Shop Press...

[Skymeat]

I've found a local deal for a 20 ton press, HF variety, in good shape and cheaper than I can pass up.

Now my question....I don't do any automotive work, so what could I do with it? I was imagining punching place, or notching square tube, or angle. But I can't seem to find dies that would do that.

So any ideas about suppliers, or a primer of shop tools somewhere? I also have questions about a slip roll, and what the wire guides do.


Thanks,
Skymeat

[Blacksmith]

Bend straight things, straighten bent things, press bearings on and off, punch leather or plastic with dies. Most home shops use a hole saw and jig to notch tubing; I think press notching is more of a production line make 10,000 of these so its worth the cost of a dedicated hold down and die set.

[Roger]

You could make or buy press accessories to do some ironworker machine functions. Notching sheet metal or angle, press break for sheet metal.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=890-0442&PMPXNO=3364801&PARTPG=INLMK3

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=130-5110&PMPXNO=953401&PARTPG=INLMK3

[cope]

I've found a local deal for a 20 ton press, HF variety, in good shape and cheaper than I can pass up.

Now my question....I don't do any automotive work, so what could I do with it? I was imagining punching place, or notching square tube, or angle. But I can't seem to find dies that would do that.

So any ideas about suppliers, or a primer of shop tools somewhere? I also have questions about a slip roll, and what the wire guides do.


Thanks,
Skymeat

I foolishly sold my much better than HF press ten years ago, and I just bought the HF unit. It's on sale for $169.99 as a reference point top what you're looking at. If you have the room, get it.

[aametalmaster]

I use mine for so much i wonder how i got along without it. I staighten lots of bent parts. I also use mine for broaching keyways for some custom pulleys i make and sell. I also plan on using it with the bed removed as a grantry lift with a chain hoist to pick my old south bend lathes off the floor and onto the feet. Oh and removing and installing U joints in driveshafts as well as push in and out bearings...Bob

[ptsideshow]

another thread on HF shop presses

[Skymeat]

Looks like my garage back there! I just inherited a 4Runner as a project, so I'm picking one up for sure with the current sale & 20%coupon(Should be 159.99).

There's a guy north of me selling parts/kits for the HF presses too(among a few other handy HF addons):

Brake Conversion:
http://www.swagoffroad.com/20_Ton_Press_Brake.html

Press Plates:
http://www.swagoffroad.com/Arbor_Press_Plates.html

Do you guys have link to others doing similar stuff?

Thanks,
Ed