Improving a Hand Press

[kgg]

The common cheap Chinese hand presses ($60 CAD delivered) are normally used for installing cap rivets, button snaps and grommets.

I hate a machine that basically does one function that isn't that convenient to use. So here is what I have attempted to do.

i) improve the hand press operation by adding a work surface that is level with the steel block to provide a larger flat work surface, 4" (101mm) verses the little over 3/4" steel block surface.

ii) add more stability to the hand punch press
ii) add an adjustable straight edge fence to accommodate items up to 4" (101mm)wide
iii) add interchangeable hole punch blocks that would replace the steel block when hole punching
iv) install hole punches for punching holes
 

Photo 1 is of a typical hand press

Photo 2 shows how little work area and how a piece of 3 oz veg tan rests on the steel block.

Photo 3 shows the same machine with my work area and adjustable fence installed. Tightening of the steel block screw is accessed through a hole in the support foot.

Photo 4 shows how the piece of 3 oz veg tan now rests on the work surface with the same steel block.

Photo 5 shows the hand press setup to hole punch with a 4mm hole punch installed, the steel block removed and a smooth surface block installed

Photo 6 shows the hand press with 3 oz veg tan

Photo 7 shows the 4 mm hole punched in the 3 oz veg tan

Any and all comments are always welcomed.

kgg

[dikman]

The bed and adjustable guide is a good idea and should make it more useable. I guess it wouldn't be yours if you couldn't 3D print something for it.

[DwightT]

Love it.  I've often thought that having an adjustable fence would make my press much more usable, especially for doing border stamping.  I may have to see if I can get access to a 3D printer.

 

[kgg]

17 hours ago, dikman said:

The bed and adjustable guide is a good idea and should make it more useable. I guess it wouldn't be yours if you couldn't 3D print something for it

Thank you. You known no machine is complete without a 3D printed accessory.

1 hour ago, DwightT said:

Love it.  I've often thought that having an adjustable fence would make my press much more usable, especially for doing border stamping.  I may have to see if I can get access to a 3D printer.

Thank you. What kind of press did you have?

kgg

[DwightT]

1 hour ago, kgg said:

Thank you. What kind of press did you have?

Just this 1-ton from Vevor: https://www.vevor.com/arbor-press-c_10103/arbor-press-1-ton-lever-bench-mountable-bearings-cast-iron-manual-desktop-p_010988468116

I have an adapter that lets me use stamps such as my letters and some 3D stamps in it, but like I said having an adjustable fence would be a big improvement.

 

[kgg]

13 minutes ago, DwightT said:

I have an adapter that lets me use stamps such as my letters and some 3D stamps in it, but like I said having an adjustable fence would be a big improvement.

Should be fairly simple to design and print one for your press.

kgg

[MtlBiker]

@kgg - Nice job, as usual.  I wish I had your skills, equipment and most of all, time.  SIGH

I've got a similar press (two of them in fact) from Kamsnaps.  Since I use it almost exclusively to put snaps into bags and purses, I don't need a fence or larger surface.  I also use it for grommets, jean buttons, rivets, etc.  But I also have a 1-ton arbor press that I got on sale about a year ago and one day I'm going to have to figure out an adapter for it so that I can use stamps, etc.  The 1" square vertical tube has about a half inch round hole in the bottom 1.25" deep and a set screw in the side.  Do you know of any ready made adapters that are versatile for it?  Or more likely I guess I'd be looking at something custom made.  One of the holders for Tandy stamps that I bought doesn't fit in the hole.

Cheers!
 

[kgg]

On 9/28/2023 at 7:24 PM, MtlBiker said:

Nice job, as usual.  I wish I had your skills, equipment and most of all, time.  SIGH

Thank you.

 

On 9/28/2023 at 7:24 PM, MtlBiker said:

Do you know of any ready made adapters that are versatile for it?  Or more likely I guess I'd be looking at something custom made. 

I don't know of any but it shouldn't be that hard to make something decent up. Drop me a PM.

kgg

[JamieM]

Do you have the STL file to share?

 

[JamieM]

Love this Idea. Do you have the STL file to share?

[kgg]

On 8/9/2024 at 6:34 PM, JamieM said:

Do you have the STL file to share?

Sorry, I do not share my STL files.

kgg