How To Set-Up Arbor Press

[Mike516]

I posted this as a question in another existing thread but it's really not on topic there. So I decided to re-post it here...apologies for a double post but I can't remove the other one.

I went to Harbor Freight and picked up one of their 1 ton presses. Mainly because I don't like the way my 3D stamps have been coming out on 3/4 oz leather. I ordered a 3/8 inch thick steel plate and am waiting for that to arrive. I have to get some wood clamps or something to secure it to my bench. And I'm trying to think what I should use to put on top of the steel plate - under the leather to get a nice crisp stamp.

So I was wondering if anyone else uses regularly an Arbor press, and if so what kind of set-up you have. I could try trial and error but if I could get some help here I'm hoping to save myself some anxiety

[Tree Reaper]

3-4 oz. isn't very heavy for stamping.

Granite might have been a better choice than the steel for stamping but you can use nylon or poundo board on top of your steel plate.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Tree Reaper

[Mike516]

I think I wasn't clear. I use granite for stamping with a mallet. I'm referring here to an Arbor press (the title of the thread). Sorry for the confusion.

[Tree Reaper]

No confusion Mike.

You can also use granite for stamping with an arbor press.

You get smaller pieces cut to size, the problem is you have to buy a little larger press to accommodate the thickness of the granite but I don't know which press you purchased.

[mtroyalguy]

I was thinking of doing the same thing.

When we get these arbor presses do we need to do anything to adapt them to accept the stamps?

[Dwight]

I have an arbor press that I also use for stamping letters, numbers, and designs.

I took a piece of 1/2 inch plate steel, . . . placed it across the feet of my press, . . . and it is my bed for stamps, rivets, and when I get the right tool, . . . snaps.

The only change I made, . . . I covered it with 2 inch wide masking tape to prevent any discoloration of the leather from the metal.

Admittedly, . . . I don't do a lot with 3/4 leather, . . . but mine has come through for me in every case.

As far as a "nice crisp stamp" goes, . . . the harder the plate under it, . . . the crisper the stamp, . . . but with 3/4 leather, . . . there is not enough thickness to get a really super looking stamp.

AND, . . . forget the clamp idea, . . . bolt that thing down to your bench or whatever you want to use it on. Guaranteed, . . . if you don't, . . . it will move, . . . it will ruin a project, . . . and you WILL be unhappy. Temporary bolts with wing nuts will work if you only want to use it for a while, . . . but you are creating a huge force when you get your hand out on the end of that handle, . . . pulled all the way out, . . .

Another thing you will want to do: adjust the handle so it is most comfortable for you to use.

Are you left handed? If so, . . . take the collar off the left side of the gear shaft, . . . slide the shaft out the right side, . . . put it back in on the other side, . . . it makes a left handed press.

Also, . . . put on your plate, . . . then block up the ram with a piece of wood simulating the length of your stamps, . . . and adjust the arm to be where it is most comfortable for you. I have mine just below horizontal, . . . it allows me to slip the handle onto my shoulder, . . . so I can reposition with both hands if I need to, . . . my shoulder holding the ram just up off the stamp.

You adjust it by lowering it onto the block, . . . slide the gear arm out, . . . then slip it back in wherever it most comfortable for you.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Mike516]

TR I said I bought a Harbor Freight 1 ton press.

MT you take the plate with the slots off the base and replace it with a steel plate, unless you want to try granite as TR suggested.

[mtroyalguy]

It is that simple? Sweet. I think I will pick one up at Princess Auto next time I am in that part of town.

[Mike516]

Good info Dwight. The tape especially is a very good idea. I was thinking if I used a thick piece of leather under the 3/4 oz it would help bring the image out.

[Mike516]

It is that simple? Sweet. I think I will pick one up at Princess Auto next time I am in that part of town.

I haven't used it yet, I'm still setting it up so don't take what I say as gospel. I hear some people don't like the small arbor presses and prefer heavier duty presses. Not sure yet but the 1 ton was cheap and I had a 20% off so I couldn't pass up the idea of trying it out. Not to mention it's at least another tool that I have now Never too many tools.