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
JLSleather Report post Posted March 31, 2014 (edited) I'm right there with you. Been talking myself OUT of getting one of these forf a long time. I'm weighing the need for the press vs the need for the space. Still, I think purchase the ready to go version is the smart way, unless you have the tools to complete it yourself already. I can weld, and I was a machinist in my 'work' days (well, toolmaker). The issue then is, are the pre-fab ones 'straight'. Does the ram travel without 'floating'. Are the plates parallel to each other and flat (no curve/warp/twist from welding). In fact, the plates wouldn't need to be welded at all. Bottom one with rails underneath to keep it straight and keep it from falling on your toe, and the top one held with a couple of socket heads. Edited March 31, 2014 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmr Report post Posted March 31, 2014 thank you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
