Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 02:21:16 PM

Title: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 02:21:16 PM
So I picked up this gem the other day, my God is it heavy. I have never seen a 224-1/2 although I have seen a standard 224. Can anyone give me some insight on how old, rare, value? There is almost no major wear on this vise and other than the very thin layer of surface rust this thing is as good as new.
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 03:06:24 PM
Should also note it was "free to good home" when I picked it up, the swivel bottom does work without issues and I'm pretty sure it's a sheet metal vise but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: EVILDR235 on March 12, 2017, 03:24:47 PM
I have a fixed base REED vise out in the garage. Mine has 4 inch jaws that are shorter than yours. Mine is a model 104-R. I am not using mine at the moment because it is so big. I bought mine 37 years ago at the Vallejo Speedway race track flea market in California for the sum of $20.00  I see several like yours on our local Craig's List priced at $150.00 and $175.00  I believe REED mfg is still in business. You might try contacting them for information on yours. I use to take the screw out of mine about every 10 years and make sure it had plenty of grease on it not that I ever used it that much. I agree, it is very heavy.

EvilDr235
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 03:30:23 PM
Thanks for the reply. Yes reed is still in business, in fact I use a newer model at work. I believe i paid almost $700  for it and in all honesty...this older one looks much more rigid! The screw has axle grease on it from whoever last used it...Probably a few decades ago but is in better than average condition. If they are going for 100-175, I may just keep it and put it to work.
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: kwoswalt99 on March 12, 2017, 03:32:24 PM
It's a coachmaker's or woodworker's vise. And that's a "you suck" price!
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 03:39:06 PM
Why? Because it was free? :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 03:43:14 PM
I live in central MA, not far from the starret buildilngs and there is nothing but old mill buildings, old pattern shops, firearms mfgs, mold makers etc in the area, so when they all closed down the workers took the good tools with them so you come across great stuff like this all the time.
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Bill Houghton on March 12, 2017, 04:08:44 PM
I'll offer you five times what you paid for it.
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 12, 2017, 04:16:41 PM
Well I paid $0 for it so my math is a little rusty but 5 x 0 is still zero. I'm probably going to keep it and put it to work. I do a lot of trip valves , governors, pressure release valves and assemblies made out of irregular shaped castings for old steam turbines so this would be perfect for work holding some of those 1 off castings during assembly.
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Yadda on March 12, 2017, 06:01:38 PM
....that's a "you suck" price!

+1

 :grin:

Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: turnnut on March 12, 2017, 08:43:36 PM
powergen3313,

 have you ever been to the "museum of our industrial heritage ?
 it's on my to-do-list.   I think that they are open July - September, and by appointment other times.

 2 Mead Street
 Greenfield, Massachusetts

 industrialhistory.org


Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: rustyfordgarage on March 12, 2017, 08:49:04 PM
powergen3313,

 have you ever been to the "museum of our industrial heritage ?
 it's on my to-do-list.   I think that they are open July - September, and by appointment other times.

 2 Mead Street
 Greenfield, Massachusetts

 industrialhistory.org



I subscribe to the youtube channel associated with that museum. Its got some great old films
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Powrgen3313 on March 13, 2017, 11:49:32 AM
I've never been there, but I do know where it is. I've driven by a few times
Title: Re: Older Reed 224-1/2 vise
Post by: Bill Houghton on March 13, 2017, 11:57:43 AM
Well I paid $0 for it so my math is a little rusty but 5 x 0 is still zero. I'm probably going to keep it and put it to work. I do a lot of trip valves , governors, pressure release valves and assemblies made out of irregular shaped castings for old steam turbines so this would be perfect for work holding some of those 1 off castings during assembly.
Dang, you caught me!

Actually, I've got my uncle's Parker vise, and gave Dad's Prentiss to my son; so I don't need it.  I was just joking.

Looks like you've got a great vise, and sounds like you'll be putting it to good use.

If your work has a lot of irregular castings, keep an eye out for a vise with a swiveling rear jaw - they're not uncommon.