Don Murray wrote:
I have a blacksmithing vise that is in need of repair. The screw box is
loose in the hole in the post. I don't quite know how to go about
repairing it. Should I try to make a sleeve or should I try to build up
the hole in the post with welding rod? Or is there a better way? It has
5 1/2 inch jaws. The post is 41 inches long to the top of the jaws.

The screw box looks to be in good shape. I could post pictures if it
would help. But it is just like the one toward the bottom of the page,
all apart, where it says parts, on this site.

http://www.anvilfire.com/FAQs/vises.htm


Don


If you look at the gometry of the opening of a leg vice, its not a
parrallel action like an engineers bench vice.
there has to be clearance? of looseness wether in the screw box or the
screw, where they go throgh the 2 vice arms.
If they were a tight fit, they wouldnt open!!.
Itsnormal forthe play or clearance to be in the screw hole in the hinged
`jaw.
However if it works ok, dont mess with it, nor build itup with weld.
these vices other than the`very latest made are wrought iron not steel,
which doesnt arc weld well.
If theres a lot of play use some sheet iron to act as a `sleeve.
If theres a chance of further info as to the amount of loosness? do
let us `know.
Ted Frater
Leg vice collector amongst other things!
Dorset UK.