One of my vices.....

Several years ago I acquired this old vice at a club auction. The name plate states "Sole UK Importer - Spencer Franklin Ltd" (who are still an active company). The 12" long vice has substantial fully moveable jaws consiting of 3 x 4, thick plates which are locked in position by the 2 cams around just about any shape. Lower plates can provide a flat register and the top plates used to grip a taper, which how it gets most use - when machining tapered loco rods. There's no maker's name or indication of country of origin or it's age. As one of the most useful items in the workshop; any info would be of interest. (I've yet to contact Spencer Franklin as given it's age would they have any records?).

They are Swedish vices made by a company called SEVO, Spencer Franklin are just the agents.

Beyond that I can tell you very little more except to agree that they are very versatile and will grip very triangular parts as well as other odd shapes. I was lucky enough to acquire one some months ago, having seen another in a friend's workshop. Mine was a trifle sad and needed TLC but it came up a treat and is used often

I was impressed by the quality when I had it stripped out, most of the work needed was only to polish off rusty marks, oil and rebuild it with a light touch from Scotchbrite where it was needed. A new paint job completed it

Regards

Brian

Quick Google comes up with a supplier in India. Nothing new in UK tho', just some auctions. Indian price translates at around £230 which isn't bad for quality gear.

Clive

Brian, Clive - thanks for your replies. I haven't yet found the Indian source but discovering the manufacturer was SEVO prompted a Google search. In 2016 this sorry-looking specimen was on Fleabuy:-

**LINK**

Also good to learn there's another satisfied user ! The only hitch to it getting more regular use is the spacing of the 3 bolting-down lugs - they don't line up with my mill table slots, so an adapter plate is necessary. Nevertheless, it is a superb bit of kit, however old.

Edit: Looks like it could be worth more than I thought ! Found this smaller, 3 piece SEVO from Germany for 350 EUR (exc VAT). https://www.machineseeker.co.uk/Machine-vise-SEVO-Sevo-2/i-1796888

Edited By Fowlers Fury on 23/03/2018 15:43:21

If you scroll thru the Indian site you will see a self Centering vice branded WARCO

I acquired 2 Sevo 2 vices with my milling machine some years ago, they don't see a lot of use but are invaluable for those odd shaped pieces and having 2 identical makes holding longer pieces a doddle.

Had to make up a new cam locking bar for one of them but other than a bit of grime they are both in great condition.

Only downside is they are bl**dy heavy!

Graeme W

Fowler's Fury and I have the smaller SEVO 1 models, that size suits my workshop very well indeed. In that size they might be described as solid, the 12 inch versions as you have will be heavy.

Regards

Brian

Brian, Nice vice, I wonder where you find such lovely stuff....

Cheers, Martin

Martin,

Indeed so, I must be lucky!

Regards, Brian

If one looks long enough and hard enough, most things can be found on one sale site or another, eventually (as long as the sites are appropriate ones). Patience is often required, mind.

Well I looked and found two of them in the same dealers, one absolutely brand harry spankers with the protective grease still on it. Bought it for £100 which I was well pleased with, brilliant for holding non parallel pieces.

best regards Mick