Jones and Shipman swivel machine vice

[John RutzenParticipant @johnrutzen76569]

Hi, I've picked up one of these vices in good condition and have cleaned it and re-painted it and am putting it back together. Does anyone know if I should grease the swivel joints or just re-assemble clean but dry? I am thinking that grease will tend to make them slip which is the last thing you want with a machine vice joints.

[John RutzenParticipant @johnrutzen76569]

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

I would leave it clean and dry.

Tony

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

On such jobs I use a smidgin of grease or, preferably, way oil on the swivel joints along with their location faces but make sure the actual clamping surfaces are clean and dry.

Way oil is preferable to grease because its easier to wipe just enough on for a thin, sliding layer and remove the excess. Grease tends to be abit thick and clumpy.

Way oil rather than ordinary oil because the takifiers help it stay put and the blend is intended to hang around at room temperature for long periods. Automotive oils are blended to work at engine temepratures and have additives which tend to promote varnishing over long periods at room temperature. The water / condensation removal ones being the usual culprit. Household "handy oils" usually have wicking / penetration additives which mean the stuff tends not to stay put!

Clive

[John RutzenParticipant @johnrutzen76569]

Thanks, I'd greased it but then I thought that wasn't right so I will remove it now! I don't have any Way oil.

Edited By John Rutzen on 12/09/2022 08:38:50

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Another useful ‘stay put’ grease is Copaslip or Copper Ease

[ Anti-seize compound as used on the back of brake pads ]

MichaelG.

[BazParticipant @baz89810]

If you intend to use the vice on a surface or cutter grinder it may be best to assemble it dry, oil and grinding grit make a lovely grinding paste, however if you intend using it on a milling machine a bit of oil or light grease would be ok.

[Pete.Participant @pete-2]

Renaissance Wax, it'll stop it rusting and prevent anything sticking to it.

[VicParticipant @vic]

Dry PTFE lubricant?

[Author]

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