I Broke a $1000 Vise that's 50+ Years Old

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[@HandToolRescue]

Find a local welder with a very flat welding table and experience in cast iron repair to braze it back together for you. Shouldn't cost too much. Then you can re-flatten it with a big sanding disc or something, on the cheap.

[@lewissammons]

You were the first guy that came to mind and I was on my way down here to the comment section to give you a shout out... But you're already here! Andy this is the guy, if he can't do it he can damn sure point you in the right direction!

[@tylerwhite8429]

HTR probably felt a great disturbance in the force when it fell.

[@andrewzanto8591]

HTR was on my list too.

[@MrTexasDan]

I'm betting that somewhere in Andy's inner sanctum of Boerne friends ... there is a mill.

[@micahhayes7158]

Glad to see my boy hand tool rescue here

[@chrisreed3515]

That sucks Andy. Fortunately, there are a few ways that it can be fixed. It can be welded with nickel rod, brazed with silicon bronze or welded with cast iron. I would recommend the latter but the problem is finding the proper person or shop to do it. The trick is that the whole piece has to be red hot when welded and then allowed to cool very slowly. I would try to find someone who specializes in diesel cylinder head repair and find out who does welding for them. The silicon bronze option would work well strength-wise but it will be a very noticeable repair.

[@andyhastings5950]

Chris; Your on to something, getting a recommendation from a diesel engine repair shop. If it were here in Northern California I know an outfit that this type of welding is all they do. I've used them several times. They build a kiln on the bench, preheat to mega hot. Weld it, close it up throw insulation blankets over the whole thing then let it cool for several days.

[@mcarter3320]

I ran a hydraulic and machine shop for our CAT dealer. Weld repairs work great but finding someone with experience can be difficult. The preheat, correct wire, and insulated box cool down is a must. A machine shop will be able to resurface the repair to correct any distortion. The repair won’t be cheap so you may offer some advertisement to help the repair bill. The wire spools I ordered to repair cast iron components was around $2k 6-8 years ago. Good luck.

[@JParke513]

Abom 79 on KZbin. That man can weld or fix anything

[@DanBrideau]

Also try @VintageMachinery Keith Rucker

[@JParke513]

Either can can fix it. No problem

[@thedrumssayyes]

Abom79 is the way

[@Graeme408]

Agree with Abom 79. He is a very sophisticated machinist/welder with all the equipment and a shop. Perhaps a colab?

[@louisnemick1939]

I agree he can do it.

[@mongocrock]

I would contact Keith Rucker on the vintage machinery youtube channel. I'm not sure if he has time in his schedule but he is definitely qualified

[@bigdteakettle8989]

My son worked in an industrial machine shop 20 years ago that repaired cast iron cylinder heads for natural gas compressors. They would weld those cast iron heads all the time and machine them so you had to hunt for the welds. I was a plant operator at a natural gas plant that used many of those heads and I don't remember our repairmen having any problems with the welded heads. The majority of our GMV compressors we set in place in the early 1940s and new parts were not an option so we depended on the machine shops for our spare parts.

[@katana24]

you could contact with hand tool rescue, and send the vise to him, so he could make a video restoring it completely and send it back to you repaired and restored

[@PLaTerra]

Great video. It’s nice to see an unscripted project that shows a real life situation where you have to figure out as you go along. Thanks.

[@jaredlemmons3689]

See if you can do a collaboration with Keith Rucker. He does lots of KZbin videos about braising cast iron. It’s supposed to be better than welding since it doesn’t introduce enough heat to induce warping and carbonization of the weld seam.

[@jasonbray7862]

I have been repairing ornamental cast iron for over 20 years. My recommendation would be to grove braze and grind flat the broken cast pc. Then fabricate a plate with same profile and bolt the new pc on the inside to provide structural support. At that point the cast is more decorative than structural. Welding cast always fractures just outside the heat affected zone. Brazing never melts the base material so its more like bone growing back over a surgical pinned fracture.

[@AndyRawls]

Great advice thanks! I shipped it to Keith Rucker and I’m hoping he can braze it.

[@jasonbray7862]

Even in its broken state it is better than the plastic fantastic stuff of today. Best of luck

[@shaneminyard171]

You could also send it off to a foundry to mold the piece and make you a brand new one.

[@jkerr7331]

Windy hill foundry

[@mauriceryton]

It is not garbage, a good Machine shop can weld it and ensure it is flat on all the planes of the vice. A welding shop might be able or do it too. My compliments on you advising Robert you were okay was excellent. Robert was looking in your direction and you immediately said you were okay. Great practice as you have to look out for each other.

[@TonyV_in_the_OC]

I'm going to get you a Drill Doctor for Christmas..LOL

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I’m so glad I watched this video after seeing the the most recent one where it’s fixed…although the anticipation of it falling off the bench was killer.

[@86abaile]

Man that's a bummer. Sadly a lesson I learned the hard way too (albeit not quite so costly); work benches are for things you're working on, everything else gets moved to the floor where it can't fall, or at least somewhere else. Cast iron can be welded, but it's a difficult and specialised process, alternatively it can be brazed.

[@adamb0mbz]

sounds like a Fireball Tool collab waiting to happen

[@andykip1]

Go to your local foundry and ask for help, they can recast the part for you... but make sure they let you film the process!

[@viceice]

Sounds like a tie up with Fireball Tools waiting to happen...

[@fr0nk3nst31n]

I would have it welded and if your concerned about the pressure attach a steel plate across the entire front of that side of the vise behind whatever wood bearing surface you are going to attach. Good Luck, keep up the great videos.

[@magoo59]

Jesus has the answer. Couldn't resist. 😇

[@sithus1966]

Well guess what Kieth Rucker did, what you said.

[@robertpearson8798]

We have a much newer one (1960’s) at work made by Kindt-Collins (I believe they purchased the patterns from Oliver) that’s complete with no breaks or repairs whatsoever. I’m going to retire soon and I’m going to miss that vise. I have an antique Emmerts at home with several repairs but I’m tempted to see if they’ll sell me the newer one. I just watched Keith Rucker repair yours and it will live again.

[@Texas-Bob]

Get you a couple of tubes of JB Weld.it’s the duct tape for metal ! 👍🏻

[@garyburns9628]

A&B welding Longview Texas can weld cast iron also Keith with Vintage Machinery. They can weld up anything but the crack of dawn and a broken heart.

[@WelshPigeon]

I dont know much about metal working at all, maybe brazing but I don't know if it could withstand the clamping pressure of the vice. quite a bummer, lovely vice.

[@craigwooten4355]

It can be welded or brazed with brass. It’s not that difficult to do just need to find a good machine shop near you. I have repaired cast iron both way many of times. And yes Avon 79 is one great machinist and welder. It could be a collaboration between your two channels.

[@chuckholton4666]

Damn Andy! That broke my heart for you. It can be fixed pal. And it will make a great story to talk about over coffee later....😢

[@MCsCreations]

Calm down and breathe, Andy. As others pointed out, it is fixable! I don't understand the process, but I've seen people soldering cast iron in restoration videos. It's definitely possible! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@sirguise1495]

I don't normally comment on anything, but seeing that vice is heartbreaking. I'd suggest reaching out to Jason (fellow youtuber) @ Fireball Tools. I'm no metal worker, but he seems to have it together and has an affinity for good tools and old iron. Maybe this can turn into a "happy" accident and become a collaboration of returning this vice to all it's former glory. All the best.

[@AlAmantea]

A good fabricator or Machine Shop in the area with experience in doing cast iron heads for engines can have that back together and you'll never know it happened. The weld will actually be stronger than the surrounding cast iron as it's a pure form of metal. Once thing I did notice, is that like myself, when frustrated at myself for allowing something stupid to happen like that, you immediately degraded yourself, and then went to immediately punishing yourself by assuming that it can't be fixed and was trash. STOP doing that. I used to allow myself to do this a lot in my younger years without ever realizing what was going on. As I've grown older, I catch myself and try not to do that any more. Look at it this way... The fact that it is damaged but repairable, forces you to slow down with it, clean it up, refurb what is needed, and the finished product will be straighter, stronger, and an even better vise that will serve you well for many years. While I can understand the nostalgia of the piece, it isn't really anything too old or rare, and is intended to be a working tool for you. Expensive, yes, but that makes even more worth repairing!

[@spazmcgillacutty]

Get it welded, totally doable! Heh then get in touch with a metal casting youtuber to have a new part made! That would be an AWESOME co-op series!

[@SawyerDesign]

I had a guy braze my old drill press table and it worked great. There’s hope!

[@billstortz5046]

As Hand Tool Rescue said, it definitely can be fixed!! you need the welder who has experience welding cast iron. Few welders have that experience but they are out there.

[@MTTRANSPORTTX]

You could possibly Jb weld it together and send it off to the foundry that poured the Alamo Cannon and have a new one repoured. There's a foundry here in Bastrop and a guy I go to church works in the shop pouring the molds. I could try to get you a contact over there if you would like.

[@bobdriggers6111]

You are in Texas. Look for a pipeline welding truck at happy hour at the local bar. If they can't, they likely know someone who can. The gas company is also a good source.

[@bobdriggers6111]

Also, take it apart and take just the 2 pieces. 2 or 3 Crown and Cokes later they may do it in the parking lot.

[@sand_creek]

I've welded cast many times. You just may have to have it machined flat. I always heat it in the oven and get it hot before welding it.

[@MrTexasDan]

Wow Andy, that's really a shame. I can relate to trying to work too fast ... then careless ensues. I have nothing else to offer you than understanding. Cast iron welding is difficult.

[@AgCWby90CS]

Cast iron can be welded. I’m in your area and checking with contacts in San Antonio for one who can. I’ve seen the table you built for Joey and it’s very nice.

[@thecraftymd]

Would be super cool if you sent it to Hand Tool Rescue for a full restore!

[@unfies]

After watching Keith’s repair video last night - this got suggested to me today… and had to watch it happen. Nooooooo!!! Glad Keith got ya fixed up - looking forward to follow up

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Keith got it fixed right up .. braze was the best method !

[@mattkoke1]

Major bummer but a good lesson to slow down I guess. We've all made similar mistakes. I say fix it and keep your eyes open for a replacement part or parts vise. You could hide a piece of steel behind whatever you line the vise with(piece of wood,leather, cork rubber,etc.)

[@davidreem7716]

So Will Stelter had something similar happen to him, a cast iron power hammer fell when he was transporting it and it broke. I can't remember if he was able to get it fixed or if he would know someone who would know, but at the very least, I'm sure he could commiserate with you.

[@colorona8456]

No he didn't fix it, since it was such a massive piece that broke, it would have been insanely expensive to fix it. Also with a power hammer you have quite high loads and force, I don't know if he could have trusted it if it was just welded.

[@oliver299d]

I hope you're able to fix it, those are amazing and rare vises. I have been looking for one for a long time

[@kevinnathanson6876]

Gee, has anyone mentioned that you can probably get it welded? Well, I'm NOT going to do that. Instead, I'm going to acknowledge that you were doing a VERY complex installation, and I'm going to guess that you might have been referencing the great Marc Fish? But even if you were, I am LESS sure that you have the issue of Furniture and Cabinetmaking (UK magazine) that shows how he did his install, complete with creating a cast iron wheel to replace the traditional vise handle. I think you can buy digital back issues, so you may want to find that one... And good luck with the repair!

[@matonmacs]

How about a video of Robert building a bench for the left handed vice!

[@daveweber1331]

I cringed twice; once when you set it there so haphazardly; and again when I heard it drop! Bummer! Andy, get hold of Keith at Vintage Machinery. He both understands the metallurgy, and the woodworking realm this was designed for. Pack in a good box, ship it to him - and forget about it for a while. Lol! I'd be surprised if Keith wouldn't be happy to help you out; that's a historically significant vice, AND it belongs in your shop, man - you are the Oliver aficionado, after all ! 🙂 It's the back jaw; if it needs to be reinforced, no body would see that... If it needs to be re-milled so it's perfectly flat, so be it...

[@andrewzanto8591]

Keith was one of a select few who came to mind for this repair. He’s collaborated w a few other KZbinrs in the past.

[@dagwood1327]

I agree.

[@bobmacrae8395]

Yup...Keith is your guy for this. Been watching his channel for years and seen him fix broken cast iron via braise many times. Could also get another part cast from his friend over at Windy Hill foundry.

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

You can both braze and weld cast iron, hold out hope mate!

[@nipunmahajan]

I am sure Dallas/FW has good milling and machining shops that may be able to help.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Man there must be more than one pro welder here on youtube capable of fixing this. I'd suggest getting in touch with Ron Covell - he must know someone who can fix this properly.

[@DragonDen-ko2fl]

im new at commenting, love your wood work. theres no rush in what youre doing, slow down. keep up the good work. when your dealing with wood work and other things in your workshop, slow down. dont rush. how are you getting along with the argosy? you and your family have a GREAT day.

[@ryanbousquet2873]

@andyrawls could you take vice apart and take a negative cast of broken piece layed properly together in sand or silicone to cast another jaw?!?

[@sethbracken]

I C Weld has a KZbin channel. He’s in Texas too. You could ask Hand Tool Rescue as well.

[@sawyersway]

Sorry Andy but you have a clean break . Skilled welder could easily repair that. I had a shop in Connecticut weld a Stanley no8 plane frog that was broken in half much like that. He clamped the frog with pin removed on a flat surface while welding . I then cleaned up the weld and ended up with a perfectly flat surface. Fix it

[@mistacarp6533]

Came from Keith Ruckers video to see the action unfold! New subscriber 👍🏽

[@dylansousa5571]

Andy i love your videos

[@michalprusek8014]

Hey Andy, first of all - BIG FAN OF YOUR WORK! Apart from that that at the moment, i'm curious what kind of plywood you use now in the states once the sanction at Russia were applied? Many thanks and greetings to Texas from CZ!

[@dagwood1327]

We are missing the Baltic birch.

[@nowens66]

Ugh that hurt to watch. I never comment but feel compelled in this case. Steve Watkins at Work on YT is the man for the job and as a bonus he’s probably not far from you. I think he’s relatively close to the San Antonio area. He regularly TIG welds cast iron with a specific type of rod meant for that purpose. He has a full machine shop and might be able to flatten it as well. Best of luck!

[@nipunmahajan]

Can a CNC or machining shop make it true after welding?

[@clintmyrick4128]

Get it in the hands of Keith Rucker of the Vintage Machinery KZbin channel.

[@richardtoms9161]

Cast iron can be welded. You need to find good diesel engine repair shop and ask them who they use for head repairs. It’s a specialized welding skill but I have had tractor blocks repaired by welding the crack back together.

[@lordaleksandre]

This is a good, practical suggestion. People that regularly work on equipment engines will have the skills and tools, and there is likely to be several choices within a reasonable distance. With the awkward break, I'm guessing they'll suggest a silicon-bronze braze for repair. The vise might be getting a gold tooth🦷!

[@dustyb3197]

Cattail foundry in Gordonville Pennsylvania. Amish cast iron foundry in business since 1976. They’ll only reproduce parts for antique tools and machinery. Prices are very reasonable.send them your broken part and they send you an exact replacement. You could have it welded but wouldn’t hurt to have a spare reproduced. Quick Google will return their contact info. They are VERY good at what they do.

[@jakefromstatefarm9721]

Weld it, then weld a plate on the face of it to give it a little lite strength.

[@vettepicking]

You can find a engine machine shop and ask them who they have weld heads and blocks. Use Dyeco super cast stick rod, they have yt videos..... pre heat and post heat , stick weld with special iron rods, not brass, not nickel. I could do it but im in fla

[@devinjones1182]

Let not your heart be troubled, there are many different ways to repair cast iron! Welders have been doing it for a hundred years, or so. Find a local shop or ask a few KZbinrs for recommendations. I would have it brazed, it's not a true weld, so it doesn't alter the iron casting, and is so darn close to the strength of the cast that it will last for 50 more years. An experienced welder is an absolute though.

[@user-er3um7xd6j]

Hi Andy, I'm a big fan of your work and a long-time subscriber. I am also a subscriber of Abom79. I saw him on the channel many times how he welds cast iron with bronze. Maybe he will help you with your problem. Greetings from Vladivostok.

[@troybayham5723]

I saw a commercial recent that said Flex Seal's super glue holds up to 3,000#'s.... Seriously, I would be so upset this kinda of crap has happened to me over and over again. I do believe this can be welded but go the the right shop. Today equipment is far superior than it was just a few years ago. Your Dad's right, you have to give it a shot.

[@chwyatt3]

I would lean towards brazing it. I have a number 6 plane that is brazed. You can see it but it is stronger than the cast iron.

[@simonr6793]

You can definitely get it fixed by someone who knows how to Braze Cast Iron which is different from welding and once it's done you will find its probably way stronger than before. Andy nomatter what don't throw it in the bin it can be repaired for certain 😉. As alway's buddy 💯% 👍 🇬🇧.

[@brianbecher5781]

This gave me flashbacks to when Will Stelter's power hammer crashed to the ground😬

[@JRBye]

Abom79 might have some ideas for you. I’ve seen him weld all kinds of cast iron stuff on his channel. He does great work.

[@jackww839]

I would love to see someone make a new cast iron piece.

[@walterplummer3808]

CS Machinery in PA. may have replacement parts.

[@MitchGmg]

as mentioned in oyher comments, Keith Rucker on you tube Vintage Machinery doess excellent braising and probably make a ideo of the repair.

[@Pappderbarp]

Could it be a possibility to re cast the part? I have no idea how much effort that is, but if the party broke clean off, maybe there's a way to glue it together temporarily and make a mold?

[@CatNolara]

Not a great idea, the iron shrinks quite a bit when cooling down after casting, and because of that the patterns are made a little bit bigger to accommodate for that. Also wherever there are machined surfaces you need to plan in excess material to have it machined down again. Also, that cylindrical part would be impossible to get out of the mold because it isn't tapered. Would be quite a bit of work to have it recast properly.

[@birddog3566]

Since you’re in Texas, I’m not sure how far you are from Matt Carriker. The welder he used to build the railings at Bunker Branding and the cage for his 5 ton seemed to be pretty talented. Maybe you could contact him and see if he welds cast iron.

[@chrisknowles]

Just watched Keith Rucker fix it, hopefully it's back in your shop soon.

[@mikezen2052]

I agree with others that Keith Rucker at Vintage Machinery seems like a great resource. Keith is experienced at fixing old cast iron equipment, plus he has a KZbin channel and might be able to get a video out of the repair. Good luck Andy, hate to see this beauty find its way into a scrap yard.

[@petestacy8349]

I, for one, look forward to seeing Keith do a video out of repairing this😊 One of those things that just seems like it's meant to be.

[@WarriorKidd06]

Why were you using a chisel instead of a router to remove the material you needed out of the bench? I didn’t understand that part at all.

[@edhuck5664]

Best of luck. I feel bad for you!

[@Markspist]

That suchs dude. Hope you get it fixed. Greetings from Norway

[@hugcam2509]

Have it welded or contact The Iron Hand in Pensylvania about spare parts. After welding the parts...install a steel plate glued to a Beech 9/4 plate on the jaws for support.

[@karolryan]

Maybe a good foundry could pattern the old part and cast a new piece!

[@2305macleod]

I have 2 brand new of that vise's lying in the workshop, below the bench doing nothing. Only payed £100 each. That vise weights 28kg.

[@SimonUdd]

I would go to a machine shop because I have seen cast iron being brazed and I think welded. So I would go to a machine shop where they do repair metal work because they probably have the equipment to make the repair and finish it

[@CarterBE79]

The part could also be recast potentaly if you find someone with the skill.

[@nicholasjones222]

I thought for sure this video was going to end when the bench tipped over from the weight of the vise cantilevered out past the legs. Something to keep in mind when you get it fixed I guess...

[@EuNaQuinta]

have a look at lock n stitch they fix jay leno's cast iron engines when pieces break

[@jamesofalltradesny]

Definitely fixable! Find a good welder! Reach out to another KZbin channel and do a collaboration!

[@oakleyjack7600]

Cut a piece of 1/2” plate to match the inner jaw design, and screw all together from the outside using the holes of the vise that were intended for sacrificial wood liners and maybe add a few extra screw hole as needed and then flush off the screws on the new steel plate. A lot of weld shops have CNC these days and scrap laying around the small size that it would take. 1/2” aluminum would be lighter and work as well. Sht happens but guys like you most always overcome and find a solution, because “We” are bull headed .

[@dcimedic]

It is the rear end of the vise which should work in your favor for the repair

[@AlpineJoy]

Wow. Mm! I am sorry! . I did notice that the jaw of the vise was right on the edge of the table when you drove the pin📍out, and said to myself, “Man, that really is on a knife edge, there,” but little did I know that that detail would figure in your video! . I am sorry, and I wish you much good luck!

[@patbullard9276]

There are welders with the skills to fix this. Cast iron can be repaired so don’t give up hope.

[@BG-po5ei]

Can’t help but feel I could see the crack in the first few frames at the start of the video. Dark line running up the face and across the top.

[@karltheghost8258]

squatch 253 is a master restorer

[@Zerostar369]

Keith Rucker to the rescue! He truly is an American treasure.

[@satxsatxsatx]

Yep, Keith is a treasure He has a video on brazing, a corner of machinery base. With lots of commentary Great video content and very educational

[@satxsatxsatx]

Keith has a couple or more videos of braising broken iron pieces.

[@TommyG_0311]

if you know any good welders, they can stick weld cast iron with nickle rod.

[@David_11111]

yay...cool you posted this.... hope you fix it :)

[@rodkraal7255]

What a shame Andy, But these things do happen.It is possible to braze it back together. Keith Rucker at Vintage Machinery on KZbin Good Idea Also when you get the welding done cast iron dose not distort with heat the same as steel. Clamping some angle iron or heavy steel to the face should hold it pretty straight then a quick skim in a milling machine or surface grinder will make it true, if you are concerned about strength you may think about laminating a shaped to the face piece of 1/4" plate and then surface grind both faces and attach with glue and countersunk machine screws. best of luck from Rod the Blacksmith Down Under In New Zealand

[@briancullen9171]

Get ahold of abom79. He's an old school machinist that knows cast iron and may be able to either fix it or fabricate a new one? Yall might be able to do a collaborative video?

[@CJLeTeff]

(Paused video) I’m guessing you broke the Cardinal rule of leaving something laying on the table that you were hammering on? Andy, you can fix cast iron, find a welding that silver solders/brazes. 👍👍🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@FrancisoDoncona]

It can be brazed. But honestly you almost dropped it several times

[@pattyccannon]

You could reach out to the channel fireball tool! See if he could make you some new jaws?