Record No 53e

[dm65]

I acquired a Record No 53e vice this week

As you can see from the picture below, it needs a bit of tlc before use

I intend to dismantle this to make access easier - is there anything I need to worry about (I've seen that there is a spring for the quick release, but it doesn't seem as if this is going to explode from its housing from the few pages I've found on the web)

Anyone got any experience dismantling these ?

 

[AndyT]

I dismantled mine for the same reason though it was not so rusty. I don't recall any problems. The spring was not hard to get right.
I think it's an advantage of digital cameras that you can take lots of detailed photos of exactly how it goes together while you are taking it apart.

I waxed all the surfaces once they were clean.

 

[wizard]

I have taken loads apart be careful with the end casting, if its stuck leave it, a slight tap can brake it.

 

[bugbear]

I acquired a Record No 53e vice this week

As you can see from the picture below, it needs a bit of tlc before use

I'd call that no more than cosmetic corrosion, easily dealt with (although it's a messy job)

A few digital photos as you proceed should aid reassembly.

BugBear

 

[dm65]

Thanks everybody - I'll let you know how I get on

 

[dm65]

Ok, stripped it down today, being especially careful when removing that end casting as warned in previous posts

As previously said, dismantling is straightforward

Once apart, I wanted to remove all rust with an electrolytic bath so bought a length of steel but couldn't find any sodium carbonate anywhere local so will have to buy online - also forgot to buy some blue paint #-o

Instead, I had some used sandpaper, so I simply used this to remove the majority of the rust where possible and rebuilt

Its not easy to see how much better this looks from the photo, but I assure you, it's a huge improvement

Got to say, this could be the end of its restoration as it slides smooth and free now (wouldn't open previously) but I'll come back to this in winter and give it a bath and a coat of paint

Happy bunny now though, finally got a decent vice, just need to make some liners for the jaws and I have a nice piece of Oak which I was given recently and this will be perfect for the job

Will update when I've found a way of hanging this from my workmate :wink:

 

[SurreyHills]

You can use washing soda, available in most supermarkets for less than £1 a packet, for the electrolyte. You only need a tablespoon per gallon of water.

 

[dm65]

You can use washing soda, available in most supermarkets for less than £1 a packet, for the electrolyte. You only need a tablespoon per gallon of water.

Really ?

I thought that was sodium BI-carbonate and therefore not very effective ?

I hope I'm wrong

 

[dm65]

Just checked my 'source' and it can be used but needs heating up - I'm a bit dangerous in that place where food comes from, perhaps swimbo might help ?

I've picked out a paragraph from the above link

Washing Soda is NOT the same as Baking Soda. Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda doesn't work well as an electrolyte. If you can't find Washing Soda, you can convert baking soda to sodium carbonate by cooking it in your oven at 300 degrees for about an hour

Might be worth a try - quicker than waiting for the postman

 

[SurreyHills]

It doesn't need heating up. Just use warm water to help the washing soda crystals dissolve.

 

[dm65]

You sound sure Andy - have you tried it yourself ?

 

[devonwoody]

When you put on the wooden cheeks, bear in mind that the vice jaws are not square to each other. Cannot remember which one slants!

 

[bugbear]

Just checked my 'source' and it can be used but needs heating up - I'm a bit dangerous in that place where food comes from, perhaps swimbo might help ?

I've picked out a paragraph from the above link

Washing Soda is NOT the same as Baking Soda. Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda doesn't work well as an electrolyte. If you can't find Washing Soda, you can convert baking soda to sodium carbonate by cooking it in your oven at 300 degrees for about an hour

Might be worth a try - quicker than waiting for the postman

I don't think you're reading carefully enough. Both your source and Andy recommend washing soda.

As does this (fairly authoritative) guy:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm

BugBear

 

[dm65]

I don't think you're reading carefully enough. Both your source and Andy recommend washing soda.

Looks like you're right Bugbear - I think I got hung up on finding sodium carbonate

Apologies Andy - bit of a one track mind thing going on I think

When you put on the wooden cheeks, bear in mind that the vice jaws are not square to each other. Cannot remember which one slants!

Cheeks will be parallel - I have seen the slant on the jaws, thanks for reminding me though

 

[SurreyHills]

Yes, I have and there have been quite a few posts from other members on here about it. A really good post on another forum is http://lumberjocks.com/David/blog/2191

If you have a decent electrical source (mine's a battery charger) it's very easy to set-up. You should see bubbles appearing off the vice parts within 5 minutes. After that there may be some scum on top and the water will go brown as the process works its magic.

 

[dm65]

Thanks Andy

It's already been pointed out that I have haven't read my own information properly (did I just hear someone call me a fool ?)

I have everything else ready, just been hung up on the soda malarky

 

[thick_mike]

I have used bicarbonate of soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate), no problems.

You just need something that will dissolve to form ions in the water to make it conductive. Baking powder will work just as well...you could even get away with vinegar I bet (haven't tried it though).