Photo Index - Wilton Corp. - #1750 Tradesman

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Wilton Corp.
Chicago, IL; Schiller Park, IL; Palatine, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Other
Machine Size:	5" wide
Submitted By:	Mike Fendley

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	#1750 Tradesman
Date of Manufacturer:	60s
Serial Number:	NA
Last Updated	3/22/2020 12:36:21 PM

Comments:

I recently discovered an American made Wilton #1750 Tradesman in a pile of rusty iron. This model (not made any more) had a broken base, abused straight jaws, broken pipe jaws, and all three handles were bent. However, the vise itself was intact. This definitely needed a rebuild and a new home. The 1/2” larger equivalent Wilton #1755 is around $700+. First a base would need to be constructed. As I looked for suitable plates, pipe, etc. I happened across the disc brake pile . . . and an almost ready to use base. After a quick wire brushing with an angle head grinder, the base of the vise was measured to get the proper size to bore the disc brake rotor. Boring the rotor was done on a Clausing – Colchester 13” metal lathe. After the bore was completed, facing the underside was done to provide a smooth area for the clamps. Next the clamps were cut down slightly in the mill to match the new base ring thickness. All 3 arms were straightened in a press, then polished. The base was then cut with a band saw to get clearance from the bench when a vertical bar is clamped in the vise. The base was drilled for four – 1/2" carriage bolts and the holes filed square. New jaws, both straight and pipe, were purchased from Auto Tool Express, complete with mounting screws for $38 plus shipping. Primer and a light blue “hammered” paint were applied and the new jaws installed. Parts include the pair of top straight jaws, the dual sized pair of pipe jaws, and six screws. The #1750 Wilton vise is now restored, ready to be bolted down, and put to work!

Photo 1:

Comments: Vise with mounting bolts
Source: Mike Fendley

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Photo 2:

Comments: Vise and rotor before
Source: Mike Fendley

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Photo 3:

Comments: Vise jaws open
Source: Mike Fendley

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Photo 4:

Comments: Straight and pipe jaw faces
Source: Mike Fendley

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Photo 5:

Comments: Jaw profiles
Source: Mike Fendley

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Photo 6:

Comments: Boring disc rotor
Source: Mike Fendley

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