Photo Index - Rae Machine Tool Works, Ltd. - Machinist Vise Model 203

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Rae Machine Tool Works, Ltd.
Hamilton, ON

True Manufacturer:
Rae Machine Tool Works, Ltd., Hamilton, ON

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Other
Machine Size:	3" jaw width
Submitted By:	T. Wagler

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Machinist Vise Model 203
Date of Manufacturer:	1950s (est)
Serial Number:	n/a
Last Updated	10/20/2021 1:59:41 PM

Comments:

This vise was a "basement find" from a house being renovated in Smiths Falls, ON., where it had sat for many years unused. This is an example of a Rae Vise made in Hamilton, prior to the company's sale and move to Orillia. It is from their heavy duty Machinist Vise line, rather than their more commonly found Bench Vise line which where aimed at the garage or consumer level customer. I retained all of the original paint, so this is a good example of the factory colour scheme. The remnants of the original RAE decal can also be seen, and may be one of the few decals still in existence from their Hamilton foundry.

Another interesting thing about this vise is that it is almost an exact match with the american-made Reed 203, down to every curve and line and dimension, including a rather rare feature found in the Reed vise which is a "cast-in-place" jaw, rather than replaceable jaws held on with screws. It would be interesting to know if there was any relationship between RAE and Reed (or if RAE just blatantly copied the casting molds.

Photo 1:

Comments: Original listing - LH side
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Photo 2:

Comments: Original listing - RH side
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Photo 3:

Comments: Remnants of original decal
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Photo 4:

Comments: 1953 catalog reference, appears to be proper vintage, however exact model 203 is not listed
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Photo 5:

Comments: Example of what decal would have looked like. Can'f figure out what outline around RAE is supposed to be.
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Photo 6:

Comments: After cleaning with oxalic acid and buffing of non-painted parts
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