How to Date a Columbian Vise – Full Guideline
- Determine The Age of a Columbian Vise by Examining The Engravings On Its Surface. ...
- Examine Other Features to Determine the Date of Manufactures. ...
- Date an Object-Based On When It Was Last Used. ...
- Compare Your Columbian Vise Against Similar Pieces. ...
- Date Objects Using Their Physical Condition. ...
- Consult With Experts. ...
- Use An Online Database. ...
Full Answer
What happened to Columbian vise?
Columbian was acquired by Warren Tool Corp. in 1965 or 1966, and Warren was sold to Wilton Corp. in 1994. The date that Columbian ceased operations is unknown. As of early 2019, Wilton's sign reading "Ohio Operations, Columbian Vise Plant" is still on the building. Circa 1938 Columbian had a second brand, Red Arrow, available in 2 sizes.
Is the Columbian machinist vise worth it?
It is not meant to be hammered on very much, unless it is huge (100 plus pounds) or semi-steel, cast steel or ductile iron (never seen a Columbian machinist vise that isn't cast iron. Machinist's vises resist twisting forces (torque) much better than post vises but post vices are better for hammering. As to price, it depends on what it really is.
What is the value of a post vise?
An 8" post vise could be worth upwards of a thousand. An extremely large machinist's vise is also worth a lot of money, but much better deals can be had than on large post vises. (I sold an 8" Columbian machinist vice for $500.
Is this a good vise for hammering?
It is cast iron, it can break. It is not meant to be hammered on very much, unless it is huge (100 plus pounds) or semi-steel, cast steel or ductile iron (never seen a Columbian machinist vise that isn't cast iron. Machinist's vises resist twisting forces (torque) much better than post vises but post vices are better for hammering.
Are Columbian vises still made?
in 1994. The date that Columbian ceased operations is unknown. As of early 2019, Wilton's sign reading "Ohio Operations, Columbian Vise Plant" is still on the building.
Who made Columbian vises?
The Columbian Vise, manufactured in Cleveland, OH was the other "Made In USA" vise and was included in the Warren Tool Company merger. In 2002, the Wilton Tool Company and it's recent merger company, Warren Tool were acquired by WMH Tool Group (Walter Meier Holding Company AG).
How can I tell what year my Wilton vise is?
You can tell the age of the vise by looking at the bottom of the guide rail (with the vise opened wide). As can be seen, it is stamped with 4-53. Wilton provided a 5 year warranty on their vises with the expiration of the warranty stamped on the vise, so this vise was made in April of 1948.
Are Wilton vises still made in the USA?
Wilton moved production of the venerable Tradesman Vises overseas, but you still have a chance to purchase one of the last made in the USA units. We have a limited supply of U.S. produced Wilton Tradesman vises on hand. Buy a piece of American industrial history - and a vise that won't let you down!
Who owns Columbian Vise Plant?
Columbian was acquired by Warren Tool Corp. in 1965 or 1966, and Warren was sold to Wilton Corp. in 1994. The date that Columbian ceased operations is unknown. As of early 2019, Wilton's sign reading "Ohio Operations, Columbian Vise Plant" is still on the building.
When did Columbian Hardware become Van Wagoner and Williams?
Columbian Hardware Co. acquired or succeeded Van Wagoner & Williams Hardware Co. about 1905. In 1921, they were Columbian Hardware Division of Consolidated Iron-Steel Manufacturing Co., and changed their name to Columbian Vise & Manufacturing Co. about 1927.
Wyatt Kindler
I've had this vise for a little over a year now and I have tried to find some info on it, with no luck. It has 4" jaws, weighs 35 pounds, and was obviously made by the columbian vise co.
Wyatt Kindler
Cool to know these were drop forged. I like the u-bolt design as well, i recently found a 6" peter wright leg vise that didnt have a mounting bracket. Simply did exactly what you said, i forged a u-bolt out of some 5/8 round and used a heavy piece of angle as the mounting bracket. Thanks for the info.
Frank Turley
More than one of this style vise was made. About 35 years ago, our local "Fritz Surplus" in Santa Fe, brought back about a dozen of them from a buying trip. It seems that Columbians kept getting less aesthetically pleasing over time. The leg chamfering and pivot-beam chamfering are gone. Two rivets are reinforcing the pivot-beam weld.
Step 1: Disassembly
After sliding out the wooden handle from the main screw (it was held in place with tape), I removed the cotter pin on the end (back side) of the screw handle using needle nose pliers. The cotter pin holds the metal retainment/alignment plate (a flat plate with 3 holes in it) in place. The plate keeps the main screw and guide rods in place.
Step 2: Brush Off Buildup and Remove Paint
Brush off as much dirt and sawdust buildup as you can, being careful not to damage the bronze half of the quick release thread lock mechanism. Look for any cracks or damage to the front and back of the jaws which might pose a problem.
Step 3: Mask Surfaces and Paint
Before painting, thoroughly wipe off the parts with acetone or rubbing alcohol. Wear protective gloves. Using painters tape, cover the main screw threads, alignment rods and extendable bench dog post on the front jaw. Because I chose to use magnetic jaw face plates, I decided to paint the jaw faces, but this is optional.
Step 4: Reassemble and Check Functionality
Assembly is essentially disassembly in reverse. Reassemble the two halves of the quick release thread lock mechanism, and place in the back jaw as shown. With the vise upside down, slide the front jaw into the back jaw, making sure the quick release mechanism is engaging correctly (it will only function properly when the vise is right side up).
Step 5: Mount Under Bench, Install Handle and Lubricate Threads
Since my work bench was 1.5" thick, versus the standard 2" thick, I had to use a piece of 0.5" thick plywood to make up the difference. I secured the vise under the workbench using two 3/8" bolts that were 2.5" long, using washers between the bolt heads and vise anchor points.
