David Bruce Report post Posted March 9, 2014 I am looking for a small arbor press to use for hot stamping on small items. Most of the leather will be 2-4oz range. I was going to get the 1 ton Harbor Freight unit but reminded myself how I always regret buying cheap tools. I would appreciate it if someone could point me to a good US made 1-2 ton manual press that doesn't cost a fortune. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomG Report post Posted March 9, 2014 I have the el cheapo Harbor Freight model and it's actually pretty good. Especially since it's less than 1/2 the price of some others. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted March 9, 2014 http://www.palmgren.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=1+ton+arbor+press&x=0&y=0 these are US made, however they are about twice the price of Harbor Freight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TRADERnel Report post Posted March 9, 2014 you can get a dake #1 or #0 but its big bucks...stay with Harbor Freight , they work and you wont brake them for what your doing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Bruce Report post Posted March 10, 2014 Thanks for the info. I just did a quick search on Palgren and some say that they have moved most of their manufacturing overseas. I cant's find anything definitive but see that they were bought out last year by some co. named CH Hanson. So, who knows...I am going to look around for a Dake and see what happens. Thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRLeather2 Report post Posted March 10, 2014 Dake is American made right here in my home town of Grand Haven , Michigan. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted March 10, 2014 I am looking for a small arbor press to use for hot stamping on small items. What do you have for a heated stamp or carrier? Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Bruce Report post Posted March 11, 2014 I've found some used Dakes on my local Craigslist. They are still pricey so I will hold off until I get my stamps. According to the Grainger website the Palgren presses are made in China and I just can't stand cheap steel (my personal preference). I'm still getting artwork together and am going to order a sheet of magnesium stamps from Phillips Engraving. I watched a video on youtube by Ian Atkinson where he uses them with good results. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Bruce Report post Posted March 11, 2014 What would you consider to be a good price for a used Dake 1 1/2 ton press in decent condition? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
