Die Cutting With 1 Ton Arbor Press?

[detroit]

Hi all, been looking around here for a couple of weeks and learning a ton, thanks for all the contributors!

My first project is making key fobs. I have manually cut them up to this point and just came across a local company that makes steel ruled dies (AC Steel Rule). I have designed a 4"x 4.5" die that will cut 3 fobs at one time (each is 4"x1.5" with a 1/4" hole, all 3 share a long edge).

Question is to but an arbor press or a shop press...

I feel that the arbor press will be easier to operate (and faster be I am the unassisted power source) than the shop press but my concern is that a 1 ton harbor freight arbor press may not offer enough physics to cut the 6-8oz veg tanned leather.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

[Ferg]

The one ton arbor press will disappoint you.

ferg

[Tex Shooter]

There is a way to use a one ton arbor press as I have done it. You pull the ram down on the clicker die (must be a good one like Texas custom dies) with the ram handle and while holding it down hard strike the top of the ram with a soft faced hammer or mallet. You must hold down on the ram handle to keep from damaging the gears. This takes a little practice and is only good on small items. -- Tex

[detroit]

Thanks for the info guys!

[raysouth]

I use a 3 ton arbor press and it performs well but not the best idea for larger items.

I have cased some items before cutting, that were not important pieces, and the press would cut the larger pieces in that manner.

Larger press always better.

God Bless.