Hydraulic shop press as a clicker press for cutting dies

[Anubis78]

Hi everyone!

I'm currently looking into getting custom cutting dies for leather in order to improve my efficiency in creating mass produced items.  I initially looked at the Weaver Master Tool Mighty Wonder Hand Operated clicker, but with all the other machines that I'm having to purchase right now (ex: strap cutting machine and strap folding machine) I'm trying to keep my expenses low to stay within my budget.  

Something I'm considering is purchasing an hydraulic press and clicker press plates to cut down my cost.   The Weaver 12 ton press is $285, but I found a few at harbor freight for $119 (possibly less with a coupon if I can find one).  Now I always see mixed reviews about Harbor Freight tools ("you get what you pay for", "horrible", or "great product") so I'm looking for feedback from anyone who may have used the Harbor Freight press.   The major difference I see in the presses is that the Weaver press (can be used on your work bench) doesn't take up as much space as the Harbor Freight (taller).  Any feedback would be great!  

Also have any of you used the Weaver belt end dies or other cutting dies with a hydrolic press? Anything that I should be aware of or consider when getting custom dies made?   Do the presses damage the dies at all? How long do the dies usually last?  

[Ken G]

I own a Harbor Freight 12 ton shop press that I plan on eventually using to click out leather pieces. I have used it to install new wheel studs in the front rotors of my truck when I could not beat them in with a sledge hammer and it worked great. I looked at the Heritage press on Weaver's retail site and it was $440.00 and uses a "Pittsburgh Tool" bottle jack which is a Harbor Freight brand so you aren't gaining anything there. Depending on how you mount your cutting plates the Harbor Freight press does have a steel rod approximately 1" diameter by 3" long welded to the moving part of the frame which may need to be cut off. This could be done with an angle grinder.

 

Depending on your skill level and available tools you could cut the legs off of the Harbor Freight press to make it a bench mounted press, at the minimum you would need a hacksaw, a drill, and some muscle.

[JLSleather]

While yer at HF, pick up teh $29 sawzall and a $3 metal cutting blade... take that "bump" off the top "ram" right quick.

 

[GPaudler]

Clicker presses are built to be very rigid to keep the upper and lower platens very parallel to each other. You might be able to make an inexpensive shop press work but that's not what they're made to do and you should expect to experience some frustration including short-lived dies and cutting boards, the cost of which could easily add-up to the cost of a suitable die press.

The Weaver press will be limited to small dies. You might find a used 2 or 4-post lab press that will be a much more useful tool.

Gary

 

 

Edited July 6, 2017 by GPaudler
added info.

[Matt S]

I bought this week a hydraulic workshop press for small clicking and embossing. I don't have much space for a real clicker press, nor the money so I bought a 6 ton press for £50 delivered. My main concern was only having 10" of daylight (would vastly prefer a c frame or even a swing away head) but beggars can't be choosers. Still waiting on some steel plate and new dies to arrive but early indications with a 12 linear inch steel rule die shows a significant increase in production. It now takes less time to cut out the piece than it used to take me to mark around the template, let alone cut it. Time will tell how useful it is but I suspect, however short is working life, it will pay for itself many times over.

[chapelstone]

Thanks for the input. I am cramped for space and growing to the point that I need to make the jump to renting shop space and getting more equipment or stay at the hobby level. 

[JLSleather]

2 hours ago, Matt S said:

It now takes less time to cut out the piece than it used to take me to mark around the template, let alone cut it. Time will tell how useful it is but I suspect, however short is working life, it will pay for itself many times over.

Yeah, the time saving goes up the more detailed the piece.  For small dies, say less that 12" across, I don't think die life would be affected (mine works fine).

1 hour ago, chapelstone said:

I need to make the jump to renting shop space and getting more equipment or stay at the hobby level. 

Congratulations - maybe   Soon as you open a "shop", you'll be assailed by people wanting to sell you everything from sharpening stones to lawn care

 

[chapelstone]

I don't plan to do much retail. I don't have the personality it for after 32 years in public service. I just need more work space ( just me and the leather). Plan to sell with website and continue word of mouth. 

[CowboyBob]

Clickers have a short travel on the ram so you can set the depth it cuts.If you go too deep you'll cut up your board.So if you use a hydraulic press you'll need an adjustable stop maybe 4 (one on each corner) but they can be made to work.

[JLSleather]

Yup... machinist jack would work.  Or, just weld a nut on teh press lower section and put a bolt in it...