I purchased this big vise from an oil company in Casper, Wyoming, who hadn’t used it in a good ten years. It had been sitting out back, and had endured the cold winters and hot summers for all that time.

Everything about this vise needed my attention. Of course the jaws were used and needed replacing. I added a pair of brand new 6 x 1-1/2 x 1 inch serrated jaws. I also built a new solid smooth jaw that accepts pipes from 1/4 to 7/8 round. If the new owner would also like me to include a smooth set of jaws, I’ll take 15% off those.

The biggest challenge with the jaws was with the dynamic jaw support keyway. It has to perfectly align the two jaws, but it was off by just one degree. The jaws just didn’t line up perfectly, so I attempted to carefully alter the key so I wouldn't damage the date stamp that read 4-78. I adjusted It by welding one side and removing material from the other side, and now it is good. 

I built a new 3-1/8 inch horseshoe washer out of A2 Tool Steel, and heat treated it to 54-56 R/C. Then I re-machined the spindle to be tighter and to allow only 20 degree backlash. The washer I replaced had been fabricated out of plate steel and cut out with a torch, so it is a clear upgrade.

The handle was frozen, so I cut it off and machined the hole to 13/16 (.812), and I made the bore .012 oversize to make the new one tighter and more durable. The new handle is made of 1144 Cold Formed CRS. I believe this stuff is the best for both handles and swivel locks.   Look HERE if you want to read more details about why this steel choice is ideal.  I also added a 5/16:18 thread to add a 3/16 ball spring and set screw to prevent sliding, just like you would see on Parker vises.  I will include this with the vise.

The knobs are custom made from 1-1/4 diameter 1144 CRS and heated and peened in place for a permanent installation, just like the originals. I added rubber bumpers to save your fingers.

The horseshoe groove for the washer was worn and needed welding and re-machining.  The backlash settings are controlled by this step.

I made my own set of custom swivel clamps and created the swivel lock handles in a shape that I liked. I made the swivel lock body from 1 inch hex stock that can really be clamped down tight with a 1 inch wrench.

Finally, the anvil area was machined flat so the new owner can add his own marks. (I would never strike this anvil with a hammer, but that’s me).  Painted with Rust-Oleum self etching primer, and then covered with 2 coats of Rust-Oleum Verde Green and baked in the hot sun for three days before assembly.

That’s it. A lot of work, but this Wilton 600S will definitely pull its weight wherever it ends up.

Shipping will be through Fastenal.

More questions?  Contact Kevin:  mountainproduct@gmail.com 

Length:                                  23-1/2"

Height:                                  12"

Width at widest point:             10"

Handle Length:                       14-1/2"

Max depth to round slider:       3-1/4"

Weight:                                 143lbs