I bought an arbor press - at last.

[dikman]

I finally found an arbor press - 2 ton! Son-in-law asked me to go with him to pick up some tools from a deceased estate - bench mount belt sander, drill press, small lathe, scroll saw - 1 hour trip. While there I asked the guy what else had for sale, he showed me an old grinder (English, solid, but it sounded like it had dry bearings) and an arbor press. I took one look, said how much, $50 and I said sold!! I've been looking for one of these for ages but have never seen a 2 tonner, they're usually 1 ton.
And it's bloody heavy!!!!!!!

 

 

Edited February 23, 2020 by dikman

[jimi]

Woooo! That´s a biggy, I asume you didn´t buy that one for putting on snaps...

[toxo]

Good find dikman. Don't know if you've seen it but look at this from Geordie and get some magnets.

 

[TargetRockLeather]

31 minutes ago, toxo said:

Don't know if you've seen it but look at this from Geordie and get some magnets.

I tried the magnet trick but my magnet cracked and crumbled. I used rare earth magnets I found at Home Depot. Does anyone know where to get more durable magnets in the US? The magnet trick works surprisingly well other than my magnets getting crushed.

[toxo]

57 minutes ago, TargetRockLeather said:

I tried the magnet trick but my magnet cracked and crumbled. I used rare earth magnets I found at Home Depot. Does anyone know where to get more durable magnets in the US? The magnet trick works surprisingly well other than my magnets getting crushed.

I got one of these. Very strong and works well for holding things in place as in the video. Can also be used for a stitching guide as Mikesc said about microwave magnets. Might get a stronger one to experiment with but you have to be careful. These things can hurt you if you're not careful.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Strong-Magnets-30x20x5-mm-Neodymium-Block-craft-magnet-30mm-x-20mm-x-5mm-N42-Bar/182942145946?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=690259429188&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[dikman]

Actually, jimi, I didn't buy it with anything in particular in mind, I just couldn't let it go!

Toxo, good video, looks like I'll need to buy some bigger magnets. First thing I've got to do is strip it down to reduce the weight to move it, just about broke my back getting it out of the car. And then figure out where I'm going to put it.

[Bert51]

Why do I find out about these AFTER the sale?

I would love one of those little things, oh well, back to me 50 tonne press.

Bert.

[dikman]

After looking at a couple of youtube vids I've decided not to bother with a magnet, I'm going to make some "holders" that will clamp to the press so that I can attach different sizes of punches, stamps etc. A bit more work but should let me use heavier punches to cut slots and big holes. I just have to find some square tubing that's a nice fit on the ram.

Plus I have to make a flat base to replace the round thingy it came with. Lots of possibilities here.

[mikesc]

All of the "rare earth" magnets are susceptible to fracturing from stress or shock or pressure..such as when applying pressure during stamping.
Better ( in most cases* ) than a "sleeve" would be to drill and tap the ram "upwards" centered from the bottom face, so that you can then use a threaded "insert" with the various items ( stamps etc ) that you want to apply the pressure onto attached via threaded shafts..

*In the case of a large area stamp.. a sleeve with re-enforced flanging would help to spread the force..

Likewise drilling and tapping "the round thingy" to accept threaded "female" parts ( such as for riveting / stud placing ) is also worth doing..If you do make a flat replacement..make it with an adjustable rear "fence" ( calibrated ) so as to be able to place holes or whatever at the same distance each time..I think that Brian ( or maybe someone else ) has posted about such an arrangement in the past..Might have been in relation to stamping letters to make a name or names on a belt.

Edited February 25, 2020 by mikesc

[fredk]

If the ram extends above the head you could try putting the magnets on the top end of it. You'll need more magnets for the magnetism to be effective. I did that on something (a mini-drill stand) as a temporary measure and it worked out ok.