formariz 11,988 #1 Posted June 17, 2023 Sometime back came across an old Colombian vise. Thought it would be ideal for my youngest son’s box . Made brass jaws for vise since he works with delicate parts many times. Made him also a butcher block top to go with it prepared with threaded inserts on both ends in case he decides to change vise to the other side. Or if he thinks like me add another one. Needless to say his expression when he saw me there with was priceless. For me it is what life is all about. 4 6 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,161 #2 Posted June 17, 2023 That is almost too nice to work on! Beautiful work. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,604 #3 Posted June 17, 2023 Very nice! One shop I worked at if you had a butcher block top on your box, you were considered a "Butcher" I liked them because they were quieter when you were working on a pump or somethign and they were easier on painted parts 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,550 #4 Posted June 17, 2023 (edited) Most folks I have worked with that have mobile workbenches or mobile toolboxes with wood tops added a sacrificial clear sheet of Lexan - oilproof and keeps the wood "damage-free"' Edited June 17, 2023 by ri702bill 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,988 #5 Posted June 17, 2023 (edited) 46 minutes ago, ri702bill said: Most folks I have worked with that have mobile workbenches or mobile toolboxes with wood tops added a sacrificial clear sheet of Lexan - oilproof and keeps the wood "damage-free"' I have noticed some like that. Specially if they bought them from Snap-On which charges an absolutely ridiculous amount for a skinny top. Kind of defeats the purpose of the top. It’s also the marks and the wear that gives it character. Can always be sanded and refinished also. Marks and wear are a normal thing , the idea is to work on it but not into it. It’s got a pretty tough finish. Ten coats of Marine Spar Varnish on top and edges, and three on the bottom. All coats dried for 48 hours each and rubbed between coats. Edited June 17, 2023 by formariz 1 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,174 #6 Posted June 17, 2023 25 minutes ago, formariz said: I have noticed some like that. Specially if they bought them from Snap-On which charges an absolutely ridiculous amount for a skinny top. Kind of defeats the purpose of the top. It’s also the marks and the wear that gives it character. Can always be sanded and refinished also. Marks and wear are a normal thing , the idea is to work on it but not into it. It’s got a pretty tough finish. Ten coats of Marine Spar Varnish on top and edges, and three on the bottom. All coats dried for 48 hours each and rubbed between coats. And maybe some day, it’ll be his grandkid’s table Awesome work Cas! 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,874 #7 Posted June 17, 2023 I have absolutely tortured Columbian vises, worth every penny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
