detroit Report post Posted January 30, 2014 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted January 30, 2014 The one ton arbor press will disappoint you. ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tex Shooter Report post Posted January 30, 2014 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
detroit Report post Posted January 31, 2014 Thanks for the info guys! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raysouth Report post Posted January 31, 2014 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
