What is this "vise"?

[atch]

This "thing" is in an estate sale near me that starts tomorrow (Thursday; 2/5/26). I'm wondering if I should go try to buy it. I've never seen anything like it.

This is posted in the 32-53 section. I'll be putting it in the Model A section also, as I have the Model A in my avatar and a '48 F-1 panel truck.

[Cool Kat with Hot Car]

Even if you have not a clue as to what this contraption does, why would you not buy it? It is a wonderful piece of intriguing history,

[cas3]

Buy it!! What is written on it?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by atch

This "thing" is in an estate sale near me that starts tomorrow (Thursday; 3/5/26). I'm wondering if I should go try to buy it. I've never seen anything like it.

[GB SISSON]

Very clever, yes, buy it. Get there early. There are serious vise collectors out there with multiple rows of different brands, sizes and configirations bolted down to long workbenches. I was gonna make a remark like "Im not sure why", but then I look back on my phases of collecting things and keep my mouth shut. I'm thinking that's a very rare vise. Let us know if you get it. Thanks!

[rich b]

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Buy it!

It will be a great conversation piece once it takes up residence at your place. Even better if you learn what it is and can keep your friends guessing.

[atch]

I think that wolfhawk73, over on the Garage Journal nailed it:

Stowell Combination Vise

Thank you all for looking, considering, and responding. I'll let you know if I get it.

[5851a]

So, it originally sold for $6. Offer them 5.

[atch]

Originally Posted by 5851a

So, it originally sold for $6. Offer them 5.

...uh; right...

(I get it)

[cas3]

Well, heck if you get that you can get rid of your drill press! make more room in the shop!

[leon bee]

I agree, I'd want that.

[flatford8]

I agree with everybody……I would try to not let that get away…….Mark

[Bob56]

looks similar to the fourth one down

[pistonbroke]

It is a multi jaw vice. You simply lift out the jaws and slip in the ones you need. I can see the standard flat face and pipe jaw sets. The crank on the mushroom does have wondering though. Tim

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Bob56

looks similar to the fourth one down

[ford38v8]

As a collectable, it is certainly unique and desirable.
As for usefulness, seriously compromised.
Rule of thumb for any tool is: "Do one thing and do it well".

[atch]

I got it!

I paid twice what I wanted to but half of what I figured it would be priced at.

I bought it strictly as a conversation/display piece. It will NEVER get used in my shop or house. Some pieces ae missing and yes, one piece s broken. Doesn't affect my purpose or desire one iota. Watch the video in response 7 and you'll see a lot more information.

Now I'm torn between leaving it alone "as-is" or welding the one piece, sandblasting the whole shebang, and painting it. Any thoughts?

More pix:

[atch]

Note: as it's only a display piece and I'll never try to sell it as an antique I don't think it will bother me to ruin the patina by cleaning/welding/painting. If I do that I'll have to fabricate a wooden handle for the drill press as it's obviously missing.

None-the-less; I'm still interested in your opinions.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by atch

Note: as it's only a display piece and I'll never try to sell it as an antique I don't think it will bother me to ruin the patina by cleaning/welding/painting. If I do that I'll have to fabricate a wooden handle for the drill press as it's obviously missing.

None-the-less; I'm still interested in your opinions.

As a tool guy myself, I'd think a simple wire-brushed oiled rag finish would be more appropriate than paint, and certainly easier prep work. A neatly done weld can show it's had a useful life with a competent owner. you might do a test weld on the bottom to prove weldability. You don't want a funky looking weld to start.

[atch]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

As a tool guy myself, I'd think a simple wire-brushed oiled rag finish would be more appropriate than paint, and certainly easier prep work. A neatly done weld can show it's had a useful life with a competent owner. you might do a test weld on the bottom to prove weldability. You don't want a funky looking weld to start.

Alan,

I agree 100% with what you say. My quandary arrives when I start thinking about what to do with the broken piece. If I really do chamfer the pieces and weld/grind it, I don't know if I'd be happy with that look. Thus, the consideration of paint. I've been thinking about leaving the "outside" of the broken pieces alone and grinding out the "interior" of the break. Think Dremel tool or die grinder or similar. Then JB Welding it back together in order to preserve the existing "exterior" look. If JB will hold it together that might be the way I go. Remember that I'll never actually use this thing or put any stress on that broken piece whatsoever. It's strictly a conversation/display piece for me.

In the video it mentions that these were made of "gray iron." I had never heard that term so I called the best welder that I know (certified for nuclear plant welding) and asked Steve. He wasn't sure but thought that this just another way of saying cast iron. Google says "gray iron" is just one specific variation of cast iron. Specifically it says it "is a type of cast iron that has a graphitic microstructure." That being the case a good welder (not me but Steve, for instance) could weld it back together and be structurally sound. If I do that what would you suggest I do with the exterior? Grind it and leave it? "Age" it with vinegar or acid? Other? (assuming that I decide against paint)

I've seriously considered clamping the two pieces together and drilling up through the narrow end. If I did that I could tap the larger piece with threads. Cut the head off of a bolt and thread it into the larger piece. Slide the small piece over the bolt which would be cut off so that it doesn't reach the end of the hole in the small piece. Then weld the bolt to the small piece inside the hole. When the piece is mounted on the main body the small end of that piece would be down and no one would ever see it. This wouldn't actually be structural but would "do" for what I want.

Anyone got other ideas.