need to repair this vise

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Hey fellas, I picked up a old Parker vise the other day with a few miles on it, but still in working order. when i took a closer look at the slide i found a crack in the slide. how can i repair this crack? I'm thinking of grinding out a "V" groove and welding it with some 3/32 7018, here are some pics of the vise. Any thoughts or experiences in the repairs. thanks steve Attached Images
Reply:Beautiful vise. Just use it.If you got to fix it braze it.
Reply:I wouldn't think that crack would be  a problem where it is located. I would just use it like it is.
Reply:A lot of people use whatever that feature of the vise where the crack is is called as an anvil. Don't do that if you got a crack or not. I am interested if anything could be discerned as to how the crack might have come about.I have seen them in that area but more centered and almost looking like they arised out of the casting.
Reply:Weld it as you said. Disassemble and get the rust off with a dunk in a electrolytic tank for 2-3 days.ChrisAuction Addict
Reply:There is no rust on it.
Reply:Basicwelder54The crack is either a casting flaw, or the result of the tail used as an anvil.If you have a crack in a vise - this is where you want it [and not uncommon].Monitor in use - but for now - don't do anything.I'd keep the paint - discreetly wire brush the contactsurfaces & normally bare sides - and seek a secondreplacement cinch.Show off its age and history - save the 'bomb can' for repairing some else's crap ornamental iron.Opus
Reply:I am interested if anything could be discerned as to how the crack might have come about.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikBeautiful vise. Just use it.If you got to fix it braze it.
Reply:Originally Posted by rocyizhenI am interested if anything could be discerned as to how the crack might have come about.
Reply:if you gotta have a crack in your vise that's the place for it. if it's not affecting performance don't fool with it.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Thats a nice old vise.  I absolutely wouldn't weld it.  I'd mark the crack and see if it grows.  If it worries you, drill a small hole at the end of the crack to stop it.  You will have to do this anyway if you weld it.Treat the vise properly and it will outlive you.  Cast iron vises are for squeezing things and holding things so you can work on them, not for holding things so you can beat them with a hammer.  If you want to hold things so you can beat them with a hammer, get a blacksmiths post vise.  Post vises are forged steel, bench vises are cast iron.
Reply:Thanks fellas, I looked at the underside of the slide, it is damaged as well and the screw is broke off. It only can open about 5 inches, but I have another Parker ( my friend has that I'm hoping I can use for parts, it is also broken). I will try and restore it back to its original condition. I will post when I'm finished, not sure if I'm going to weld it yet. Thanks Steve
Reply:I got a vise with crack in same spot. It has been like that for many years with no issues. I'm for just leaving. Throw some paint on the crack to monitor it.
Reply:So after much consideration I have decided to leave the crack alone. I will strip the vise down clean it,lube it up and replace the handle and threaded rod assembly with a replacement when I acquire that broken parker. I will post the finished product, thanks again steve
Reply:I hope you did not get doinked for too much on the vise. There is not much too vise shopping open it up before you buy.You can get acme, I believe that is what they are rods from Mcmaster Carr and other places.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikI hope you did not get doinked for too much on the vise. There is not much too vise shopping open it up before you buy.You can get acme, I believe that is what they are rods from Mcmaster Carr and other places.
Reply:What is the matter with the other vise? The donor.
Reply:He said the dynamic jaw is broke off, I haven't seen it. But he told me it can't be fixed to working order. But like I said I haven't seen it to assess it. Steve
Reply:Wow I never seen that before.Look at it as a free vise to practice your braze or welding  repair on.
Reply:Yeah, how the $&@/ do you destroy a parker vise, I'm still wondering on how you can do that. Parker vises are some of the best and heavy duty vises ever made. I'm just hoping that I can use the parts to fix my parker 87Last edited by Basicwelder54; 04-12-2015 at 10:01 PM.
Reply:Drill and tap it across the crack and countersink install a countersunk bolt. Use a little lock tight and forget about it.
Reply:Basicwelder, if you decide you want your money back, I'll pay plus shipping.That item can ferure use the basic repairs it needs that you describe, but I promise I will render it full respect and spare no cost or effort to restore it to factory new condition.Either way, you suck because you found it before me
Reply:Originally Posted by wornoutoldwelderBasicwelder, if you decide you want your money back, I'll pay plus shipping.That item can ferure use the basic repairs it needs that you describe, but I promise I will render it full respect and spare no cost or effort to restore it to factory new condition.Either way, you suck because you found it before me
Reply:Fool with a bfh.I had some time today so I broke down that vise and restored it.it came out pretty good and works great, I also found out that the main screw was not sheared off it only opens 4 inches total. The crack in the slide is still there and it will stay there. Thanks for everyone's help, enjoy Steve Attached Images
Reply:As mentioned, drill a small hole to help prevent the crack from propagating further. Then at some point in the future you might want to do a braze repair.  Just keep that crack from spreading or getting more rusty. The jaws and business end look pretty good."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I love the raw look. That is how I left the last one I did.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikI love the raw look. That is how I left the last one I did.