Looking for alternative to clicker die press.

[gigi]

I am thinking about a cheaper version for a press that could be adapted from a hydraulic jack.

[chriscraft]

I would think that a book press would work. The one I have my eye on is an antique, cast iron frame with a screw down steel plate on top and a solid plate for a base. I will have to wait until I get to calif to try it out as it is sitting in my mom's livingroom as a knick-nack. She collects all kinds of interesting stuff

I have been using one of the large cast iron book press as you described as a clicker press. The one I have must have been an industrial size press. No fancy designs in the casting, no fancy gold leaf or pin striping artwork. It's not the collectible show piece you would want to display. The one I picked up is also an antique and weighs at 80 lbs, found it on CL as I didn't want to pay shipping on one of these. I only have a few small clicker dies I use that are about 6" wide and I can click 8 oz. veg tan without any issues. I'm currently clicking 8 oz glued to 5 oz, ( 13 oz total) it works but I have to move/rotate the piece a couple times as it generates more pressure just under the screw. I don't think it's a big issue as I've seen a hydrolic bottle jack set up having similar issues. It's not a speedy set up but it can handle my hobby size operation. Depending on what volume your producing, this should determine what equipment you should purchase. If I were paying an employee to click out hundreds of patterns, I'd pick up a purpose build leather clicker press as they are faster.

I also use it as my wet molding press. I custom made my own molding blocks to use on this press. This is where it shines and works great as the even clamping pressure can hold my item in place till its dry.

[Wulfing]

You guys have some nice equipment. Im jealous. I'm going to buy an arbor press now ive made a few sales but at the mo I glue a piece of flat wood onto my metal stamps and embossing plates, then I place a flat metal disc ontop of the wood and apply some chunky G clamps. I make sure the leather is well and truly cased. I leave it on until the leather starts to dry. So far I have had good results even with my makers mark that has some fine detail on it. It only really works well on leather I haven't dyed yet.