Considering A Shop Press Clicker Setup, Hoping For Some Advice

[Glendon]

That's the exact one I bought. Will have to give a report when I have done some real testing in the next month or two, but from what I've been reading and what other members have said in this thread, it should work just fine.

Only thing to consider with this press is that the space between the two arms is about 10-1/2". Finding metal plates less then 12" for a resonable price I am finding a bit tricky. Of course if you have a frindly machine shop or metalworks near you, that shouldn't be as much of a problem.

[Rayban]

Of course if you have a frindly machine shop or metalworks near you, that shouldn't be as much of a problem.

I know just the guy....look forward to hearing/seeing how it goes with your press.

[Trox]

I finally got my self a big old Sandt clicking machine that works very well. If I had not found this machine I would have made my self one from a shop press. The clicking area is small compared to a hand operated clicker press. Nevertheless, the shop press is stronger and more transparent; you have nice control with the dies. You do not have to use more force than needed to cut true the leather. It also works with bigger embossing plates than the hand clicker. The shop press have less space and is slower to use. Nevertheless, the hand clicker cost way to much. The shop press is the winner here, no doubt about it.

Tor

[Glendon]

Silverback, thanks for suggesting I look into aluminum again. I figured it would be too expensive, but I found a place (www.onlinemetals.com) that has aluminum plate cut to size for a reasonable price.

[Leatherman87]

I did a small write up on how to build one

http://www.kydexforum.com/thread-4662.html

[lwleathers]

Hi there,

We are rolling out a arbor press with temperature control this month which you might be interested in. The price range will be $600-800 including the stamp and/or cutting die. I'll keep you guys updated once I've fully tested the system!

[Sturme]

take a look at this http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-a-frame-bench-shop-press-1666.html just make sure you use a level to build it. read all the comments on this press on the arbor freight web page. they explain how it should be put together to make a nice press.

[Tex Shooter]

I think that if I was going to modify a hydraulic shop press into a clicker from Harbor Freight , I would spend the 140 bucks for 20 ton, then you can click larger or multible items with it. Because a hydraulic press makes a slow clicker, clicking multible items at the same time would help with the speed. -- Tex

[Glendon]

Tex, I would agree 100%. I went with the 6 ton bench top because of specific space and budget restrictions, and the fact that this is a test run for me. If I end up using the smal one as much as I think I will, I plan to go to a 20 ton.

[Rayban]

Tex, I would agree 100%. I went with the 6 ton bench top because of specific space and budget restrictions, and the fact that this is a test run for me. If I end up using the smal one as much as I think I will, I plan to go to a 20 ton.

.....and since I'm not gonna be mass producing stuff, 6 ton will be plenty for punching out as needed small pieces, like I have in mind.