Vintage Record 52 1/2 Quick Release Woodworking Vice / Vise Restoration

Welcome to my channel
In this video I will be restoring a vintage Record 52 1/2 Woodworking Vice.
For this restoration I copied the finish of my Record 34 vice. The raw metal finish gives the piece a more industrial look. And an added benefit is that there is no paint to chip or scratch.
I hope you like the restoration and subscribe for more videos.
Thanks for watching.

[@ianelley]

Nice job, I particularly like the trick with the carpet tape !!!

[@ElmendorfCopWatch-qx7id]

Hi sir. I just found one of these in a pawn shop today. The guy had it for a while and couldn't get rid of it. He let me have it for $40 us. I'm really happy with it. I think I'm going to follow your lead and restore it. It is totally functional.

[@stevebeck2734]

Fantastic, I am fortunate to have all three of the Record vices that are still in great condition with the original paint. It so good to see someone take the time to restore a great vintage tool like this. BRAVO FOR YOU!

[@rjwatkins63]

I have a 52 1/2 left at the house I've moved to, so apart from being great to watch in its own right, this has been beyond helpful in giving me insights into how to restore it. Thank you, and wish me luck!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I’m glad the video has helped you. Your lucky to find that in a new house.

[@mdgcwood]

Good luck buddy!

[@tbuc2920]

I really like the clear lacquer finish as opposed to paint. It makes the cast look cool. Nice job.

[@pdadme]

Ha! Excellent! I'm part way through restoring a Woden vice that's virtually the same as this. It was sadly in a far worse state and I had to spend a week soaking in it vinegar solution overnight, wire brushing it then putting it back in the vinegar, just to remove enough rust to be able to move the thread and dismantle it. The spring and castellated nut had rusted right through, but I managed to get replacement from "Viceman". The handle is too rusty to restore fully, so it will just have to remain functional, rather than fine. The quick release blade was rivetted rather than screwed, so I had to drill that out. Just have to tap a new thread in it, then I can paint and reassemble it. I'm going to use blue Hammerite, to keep out any more rust and to hide the severe pitting. Great video !

[@maciejtrybilo]

I need a spring replacement as well. Could you point me to the "Viceman"? I'm not getting any love from Google.

[@joer5627]

I’ve had one in my garage for decades. Brand new but needs a little care. Thx.

[@steveledbetter5613]

Clear lacquer was a great choice. Still looks old, just properly cared for. Great job.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much sir. This is now the new look for my record vices. The casting is too beautiful to cover. And there is no paint to chip or scratch like my no 5 vice.

[@max23245]

Very satisfying to watch, a good form of therapy. A labour of love. Some good tips in there too (carpet tape, holding small parts with tweezers/pliers)

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thanks, I try to think outside the box as much as possible.

[@kavemkavem8259]

Tré bien 👍 Bonne annee 2023 🌷🌹🌷🌹

[@spudpud-T67]

May I suggest you use slightly thicker wooden blocks and counter sink the screws deeper into the block. They will leave a lovely dent in every piece of wood you clamp otherwise.

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

i have the same one in my shed and I've been talking about restoring it for 3 years now :)

[@stephenlines9431]

Ah! That takes me back. Around 10 years ago I finally completed a laminated Paul Sellers work bench and wanted a couple of vices for it. Ebay to the rescue. I did a partial restoration on both (I'm not an engineer or a metalworker) got them cleaned out, working smoothly etc, then a quick re-paint. You've got a much better finish than I did on the bare matal parts, but now I have discovered the power of the wire wheel. These things are so well built and have amazing holding power

[@danceswithaardvarks3284]

I have almost finished restoring a similar age 52 1/2 and was just about to paint it with Paragon roundel blue enamel paint. Now I'm having second thoughts. Nice job.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I like the industrial look of the vice. And there is no paint to chip.

[@mattg6262]

I like that plain lacquer finish for that vintage look real classy. I understand the merits of using a soft wood that you don't have any issues changing for the jaws, but as hardwoods go that are pretty easy to come by, look good and are VERY hard I recommend some good old red oak.

[@kjamison5951]

I worked in a school shop for fifteen years and maintained these - four to each bench, 9 benches. They were very good and still are. It’s a great job but the original blue Paint job really identifies Record products.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I have too many record tools. Blue is taking over the workshop. I also like the bare metal. All the casting marks and imperfections tell a story.

[@-Deena.]

You've given your tiny workshop a cardboard box set make over! 🧡

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Absolutely. Brings back memories of being a child.

[@MarkLaurenceDesign]

Literally bought one to restore today, hope I can do as good a job! Great info, thanks.

[@marktwain2813]

Thank you for the instructional video. I'll restore my vise soon.

[@guillermoreche4840]

Ha quedado perfecto el tornillo de banco de carpintero. Enhorabuena. Un saludo

[@itwoznotme]

just setting up for a evening working on a record 89 vice (looks very similar). nice job............but i will be going for a slightly brighter paintjob!

[@akashhariprasad8566]

Wonderful technique that you have used with sandpaper 😉👍👍

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@markforrestsm]

I sat in awe of your painstaking dedication to get every part immaculately cleaned and restored! Respect!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much. I’m glad you appreciate the work.

[@sturobertson7850]

Thank you for making this video. I have been given one of these vices and need to strip it down. Cheers

[@pjhalchemy]

Well Done!! Highly functioning Quality Tool now. Liked the way you left the metal natural and just put clear on it. Always impressed with what can be done with so little. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you, I’m glad you like my choice of finish

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

That is amazing. I'm so glad you didn't paint it. A tool in the raw! I detest slotted screws. I invariably strip them trying to get them out. I had to look up methylated spirits. In my world it's denatured alcohol! Nicely done. A lot of cleaning and care went in to that. Awesome!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.

[@1244taylor]

nice cleanup.. looks great

[@metalartRestoration123]

Your score for this RESTORATION is 52 1/2 out of 53 nice work mate.👍👍👍👍

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much. I’m glad you liked it.

[@philipchandler330]

Learned a lot thanks so much for sharing your process of restoration

[@briandavern8741]

Beautiful work!

[@alexanderralph2504]

Great detail. Was nervous about removing the quick release portion on mine as couldn't find any videos showing in good enough detail how to remove and put back this portion. Am happy to give it a go now and get my vice working smoothly 👍👍👍

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I’m glad the video could help you. Have fun with your restoration.

[@kaisantiqueengines569]

Beautiful restoration

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@russcurrie72]

Great video, takes me back to my dads workshop, thanks for sharing 👍😃

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you. Glad I could bring back some memories

[@bronxcheer031]

Great job. You made a good choice on the finish too. Looks terrific!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much.

[@dikyoda1881]

Another excellent example of that famous English iron 🙏🏻

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching

[@carlosescobar6973]

Fantastic!!

[@reepham39]

I have an identical vice in use in my shed, it was my dads so it was great to see how to strip it down, thanks.

[@stevebeck2734]

Can't beat a good ole RECORD VISE !!!!!!!!!!

[@hawaii3100]

BUTTRESS. never seen them before

[@kentdillon3968]

Excellent video. What a great tool this is.

[@tonyday7233]

Another nice tool, nice resto.

[@restorecreate]

Great work,great choise the lacquer ,keep up the good work !!!!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you. I’m glad you approve of the finish

[@tru1988]

Great job as usual!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much. Greatly appreciated

[@paulorth2251]

Nicely done, sir.

[@stephaniesander5465]

Terrific job!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@richardfrankland8183]

Nice to watch, thanks for posting that. I found the same vice about 40 years ago in a second hand shop for NZ$25 and did more or less the same thing. Its been on my work bench ever since and its probably my most used tool, built to last!! The lacquer looks great. Wondered if you were aware the main slider bars are threaded into the front face of the vice? They aren't much fun to get out but it makes the work on the face plate a bit easier, if you ever do another one!! Cheers from NZ

[@Dark..498]

That's a nice job...

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@peebee143]

Nice job!

[@leorumley8132]

Very very nice, I think I'll try using clear lacquer after seeing your results, I've got a very similar vice I'm about to try and restore. I like the clear easy to follow video without being distracted by unnecessary music, thank you for a great video.

[@kenshores9900]

Good rebuild.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@dickozinga939]

great video, restored a Paramo 52 by using electrolysis. Worked like a charm and needed no chemicals

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you. I would like to try electrolysis.

[@dickozinga939]

My tiny Workshop it is easy. Only special item is a car battery charger. It removes only the rust and not touch the metal. And it will even remove rust when it is under the paint. And as a bonus you get hydrogen😎👍

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thanks, I do have some big thing that have rust. Perhaps I’ll use this method.

[@richardherbert1375]

I very much like this restoration. Just one slight niggle. This is a woodworking vice, and the soft jaws which you have bolted to the cast iron faces from the inside, WILL damage any pieces which the bolt heads touch as the vice is closed. The sacrificial faces should be lightly held to the cast iron jaws by a short wood screw going through the cast iron faces and about 1/4"to 3/8" (6-10 mm) into the wood. Then, when the vice is attached to the bench, the wooden jaws should be planed down to be level with the top of the bench.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thanks for the tip

[@spudpud-T67]

Or thicker wooden soft jaws to allow a deeper counter setting of the screws. That allows me to have a sturdier jaws to face of the vice connection.

[@IcyKitty]

Nice restoration!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much

[@user-em7fy4ls9n]

great system

[@djevo3441]

Awesome job my friend

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@leeperry1525]

I moved into a house a month ago and 1 of these was left down by the garage. Gunna have a go at getting it working again. Must of been outside a long time and is heavily rusted and seems siezed up but I'm gunna try. This video will help so much. Good job.

[@starflash08]

That’s the best I’ve seen, no paint was brilliant

[@lucasb1324]

I like it without extra color 👍👍 Carsten Sweden

[@nandom3]

Good job!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you.

[@stevetobias4890]

Absolutely beautiful restoration, you are very precise with your work. Merry Christmas

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much.

[@euhenn7104]

great work.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@haraldothegreat]

im going to bees wax mine. I just ordered a 52 record its turning up tomorrow thanks for the video I enjoyed your work.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Enjoy you new vice. I also have a 52 with rather nice original paint and sticker.

[@haraldothegreat]

@@mytinyworkshop1213 just finished it looks so good and was in really good condition it may be 80 years old

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Congrats. Enjoy working with it.

[@ramonasbellsr1]

👏👍 very good job

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much.

[@ebbios]

Now....I have just spent 10 years of luck on one day.... I manage to find 20 of these in a junkyard.... Selected and picked thirteen of them and had spent almost 200 usd on 211 kgs of cast iron monsters. All of them are the 1960s version. Thinking of coming back for the remaining 7 that was left behind because of missing parts and minor damage and at the time of purchase I ran out of cash for them anyways...so wish me luck friends in both restoring and selling them back. Im keeping 2 units for myself.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Very nice. I wouldn’t mind stumbling across a find like that.

[@leekronforst4589]

Oh hell yeah! A person who knows how to use a file correctly.

[@user-dx6pt9oo6h]

Hi bro 👋👋👋 good to see you 🤝🤝🤝 you have good jobs👌🏽 and very good restoration vise 👍👍👍🔥💣

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Hey, I’m glad you liked it.

[@davidfinn3771]

Great skills but I would like it blue 👍

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you.

[@IronHide1686]

amanzing job!!

[@connahjones8178]

My fiance got me a work bench for free with a record 52 on it (the slightly smaller version of this) very nice vice and it only needs some tlc to look nice but i love that vice

[@alangknowles]

The wooden parts can be made much wider than the metal jaws, and can be higher too. It means they can be used to hold, for instance, drawer sides well to the sides of the parallels to cut dovetails. No need for a moxon vice. And no chance of ruining a saw on the steel jaws.

[@richardbreisch8049]

Nice job, looks great! Those are the weirdest threads for a vice Ive ever seen...

[@danceswithaardvarks3284]

Conical threads. Better in a vice than either acme or twin screw.

[@richardbreisch8049]

@@danceswithaardvarks3284 Thanks for replying! Merry Christmas!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I’m glad you like it. Thank you

[@briansworkshop01]

Fantastic job as always love the look but still like the blue but looking great thanks for sharing and happy Christmas 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺👍👍👍👍🎅

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you. I’m tired of seeing blue all over the workshop.

[@paullayden]

nice job

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@jamesdavis4124]

👍 Awesome

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you

[@jtreg]

It's all very pretty but what's the point? If there are worn components then I do see the benefit. Entertainment I guess, I enjoyed it anyway! I have same vice, old- I just keep it clean and lubricated.

[@luanshehu1440]

Bravo

[@darrenwheatley4677]

Great video, really helpful. I've just picked up a 1930s 52 1/2, and it's in pretty good shape, and this videos gives me everything I need to restore it. One thing that is not in good shape though is the split pin that goes through the main spindle and that keeps the end cap on. It looks like someone has just jammed a bit of metal in there, and filed it almost flat. I need to drill it out and replace it, and fit a washer (missing). Do you know what metal is typically used for the split ring? Thanks

[@user-sl3il5sz2s]

In my opinion, everything was done correctly and with a careful attitude to history. I could not find what to criticize for. Excellent.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you, glad you approve

[@georgepretnick4460]

Thank God you didn't polish it to a chrome like brilliance. Looks great.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I don’t need any mirrors in my workshop. The beauty is in the small imperfections. I’m glad you like the finish.

[@WaynesWorld69]

Impressive restoration and work. You have a new subscriber.

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you. Very much. Welcome to the channel

[@paulkita]

Great restoration video. Keep it up mate! Oh and subscribed!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you very much. Welcome to the channel

[@1multiversum1]

*HEAVY BREATHING*

[@alaniddon3685]

do you do restorations for other people? if so how much would it cost to do mine

[@flbyrne99]

A great and thorough job. Can you tell me please what liquids you used in the rust removal and paint stripping? I have an identical model which I’m just about to strip. Great vid. Gives me confidence now I have this as a reference guide!

[@chagualitorubitona5920]

Qué lástima no haber sometido varias de las piezas de esta prensa a un refrescante baño de arena, antes de proceder a pintarlas. A otras piezas creo que les faltó haberlas pasado por la rueda de estopa después de las suaves lijas. Otras piezas como ciertos tornillos, pines y la cuerda, hubieran quedado mejor si las pavonea. En fin, no es un mal trabajo, pero tampoco es excelente. Colombia /20/abril /2021.

[@Kevin-gx8lc]

Hey MTW...! Great restoration, I love the look of the bare metal, much nicer than paint! Greetings from Southport!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

I’m glad you like the finish. Thanks for watching

[@grahamparr4710]

I think you're getting the hang of this now.

[@buakawfan333]

I do like the vintage industrial look, it's a nice touch. I picked up a 52 1/2 A for £25 on gumtree, and am going to restore it and fix into my workbench. It's currently painted in some thick gloopey silver paint (lots of cured drip marks over it) so I thought I'd give it a treat and restore it back to it's original colour. Now I've got some clear lacquer for the bare metal parts of the vice, but was going to spray the front and rear jaws with a Jenolite spray. I've bought the cobalt blue, but not sure if it's going to turn out too dark. I'll try a bit on some paper tonight and let it dry. Can anyone recommend a spray paint that is close enough to the roundel blue? Hammerite, Ronseal, and a host of others do various shades of hard wearing blue spray paints. Thanks for the video it's clearly showed me the process for stripping mine down. I couldn't find much info online about the "A" variant of the 52 1/2 so I'm not sure if it's a rarer model.

[@buakawfan333]

I found out the 52 1/2 A is an older 1930's variation. I ended up returning the Jenolite cobalt blue and forked out more money for the Paragon Roundel Blue semi gloss. I've cleaned up the vice and sprayed some parts with clear Jenolite lacquer, and the paintable parts with bodyshop primer in preparation for the Paragon enamel. I'm actually already sad that I've started the process of painting it. A couple of days after electrolysis, there was a bit of flash rust covering parts of the face, which gave it a real sense of character. Wish I'd just sprayed the whole thing with the clear lacquer. Would have saved about £30 and let's be honest, my 1930 vice that's been treated like crap is not going to look great even with gold leaf.

[@joepool60]

Finally! No Paint! Yea!

[@finimusmaximus300]

Hi there. I bought the same vice recently but it’s missing the piece at 10:19 and I wondered if it’s possible to buy it? I can’t find it on the internet and I’m worried I won’t be able to get the vice to work without it. I believe it pushes the jaw open when loosening the lever. Would really appreciate it if you would reply, thanks

[@craigelder1549]

Amazing video sir, respect. (I've got one to do myself, and will be following this guide) Just 3 questions if I may? What was the lacquer and what does it do? What lubricant did you use at the end? And... did you not want to repaint it? If you did, what would you have used, hammerite?

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Hi, thanks for watching. The lacquer was just normal lacquer in a can. I used it to seal the metal since I wanted a metallic finish. If I were to do this today I would use danish or boiled linseed oil. The lubricant was multipurpose ep2 grease. And as for the paint I just restored my record no 1 vice using Paragon BS381C 110 Roundel Blue (this is the original record colour) (only 1 person sells this on eBay Uk.). I have used smooth blue Hammerite in the past but I quickly got tired looking at it. I just picked up a record 84 today, I will be restoring that sometime this year and I’ll be using that paint also. it’s well worth the expense.

[@darrenwheatley4677]

@@mytinyworkshop1213 I found this on another video. Posted in case of interest: www.paragonpaints.co.uk/BS381C-110-Roundel-Blue-Record-Vice-Blue.html

[@ArmandoLoni]

Yeah, I like the finish!! Is that linseed oil applied to the timber? I used a natural metal finish on my Soviet mini-vice and have recently used clear coating over rust for a preserved patinated look on s couple of very early vices.... Check the videos!!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Yes I did use boiled linseed oil. I’ll. check out your vid. Cheers

[@marconeill9510]

I’ve just restored a 52 1/2 A. It was in really bad shape, completely seized. I’ve got it almost up and running, however I can’t get the quick release to work. It’s as if there isn’t enough travel in the spring, any ideas? Great video btw, cheers!

[@anguskirk1152]

Fantastic project! Has inspired me to search for an identical vice from the 1940s, which I now have (bargain at £25) and have already dismantled. Are you just washing the parts in soapy water before using the rust remover? Also mine has remains of 2 metallic stickers on it. One oval one by the quick release handle saying "Genuine Record mark - Made in England" and the other on the rectangular plate removed at 3 minutes saying " This RECORD VICE has TWO IMPORTANT FEATURES. 1. SAWDUST EXCLUDER PLATE TO PREVENT CLOGGING OF WORKING PARTS 2. NUT EASILY REMOVED FOR CLEANING. KEEP WORKING PARTS LUBRICATED". Would like to keep them but lots of rust surrounding them. Worried that rust remover might damage them. Not planning on repainting. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@woodlanegardenequipmentrep9149]

That's a nice job, may l ask what editing software you use, and what camera/ phone you prefer as l am thinking of embarking on a similar youtube journey, thanks

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Hi. I currently edit on a 2018 iPad 9.5”. My software is LumaFusion. Up until recently i have been filming with an iPhone 6. I basically started with what I had. My new camera is the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This is the first video I have filmed in 4K. Editing 4K on the iPad is a bit tedious but I managed. I’m currently trying to justify investing in a new MacBook Pro. But a good one is nearly £3k. My advise is use what you have and invest what you can whenever you can. Good luck on your journey.

[@tru1988]

@@mytinyworkshop1213 While a MacBook Pro is a really nice machine, I suggest buying a much more powerful desktop for much less money to edit videos. You can get a really decent editing desktop for around 1000-1500 bucks. I've watched all of your content and it is getting better with every video. Assuming you will continue this, I'd say invest in a editing work horse, not a shiny laptop :) Throw in 500 bucks for a really nice 4k monitor and you still save a ton. There is a community on reddit that can help you build a pc, aptly named /r/buildapc.

[@skasy8440]

thank U for not blasting it with blue paint again, good job...*

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thanks. I’m tired of blue everywhere.

[@mrmeboxbuilder2710]

Beautiful job there but I have to ask why clear lacquer and not blue paint like it once was. also why not sandblast it

[@tshusker]

Nice job! And kudos for not painting it! Love the original, natural look!

[@mytinyworkshop1213]

Thank you. I’m glad you approve.

[@simsyonline]

Hi, Nice job! What is the lube you used a brush to apply to the long parts, the runners and the thread. I assume it's grease of some type? Does this not collect sawdust and cause wear?

[@alaniddon4471]

will you restore my record35 vice?