George B Report post Posted June 21, 2011 Was having a total nightmare using line 24 snaps in my holsters, used the handheld tools and could not get it right. Read all the threads I could here on tips. Tried them, still a nightmare...then I started reading about people converting arbor 1/2 ton presses. My friend down the road has a large machine and welding shop so I went out and bought the press, under $30 with tax. He machine a hole just large enough for the line 24 snap setting tool and BINGO! I can now set snaps like a pro! When I need it, we are going to thread the other end for use with dyes. Thanks to everyone that posted! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted June 22, 2011 Nice going! I also use mine for edge stamping belts and guitar straps......and I have a new flat plate type makers mark I use it for too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shorts Report post Posted June 23, 2011 (edited) Nice George B. I think you'll really enjoy using that. I really like mine. It's quick and consistent. I found it'll set jiffy rivets really well too. Next up for me is to put together a nice mini-bed so I can stamp. Edited June 23, 2011 by Shorts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reaper Report post Posted June 28, 2011 You know I never thought about mentioning this before, happy you did think of it. I've been using my Ball Joint Press for about two years now, it is cool how many Automotive tools and others actually adapt very well to leather work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlenH Report post Posted June 28, 2011 Was having a total nightmare using line 24 snaps in my holsters, used the handheld tools and could not get it right. Read all the threads I could here on tips. Tried them, still a nightmare...then I started reading about people converting arbor 1/2 ton presses. My friend down the road has a large machine and welding shop so I went out and bought the press, under $30 with tax. He machine a hole just large enough for the line 24 snap setting tool and BINGO! I can now set snaps like a pro! When I need it, we are going to thread the other end for use with dyes. Thanks to everyone that posted! Where'd you buy the press? And was it absolutely necessary to modify it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
George B Report post Posted June 28, 2011 Hey Glen, I bought it at "harbor tools". $27.99 + tax. Make sure all the bolts are tight before you us it, the front plate bolts were very loose on mine. Guess the person in china ran out of juice before mine came down the line. I had to modify it to accept the tool, a simple hole drilled straight up. I will have the other end tapped with threads when I can justify the cost of the dies. For right now it works a heck of alot better than when I used a hammer. Here's a link to one an armor builds using the same press for $120 + shipping http://clang.adkinssoftware.com/tool%20pics/bench%20punch%2001.html Let me know if there are any other questions, George Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haystacker Report post Posted June 29, 2011 George, Thanks for the tip. Went to Harbor Freight with my 20% coupon and bought the press. I'll be setting snaps tomorrow. Hopefully no more cussin'. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlenH Report post Posted June 29, 2011 Hey Glen, I bought it at "harbor tools". $27.99 + tax. Make sure all the bolts are tight before you us it, the front plate bolts were very loose on mine. Guess the person in china ran out of juice before mine came down the line. I had to modify it to accept the tool, a simple hole drilled straight up. I will have the other end tapped with threads when I can justify the cost of the dies. For right now it works a heck of alot better than when I used a hammer. Here's a link to one an armor builds using the same press for $120 + shipping http://clang.adkinss...punch%2001.html Let me know if there are any other questions, George Thanks. They must've gone up. It's now $45 on sale. So you're saying you just drilled a hole in the end of the press part? How big and how deep? Glen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
George B Report post Posted June 29, 2011 I just got mine last week, must be cheaper here in tn. Online it was the same price. The hole was just large enough to accept the tool I cut down in length, 1/4 inch I think. Measure the diqameter of the tool you are going to use. Hope this helps, George Oops! I forgot, you may be lookinf at the 1 ton press, it was 44.99 I bought the 1/2 ton model. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlenH Report post Posted June 29, 2011 I just got mine last week, must be cheaper here in tn. Online it was the same price. The hole was just large enough to accept the tool I cut down in length, 1/4 inch I think. Measure the diqameter of the tool you are going to use. Hope this helps, George Oops! I forgot, you may be lookinf at the 1 ton press, it was 44.99 I bought the 1/2 ton model. Ah, that's it. I was looking at the 1 ton model. They don't have the 1/2 ton model online, just in stores. I may check the one out here in Nashville and see if they've got it. Would be nice to have some kind of adapter that would let me set snaps, punch holes, and do some repetitive stamping... Glen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted June 29, 2011 I had an egg-shaped hole milled in mine....the set screw tightens the tool against the smaller end of the egg shape....works great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
