Replies

1. 
   AndyA | Nov 17, 2004 11:27pm | #1

   Okay, I am replying to my own message which is a bit odd but I just found out what happened to Record if you are interested: It was bought by Newell Rubbermaid (yup), Inc. which owns Irwin tools. The vises are now being maid "overseas" but that could be England for all I know. They are being sold at HomeDepot, Lowes and Harbor Freight under the Irwin name. This is probably why I can't find them at any of the usual stores like Woodcraft etc. The press release for the corporate purchase is at http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detailPressRelease.jhtml?priority=0010

   I hope this doesn't mean that the Record quality is going deep six.
   Regards,
   Andy

   BTW, I love the spell check feature of this forum. Great tool.

1. 
   Kent_F | Nov 19, 2004 12:25am | #2

   As I understand it, the Record plant in England was not up to current environmental standards and the new owners decided to close it rather than upgrade. I've also heard that Newell briefly tried a manufacturer in China to produce Record-style vises, but they were unable to obtain acceptable quality for the price they were willing to pay.

   I'd suggest you look at the vises Lee Valley is selling as a replacement for the Records. They're not a "brand name," but I have 100% confidence in LV to stand behind their products.

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=49980&category=1,41659&ccurrency=2&SID=

    

2. 
   Ron03 | Nov 22, 2004 08:58pm | #3

   You may have some luck by advertrising for used ones.  There must  be thousands out there and you may find someone willing to sell.  Same problem with a 521/2 ED a year ago.  Found a guy that had two still in the box and willing to sell. 

2. 
   user-450633 | Dec 02, 2004 03:53am | #4

   Merged with American Tool me thinks. Call Highland Hardware in Atlanta and they will know status.

1. 
   AndyA | Dec 03, 2004 01:03am | #5

   Thanks, all, for your replies. I ended up buying the Record-looking vise from Lee Valley. It came in a very bashed-up box but the vise was in good shape. I am in the process of building the workbench so I can't report on how it is functioning. However, preliminary "playing around" seems to show that the quick release function is working and will be very helpful. I also purchased the LV twin screw vise which was much better packaged. Another vise I looked at was the Wooldcraft "Quick Release Front Vise" http://www.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/product_family.asp?family_id=309&mscssid=95FA26D88167493681F77BF7CF15AF9F&Gift=False&GiftID=)
   but went with the LV front vise because it looked like it would suit my needs and budget better.
   Regards,
   Andy

1. 
   user-450633 | Dec 03, 2004 04:00am | #6

   Good luck I used on the Lee Valley workbench with drawers we added and the twin screw vise (chain driven on) our tv show and it's still going strong after 5 yrs on and off the air.

   You can see it on HouseCalls on broadcast channel in your area on weekends.

1. 
   AndyA | Dec 05, 2004 11:03am | #7

   Stormin,
   Thanks for the note. I will look for your show. Good to hear that the vise has survived the rigors of your work. I'm looking forward to installing/using it. BTW, I received the Veritas medium shoulder plane yesterday. After a little honing it is working very well. The only problem I had was with my Norton 4k/8k combination water stone. I was finding some rough spots on the 8k side despite having lapped and cleaned it with fresh water. The stone is rather new and has only been used about fifteen times. I have lapped it with both 600 and 220 grit wet dry paper. The last lapping was with 220. I am wondering if the 220 could have embedded some coarse grains in the soft stone. I did not have this problem with the 600 grit. I used water on the paper. The result was some pretty obvious scratches in the otherwise very polished surface. Have you experienced this? I suppose I will re-lap the stone tomorrow using the 600 grit to see if it makes a difference. Have a good weekend.Regards,
   Andy

1. 
   user-450633 | Dec 05, 2004 02:43pm | #8

   Try diamond sharpening plate for truing stones. The best are machined nickel plated steel with full diamond coverage.

   Good luck

2. 
   AndyA | Dec 08, 2004 10:43am | #9

   Thanks for the info, Stormin.
   Regards,
   Andy

3. 
   Peter36 | Dec 19, 2004 04:37pm | #10

   Hi Andy. I use Nortons as well and I like them. I am planning on using these for quite some time so I purchased 2 of each stone. I use 1 until it is worn then I will use the other of the same grit until it is worn then I rub them together to flatten them. No chance of contamination here but that does sound like what you have. Good luck.  Peter

4. 
   AndyA | Dec 21, 2004 01:08am | #11

   Thanks, Peter.
   Happy Holidays.
   Regards,
   Andy