RoosterShooter Report post Posted November 5, 2012 (edited) Right now I'm looking into a shop press for molding holsters. Later on down the line I may want to double it for use as a clicker. Any suggestions on where to start? I already have my rubber, but nothing else! Thanks for the help, in advance. Edited November 5, 2012 by RoosterShooter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted November 5, 2012 Texas Custom Dies, talk to Heather, makes a clicker press that can also be used as a shop press. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoosterShooter Report post Posted November 5, 2012 (edited) That's a nice press, but I don't see paying $450 + shipping. I have a vocational background in welding, metal fabrication, and machine work, and have a welder and tools required to convert a press. However, I've seen where people have used standard Harbor Freight presses to do what needs to be done. In other words ... I'd like a supplies list, and I can do all of the legwork, metal fab, and welding myself. Basically, I just want to buy a press and turn it into a press / clicker. Thanks. Edited November 5, 2012 by RoosterShooter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted November 5, 2012 Go to a Harbor Freight store and measure one up. But if you wait till the sale comes around again, there may be 20% off. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted November 5, 2012 Check out my blog. I posted pictures of the one that I built for my use. A converted Harbor Freight model. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoosterShooter Report post Posted November 6, 2012 I just checked and the Harbor Freight press is on Backorder until the middle of December! Anywhere else I might find one? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikesmith648 Report post Posted November 6, 2012 I should have kept mine and then I would have one............Have you tried Northern Tool? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoosterShooter Report post Posted November 6, 2012 Northern Tool is on backorder as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted November 6, 2012 Call your nearest store, they may have a floor model. Also wait for Black Friday, they always have great sales. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoosterShooter Report post Posted November 6, 2012 I may just wait. My nearest store is 1 hour and 15 minutes away, and it's right in the middle of a major metro area. I can't justify $30 in gas when they offer $6.99 shipping. I'll just wait and see when they come back in stock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted November 13, 2012 Rooster, I picked up a very nice 1/2 ton arbor press by Palmgren from Amazon for ~$60, with free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-61051-2-Ton-Manual-Arbor/dp/B00068U7QS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352829398&sr=8-2&keywords=palmgren+arbor+press It's a nice press that already has a 3/8" hole drilled in one end of its ram. It comes with several mandrels that fit into that hole, and it has a magnet inside to hold them in. This means that you won't have to modify the press unless you see fit. I had my machinist turn down the tools I have that are larger in diameter than 3/8" and had him make a shim to accommodate smaller ones. Many rivet setters, etc. come in 3/8" diameter, so you don't need to modify them at all. Works for me and you won't have to wait for Santa! Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmirob Report post Posted November 18, 2012 Keep your eye out on the machines for sale forum right here. They do pop up. They are indeed heavy. I found one not too long ago here and seller did a great job in shipping to TN from CA. It was only around $200 and I had to pick up at local trucking depot where they helped me load it. I am still not sure of the brand that I have as it is not marked anywhere. BTW, the lucris bench clicker/press are still manufactured today. http://www.lucris.com/ They are a bit pricey $1K plus. Here is a pic of the one I found. If you know the brand let me know! ) BTW it is not a converted arbor press. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mojoewrkn Report post Posted November 18, 2012 Check out my blog. I posted pictures of the one that I built for my use. A converted Harbor Freight model. Wow, thank you for the info on how to build the press. I have been planning on doing this myself and your blog will be really useful. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoosterShooter Report post Posted November 18, 2012 Sorry guys, but I'm wanting something quite a bit larger than an arbor press. I have one of those types for pressing on buttons and rivets. What I want is something similar to this for clicking out patterns and wet molding holsters! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
