Chas Parker 974 Vise Restoration

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

It was awesome to see that whole process. Great job. Excited to see it in action in future videos.

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Thanks sir, me too... gotta finish my work bench. :)

[@kathleenschaefer8208]

Wow! Really nice work!

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Thanks Kathleen. And thanks for watching.

[@mikerobinson6606]

You put the shoe pin in upside-down. Great finish on the vise!

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

I’m not familiar with which one the shoe pin is. Can you help me understand?

[@mikerobinson6606]

@CraftingALifeIWant the brake shoes pivot on the shoe pin. You drove it downward when you installed it, but rather, it is supposed to be installed from inside the base from the bottom of the shoes up. There should be a recess in one of the shoes for the head of the pin. Installing it the way you did allows the shoe to cock sideways and brake the ring under tension.

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

@@mikerobinson6606 ahhh ok. I’ll take it apart and check. Thanks for the info, always happy to learn some more.

[@mikerobinson6606]

@CraftingALifeIWant do a video so everyone can learn the right way. Good luck buddy.

[@colinvargo3418]

Are you concerned about the heats effect on the metal? I would have kept temps below 300 IMO. Looks killer though, and maybe I’m being too cautious for a cast iron tool.

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Definitely a concern, that electric grill / smoker I used never got above 200-250 but from prior experience / research it takes far less time at 400. Also, none of the hardened metal goes in there. (Jaws and screw) so it wouldn’t mess with the temper at all. Even then, 400 would still be fine. I’ve used this method a couple times but have seen others use it exclusively for their vise restorations without issues.

[@shopdoc]

I really like the linseed oil finish. I do something similar except I warm the vise then paint it with the oil. I will echo the suggestion of someone else and say a closer view would help as well, I kinda fill like I am watching from the rafters.

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Yeah, I’m looking into some better video options moving forward. Thanks for the comment and input.

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

Absolute beautiful restoration. Just scored an old Parker Vise today but that little 1/2 round cap that goes onto the front held by 1 Screw was broken in 1/2. I have it but if I can’t epoxy it then gotta try to score another? Where’d you get that marker for the lettering? Thanks.

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Thanks, having a good vice like this has been a game changer in my shop. I’ve lost track of how many times I use it on a regular basis. If you haven’t, please subscribe to my channel. The markers can be found at the link below, and if you use my link, I get a little kick back to help the channel out. amzn.to/3bGhRWA

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

Crafting A Life I Want : No problem and thank you.

[@scottmarwood7654]

Hi could you tell me the size of the wrench. Thx

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Are you looking for dimensions of the wrench or the size of the tightening nut?

[@mikerobinson6606]

​@@CraftingALifeIWantI believe the 974 uses the #2 Wrench which is 11/16 if I recall.

[@DSCustomknives]

Love to see a new channel doing what your doing! keep up the good work. Hate to be critical but, maybe a closer view and better lighting when your recording. Cant wait to watch your next 2 videos and hope there's more to come. great job!

[@CraftingALifeIWant]

Hey Andrew, thanks for the comments. I don't disagree in regards to the lighting. I've been working on getting more consistent lighting in my shop and hope that it shows in my next video. The recording and editing part of this is where I lack the most experience and I'm learning a lot the more I do. Thanks again.

[@DSCustomknives]

I'm sure it's not easy. If I ever had the courage to do this myself I know it wouldn't look as good as your videos do. lol!

[@RightHandShot]

The wind nut for the handle has got to go. Parker used a slotted screw instead.