quick release record vices

[patl]

The other thread on vices reminds me to ask...

The old record 52.5 I bought a year or so ago, shares a problem with my dad's old record vice he had while I was growing up, they both seem to have the same problem with their quick releases.
Sometimes when you go to open it by turning the handle rather than with the quick release, it opens fine. However, sometimes the quick release lever just clicks backwards and forwards and the vice doesn't open more than a fraction with every turn of the handle.
I assume its something to do with the spring that holds the quick release locked not holding it closed very well any more? Does anyone have any more conclusive knowledge? and if it is the spring having lost its 'springiness' does anyone have any idea where I might find a new one?

Thanks,

Pat.

[paulchapman]

I once had the spring on my Record 52D break. I was able to get a new spring from Record. Mine has started doing that clicking stuff - haven't worked out why yet

I sometimes wonder whether it's worth bothering with the quick release feature on vices. I have two Record 52Ds, one quick release the other plain screw. The plain screw version is significantly cheaper and there really is nothing to go wrong with it........

Cheers

Paul

[jake]

Best case: too much dirt. Take the cotter pin out of the end of the screw, knock off the end plate, and wind the face off the vice. Clean the guide rods, screw, nut and the 'bearing' surfaces through which the guide rods slide with some fine webrax or whathaveyou, put some (preferably ptfe) lube on the guide rods, etc, and see if it is just friction overcoming the QR nut.

Worst case: knackered nut.

[colincott]

You can also tighten them back up if the spring still has life in it

If you look behind the quick release you should see a screw going through a plate of metal and the back of the quick release handle.

You need to take the screw out ( try not to lose it or your vice will not work ), you should now see how to tighten it.
At this point you might need some help or a way to hold a spanner to the nut at the back of the jaw.

I think all will be clearer when you have a look

[Alf]

paulchapman said:

I sometimes wonder whether it's worth bothering with the quick release feature on vices. I have two Record 52Ds, one quick release the other plain screw. The plain screw version is significantly cheaper and there really is nothing to go wrong with it........

Yes, I've wondered that ever since I read much the same arguments from John Brown. Never actually had a metal front vice of either variety to comment. Well I've got one, and one day it may even get fitted to something, but at the moment... ;D

Cheers, Alf

[patl]

paulchapman said:

I sometimes wonder whether it's worth bothering with the quick release feature on vices. I have two Record 52Ds, one quick release the other plain screw. The plain screw version is significantly cheaper and there really is nothing to go wrong with it........

I'm with you. I certainly wouldn't get another quick release vice out of choice. And to be honest, I find I rarely use the quick release in the first place, so for me it's fairly redundant technology which just overcomplicates things.

[patl]

Thanks for the suggestions, the wife's out this evening so I get a chance to play, err, do something important in the workshop...
Hopefully your comments make a bit more sense when I can see the vice

[jake]

I like the QR, it makes a big, big difference if you've got a 53 out at nearly full extension and then want to hold something thin in the vice next, or just get it out of the way.

[Stree]

Well I have just seen that link to the Rutlands QR vice and bought one...... Will let you know what I think when I get it...
I already have a Record 52 1/2 and its a fine lump. Obviously the Rutlands one will not have the same pedigree, but its got to be better than holding a lump of wood over your knee if all the other vices are occupied with glue ups etc.
Think I might mount this in line with the Record at the other end of the bench. Always fancied trying that.
Or perhaps build another bench altogether to house it. Can never have too many clamps, vices or benches.....
As for the mention of the rough castings, it will be lined with 3/4 ply minimum and probably covered with green baize as well, as a protective lining. ( Baize as in snooker table cloth, used to fit them so have plenty of it around )
The Record I already have has its movable jaw faced with a board of Tatejuba, a tough fine grained timber, the back jaw is the bench apron, also lined with Tatejuba...
As for the QR sticking, Jake said it all really, Clean it. Wire brush, emery cloth, air line, oil and grease....I can move the Record jaw in and out full travel with one finger and if yours won`t it needs attention.

PS while on the Rutlands site I noticed Scheppach dust extractor bags at a quid each,,,Only in packs of 20 though........,I have used just 2 of these in relay over the last ten years, tough as old boots, and I assume they will fit any similar sized extractor

[nke]

As an infrequent lurker I stumbled across this post rather late in the day but I had an identical problem with my record 52.5 for several years and it was driving me nuts until a visitor to my workshop suggested all that it needed was a good greasing…I was pretty sceptical as I had tried almost everything else but to me firstly embarrassment, then amazement and then delight a liberal application of grease solved the problem completely.
neil

[mrgrimsdale]

I've had the same record quick release for 30 years. Yes you do have to clean and oil them now and then.
QR very useful. Like a lot of things; without it you make do and wonder why you'd want it, but if you have got it you find it essential.
I was the same before I bought my combi with an extra long sliding table which I wasn't sure of the point of. Now I find it extremely useful and wouldn't want to be without it.

cheers
Jacob