Texas Leash Co

It really is not going to matter much if you get plate the that is thick. I used 1" as you can see in the video I posted a couple years ago. The critical things to consider is: be sure that the plates are parallel and be sure to keep the pressure even across the material you are pressing. By keeping the material centered the pressure is applied evenly. If you are using multiple dies per press, keep them balanced so the plates stay even when the pressure is being applied. I used a common vinyl cutting board as my base, under the leather. A large one can be found at Sams Club. I think it is roughly 3/4' thick. A restaurant supply store would have a thicker one. This press will drive the die down through the board so be careful. The biggest challenge is knowing when to stop applying pressure. Also, try not to over think the simple machine. The design in the clicker press I built was based on what I saw that others made and then I improved upon it. Have fun! CORRECTION: It really is not going to matter much, as long you get plate the that is thick. I used 1" as you can see in the video I posted a couple years ago. The critical things to consider is: be sure that the plates are parallel and be sure to keep the pressure even across the material you are pressing. By keeping the material centered the pressure is applied evenly. If you are using multiple dies per press, keep them balanced so the plates stay even when the pressure is being applied. I used a common vinyl cutting board as my base, under the leather. A large one can be found at Sams Club. I think it is roughly 3/4' thick. A restaurant supply store would have a thicker one. This press will drive the die down through the board so be careful. The biggest challenge is knowing when to stop applying pressure. Also, try not to over think the simple machine. The design in the clicker press I built was based on what I saw that others made and then I improved upon it. Have fun!

I am also making some reins for the first time. I ran across your post and thought maybe you have some advice for me. Sorry to hear about your experience with W&C. I would recommend you give Roger a call at RJF Leather his email is fjlea@aol.com . Tell him what you are making and he will take care of you. His prices are more reasonable as well. So... are the reins a 72" strap with swivel snaps on each end?

I bought the same shop press a couple weeks ago and modified it for clicking. The support crossbeam on mine was not level as well. You can level the table by having your welder or you place a small piece of steel under the crossmember that rest on the support pins. This will level the table and give you a flush fit between the plates. Look at my post that I made last week: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=45798 I don't have any pictures of the inserted piece of steel that I used to level the table but I can post one if you want it.

I understand that the dies getting stuck is more a problem related to the type of cutting board/surface that is used. I suspect that a nylon/plastic type cutting board is more problematic that the type used on a real clicker press. But... my cutting board cost $10 at Sam's Club and the 12x24 clicker board is much more expensive.

I picked the additional springs up at Lowes. They were about $5 each and then I attached the just like the originals with eye bolts. Here is the video I just posted on YouTube showing it in action. http://youtu.be/NQ1GfAO_rs8

I finished making my clicker die press today. Total cost was a little over $500. I started off with a Harbor Freight 20 ton shop press and a Harbor Freight 20 ton pneumatic jack. I then had (2) 1"x12"x22" steel plates welded on to it. I also added 2 additional spring to lift the weight of the plate and jack. I pretty much followed the directions of some of the post on this website and then modified it to my specifications. I am going to order some dies next to try the thing out. What do you think? Here it is on YouTube in action: http://youtu.be/NQ1GfAO_rs8

I finished making my clicker die press today. Total cost was a little over $500. I started off with a Harbor Freight 20 ton shop press and a Harbor Freight 20 ton pneumatic jack. I then had (2) 1"x12"x22" steel plates welded on to it. I also added 2 additional spring to lift the weight of the plate and jack. I pretty much followed the directions of some of the post on this website and then modified it to my specifications. I am going to order some dies next to try the thing out. What do you think? http://youtu.be/NQ1GfAO_rs8

Just bought some from ALD (American Leather Direct) in Kentucky. Prices are good and they have fantastic customer service. Ask for Matt (800-624-7642) and tell him that Dave from Texas Leash Co. sent you there. He will give you fantastic pricing and with no minimum orders.

Thanks for the encouragement. I went to Harbor Freight and bought the 20 ton shop press and the 20 to pnuematic jack. I am taking it to the welder tomorrow where he will weld 2 1"x12"x24" plates of steel onto the frame. I will let you know how it works after I get some dies.

I am looking for a used clicker press. Like most of us I am on a tight budget. I have been watching ebay and craigslist but haven't found anyhing yet. I would prefer a unit with a table at least 12 x 12. I thought about making one from a shop press but I see postings by members that say they haven't had the best results with this arrangement. Do you know where a used unit can be foud? What has your experience been with adding clicking to your operation?

might as well... I'm all about learning something new... let me in, please.

I am looking for a used clicker press. Like most of us I am on a tight budget. I have been watching ebay and craigslist but haven't found anyhing yet. I would prefer a unit with a table at least 12 x 12. I thought about making one from a shop press but I see postings by members that say they haven't had the best results with this arrangement. Do you know where a used unit can be foud? What has your experience been with adding clicking to your operation?