rmr Report post Posted March 31, 2014 been thinking about getting some clicking dies made for some of the components of cases that I use over and over again- to speed the process up a bit and create nicer looking/more consistent pieces. Because I'm a reeeaaaaal small operation- more of a hobby that pays for itself( or at least I think), I don't want to invest at this time in a 2K + clicker press. Speed isn't a real issue either- Im guessing anything will be faster and more consistent that cutting some of these pieces by hand. Would like some feed back from anyone who has one, or experience with one of the 12 ton Shop presses made by Texas custom dies- do you like it, any issues ( other than speed) ???? I fortunately live in Dallas Tx so I can drive over to pick it up and save shipping cost Would also like any insight to anyone who has purchased one of the automotive 12 ton presses( harbor freight and other companies) and then welded on steel plates, and added poly board. I have thought about going the later to save some $$, but then as I start thinking about paying 120+40 for shipping for the press, then have to purchase steel plates, poly board ( another 120) , + find someone to weld the stuff together ( probably 50) ..... is it going to be more of a pain in the butt and in the long run only save me 100$ or so. Has anyone gone this route and if so would you do it again or just get one already welded and ready to go Thanks RMR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted March 31, 2014 I made one from a Harbor Freight seal press. I posted my process on my blog if you are interested in reading it and seeing if you are up to the challenge. http://kingsxcustomleatherworks.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-12-ton-manual-clicker.html Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmr Report post Posted March 31, 2014 thank you. I'm guessing by the time I buy the stuff to cut the post, and welding equipment - not counting my time- and assuming I don't mess something up; Im probably best off to just get one already put together. But thanks for the insight- this really helped me get a handle on what I was going to have to do to make a usable clicker press form a harbor press- nice work on yours RMR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyL1 Report post Posted March 31, 2014 thank you. I'm guessing by the time I buy the stuff to cut the post, and welding equipment - not counting my time- and assuming I don't mess something up; Im probably best off to just get one already put together. But thanks for the insight- this really helped me get a handle on what I was going to have to do to make a usable clicker press form a harbor press- nice work on yours RMR I'd bet money the ones from Texas Custom Dies are the same as you'd get from Harbor Freight. At least that's what it looks like in their picture. They are asking $475 for a setup, mine all in was under $200. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=53195#entry341404 I cut mine down so it would fit on my rolling workbench. I bet you could throw a rock and find somebody to weld it up for you. Probably for a case of beer! ;-) Cheers, Andy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmr Report post Posted April 3, 2014 Thanks for the info. FYI or anyone else thinking about making one of these. Right now Harbor Freight has their 12 ton shop press on sale for 100- they have many locations and if you live near one you can pick it up so no shipping charges. I made a few calls around and found a local welder who will weld two 1/2" steel plates on the cross bars( 13x13") - one top and one on bottom for about 50 total RMR. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyL1 Report post Posted April 3, 2014 (edited) Thanks for the info. FYI or anyone else thinking about making one of these. Right now Harbor Freight has their 12 ton shop press on sale for 100- they have many locations and if you live near one you can pick it up so no shipping charges. I made a few calls around and found a local welder who will weld two 1/2" steel plates on the cross bars( 13x13") - one top and one on bottom for about 50 total RMR. Also a good FYI. I drilled a new set of adjustment holes through the support legs above the very top holes for the bottom plate. This way I can raise the bottom plate up to meet the top plate a few inches closer. Reason being the jack would not extend down enough to meet the lower plate since the ram was cut off. The dies are not very thick so you need to close the gap for cutting. See attached photo. Edited April 3, 2014 by AndyL1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmr Report post Posted April 4, 2014 Question for you AndyL1 The 2 eye hooks, that attach the springs to the cross bar ( the bar attached to the base of the hydraulic pump) - the ends pass all the way through the cross bar- do yours extend all the way through the 1/2" steel plate attached to the bottom side of the cross bar- or did you countersink them into the plate- or something else. Thanks RMR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyL1 Report post Posted April 7, 2014 Question for you AndyL1 The 2 eye hooks, that attach the springs to the cross bar ( the bar attached to the base of the hydraulic pump) - the ends pass all the way through the cross bar- do yours extend all the way through the 1/2" steel plate attached to the bottom side of the cross bar- or did you countersink them into the plate- or something else. Thanks RMR The nuts for the eye hooks are tack welded to the inside of the top rail. I just threaded them on, held the eye bolt while my buddy hit them real quick with the welder. I can still turn them in or out if I need to (but never need to). Then we welded the plate on afterwards. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
