Older Reed 224-1/2 vise

[Powrgen3313]

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.

[Powrgen3313]

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.

[EVILDR235]

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

[Powrgen3313]

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.

[kwoswalt99]

It's a coachmaker's or woodworker's vise. And that's a "you suck" price!

[Powrgen3313]

Why? Because it was free?

[Powrgen3313]

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.

[Bill Houghton]

I'll offer you five times what you paid for it.

[Powrgen3313]

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.

[Yadda]

....that's a "you suck" price!

+1

 

[turnnut]

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

[rustyfordgarage]

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

[Powrgen3313]

I've never been there, but I do know where it is. I've driven by a few times

[Bill Houghton]

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.