What did I buy?

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Well wife and I were at an auction and there were a few things that I went crazy on but I realy wanted this vise. I dont have any large ones here in my shop, just small ones. I didnt think Id have enough cash left to buy it, Kathy said for the boys and I to go load the truck and she would hang out and see if she could get it for me. Paid 55 bucks everything works smooth but cant find a name or model on it. Looks like batle ship grey was once paited on it. The can is for size referance.  Any thoughts on what it is? Attached Images
Reply:I know that there was a name brand that made (possible still make) those. But it looks just like the cheap ones that I have. Mine came from Sams many years ago. I kinda hate to say this but I believe I got them new for around what you paid. But they've been good vises for a long time now. Much better than the similar ones that are sold by HF now. The one on my welding table has never had a perfectly parallel closing of the jaws but it's also been beat to death and abused just about every way you can think of and is still going strong.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Lots of places sell imports of that basic design; think I first saw the design in a Harbor Freight catalog. Don't know if it was an old American or English style that was copied, but I'd never seen one before so doubt it.I was going to find one on ENCO for you to see, but the site happens to be down at the minute. Some look a bit beefier than others. Here's one from Harbor Freight:http://www.harborfreight.com/5-inch-...ise-67415.html.    [Edit]Here's the Enco version:http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PARTPG=INLMK32.Last edited by Oldiron2; 06-04-2011 at 12:33 AM.Reason: Site back up
Reply:Looks like any number of imported swivel head vises I've seen. Lowes sells a Bessy for $80, Depot an Irwin for the same price. One of them had a Wilton in the store awhile back and HF has one also. All of them look almost exactly the same. I've had one for over 15 years, I forget the brand now..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Well guys thanks, I needed one so its really not money lost I guess. This one has been used hard but the jaws line up nice and lie I said everything works smooth, so Ill get some good use out of it im sure. thanks again
Reply:Bring it to my shop and I will give you your $55 and buy you lunch too.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:If its a good casting and not an import it is probably worth well more than you paid. I think wilton sells one similar for well over $100 (5" vice not sure how big yours is) I would say that you did good and that it will likely last till your childrens children are old and grey as long as you dont try to use it like an anvil. That vice is probably older than you already and looks to be in good shape.
Reply:No idea on the make, but given the size of the vice, you scored!
Reply:That's way beefier than any of those import vises mentioned.  Looks like a good score.
Reply:i have a 60's era craftsman that looks a bit like it.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/