it will be fine, however it is exposed. It will take a few years but it will eventually start to corrode. Paint will work or a thin piece of plastic 1-2 mils is all you need. I teach corrosion protection to the local body shops, now with more aluminum in vehicles Galvanic Corrosion is an issue. Good work, keep it bare metal...
Phillip- It’s So Funny you mentioned that because The shim was just a few thou too thin so I covered the shim with blue electrical tape on one side and trimmed off the excess... the side facing the vise! 😃👍
Fannie's your Aunt!! How about some Gold letters, or this guy I watch uses a lot of Red, I don't know why. Nice clear skies you have. Mine are totally devoid of clouds, and it's only 110, with 4% humidity. Pretty overwhelming. It's funny to be out in a parking lot with people on days when it's ONLY 104 and the conversation is how mild the temp. is. I think you could do a great job if someone brought you the shop vise off the Lusitania, straight from the bottom of the Irish Sea, yesterday.
Noah- Reed made some really nice big Vises! For 90% of the work I do a small to medium vise is plenty big- With a huge vise you can lose the feel of what you are doing. 😃👍
And another great vid. You got a smoking hot deal with the vise. Super job. It looks great the way it is in my opinion. Stay safe and enjoy your weather. 👍
NICE vise but the red lettering is up to you! The foam cannon worked FINE and the BLUE sky will knock your eyes out. That Parker reminded me that my old Columbia needs a good cleaning. It still has the chips where I made 7 file handles out of a poplar limb. I think it's Japanned or maybe painted black. Can't beat those old jobs. Thanks John CS! GBWYou!
It turned out great. A good vise restoration is always needed. Blue skies are always the best. Being from Texas I'm ready for winter haha. Be safe and take care out there Scout and everyone.
I bought the exact same vise. Paid about the same. I also did a complete resto on it and it came out great. I have 2 Parkers and a Reed that I fell in love with as well. Painted fire engine red with yellow lettering. Really enjoyed the video Scout! Thank you
Jimmy- Matthew is spot on- The reason I use regular 91% alcohol first is because it’s cheap (or was before Covid) and is a good cleaner. However it does have 9% water so I use the denatured alcohol as a fast wipe to remove anything I might of missed and it evaporates really fast- just like lacquer thinner!!! 😃👍🇺🇸
Beautiful work my man! I'm getting ready to do an old Reed vise that's frozen also. I personally like the raw steel, but I know if you did paint it I'd like it that way too. Didn't you do one of these a few years ago where you had to buy a large socket to disassemble the base? Thanks for sharing.
Great job as always I have a folding cart I take to the flea market makes hauling heavy things a lot easier. By the way my wife tells me that I have to many vices too
That looks awesome John! 🚀🚀 I have an old Chas Parker that was my grandfathers. It is an amazing vise! Great choice with no paint. There is nothing to hide on that vise. 💥👏😃
@@ScoutCrafter Taxes never help, but many of these manufacturers didn't just go to lower-tax states - they either closed or moved their manufacturing to China. Stanley is finally re-shoring their factories back to the US. They are still making tape measures in CT. My hope is still hanging on Klein and Channellock - I don't ever want those guys to move their production anywhere...
What a beauty, John. I wish just once I could have a quality vise. No more then I use one in my little shop, I really can't justify that kind of expense. Maybe I will run across a good used one , but hard to find around here. Anyway, thanks for this video....amazing!
That Parker is in beautiful shape, especially the jaws!! Looks NOS. Great score!! Getting that ring clip off for the wrench is a real bear, right? Love the handle screw as it keeps your hand from being pinched. I like the shellaced look but you definitely should paint it.
Fantastic video scout don’t touch it love it the way it is Man what a sweeeet vice a lot of work to get right but Once you set them up pure heaven to use god bless take care 👏🙏🇺🇸👍🇳🇿🪓🗽
Cold bluing is an oxidation the turns the metal black... I never liked that although I LOVE HOT bluing that turns the metal into a deep cobalt blue! =D
Man, that is a beautiful vise! In great condition too! Can you share your video collection sometime? I’ve had a few cheap vises and I currently have a decent old USA made vise that was my grandpas. It definitely doesn’t have the right tolerances of your Parker vise, but it seems to get most jobs done.
My preference has always been for things that are either unrestored, assuming they’re still in reasonably good shape, or restored to original condition. Probably because I used to hang around my uncle Art who collected antique cars, and worked for his friend Ralph who collected really old cars. While I can appreciate the work that goes into a hot rod or a custom motorcycle, I like to see things as they came from the factory. As for your vise, it looks great as is. However, since it had painted lettering when you got it, it might be nice to see some ScoutCrafter red on the letters, and maybe around the letters on the wrench.
@@ScoutCrafter “You can have any color you want as long as it’s ScoutCrafter red” I got a vise from my father-in-law, Lou, years ago. Never really looked for who made it, just bolted it to the bench and used it. Later, I was given a bigger vise from Lou’s golfing buddy, Don. Again, I didn’t really look it over except to make sure it worked. After watching your vise restorations I decided to see what kind mine were. Lo and behold the one from Lou is a Parker 202-3, and the one in the garage is its big brother, a Parker 204.
What an awesome vise! I say leave it. Those jaws are in amazing shape! Good notes on grease, I learned that they attract grinding chips and tapping chips. Been using that WD-40 dry lube. I spray my taps down when done after a blasting of brake cleaner.
Aaron! Excellent, just be careful using brake cleaner indoors, we had a safety class where they said "Brake Kleen" was super toxic! =D Now they tell us!
This beautiful vise comes out of Meriden, Conn, the "Silver City." One of the Charles Parker factory buildings still stands in functionality in Meriden today, as, you guessed it- apartment lofts. I live about 5 miles away from the building. Great job per usual Scout!!
Absolutely beautiful, both the vise and how you refurbished it. I would love to have such a beautiful Parker vise. Tool knowledge and proper tool use are reasons why it's always a good day when a Scoutcrafter video loads. Banishing patina was never more justified than for this vise. It's an heirloom quality tool. Big thumbs up from the intermountain west.
I can't get over how good of quality that vise is! I liked the gold lettering it had, but otherwise it's perfect as is. Great find!
Out here in the west, at least for me, it's pretty rare to run into these classic vises like your Parker - so this was really eye candy. I've restored a 5" Wilton Mechanic's bullet vise - beautiful but had to sell it - too big for the workbench (replaced it with a 4" Wilton bullet). I'm with you buddy, vises are my favorite tool to restore. The bigger they get, the more physically demanding they become, but they are such satisfying projects! Nicely done as usual!!
Marc- Very big vises are really not very handy for the average shop... Just like huge lathes and big boats! =D
Looks great as it is. I have a Parker 955 fixed base I picked up for $40 on Craigslist that I will be restoring at some point. I think I might leave it unpainted as well!
I have a 974 in great condition sitting in my basement. I wire wheeled it over a year ago and just left it on my bench. I'll probably finish restoring it and put it into service once I sell a couple other vises in my collection. They really are great vises.
John, leave it as is as it has become a thing of beauty. I remember visiting my son in law on board HMS Defender and on the flight deck was an area where the helicopters were serviced. A new top of the line Record vice was available for the crew and I almost cried that some clown had put a pipe on the handle of a £750 vice and bent it out of shape. Son in law had a smaller vice in his work area (which looked after everything else apart from the aircraft or engines) and I beamed that it was used but had been greased and looked after. Lovely restoration as always and can you send some of the good weather to us in the UK.
Some people.................!
You are a mind reader my friend! I just visited my Dad and he gave me my grandfather's larger vice he used to use. This video is just in time. The tip using the marker ad the file was one I would not have thought of. This one weighs a ton and is a Reed Manufacturing from Erie, PA. I want to get to it soon. Excellent tips and video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Lee- Reed made fantastic Vises!!! Usually on the larger side. 😃👍
Scoutcrafter I love what you did to this Charles Parker 974 vice. I just bought one from my neighbor for $50. It was as rusty as yours, but a little banged up. I am glad you mention that screw in the front and the spring. I thought it was for a grease fitting, but it didn't seem like it originally had on. Thanks again and I think I'm going to keep mine natural also
vises, anvils ...to me are works of art ... sculptures that are testaments to the craftsman who abilities are reflected in those processes that create such pieces...e.g. the foundry molds, the molten steel etc...i always like your insights and caveats on care and proper use of these instruments that made America
Hi Tom- Many Anvils went the way of the scrap yard and many vises were given up in Scrap metal drives during WW2. Shame isn't it? Thanks!
The drum brake swivel design is cool! I like the "natural" finish!
I have a Parker 39F that I picked up a few months ago. It is missing the collet. Does anybody know where I can pick one up?
That is one substantial vice. Imagine the work that has been carried out on it and yet it still is in such great shape. Someone has taken care of it during it's life so far and now it looks brand new again. Great job. 🏴
I miss your vise restorations sir...Perfect job as always....
That would have to be the Rolls Royce of vises. I like it the way it is or maybe a wrinkle finish black. Great work as usual Scout.
Cheers Stuart and Lea 🇦🇺
I have a Chas Parker No.434 1/2 pat.1930 and it has slots for pipe jaws i am assuming? where could i find a set of those? thanks.
Thank you for NOT PAINTING IT!!
Hey John,
Don't know if you remember, but you were kind enough to make a collar bolt for my vintage Parker 973 a couple of years ago. Thanks for introducing me to the classics! Plus, I love the natural look you gave yours, that's the way I left mine. Take care.
Tom! Those Parker’s are as nice to use as they are to look at! Thanks so much! 😃👍
Uncle Bob makes another appearance! Haha! Great video as always and I really liked the Parker history segment near the end!
Just realized it would be my Grandmother's 103 Birthday today.........She had a Beat to Hell Shotgun (Busted Stock Wrapped in Electrical Tape & Just an Overall Patina Delight) that I inherited, that was one of my earlier restorations.......I'm still rather proud of the way it turned out.........Funny thing is, she had it as long as I could remember but when I ask her children (Dad, Aunt, Uncle) none of them had a clue where it came from......Winchester Model 37, 12 Gauge Single Shot.
I remember years back I was upstate and a guy was having a yard sale, underneath a big oak tree leaning on the trunk was a shotgun and next to it was a box of shells to go with it... Coming from NYC that was like seeing a UFO! 😂
What a great deal on the vise, it was in great condition, but now it is is awesome condition. Nice job Scout.
But But the Patina.....
I have got one a Parker 434 1/2 in the shed I need to sell, way too heavy for my back to carry.
The 1/2 sizes are such a odd ball numbering!
Their number system made no sense! 😂😂😂
Yes! Finally a vise again! LE: It's perfect as it is, especially if it's going to do some work.
:)
That's a beauty Mate!! It would look great painted with highlighted lettering but there is nothing like a big hunk of raw steel in the Shop eh!!☺
I am one that likes the look of clean cast iron. I even painted the cast iron cylinders on my 82 Sportster using High Heat cast iron color paint. That spring loaded screw on the vise screw handle is a nice precision detail.
Great videos could you show how to start an accurate hole in steel or any metal without having the bit wander around? I wish there was a channel that gave an demonstration on various machinist tools and applications. Any ideas?
Will- What you need are "Center Drills" I use them often in my videos and they are cheap! Tom did a good video on them! ua-cam.com/video/w46cnvjIJzA/v-deo.html
I reviewed toms turnings great video my Dad was an experimental machinist who made models from engineering plans for the government. He had many interesting projects which were put into production after passing engineering approval. I only wish I was old enough to take advantage of his knowledge. Toms video brings back some of the memories, great video thanks! I subscribed!!!
Industrial look is great on such a beautiful Vice!
HI ScoutCrafter, Do you recall the Parker remodel where you created a bronze screw to tighten the handle? I can't seem to find that video. I just came into a Parker 974 and doing a basic back into service and it is missing that screw so handle does not bang around. Do you know the thread size u used. Sure I wont find a spring so thinking a replacement screw. Any ideas? Much appreciated.
I love that vise it came out really nice. A steal at $50, or the original $60. I knew Parker were good quality vises, but did not know about the unique swivel lock, so thanks for explaining. I learned something.
The vise looks terrific as is. Perhaps just some paint on the lettering to make is ScoutCrafter special.
Dave.
AS AAAlways....a GREAT Resto! AND....a ton of fantastic advice and info! Thank You Sir!
Dad Joke:
2 Zombies are walking in the woods.
Zombie 1: Look! A dead bird!
Zombie 2: [Looks Up] Where? =P
You sure they were two zombies...😆😆🙊😆😆
@@setdown2 Originally, it was 2 Blondes walking down the street!
I changed it up, to make it Kid Friendly!
Alan Smith. had to be blonds...I love them but they are Blonds....lol..
What do you call 5 blondes sitting in a circle. A dope ring!
As it's not going to be a 'shelf Queen', I would leave it exactly as it is, no paint! Nice job!
Me too.
I have always liked the look of that well cleaned cast steel. Turned out very nice man!
The weather has been extremely nice! I We were able to see the International Space Station pass overhead the past two nights. That vice looks perfect cleaned up and protected. I'd leave it as is.
Paul- I used to see the ISS every night when working! The best was when the last shuttle was hooking up with the ISS we saw them both!!!!!
What an amazing restoration. I have never attempted a major project like that. I would love to have a parker vise.
Man I was excited when I saw you were doing another vise. As usual I always learn something!
Tom- They are heavy to hold under the wire brush! LOL
Hey, an Australian guy named Scrounga cleaned up a vise using a bench grinder and what he called an "nylon" wheel. When I asked him for a brand or other info he suggested that you might know where in the U.S. to buy one of these wheels. FYI it's not a nylon brush but a solid wheel. Do you know where to buy something like this?
Hello Robert! I think maybe you mean this- Buy one you won't regret it! smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DKABIOI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@ScoutCrafter thank you!!!! I found something similar at a industrial supply store but it was almost $30.
G’Day. Just found your channel. Have watched a couple of videos and really liked them. You’re a natural presenter. Have been looking for things to watch during the current travel restrictions here in Australia (love getting out in to the bush). Am going to binge watch all your videos. By the way, am really glad you didn’t paint the vice. Looks brilliant in its natural state. By the way, how long have you been on UA-cam?. Only ask as the moderators quite often remove older vids. Cheers mate.
Hello Raymond! Welcome! We have a few great subscribers from Australia! I have been on UA-cam 11 years now but the last couple years have been devoted to tool restoration. Nothing crazy just a bunch of us cleaning up old tools that are of little value and having fun in the shop! Thanks again!!!!
Nice work, beautiful machine, beautiful finish. Thank you for sharing and keep safe
Fantastic purchase at $50. That must have been some walk back to the car lugging a 60# vise! How about some glossy black lettering, and leave it at that? Thanks
I enjoy your restoration videos. I recently cleaned & painted a 4” Columbian bench vise that I purchased 40+ years ago. I decided to cold blue the front of the spindle (where the cross bar slides thru).
I just wanted your thoughts (good or bad) on the bluing option.
Leave it for sure!! Those “Chas. Parker” vises are amazing! When union purchased them is that when they started marking them just as “Parker Vise” ? I think that’s correct but I’m not sure to be honest. Great tool!!! Amazing resto!!!
Lovely Restoration Crafter👌 That’s a high Quality vice.. here in the U.K. the Vintage Record Brand are amongst the best ones, we don’t get the variety you guys get unfortunately.. keep up the good work! Cheers!
I always keep an eye out for a nice record vise here but vintage ones are hard to find here!
Cool!
I came looking for anything on these vises, because I have had one for somewhere around 40 years.
Have not disassembled it like you do in this video, but I may. Making it look really nice seems like a great idea.
Just one problem: It is missing the "horseshoe" which is screwed to the moveable jaw, and pulls open the vise. Seen clearly at 2:02, held by the single slot-head screw, and must be removed in order to pull out the main clamping force shaft. Removed and set aside at 2:12 in your edit, identified specifically at 2:45
I have a makeshift device which works, and am going to construct a better one. But I thought I should ask, Is there anywhere I might be able to obtain an original?
I won't mind having to shim it... 😊
$50? Heck of a deal for that level condition.
Good job.
I'm one of those in the club of leave it natural if it looks good that way.
A lot of vice vids on yt.
Most are decent some are great some over the top.
Yours is like the GOLDILOCKS story,"Just Right"
Just clean 'em up and make sure they operate properly.
Also applaud your minimalist use of lubricant(s).
You're absolutely correct about dirt and debris attraction.
I mostly don't use wet lubricants on my tools I like graphite.
If you do paint it, I see CAT yellow as a good choice.💁
🙂✌️❤
P.S. From now on maybe carry a dolly with you on your tool hunts.
Can't hurt.😁
Ha! Just noticed the age of this video.
I have a Chas parker 973 1/2 it was giving to me by my friend's wife and he passed away on 911 at the world trade buildings. Your teaching is amazing step by step thank you for your video it help me a lot. Thank you very much 😊
I like the natural color. It looks good but maybe a little ScoutCrafter Red accent on the lettering or logo. Thanks for sharing this great restoration.
Another excellent restoration returning this beautiful old vise to service. A guy can never have too many tools.
Actually you can. We all do!
Love the look!!! - I actually picked up a big Record vise today and was thinking about doing the same finish as well!! Cheers!
I had a large REED vise for over 40 years. I always took good care of it and never damaged it in any way. As I got older I didn't use it much any more, so two years ago I sold it for 2-1/2 times what I paid for it and I have had sellers remorse ever since.
That vise turned out great. I would usually say paint. But it looks so good I would leave it. Stay safe and healthy my friend. Thanks
Another beautiful job!
I like the bare metal look but I also want to see some ScoutCrafter red...
8-)
I got a Parker probably twice that size. The thing is a monster. I gotta find a front yolk retainer for it. I got something I made up on it but would love to get an original piece for it.
Cliff- You don’t usually see Parker Vises being parted out. (Like old Schwinns) 😂😂😂
I may try to remake that piece.
I have that same vice, got it for free from an old mill that was cleaned out, in Lewiston Maine, it has been used and abused but I mounted it and am adding to the character every time I use it., love it.
Hey SC, what's the brick building behind you in the intro?
Dano- Those are attached houses (10 of them) that were built in the late 60’s. My Grandmother could have bought that property for peanuts! 🥴
My wedding song was - 'I love you just the way you are' by Billy Joel. I love it just the way it is. 🙂
ScoutCrafter, My I make a recommendation, you need a shield/insulator between the Aluminum shim and cast metal. You will eventually get Galvanic Corrosion from dissimilar metals in contact. If the shim was in an enclosed area with no humidity it will be fine, however it is exposed. It will take a few years but it will eventually start to corrode. Paint will work or a thin piece of plastic 1-2 mils is all you need. I teach corrosion protection to the local body shops, now with more aluminum in vehicles Galvanic Corrosion is an issue. Good work, keep it bare metal...
Phillip- It’s So Funny you mentioned that because The shim was just a few thou too thin so I covered the shim with blue electrical tape on one side and trimmed off the excess... the side facing the vise! 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter That will work, hit the other side with some Shellac or a little scoutcrafter Red...lol
Very nice work, absolutely it shouldn't be painted. It look fantastic as it is
Fannie's your Aunt!!
How about some Gold letters, or this guy I watch uses a lot of Red, I don't know why.
Nice clear skies you have. Mine are totally devoid of clouds, and it's only 110, with 4% humidity. Pretty overwhelming.
It's funny to be out in a parking lot with people on days when it's ONLY 104 and the conversation is how mild the temp. is.
I think you could do a great job if someone brought you the shop vise off the Lusitania, straight from the bottom of the Irish Sea, yesterday.
I love those old giant vises, I don't have one, but from the videos I've seen with them, they're lovely.
Noah- Reed made some really nice big Vises! For 90% of the work I do a small to medium vise is plenty big- With a huge vise you can lose the feel of what you are doing. 😃👍
And another great vid. You got a smoking hot deal with the vise. Super job. It looks great the way it is in my opinion. Stay safe and enjoy your weather. 👍
NICE vise but the red lettering is up to you! The foam cannon worked FINE and the BLUE sky will knock your eyes out. That Parker reminded me that my old Columbia needs a good cleaning. It still has the chips where I made 7 file handles out of a poplar limb. I think it's Japanned or maybe painted black. Can't beat those old jobs. Thanks John CS! GBWYou!
thats an awesome vise for starters. great job restoring it. I'm for leaving the way it is. the natural look is to good to be painted.
It turned out great. A good vise restoration is always needed. Blue skies are always the best. Being from Texas I'm ready for winter haha. Be safe and take care out there Scout and everyone.
Texas where even Winter is awesome!!! 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter yes sir lol
You stole that for $50. Nice!
I know you’re going to paint it, but in this case I think it’s great the way it is. 👍
That vise looks very similar to an Athol 680. The two companies were close enough to each other. Do you know if they partnered?
Peter, there were so many designs that were very close between all the vise makers of that time including Reed and Monarch... Amazing!
looks really good! I would leave it the way it is! great job as always!
I bought the exact same vise. Paid about the same. I also did a complete resto on it and it came out great. I have 2 Parkers and a Reed that I fell in love with as well. Painted fire engine red with yellow lettering. Really enjoyed the video Scout! Thank you
Steve- Reed made great Vises too!! Usually all the Reeds I see are BIG! 😂👍
Vice looks awesome buddy! I usually just chip the paint during use anyways lol What's the difference between regular alcohol and denatured alcohol?
@Matthew Hopkins great info. Can you use both denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning?
@Matthew Hopkins thanks buddy!
Jimmy- Matthew is spot on- The reason I use regular 91% alcohol first is because it’s cheap (or was before Covid) and is a good cleaner. However it does have 9% water so I use the denatured alcohol as a fast wipe to remove anything I might of missed and it evaporates really fast- just like lacquer thinner!!! 😃👍🇺🇸
@@ScoutCrafter awesome buddy thanks!
Great video. A neighbor gave me a 974 1/2. Are parts available for them? If they are, who would I contact. Thanks again for your video.
Beautiful work my man! I'm getting ready to do an old Reed vise that's frozen also. I personally like the raw steel, but I know if you did paint it I'd like it that way too. Didn't you do one of these a few years ago where you had to buy a large socket to disassemble the base? Thanks for sharing.
Don! Yes! 1-3/8" socket! I had to use it again! LOL Reed made great vises too usually large ones! =D
Belleza en su color natural del metal gracias por sus vídeos desde Almería España
Great job as always I have a folding cart I take to the flea market makes hauling heavy things a lot easier. By the way my wife tells me that I have to many vices too
No paint on the vise but maybe a splash of Scoutcrafter Red on the wrench handle? Looks great.
That looks awesome John! 🚀🚀 I have an old Chas Parker that was my grandfathers. It is an amazing vise! Great choice with no paint. There is nothing to hide on that vise. 💥👏😃
Love the natural cast look. Awesome vice. Wish we had these Down Under.
Hi John , It Looks Great ! I Would Leave it Just like That ! Great Deal Too ! Nice Vise .
Meriden, CT! They made lots and lots of tools and other good stuff in Connecticut back in the day...
Yes! What a shame the high taxes drove most away! Thanks!
@@ScoutCrafter Taxes never help, but many of these manufacturers didn't just go to lower-tax states - they either closed or moved their manufacturing to China. Stanley is finally re-shoring their factories back to the US. They are still making tape measures in CT. My hope is still hanging on Klein and Channellock - I don't ever want those guys to move their production anywhere...
Love the way it is right now. Great work, great vise. Thank you.
Very nice vise! No need paint... 👍🏻🎅🏻🇫🇮
What a beauty, John. I wish just once I could have a quality vise. No more then I use one in my little shop, I really can't justify that kind of expense. Maybe I will run across a good used one , but hard to find around here. Anyway, thanks for this video....amazing!
Lloyd- You have to hit a steam engine or tractor show- They are all over (once Covid is done) and you can always find a couple of Vises there! 😃👍
Good tip. That would be fun anyway!
The way it is now looks BEAUTIFUL..GODBLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND EVERYONE..
Hi. I was wondering where I would send something for you to restore
I’m at bicycleguy@aol.com
That Parker is in beautiful shape, especially the jaws!! Looks NOS. Great score!! Getting that ring clip off for the wrench is a real bear, right? Love the handle screw as it keeps your hand from being pinched. I like the shellaced look but you definitely should paint it.
Steve- I have time before the humidity drops.. 😃👍
Now if you could do a video about canning that would be good. We are canning everything that isn’t moving
Love your video..... Just picked up my 974 today. I love after cleaning using boiled linseed oil
We have beautiful blue skies too and 110 plus beat index. 😂 July in Mississippi!
Yikes!!! 🥴
Fantastic video scout don’t touch it love it the way it is
Man what a sweeeet vice a lot of work to get right but
Once you set them up pure heaven to use god bless take care
👏🙏🇺🇸👍🇳🇿🪓🗽
I like the way it looks now. Nice job. Keep em coming. Stay safe.
Will cast iron take cold bluing?
Cold bluing is an oxidation the turns the metal black... I never liked that although I LOVE HOT bluing that turns the metal into a deep cobalt blue! =D
Like the way it looks just like that.
But it’s not my vise. You have to live with it not me.😬
Great video, as always I learn something.
Thank you!
Thank you. This was a great restoration. Please leave the vise as-is. It’s like looking at a hundred year old b&w photograph. 🛠
Man, that is a beautiful vise! In great condition too! Can you share your video collection sometime? I’ve had a few cheap vises and I currently have a decent old USA made vise that was my grandpas. It definitely doesn’t have the right tolerances of your Parker vise, but it seems to get most jobs done.
Check out this video! ua-cam.com/video/EzULv2GQbWI/v-deo.html
My preference has always been for things that are either unrestored, assuming they’re still in reasonably good shape, or restored to original condition. Probably because I used to hang around my uncle Art who collected antique cars, and worked for his friend Ralph who collected really old cars. While I can appreciate the work that goes into a hot rod or a custom motorcycle, I like to see things as they came from the factory. As for your vise, it looks great as is. However, since it had painted lettering when you got it, it might be nice to see some ScoutCrafter red on the letters, and maybe around the letters on the wrench.
J- A while ago I did one with paint! 😃👍. ua-cam.com/video/zH3NNlkLaak/v-deo.html
@@ScoutCrafter “You can have any color you want as long as it’s ScoutCrafter red”
I got a vise from my father-in-law, Lou, years ago. Never really looked for who made it, just bolted it to the bench and used it. Later, I was given a bigger vise from Lou’s golfing buddy, Don. Again, I didn’t really look it over except to make sure it worked. After watching your vise restorations I decided to see what kind mine were. Lo and behold the one from Lou is a Parker 202-3, and the one in the garage is its big brother, a Parker 204.
Leave it. It's beautiful.
Another great video. Keep em coming!
Looks great! I have been on the hunt for ONE decent vice. I finally gave up and purchased a Chinese one from the local Co Op.
Funny thing is Vises are like death, they come in 3’s! You look for years then all of a sudden they are everywhere! 😂😂😂
@@ScoutCrafter
In the area I live they are more like anvils. If you come across a decent one it had the horn knocked off of it during the Civil War.
What an awesome vise! I say leave it. Those jaws are in amazing shape! Good notes on grease, I learned that they attract grinding chips and tapping chips. Been using that WD-40 dry lube. I spray my taps down when done after a blasting of brake cleaner.
Aaron! Excellent, just be careful using brake cleaner indoors, we had a safety class where they said "Brake Kleen" was super toxic! =D Now they tell us!
Nice job! Beautiful vice. I'm restoring my Chas. Parker 954 right now. I'll post a video when I'm done.
They made such great vises! Thanks!
@@ScoutCrafter Yes! And, if you're interested, here's my Chas. Parker that I just finished: ua-cam.com/video/ZUo47vCran8/v-deo.html
Would it be safe to say that your vice is vice's?
That is one Sick looking Vise love it..
M.t.A John great Job. Beautiful job.