I don't know what steel prices are like in the US, but I just had a 12 ton shop press modified. I bought the press on sale for $80, bought 2 3/4" steel plates for $40, and traded a friend some upholstery work for the welding job. When all was said and done, it cost me around $150..if you search this site, there are photos of how it's done. It's not as complicated (or expensive) as you would think