Presses...

[GSequoia]

So was poking around on Harbor Freight's website because I'm in need of a press and there are two 20 ton models, let me know if I'm thinking straight here:

Don't like the look of this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37999

This one looks better:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=32879

Am I correct? Has anybody used either (or both) of these presses and can let me know what they think.

Thanks

[Midnight Krawler]

I've seen the second one here in the Newark Ca store. It looks ok but nothing special. I think its on sale right now.

[Lincoln]

You lose working range with that A-frame compared to the square frame. I would buy the square over the a-frame for just that reason.

I like the still with the tube guides for the jack better. The ones I've used had less slop which is nice a lot of times. They were Arcans which may mean it's the brand and not the style.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=1038206&R=1038206
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=604&R=604
http://www.asedeals.com/aff_press.html
http://www.asedeals.com/Ranger_press.html

[GSequoia]

Do you agree that the square frame looks stronger?

I'll probably go with the HF one if I can get it local... Presses aren't cheap to ship.

Edit: Is it telling that instead of "ship" I typed "fix?" :D

[Lincoln]

You should be able to find someone local to buy an Alcan from. I can find them here and we don't really have much industrial supply.

I think the frame strength will be about the same. I noticed most of the presses that are more expensive show their 20 ton press frames rated at 30 tons. I know Harbor's isn't that because I've bent the bed on the square frame.

What do you plan on doing? Personally I would rather have a better quality 12 ton than a cheap 20. I rarely use the 20 on anything that a 12 wouldn't do.

I'm trying to step up to a 40 so I can tweak some plate occasionally. I have the frame I just need to get the ram and pump.

[GSequoia]

Well the immediate need is axle shit but when buying I like to get the most bang for the buck because I'll never know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow.

[Lincoln]

I would look for some places locally then compare those to the Harbor. Harbor's work ok, but I'm not impressed much. There are a lot of steps between those that you are looking at and good ones. I would find something in between.

[Lincoln]

Also I don't use the press much for axle work anymore. I use a puller to take them off and hammer them back on with a good driver.

[WTF]

Alright, some of those "Cheapo" flea market tool distributors is coming to town this weekend and they have a crappy 12ton floor press for $50.

I know it is going to be nothing amazing, but will it do for changing ujoints and pressing on wheelbearings? I wont use it frequently. Here is a link to their website.

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?SessionKey=LsosGh705xwMFMqUIWB%2feR%2bD DVuR79TVHPd963RKHldLvhQM6DvDsOhMZfARnFHSPsk%2fbkeA 8R%2bM&dpt=&cat=&sku=03945

Anyone have any expirieince with this? Seems like at that price it has to be crappy, but I can't even have a set of bearings pressed on at a shop for that.

Let me know, Tim

[JnJ]

I have the one in the second picture. It has worked fine for that past couple years.

[XJJPR]

I hate bottle jack presses

try: http://www.mytoolstore.com/omega/60253.html

This is the one I have with hydro: http://www.mytoolstore.com/omega/65123.html


hinkley

[Lincoln]

Alright, some of those "Cheapo" flea market tool distributors is coming to town this weekend and they have a crappy 12ton floor press for $50.

I know it is going to be nothing amazing, but will it do for changing ujoints and pressing on wheelbearings? I wont use it frequently. Here is a link to their website.

http://www.homier.com/detail.asp?SessionKey=LsosGh705xwMFMqUIWB%2feR%2bD DVuR79TVHPd963RKHldLvhQM6DvDsOhMZfARnFHSPsk%2fbkeA 8R%2bM&dpt=&cat=&sku=03945

Anyone have any expirieince with this? Seems like at that price it has to be crappy, but I can't even have a set of bearings pressed on at a shop for that.

Let me know, Tim

Probably be fine. The biggest problem I've seen with the real cheap ones are the bottle jacks are junk and sometimes the frames are too light.

[Lincoln]

I hate bottle jack presses

try: http://www.mytoolstore.com/omega/60253.html

This is the one I have with hydro: http://www.mytoolstore.com/omega/65123.html


hinkley

Mr. Smarty pants. Where can I get a lower priced ram? The one I looked at from enerpac was $700.

[Abugarcia]

My Interpretation of the Omega hydraulic control units under the price for the press would include the ram, line, and pump. Maybe I am looking at the web page wrong, but it not you get a 25 ton hydraulic setup for $210.95 and you just need to build a frame for it.

[jjmat3]

FWIW, I bought the 12 ton HF special and it wouldn't press control arm bushings into my RE arms. Took it back and got the 20 ton and it worked fine. Have bent some 1/4" plate with it also and no problem (as expected for 20 tons)