Small clickers

[AaronStand]

I'm getting ready to buy a small clicker and have narrowed down my interest to either the Tandy 5-Ton or Dream Factory 5-Ton. Has anyone tried either?

 

Tandy

https://tandyleather.com/products/tandypro-r-clicker-press?variant=42729329983619&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2JG9BhAuEiwAH_zf3jhx123qNycZlXQJXeBqQTtwp-1Etd-p70XEwPz3rbHDxoHtzTU1RBoCcyQQAvD_BwE

 

Dream Factory

https://www.dreamfactorytools.com/products/clicker-press-hand-clicker

 

The Tandy is 128lbs. The DreamFactory is 66lbs and claims to require no lubrication via grease, yet has a grease zerk on the back of it. Anyone forsee potential issues with the aluminum construction of the DreamFactory or it's engineered obsolescence of lubrication(except the swivel pivot)? I wonder how that design holds up in terms of longevity. What about the air assist lift on the Tandy, would this not pose more resistance during articulation of the press?

Edited 2 hours ago by AaronStand

[DieselTech]

I haven't used either of these clickers. But myself would want the heavier Tandy unit. 

Aluminum & steel don't play together good in a long term situation as in the dream factory unit. 

I think the extra weight of the Tandy would also help in clicking out your pattern/piece. 

[bruce johnson]

The Tandy and Dream Factory are both based on the design of the Lucris MA 3 clicker made in Australia. I'd look for one of those first if you are set on this design. Solid units with good adjustment for die height. Looks like they still have a US distributor. For about the same money there is Weaver's Mighty Wonder 4 ton. It's a good manual unit too. 

I had a Lucris for a while several years ago, got a Weaver bench top shop press/clicker plate set up in a deal and sold the Lucris. We both still use that one and it is my wife's choice. I've got a Weaver Mighty Wonder 4 ton I picked up too. I like it but my wife likes the hydraulic better. The benchtop has been refitted with an air over hydraulic jack and runs off a compressor. It is easier for her than pulling a handle and realistically, she is the bigger user. If you are not in a big hurry, the Weaver Mighty Wonder 4 ton will be for sale when I get back from the Southwest Leather Show in AZ (About 3 weeks from now). I'm an hour south of Sacramento.