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 February 7 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.   

 

[AaronStand]

I am not a fan of the Weaver 4-Ton. I'm not knocking the machine nor have I tried one, but just from face value alone, it does little for me in terms of costing $1800. Tack on taxes and freight and it just does not have any bells and whistles to run $2200+. The Tandy just went on sale today and I can pick it up from my local Tandy dealer to deter freight cost so I will be going that route.

[AaronStand]

UPDATE: After multiple calls this morning between corporate Tandy and my local Tandy branch, I WILL NOT be moving forward with the Tandy purchase nor will I EVER purchase from Tandy. Absolutely atrocious customer service experience with the local branch, tried to charge me freight even though they have the item in the store and on-hand. Rep got rude on the phone when I stated that I just spoke with corporate and they said that is false. Corporate is supposed to be getting with the local branch to work this out, but I'm DONE. My experience with the branch rep on the phone was enough for me, matches the rest of their reviews and YouTube videos.

Melanie with corporate has been phenomenal when it comes to resolving this issue, I'll give Melanie the shoutout she deserves for her level of customer service, but the local Tandy's behavior was ridiculous.

Edited February 7 by AaronStand

[LeatherLegion]

There should not be any freight fees if you pick it up from the store . I bought mine last year during a sale , no added fees when i picked it up

[AaronStand]

Correct, but the store wanted to argue that and throw poor customer service my way. Corporate was great, customer services at the stores is horrendous.

[Hags]

Yeah, don't miss tandy. When I started several years ago in the Portland area,  the local tandy was cool. I moved and the next one was anything but. They don't have anything I can't get elsewhere. 

[Double Daddy]

I purchased this one a year or so ago...from this link. After putting it in the online cart and checking out, the owner called me the next day to say they didn't have it in stock but would ship it as soon as more were available (a week or so, IMS). He even threw in an extra cutting pad for my inconvenience. I have zero complaints for the machine or my experience with the company:

https://industrialsewingmachineman.com/machines/mach.asp?dir=leathercutting&brand=Cowboy&Model=8360&ProductType=Leather+cutting++Machines

Hope this helps...DD

Edited Tuesday at 04:09 PM by Double Daddy