FFbullrider Report post Posted November 14, 2016 Does anyone use a shop press instead of a clicker to save money. I haven't seen the clicker ones for under 1500 but could buy a shop press for $100 from harbor freight. Would it work if I don't need the speed or volume, or am I just dreaming? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Cent Report post Posted November 14, 2016 Not necessarily. A 20 ton shop press can justify some procedures involved in some products. When I make a pancake holster that is 2-ply with an 8-9 and a 5-6, my one ton hand press struggles to push a punch through the layers. I used to cut the belt slots but was never really satisfied. Ever seen a catywampus belt slot that looked as if it was hand cut? I was gifted a one ton hand press that I used to punch round holes and use a knife to open the slots. It was OK but............... So I bought the 20 ton. Helloooo easy..................but slow. Are you aware that HF has the air over hydraulic on sale for $79.99? Gonna get one tomorrow. Maybe complete justification will come tomorrow or the next day. However, today I can punch out the neatest hole you have ever seen. And tomorrow I can do it faster:) And I will think the holster looks much better and I will feel better about selling the holster. Just so happens I reload for about everything I shoot. I always tell the wife I can always reload this round cheaper than I can buy it across the counter. So I have rows of dies in the reloading building. Now as to the savings.................................................................. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted November 14, 2016 A LOT of people are using a "shop press", including me. It's "fast enough" for me - meaning it would be nice to speed it it, but not $2k nice Red mentioned holsters, which can also be wet formed in the same press. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Sioux Saddlery Report post Posted November 14, 2016 I used a shop press for years before I got my clicker. In fact, I STILL use it if I have maybe just one or two things I need clicked out and don't want to clear off the clicker bed and fire it up for one or two cuts. When I bought it I still had two young boys at home and clicking small parts with that press was a great job for them. There are other things I use the press for also, wet molding as mentioned above, is one. It has a permanent place in my shop. It is a cheap tool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
