Rusty Gold: 200 Year Old Post Vise Full Restoration | Blacksmith's Leg Vise

#restoration #postvise #blacksmithing
We found this old beauty at a local flea market with the intention of getting her back to working order. Big thanks to our friend Mt. Phillip Metalworks for all of the help researching and sorting out the not so buried treasure. Nicknamed The Albatross, she'll be put back to good use. Thank you for watching!
Support the ship: / brettmcafee
Behind the scenes: / skullandspade13

[@SalvageWorkshop]

That turned out absolutely BEAutiful!! Great work Brett! Now it's ready for another 200 years!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you! Have really enjoyed watching your work as well! Nice to see the old tools coming back to life!

[@SalvageWorkshop]

@@skullandspade Thank you my friend! I couldn't agree more!

[@skullandspade]

I saw the forge resto go up a couple of days after I finished mine! Looking forward to following your work!

[@vampyrew0lf]

My first mate (7yo) asks me "Daddy, can we make wings for your vice too?" Who am I to say no... Fantastic video Brett. This is your best one yet! We really enjoyed it!😎

[@skullandspade]

Hellyeah! Go forth and show the little one how it’s done!

[@RedSmithWorkshop]

A lot of love went into this restoration. Well done!

[@skullandspade]

It sure did. Thank you sir!

[@FigmentsMade]

This is a beautiful thing. The curly spring. The wings. That gorgeous texture. The soothing music. With just a touch of Living Death for that perfect amount of zestiness.

[@skullandspade]

Always a little death with life ; )

[@FigmentsMade]

@@skullandspade So death is the spice of life. Interesting. ;)

[@BrianDaleNeeley]

A fine and fitting restoration Capt'n. And a proper video as well.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Brian! Hope you enjoyed

[@WorksbySolo]

Those embellishments are just right. Nice work. She’s a beautiful thing. The close ups of the textures are great shots!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you so much sir!

[@awesomeinprogress4189]

This took my brett away Cap. I experienced complete serenity when the video were finished... The audio, calm and soothing music on the verge of being melancolic and how you sped up the footage but kept the hammer beats at the correct, well, beat.. those beautiful wings, the amazing grain in the wrought iron and how you used a period correct way to mount the vice.. This is pure perfection and Awesomeness sir... My hat is yours...

[@skullandspade]

Ugh...thank you for that Terje. Humbled by such kind words

[@awesomeinprogress4189]

@@skullandspade well deserved Sir, well deserved.

[@Pickswitch]

I felt like I was holding my breath during that entire video. That was masterful Brett.

[@skullandspade]

Yowza...thank you Jordan

[@brianhartfield8385]

Amazing composition Captn". I do believe that this is equal part work and art. The light reflections off the wrought texture alone is a thing of beauty. May she serve you well for many voyages to come!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Brian!

[@JamesBowers]

Beautiful vice and a great video! Great to see you rescue an abandoned tool. Thanks for sharing.

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching

[@nickwall9613]

Dude... This is the most relaxing video I've watched this year... To watch the transformation of this hard warn old gem into something once again fully Operational, just beautiful!

[@skullandspade]

Mission accomplished then!

[@gkkent]

Just beyond amazing! I could not stop watching!!! Blown away by the whole process!!!

[@skullandspade]

Well thank you sir. Send my best to the little one

[@dimitrisstefanis398]

Beautiful background music... Suits the video perfectly. Set's the mood! Wonderfully done once again.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you as always Dimitris!

[@leehenry1165]

Stunning outcome! I didn’t expect the layered etching after the acid wash. Very cool!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@SteveDrees]

I am not sure which is more inspiring, the artistic metal work or the videography.

[@skullandspade]

Porque no los dos?!

[@diamondmetalworks13]

WOW. Best video yet. The love for old tools is real.

[@skullandspade]

Indeed it is!

[@diamondmetalworks13]

You did a great job with it.

[@DanTyson]

You're a special class of smith. Your respect for history is impressive. I particularly liked the detail you cut into the mounting brackets. Well done mate, hope to see more.

[@InsideAlan]

Angel wings or devil horns, I can't decide, and that's what I love about it!

[@skullandspade]

Hahah!

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Dan, thank you

[@Ptolemy0112358]

@@InsideAlan I thought they were a sea turtles flippers. Ain't art grand?

[@NadNotsgnivil]

Dude, I'm in the beginning phase of restoring and Civil War era Wagon Tongue Blacksmith Vise. I was just thumbing through YT and came upon your version of a restore. Well done. I, too, will be putting her back into service... as it should be. Heavy Metal Rules.

[@skullandspade]

Agreed. Good luck on the wagon vise. Going to be a damn fine thing to get working again

[@Mcphilsmith]

Looks great cap. Good for another 200 years.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Phil!

[@molegrip3860]

That was an absolute pleasure to watch. Thanks for sharing

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@samambrotv]

Beautiful restoration/repair and straight up cinema worthy camerawork/editing.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!!!

[@arictjlover2093]

Amazing restoration and even more amazing video. Some of the best editing I've ever seen! 🤯😍

[@HandToolRescue]

This is that next level vise.

[@skullandspade]

You are next level

[@kristamarie6104]

@@skullandspade You're BOTH next level. I love both yinz work!!!!

[@joehernandez3500]

I thought I was watching a movie. Well done, nothing left to say but classic McAfee

[@skullandspade]

Mission accomplished then!

[@NedbLegocity]

Huzzah! That was amazing! You just leveled up your storytelling and video skills again!

[@skullandspade]

Well shucks, I’ll take it!

[@boneal4942]

Brett, That was badass, the craftsmanship and the editing, Very nice work, Thankyou for the inspiration!

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching

[@jvandergaag]

Another amazing video, thanks Cap’n!!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU!

[@BeInspiredwithDominic]

Awesome project, Brett, and very relaxing to watch. Makes me want to get into blacksmithing, but also (in a poetic sense, not actually) despair at the beauty of your work. Thanks for sharing!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Dominic!!!

[@GeorgeMadeThis]

I’m so late to the party but Brett that vise is beautiful. Incredible job sir. True craftsmanship.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much sir!

[@rajhooblal5455]

Greetings from Durban South Africa Brett. This restoration video moved my soul. This is OS CAR material.

[@skullandspade]

My buddy grew up in Durban!

[@rajincajingt]

Great work Capt. the video was your best yet.

[@skullandspade]

Well shucks. Thank you!

[@alexzioek9680]

That is amazing! What came out of the acid bath was somewhat terrifying at first but then I realised it was 200 years of history imprinted in every of those marks and creases. Just as the wood grain steel isn' t a lifeless, aloof material. You` ve done a great job... Well except the tin plated washers and screws.

[@RobertoDonatti]

You are really good at this. And the cinematography was spot on. Congrats.

[@skullandspade]

Well thank you

[@jgclark45]

you made it even more beautiful! Just EPIC!

[@skullandspade]

Hooray! Mission accomplished!

[@MajidAlQassimi]

Your prettiest video yet!!!!! Amazing work!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@carloscesaragra]

How it's possible to let some tears seeing a vice being restored? 😅😅😅

[@skullandspade]

It might just be

[@BearMaked]

That's the best lookin' post vise I've seen. And I've probably seen at least 3. Awesome video, too.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir

[@2secondabs]

Great job. By far one of the best made videos on here.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much Luke.

[@cliffdoes_stuff4012]

Just the audio and visuals alone made this a very agreeable way to start my Sunday! Excellent composition, I loved it, and the vice looks beautiful too.

[@skullandspade]

Agreeable. Nailed it

[@Brownstone31]

What you just created was nothing short of a work of art. The vise turned out pretty amazing too.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much sir

[@reforzar]

Very nicely done. I love all the little details.

[@skullandspade]

You’re detailed

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

I love people with the power to breathe new life into old things. Well done 👍⚒

[@skullandspade]

Thank you! I feel the same

[@farmboy4189]

That's a beautiful piece of history.

[@skullandspade]

Yes, yes it is

[@PaigeMaker]

A nice find into a beautiful resto! Great job! 🤟😊

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Paige!

[@bigmikeg84]

Amazing work, she came out beautiful.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Mike!

[@kjellski]

What a wonderful smooth and chill video my friend... very relaxing to watch... loved the relaxing music especially!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir. Hope all is well with your forge adventures!

[@kjellski]

@@skullandspade that's all nice and fine... :) just need a little roof now, it's raining all over the place :D

[@RichardMartin]

So, so good. Cheers Cap’n.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers brother, much love

[@DireWolfForge]

That was beautiful. I have only one issue with all of the amazing work you did. Please take those shiny new lag bolts out and throw them into the forge, make ‘em square and toss some copper or brass washers under them when you put them back on. Again, wonderful watching you restore that piece of history, Brett. Thanks

[@skullandspade]

Done did that

[@aic53]

Thank you Mr McAfee, this was an inspiring and calming film. You have immense talent for producing these subtle scenic shots, editing AV, inducing mental relaxation and the craft of blacksmithing. Great video, keep up the good work!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@tekviper9]

Very therapeutic to watch you restore this great piece of history. Thank you for sharing !

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@theabominableironsean268]

Beautiful work, sir. Well done.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you brother. Much love

[@PhilMakesThings]

That turned out lovely, it did.

[@skullandspade]

You’re not wrong

[@calolson9572]

Wow. Absolutely beautiful!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Cal

[@fl0du31]

Amazing video Captain! The vise, the music, everything is just so calming :)

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Florian!

[@ConiferProject]

The assembly is always the part with the most satisfaction :) the wings are awesome 👍

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@Boosted98gsx]

This was a gorgeous piece.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@bradmilburn5418]

Best video yet !!! Outstanding work !!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Brad!

[@bradmilburn5418]

@@skullandspade You're welcome

[@Makebuildmodify]

Dude, beautiful!!! That texture is crazy.

[@skullandspade]

Right?! Love the wrought

[@MrBrooklynfiend]

I read on one of the comments it looked like fossilized ship timber and it does! Amazing spin on a restoration!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you hector!

[@kennethgreer]

Your channel is so fun to watch!

[@skullandspade]

Mission accomplished then!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Wow, beautiful film and vice. Such great story telling. Well done, sir. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@skullandspade]

Mahalo for watching

[@larsokland]

That was beautiful Brett, both the video and the way you brought the post vise back to a life of purpose. It left me both relaxed and inspired, for which I will pay you no less than three virtual high fives, and a rain check for a hearty hug✋✋✋💌

[@skullandspade]

I’ll take all those high fives. Please and thank you

[@josilasik]

Loved the video. Glad I was able to see it at the class.

[@skullandspade]

Great find. Lucky we went that day

[@josilasik]

@@skullandspade I wish I had gone but wanted to make sure I got as much done as possible. Maybe if I come to maker camp I'll check it out

[@skullandspade]

I’ll make sure you see it when/if you’re around

[@jimwatson2110]

Such a work of art and love great job my friend

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@JedidiahShultzIrishCraftsman]

Incredible job Brett!! 😊👊🏻

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@BobbySixguns]

Awesome video and the leg vise is quite stunning

[@skullandspade]

Well thank you!

[@Jarastlad]

This might be my favourite of your videos so far ! Honestly Brett, thanks for making these. They show that with willpower, anything can be done ! Keep it up

[@skullandspade]

Thank you for the kind words. Much love

[@Randriedi]

Great Video! At a flea market last sunday I bought a vise, not so old as yours but it needs also a bit love and care, so thank you for the "how to" stuff and the amusing style of your video!

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@ap45sontoolworks11]

That was extremely pleasing to watch and listen to. Thanks BM.

[@skullandspade]

Well good. Mission accomplished

[@dragontattooee]

Beautiful video and a pleasure to watch ... really enjoyed it

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Brian!

[@NikolayShorygin]

so cinematic! awesome work captain!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@jaredmccutcheon5496]

Absolutely beautiful Brett. The grain in the iron after you did the acid bath almost made it look like wood. You are an artist as well as skilled craftsman and I thoroughly enjoy all of your vids, the forging and metalworking ones are my favorite.

[@skullandspade]

Well thank you Jared, I really hope you’re enjoying the adventure

[@karlaharrington1]

This was excellent, kiddo!!!! Love the music....went so well with the work process. Great edit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@chancesellers5425]

That was the most awesome restoration I have ever that vice is bad ass nice job dude 👍

[@skullandspade]

Mission accomplished then!

[@secretaltruism4174]

Wow. It's beautiful.

[@skullandspade]

Indeed she is

[@EvanDunville]

Wow, great result!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Evan!

[@possiblegenius1]

Beautiful work!!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@OppaGundamStyle]

Bravo! Absolutely Beautiful! One of the finest videos I've ever witnessed! Please keep them coming! Exclamation Marks!!!

[@skullandspade]

All the exclamation marks!!!

[@thesecretworkshoppropstore7914]

Fantastic video really enjoyed this. The post vice looks so good just Wow!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!!!

[@nikond90ful1]

Thanks for the video Brett. That sir is a work of art. Look like rotten timber. Even the screw looks like a cannon. This suits your aesthetic perfectly. Well done on this one. I really like your production value, Evan down to the choice of music. Keep up the excellent work. Did not get a chance to talk to you at MC this year, you where running around helping people. Hope you can make it next year.

[@skullandspade]

Let’s make it a point to shake hands at the next go around

[@nikond90ful1]

@@skullandspade Ok Thanks

[@JohnClothier]

That is a lovely piece of kit and you made an awesome job of restoring it! Great job!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much sir!

[@GrahamDallas]

Absolutely amazing, a very sympathetic restoration, hopefully you'll get lots of use out of her. It's also interesting watching this after the information and breakdown you gave on the FWT podcast, I'll have to go and watch all of your videos again.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Graham! I’m glad knowing she’s back in working order

[@ga5743]

First rate restoration young man......beautiful iron, outstanding forging, and excellent editing. So peaceful to watch .

[@skullandspade]

Thank you so much for that

[@derkompressorschrauber]

Nice job! That thing was absolutely worth it to be saved! Keep pushing the limits 😎👍

[@skullandspade]

Will do sir! Will do.

[@whazee]

This was just GRIPPING 😍 (Ahem 😳) But seriously, what an amazing film. You're such a good story teller and that vice has a new life from someone who loves it! Beautiful work. 👏😊❤

[@skullandspade]

Wow, thank you billiam. Also, your name was auto-corrected to villain. You’re welcome

[@whazee]

@@skullandspade Villain!? Me!?...I really must finish growing my evil moustache... 🧐

[@michaelpiercy89]

What an incredible amount of work, both in the restoration and the video editing! Beautifully done as always Captain!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much Michael

[@MadeByMarylou]

errr ma gerrrrr!! that is beautiful! j'adore the vise and the video

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Marylou!

[@jimrumsey8077]

Love the texture of the steel in the vise after the acid. Looks like wood. Great job

[@skullandspade]

Agreed. Love me some wrought iron

[@sergiovega8664]

Amazing video, great work!

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Keith!

[@thegunguymartin]

Great work as always 👍

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Marty!

[@benbobisuthi7409]

Awesome video Captain! My sister and I have to make some of the same repairs to her new post vice!

[@skullandspade]

Hellyeah! Such a good piece of kit

[@vastyesaltydog]

Loved the restoration! Also the music very nearly put me into a deep meditative state, so that’s great too

[@skullandspade]

Mission accomplished then

[@the_cheese]

An awesome piece of work, Cap'n! I had no idea how a post vise worked, until the end of this video

[@skullandspade]

Well good!

[@michaelpuckett2084]

Best restoration I've seen bringing out the grain was awesome it made it have depth very well done.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much Michael

[@DustyKorpse]

Truely Masterful work, another tool saved from the scrapheap. You Sir are a an Inspiration 👍

[@skullandspade]

And you, are very kind to say so

[@oojagapivy]

Aarrghh Cap'n! Ye make me want to be working with metal more. Nice job.

[@skullandspade]

Go forth and do it!!!

[@ReindeerStudios]

So gorgeous that I have nothing clever or funny to say. Long live the Albatross!

[@skullandspade]

May she be a sign of good luck from this point forward! Cheers brother

[@adayco]

Wow. Those striations in the metal were/are beautiful. Almost petrified in appearance, giving it a frail, yet strong look. The music was perfect and complimentary to the different elements of the journey as you told your story. Another wonderful example of how exposure and knowledge is gained over time, put to use and built upon. I know it sounds repetitive, but thanks for sharing your journey for all to see. On a side note... IxChel and Skully could sit-in for Statler and Waldorf should they ever decide to remake The Muppet Show. The sarcasm, the awareness, the snark, as well as their timing is spot on. This is a compliment; however, I probably didn’t have to say that. I have a feeling you know exactly what I’m saying don’t you Captain... Again, Thank You!

[@skullandspade]

Awwwwwwmaaaaan, such kind words. Truly means a lot to read this. Thank you for saying as much.

[@EdwardIglesias]

Pretty cool man! Congrats!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks edward

[@MaltandMake]

Such beautiful ambiance and a stunning vise!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir! She really is a beaut