I have 1 living childhood friend left. We get together once a month to visit over a project.
I have a old Columbian Vice from Gramp's shop made around 1940. Its been in poor shape for years, anchored to a bench in the garage I do some projects in. The company is still based in Cleveland. The vice is tough to open an close after a couple of inches.
We broke it down completely then started cleaning, then went over all the parts w/ the braded wire wheel.
After that, we reassembled. The final step was to warm the metal with a torch and rub it down with a clean rag and oil. A very nice half day project.
She's smooth as butter now. I liked leaving what original green paint I had left on it. Could have striped it all, but I like the look.