Thanks Thanks:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    67

    Default Robley of Geelong bench vice

    Hi all,

    A few months ago I bought a big old bench vise made by a Geelong engineering company called Robley (I'm guessing that by the only markings is a sticker on the front).
    I bought it for about $12, not knowing anything about the brand or the condition of the vice/vise (whatever the spelling is). So I figured hey for $12 it's an awesome deal for old Aussie made and I can't go wrong

    I was going to use it on my first proper woodwork bench I am about to build along with a really cute little old unknown solid one.

    So tonight as I am finally getting around to look at it properly I discovered it doesn't turn around and around and around like a regular vice would. Before I bought it I took note that there wasn't a thread as such, just a rectangular rod with about 30mm of thread at the very end. But I didn't think too much about it.
    The handle spins only 1 rotation? huh The vice can slide open to 290mm so how come it only turns the thread 1 rotation? Am I missing something (probably really simple) here? And will this type be any good for a bench vise?

    Also, does anyone know much about this company Robley? I've tried to search their name but haven't found alot on them. It makes me more intrigued when I come across an old tool from an unknown brand

    Thanks for looking!
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    167

    Default

    Hi Sliding dovetail, I know nothing of the manufacturer, i'm guessing that it opens to whatever size you require and then it locks to that size when you turn the handle, like i say only a guess though, try it with some different widths of timber and see if it works, Cheers, Richie Rich

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    That's interesting because I saw one of these last week at the Midland Railway workshops Auction preview.
    Paul McGee took some pics of this and even posted it on the forum.
    See here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/l...ml#post1695083

    It's known as a Quick Lock Vice or something similar.
    Basically you unlock it and then slide it in or out to where you want it and then it will lock and grab with one turn.

    It doesn't work so well when you want to clamp something over a wide range of turns

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    67

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    It's known as a Quick Lock Vice or something similar.
    Basically you unlock it and then slide it in or out to where you want it and then it will lock and grab with one turn.

    It doesn't work so well when you want to clamp something over a wide range of turns
    Oh I've heard of thoe quick lock type before but I had thought they come with a little lever thingy on the face next to the handle. But now I can see what you mean, I need to slide the vice against the work then clamp with a short turn?
    And that'll explain the springs at the end of the guide rods to pop back when handle is turned creating the 'quick-release' action

    It makes sense now, I didn't realise it earlier because it's so dam heavy I couldn't hold it while doing a 'dummy run' with it, I had only realised it slides when I accidently tipped it over!

    So now that I know how it works, it's pretty much just what I need I don't think I'll be doing much clamping over a wide range with it as I'll use hand clamps. It's almost identical to the vice on that auction link too, I might investigate more.....

    Thanks Bob!

Similar Threads

  1. carbatec bench vice
    By fubar in forum ANNOUNCEMENTS
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12th January 2012, 06:15 PM
  2. Bench vice?
    By Santalum in forum HAND TOOLS - UNPOWERED
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 4th February 2007, 12:20 AM
  3. Vice for this bench
    By dazzler in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 19th June 2005, 09:45 PM
  4. Those $25 'Bench N Vice' Stands....
    By Dean in forum HAND TOOLS - UNPOWERED
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 24th January 2003, 06:06 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •