Members Red Cent Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 For giggles and grins, I may pick this up today. Is there anything I should be wary about? They have the two but only this one is on sale. Makes one think..................I will use it for the usual stuff. Belt slots, holes, and work into clicker dies.http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.htmlI have a coupon and a flyer that says I can get it for $154.99 until Oct. 10. Quote https://www.facebook.com/redcentcustomleather?ref=bookmarks http://www.redcentcustomleather.com/
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted September 30, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted September 30, 2015 I got the same one Red -- works great. Ya might wanna pick up a couple of 3/8" steel plates to use with it... I cut mine 8" x 18". And you can spend $100 for 'fancy' cutting boards, but that kitchen thingie at Walmart works very well (total investment about $10). Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Contributing Member Ferg Posted September 30, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted September 30, 2015 I got mine for $90 with a hydraulic jack. I spent $118 to put an Air over Hydraulic 20 ton jack on it. Already had a "PanCake" air compressor. To keep the jack from forcing the die too far into the "Cheater" board I made blocks of sufficient height to place between the upper and lower steel plate. Works great! Since we use a CNC Router in our wood shop I am in the process of making Steel Rule Dies for "Clicking" parts. ferg Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted September 30, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted September 30, 2015 50 years got a good idea. I have screw jacks (some might call 'em machinist jacks) to set the working height. If you're cutting / clicking, not so critical with a hand operated press (you'll feel it go through). But using teh air (or hydro) it's good to know where to stop. Also with embossing dies or stamps... good to be able to press them all to the same depth. Imagine a set of embossed coasters where some impressions are deeper than others. The jacks are easily adjustable, and makes them all teh same depth. This doesnt' require "fancy"... two 1/2" or 5/8" bolts and 4 nuts will do 'er .. Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members Jimdad Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 before putting it together, I'd recommend you inspect each beam on a flat surface with a level. Most problems I've seen with HF items boil down to quality control issues like this. I'd also inspect the threads on the bolts & holes: I've seen reports of holes missing thread entirely, but more frequently a little bit of deburring on HF items will make assembly a lot easier and the final product sturdier. Finally, I've never measure it myself, but I have heard tell that these HF presses can rarely come close to their stated max of 12 & 20 tons. Might make little difference for you, but if your needs will push into the 15+ range, it could matter. Quote
Members Red Cent Posted September 30, 2015 Author Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 As I have read, the 12 ton is at the edge of strength for the clicker dies. At this price for a 20 ton, if I can squeeze 15 or so tons, I will be satisfied. I believe I am getting two 3/4" plates the width of the working space of the bar and long enough to place a holster. And they may be free or very close to it. I have read that some of us have the plates "level" sanded so that they will match up. Has anyone? BTW, thanks for your responses. Quote https://www.facebook.com/redcentcustomleather?ref=bookmarks http://www.redcentcustomleather.com/
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted September 30, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted September 30, 2015 I have read that some of us have the plates "level" sanded so that they will match up. Has anyone? BTW, thanks for your responses. 3/4" plates ? Uhh. okay That'll do 'er! As for level sanded (?) I didn't worry about that. I used cold rolled steel, which is pretty durn close to flat.. all you need. The press bed will "float" any irregularity (long as your die is parallel top and bottom, and the cutting board under the leather will 'cure' the last few thousandths of an inch. You may need to machine a flat surface if your steel has been out collecting rust all summer, or if it has been warped by flame cutting. Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members Colt W Knight Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 http://www.retailmenot.com/view/harborfreight.com?c=7230762 Here are some 20% coupons if you don't already have one. Quote
Members Red Cent Posted September 30, 2015 Author Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 Thanks Colt. The press was on sale for 199.99 but I had a "super coupon" that put the price to 159.99. Now I gotta get a couple of burgers off the grill and bulk up to take that thing off the trailer. I guess everybody had fun putting the press together. Quote https://www.facebook.com/redcentcustomleather?ref=bookmarks http://www.redcentcustomleather.com/
Members Colt W Knight Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 Thanks Colt. The press was on sale for 199.99 but I had a "super coupon" that put the price to 159.99. Now I gotta get a couple of burgers off the grill and bulk up to take that thing off the trailer. I guess everybody had fun putting the press together. When I finish my doctorate and I get a permenant shop set up, I am going to invest in a clicker press. Quote
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