Just bought a leg vise myself tonight. I enjoyed your video. Not just for the information but for getting Christopher Walken to narrate it!

That was fascinating Glen, I've never seen a leg vise in real life. To see one disassembled and restored was really interesting. I'd guess you now have a powerful and useful tool there. Your local tradesmen are a great asset to have nearby. The thing I notice about Asia, is that those kind of family workshops are keeping the local economies humming along happily and lots of young people have good opportunities to readily learn useful life-skills that really interest them.Thanks for showing the inside story.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

dav, I now need to make a stand and get this vise working. You're right - family owned businesses are what made Taiwan's economy. What I especially like about small businesses (metal crafts) here is they don't charge an hourly rate and don't require a minimum purchase amount. Have a Happy New Year.

@BrassLock

5 жыл бұрын

@@gstongs Thank you Glen for your wishes. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019 to you and your wife.

I'm new to these post vises but from what I am seeing here, the fact that the previous owner welded all that together is sacrilege. That looks like one of the best ways to ruin a perfectly good vise. It looks like you did a right fine job of restoring that old vise to usable condition again. I just purchased a post vise that is all dirty and rusty but it seems to be in decent shape. I'm looking forward to cleaning it up and putting it to good use.

Great job Glen! Hope you had a great Christmas!

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Phillip, Thanks and I wish you the same. And have a great 2019.

Nice man! When I got my first leg vice, I couldn't believe that I was ever a Blacksmith without it!! Now I have 4, lol.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

William, You said it well. I've operated over here in Taiwan too long without a proper vise. I ned to get it mounted and working before I break my nice Record machinist vise. Have a Happy New Year.

Your jaw alignment issue definitely comes from the hinge. A option along with filling the holes would be to add a oversized hinge pin/bolt preferably with a smooth shank. This would take up whatever slop was left over in the bore.

@TimTim11111111

4 жыл бұрын

Haha sorry, I just read the dates on the comments out here. How's she working?

That should be very useful. I restored both of the leg vises that I use. I ran all of the parts through the forge to burn off all the rust and grease then some minor wire brushing and linseed oil. The went from almost locked up to a one finger operation. It's so satisfying bringing an antique back to life. The solution I was seeing for your height difference were to draw out the short leg slightly, raise the plate or the hole. The hole was the best choice. Once you relocated the hole it might have been better to use the worn bolt since that was in when making the measurement.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Tim, You obviously did a better, more thorough job than I did. I need to get this vise mounted and working. I'm happy enough with my fix for the height but your idea for drawing the short post some is good. I made a follow-up, somewhat related video that I'll post soon. Have a Happy New Year.

Thanks for sharing this one glen, I have one I need to refurb before I can use it, I don't think it will need as much work but it's good to see it broken down

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

This was a first for me. I need to make a suitable stand and get this tool working. Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

Hi Glen, hope you and your wife had a great Christmas Day yesterday. All the very best wishes for 2019. Love watching your channel, I’ve learned so much watching you. Take care buddy.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Hi, there isn't much Christmas festivity here in Taiwan but we had a Merry Christmas all the same. Thanks for your wishes and I wish you the same. Have a great 2019.

Thanks Glen, there is a leg vice I've been eyeing locally, "cheap" very nice shape, but missing the box screw and spring. I think your video had inspired me to purchase it and give it a shot. It's only 35.00 us so not much to lose . Great video as usual!

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Jachin, I think at the that price, you can't go wrong. Good luck with it and have a Happy New Year.

Enjoyed that Glen.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

John, Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

@johnamarant7105

5 жыл бұрын

You too Glen, cheers from Australia

Happy Holidays Glen! I love old tool restoration! If those "old tools" could tell a story ! I have an old unusual hammer that has a "Star of David" on it and a "1900's" Sheldon wood working vise...and an old "pre Stanley" wood plane...all I have restored! I used a car battery with a bucket of water to take off the rust.....NICE WORK!

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I agree - there's something special about quality old tools. I have a really nice, old ball been hammer with a half visible name and anvil logo on one side. I should make a video and see if someone can identify it. Have a great 2019.

Glen, you can also put a bushing on the pivot bolt. When it wears, replace the bushing. It will take up the wear and not the bolt itself. Jon

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Jon, That's a very good idea but it may require the hole to be drilled slightly larger, I think... Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

I've got a 5" Colombian leg vise that I bought in the States and shipped to my factory in Shanghai China. It's hardly ever been used. And it's equally loose and wobbly. I also have a much older 4" leg vise with no makers mark. Quite well used. Also loose. My friend here in China has two Austrian leg vises. Very very tight. No play. I think it's just a difference in the construction. I'll email you some pictures and videos this coming week.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Eric, Very good information. As with any product, it seems there's quite a bit of quality variation from maker to maker and from time period to time period. After further investigating, my vise is not wrought iron or as old as I first suspected but rather made for steel, likely drop forged but possibly cast steel. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year.

Morning Glen, lovely vice! Think this is probably a ‘bitza’ vice, as we call them here in England, coz it’s made up of bits of this and bits of that! It’s probably an English make. The stopped champhers on the leg show it’s high Victorian pedigree (1870ies or after). Watch your teeth, the long handles can sometimes surprise you when clamping the jaws shut! Use one of these every day, they are fantastic. Good find. Amazing how far it’s travelled, as I’m sure you’ve found out, they weigh a huge amount! All the best.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Your'e right - I need to watch that long handle. I nearly broke my camera and I certainly don't want to get hit in the teeth. At first, I thought this was a "bitza" as you call it. But after further examination, I think it's mostly original and not a "Franken" vise as I would call it. Thanks for sharing, good luck with yore channel in 2019 and have a Happy New Year.

@marcosferreras7772

5 жыл бұрын

Hello, can you give me more information about the kind of vises that you two are talking about (bitza, and the others, how were they diferences? )

You’re an inspiration to the art of blacksmithing. No gimmicks, just the real deal.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your kind comment. Will do my best moving forward... Thanks.

Glen, I have one with the same exact problem, I believe that the rear arm on mine and yours is bent from over tightening, which causes the rear jaw to be pushed back and also higher. But nice fix and it should work fine for year's. The looseness is so that as it opens the screw doesn't bind in there cause the holes keep getting more angled from each other as you open it.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Very good information. I never thought that maybe part of this was bent from excessive use. I know a leg vise needs the screw to be floating (loose and independent of jaws) as this is what makes it strong and suitable to hit on. But this one just seems a bit too loose. Anyway, I need to get it mounted and working and then I'll be more clear. Have a Happy New Year.

Thank you for sharing

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

rami, My pleasure. Thanks for watching and have a Happy New Year.

Did a job like that not to long ago, bo welds on mine :)). Keep up the good job, i like your videos

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

It seems many of these old vises need attention of one kind or another. I need to get this vise mounted and working. Thanks for watching and have a Happy New Year. Glen

Good stuff

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

rich, Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

Great job Glen! I Suppose These dovetails inJaws are designed for interchangeable jaws. For work with round or square blanks, or they may be soft, or wooden Jaws for other purposes.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Serge, A few people have wondered what those dovetails are for and I think your answer makes the most sense. I will investigate further after getting this vise mounted and working. Have a Happy New Year.

@kirill87600

5 жыл бұрын

Glad for you Glen and your new toy. I will wait for them in action.

Excelente

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Issac, Thanks and have a great 2019.

I have never seen a leg vise with the dove tails in the jaws like that. Very interesting wonder what they were for. The screw box and screw look like they were made as a pair. But may be made for a different vise. I have a vise I have been working on that the moveable jaw is not the original jaw made for this vise. It is a good bit higher than the other jaw. Plus the face of the jaw is a lot thinner than that of the solid jaw. Not sure what to do about that. But your idea seems a good one. I may weld the hole and re drill it. Enjoyed the video.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Those dovetails are odd, maybe for holding rounds better vertically? Not really sure... But it's those that make me think this was mainly drop forged and not cast. I tested the steel and it's definitely not wrought iron so I think it's forged steel though I guess it could also be cast steel. I think you're right that mine (and yours) are maybe "Franken" vises - vises pieced together from different parts. Glad you enjoyed this and have a Happy New Year.

theirs allot of things ya got way off , good on ya for taking the time to try to teach others tho !! I’ll be making a video soon on my cleaning up of a 6” Peter Wright I picked up recently . I love post. Uses and have 12 and have learned a bit cleaning them all up . Especially that if you use electrolysis to take off the rust and don’t attack it with a power tool you are far more likely to uncover something that will steer you to be able to identify the manufacturer . Out of the 15 post vises I’ve owned I have identified all but 2 and only 3 of them where easy columbians or iron cities

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Teddy, Taking apart and repairing this leg vise was a firs for me. It seems you have a lot of experience working on them. I own an Iron City vise (in the US) and this YTK vise is interesting. I tested the material and its not wrought iron - probably drop forged steel and maybe cast steel... Anyway, thanks for watching.

Good video Glen! I have a vise which has the same problem with a slightly lower front jaw (so this seems to be a quiet common issue?!). My solution would also be to weld the hole and drill a new one if I will restore and use it one day (at the moment this tool sadly is on hold because I don´t have the space to mount it) Funny to see that other guys are messing with the same problems all over the world ;-)

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Randriedi, Yes, based on the comments, it really seems like this problem is a common one. And I also don't have much space for this vise. I can't fix it permanently in my workspace but will likely just mount it to a stump or something similar that I can move around. Have a Happy New Year.

Glen it looks to me the vise you have has been put together with parts from different leg vises.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Paul, It's hard to tell. I need to get this vise mounted and working and I think that will make things clearer. Have a Happy New Year.

What kind of cutoff wheels do you use. I would have gone through 3 or 4 of the ones we get around here.

@jackdawg4579

5 жыл бұрын

I'm wondering the same, it didn't seem to wear down at all.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I tried many different cutoff wheels until I found these green ones I currently use. There is no brand name on them, just an alligator logo - probably only available in Taiwan. They really work better than others...

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Jack, They will wear down but just slower than other brands. But the main difference is these green wheels cut must faster. Not sure why...

looks like you got it. but I would of shimmed up the jaws where the screw box and screw go through the legs. always enjoy your videos man

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

It seems there is more than one solution to this problem. Many good suggestions... Have a Happy New Year.

It was over tightened with a pipe one time and that bent back the neck of it, I have 3 of them and had to have one pressed on the neck back to into shape 👌

@driveheronman4304

5 жыл бұрын

Actually I just looked back at the start of the video and it looks like they pushed it also??

@he-mansuncle7661

5 жыл бұрын

How can you tell, just curious? The vise screw and the handle didn't look like they've been abused but I also don't know what to look for. Thanks!

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Someone else mentioned this but it's hard for me to tell. But what you say seems to be a common problem. However this vise is not wrought iron but rather a harder steel. I think my fix will work but I will examine it again after using for a while and if needed, take your advice. Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Phillip, I can't see evidence of it being bent though this is certainly a possibility. But after further investigating, this vise is not wrought iron but rather a harder steel so the bending seems less likely. Anyway, I need to get it mounted and working and then can see better. Have a Happy New Year.

Hey ho GST Nice job on the vice. If it’s good for you, why put more work in it. Thank you for sharing. Greetings

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I think it's good now. I need to mount it and start using it. Have a great 2019.

ik this will not be seen (very good restoration) but 9 times out off 10 the reason for the handle being bent is because people kick the vice handle or put weight on it to try and get it tighter, this only kills these vices are not built to withstand so much pressure so the screw just flows and it is worthless

@gstongs

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and sharing the useful information.

It is a great looking vise Glen, cleaned up really well. Does that mean your going to retire the old Record vise? You never did bolt the record down tight, so you should be fine transitioning to the rock and roll of a leg vice :)

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Jack, I'll keep the old Record in use. I need a vise whose jaws close parallel for a lot of my work. All my tools shake, rattle and roll so I imagine the post vise won't be any different since I can't permanently fix it in my workspace. Have a Happy New Year.

Those weird folds at the jaws could be a sloppy forge weld scarf, odd... is it possible the spring and screw box key were later repairs? The forging looks older to me than those welds. The screw box looks fine to me, unlike on a bench vise the screw box doesn’t guid anything, just pulls the jaws together. Which is what makes them stronger. Looks like a fine vise to me, they just didn’t take any extra steps they didn’t need to take.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Broadus, Excellent explanation for why the screw / screw box floats and has a lot of play. Those dovetails with folded down material are a mystery. And I this vise definitely has had extra and unnecessary welding done to it somewhere along the way. Thanks for your great comment and have a Happy New Year.

I’ve had several post vices, never seen one that those washers were welded, they are supposed to just float.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Shane, After investigating, it's obvious that someone made some shoddy repairs to this vise at some point. Your'e right.- the washer and screw / screw box need to float as this is partly what makes pounding on one of these vises possible without causing damage. Have a Happy New Year

Hi Glen, just wanted to say, too bad you cut the mounting plate, probable made or iron, easily reworked and forge welded... of course it is yours to do with what you wish. Always look forward to and enjoy your vids. Thanks

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Jeff, I hammered that piece I cut off - it's not wrought iron but is definitely forgeable. So I probably could have done something other than cut it off but I think it will work OK with just two bolt holes. Have a Happy New Year.

C'est un different style de video mais j'aime beaucoup.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Adem, I sometimes like to do different things. Glad you like this video. Have a great 2019.

Ta da and now its yours

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Now I need to get this vise mounted and working. Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

I apologies if spelling or if auto correct changes something in last post . I have nerve damage and other injuries to my hands from my one in the army and these smal phone screens are not easy

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Teddy, It's not a problem. I could understand your post. Have a Happy New Year.

1 st. choice grind off the weld on the lower leg plate close the vise and adj. to new location then re-weld lower plates. 2nd. choice plug weld lower cross screw hole close vise mark and re drill may be last use it like it is it is just a vise. be well and be safe

@stanervin6108

5 жыл бұрын

Cockatoobirdman bill Iwas going to comment same as your first option, but you beat me to the punch. 🕊

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

The welds on those plates are significant and to some extent, almost look like forge welds. I figured the second choice would be easier... Thanks for the good suggestions.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Stan, Have a great new year.

What I have found it that the pivot bolt is the wrong diameter. Replacing the pivot bolt will bring that jaw back up to level.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, that would have helped for sure. But I think the jaw difference was greater than the pivot bolt / pivot hole size. Thanks.

you have to go to a mechanist to drill a hole?

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Joe, I do a lot of business with the welder and machinist and so they hardly charge me anything for personal stuff like this and the machinist is way more accurate than I could ever dream of being with my hand drill. Have a Happy New Year.

looks like there is a collar missing between the screw box and the front jaw of the vice.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I thought the same but after more investigating, I think it may be complete. The screw / screw box need to float to prevent damage from pounding on the jaws. So being loose is expected. but it still seems just too loose... Have a Happy New Year.

I don't think the screw box is the issue, it's a fixed hardpoint and that joint and the length of the legs is the only thing that's going to affect the alignment.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Kaylee, After further examination, I think you're exactly right. But the screw box doesn't seem to insert deep enough into the front post opening and although it should be loose, it just seems too loose. However, the jaw alignment issue is certainly not due to the screw box assembly, as I initially thought. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year.

@solarhawk77

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Happy New Year, Glen!

The screw box would have had a washer which would have made up for the gap between the jaws

The plate on the left leg should have been bolted I'm guessing it's been broken and welded on to low that would have raised the right leg if you had cut and re-welded it a little higher

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Chris, Good information. I know many of these vises have those plates bolted on but I don't see evidence of bolt holes on the plates though these plates could be replacements. Also,the welding on the plates is odd, almost seems like forge welds. Anyway, what I did seems to have worked. I need to mount and get this vise working to be sure. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year.

You're missing the screw box washer. It slides over the key stock, between the screw box shoulder and the fixed jaw.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I know the screw box needs to float and be "loose" but it just seems too loose. I will examine pictures of complete vises to better see the missing part you describe. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year.

It looks hand forged production style

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I also feel that the main parts of this vise were forged, probably drop forged. But it's definitely made from steel and not wrought iron. Thanks.

A plastic kiddie pool, box of borax, and a scrap of sacrificial iron or steel, and an automotive battery charger... ELECTROLYSIS removes rust, without damage, from everything !!

And most of it was hand forged by a group of men striking with heavy hammers . The screw bow and screw where turned on lathes usually . The dovetail I suspect that where their for some kind of pipe Atachment. The reason your jaws don’t line up are one of two things either one of the jaws where’re bent back st the eye from heavy hammering.or most likley the screw is a after market one the original one was much wider !!! The spring is not original , and most of my original screws holding the moving jaw where slightly tapered :

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Teddy, Very good information. I've done some further investigating on this vise and believe it was drop / hand forged. But it's certainly not wrought iron - some type of steel... Thanks for your input and have a Happy New Year.

A lot of those vises were meant for taking a beating. None of my leg vises jaws line up. and those are all original parts. Main thing your looking for is cracks and thread wear.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Mike, After carefully looking over my vise, I agree with you. There's a lot of slack in the vise but that's the way it was designed - with a floating screw that can withstand a pounding. Thanks for watching and have a Happy New Year.

I want vise

That vice looks about the same way that they all do. The reason there is play in parts is the were designed to have. If it didn't have the play the screw would bind up once the Jaws were opened very far. That is to compensate for how the jaws hinge. Take two wooden blocks, an hinge them together. Then drill a hole through both blocks well away from the hinge. If you put a bar of steel through the holes you'll notice you can' open the blocks very far before they bind. That's why the parts are made as they are. It's not made poorly. It's made correctly. Also about the jaw heights not lining up.. The bolt that the jaw pivots on is usually like a cam. The bolt is turned to raise or lower the jaw. Once oriented correctly the nut is tightened. So to get the jaws lined up put a little weld on the bolt along its length. I'm sure that is not the original bolt if it is completely round. Hope this info helps.

@BrassLock

5 жыл бұрын

That cam idea is pretty cool. Could be used in other similar applications (hope I can remember it down the track).

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Excellent information. I know there has to be play in these vises, that the screw / screw box assembly needs to float. But there just seemed to be too much play... However, I think your exactly right - just the way these vises were made. I actually tired to shim the bolt on the topside and this seemed like it would work but I would have needed to expand the holes (using this bolt) to have enough room for this, maybe the same as with welding on a cam... So I think you're right that this bolt is not original. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year.

@random40s

5 жыл бұрын

@@gstongs You are welcome. It is a solid vice you have. I gust didn't want you to think you had a hunk of junk due to the play in the parts. It is a solid vice. One you clam up something obviously the play size to side will not matter. In normal use you'd never really notice. I hope you put it to good use., and a happy new year to you.

Hi Glen, long time viewer and newbie blacksmith, I also did a repair to a huge old post leg vice. kzread.info/dash/bejne/c6eGz5KoYtnefJs.html There might be something in this short series of interest. The "washer" should be slightly convex so that it fits into the moving jaw a bit like a ball and socket. The alignment of this washer sets the jaw side to side play as the jaws are tightened. I wouldn't say this is a modern vice, looks like a very old example with a few modern repairs, it might even be a "bitsa" with bitsa this and bitsa that. The sheer mass of these things makes them a joy to use. All I would say is that they need to be fixed to something SOLID! Look forwards to seeing yours in action. Cheers, Steve.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Steve, Hi, I watched your video - good stuff. What material do you think your vise is? Cast steel? It seems odd that the jaw broke in that manner. Your info. on the washer is excellent and I think you're right about my vise being somewhat older with modern repairs. But I tested my vise and it's not wrought iron - probably drop forged steel or cast steel. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy New Year. Glen

@ScrewDriverxxx

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Glen, I will one day "launch" a KZread channel proper, thanks to the inspiration I get from people such as yourself. I am pretty sure the main body of these post leg vices is wrought or cast steel which is forged to shape. I think many of them then have steel jaws welded in place. Certainly mine appears to have a chunk of jaw which had been welded on and which I had to re-attach. It welded up really nicely without pre heat or really any attention to slow cooling. Happy New Year from here in London.

Looks to me like someone took 2 or 3 different ones to make one

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Russell, At first, I thought the same. That this is a "Franken" vise. But after examining it further, I think the parts are mostly original. Have a Happy New Year.

It really hurt watching you grind away on the jaws. A piece of history altered, making the next vise worth a lot more.

@danman2626

Жыл бұрын

I was going to sand blast mine. What would you do instead?

Hope you got that vise CHEAP....

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

I paid $200 for this vise. I think that was fair deal based on current prices I see but who knows... If it works for what I need, it will have been worth it. Have a Happy New Year.

The pivot bolt and plates on the post leg look to be an old botched repair. The location was off since then. The whole thing should be forged welded wrought done in the same shop anvils were made. Any other welds are not of the period. It may have worked in Japan for a century or more but was not necessarily made there.

@gstongs

5 жыл бұрын

Chris, I was thinking the same about a bad repair. The plates aren't well aligned and the welding is odd. I did further investigating and don't believe this is wrought iron but rather a type of steel, likely drop forged. Maybe not as old a vise as it first seemed. Have a Happy New Year.

@christurley391

5 жыл бұрын

@@gstongs Wrought iron is an old term, much nearer to steel than it is to cast iron. It only comes from a long abandoned foundry process. Modern use of the word Wrought has confused what it actually was.

It would have went flush when you had material in the jaws that's why the ears on the leaf spring were angled . It would have lifted the front jaw up and put force in from the top and as well as pulled in .