Help with old vise

[David Justice]

Hi, I know this is a long shot, but does any know where I might pick up one of these? It's a nut from a very old Columbian QR bench vise, this one is worn out and slips. I don't know what the model number is, it's not printed anywhere on the vise that I can find. I have posted a picture of the nut and vise.

If there are any machinists out there, how hard do you think it would be to machine one of these?

I don't want to break the bank. I have one of these as my front vise and would love to add this one on the end of my bench.

I have scoured the internet and haven't been able to find one.

Thanks!

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Here are a couple of sites, if you haven't already tried them:

Old Woodworking Tools and Machines

Vintage Machinery

 

[LocoWoodWork]

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/109634572159794070/

Different brand but you may fit if you know your ACME rod TPI and OD...:dontknow:

 

[Gotcha6]

I would think a brass casting may be a viable option if the old shaft could be used to infill the pattern in some way.

 

[Jeff]

Is there some sort of sentimental tie to this vise for you? If not, maybe just buy 2 new vises of whatever brand for your workbench.

 

[David Justice]

No sentimental value whatsoever, but I love old tools and good vises are expensive! I found a place called Milwaukee Tool and Equipment Company from one of the links that Bill or Steve sent(thanks!) although I don't remember which, or exactly how I got there. I emailed and they do have a nut that they say they have sold for Columbian vises and it works for $29.00! So, pretty good.

Thanks for everyones help!

 

[Jeff]

Thanks David. We want to see if it works for you.

BTW, I couldn't tell diddly squat from your pictures and how this "nut" is supposed to work but I'm always curious.

Here's a few things that I found this morning FYI. The patents have some nice detailed drawings if you need them.

http://www.mprime.com/Emmert/columbian.htm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-COLUMBIAN-UNDER-BENCH-WOODWORKING-VISE-6CD-/323139769699

 

[David Justice]

Yeah, it seems that I have kind of an oddball QR vise. While most old QR vises use a nut that wraps all the way around and uses gravity to engage and disengage, mine uses a screw with one flat side and a nut that just kind of floats in a pocket and is engaged when the screw is turned about a quarter turn of the flat part. I have never seen one these before.

That is a great site by the way! I love old tools and wish that I had room to restore some old American machines, but I don't so I have to tinker around with vises and hand planes.

I will definitely post back when I get the part.

 

[danmart77]

Columbia vises are really great. I have had the 2 on this bench for 25 years. I won't have a vise that you can not change the faces with new wood or be able to remove and plane so they are flat and smooth every year of two.

I used a square hole top when I started out but the round holes are more useful for me these days. I use the holdfast bars Joel at TFWW sells.

Hope you can keep her going.​