Shop Tools/Machine Questions

[kevinrude]

Hey Guys,

I am thinking about getting some new tools for the shop. What size arbor press do you use? I’m thinking in terms of height/clearance and PSI (or however they measure pressure). Same thing regarding drill press, what would be a good clearance? Any other hints/tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Mumbles]

I’d go with a hydraulic press instead of an arbor press as they are more versatile. I built one using a 12 ton jack and it’s one of the handiest tools I have. Harbor Freight might have some cheap ones for home use.

[green-thumbs]

Some year back I purchased a HF 12 ton press when it was on sale.
I believe I paid about $90, currently on sale for $120 with coupon.
Good value for the money, but, not industrial tough,
At one point I thought it needed repair, I was not able to find either
parts or a manual. Fortunately, no repair was required.
I have a floor jack (K Mart brand) that does need repair and
same story there.
I do not know if it is a liability issue or if extending service life is not a
consideration. Unless you make it yourself ,I doubt there is a
Made in USA press priced within a decimal point of HF or other
brands made in Asia.
The 12 ton is too tall to be on a bench and a stoop when set up
on floor. Mine is in basement, a shop with a high floor to ceiling distance would allow bench mountiRTR
:

Foot Print of HF 12 ton press is 20″x20″ x54″ tall.
If mounted on a platform the working area could be at a
more comfortable lever. I have not done so.
Import bench top drill press from Lowe[s has proven
adequate and price was modest.
Off shore home shop machinery is usually adequate
in my experience,if used within their limits

• This reply was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by green-thumbs.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by green-thumbs.

[oldemtr]

I work on a lot of stuff besides outboards, so here are some things I have in my shop – YMMV :

Arbor Press – 3 ton vintage Dake – Anything smaller than the 3 ton size doesn’t have enough clearance, I think.

Hydraulic Press – HF 20 ton – This is an OK , pretty powerful (but slow) press, but you have to be willing to “modify” it a bit to get the best result – Much good on-line info – Make sure you get a newer one, with the cut steel arbor plates, NOT the old style with the cast ones – The stores may possibly have both kinds.

Drill Press – I have a couple, but most often use an older Atlas 15″ floor model – I think a 15″ drill press is about the smallest one practical, as long as you have the floor space. It’s tempting to get a smaller bench model, but you lose valuable bench space, and something is always “in the way”, when you want to use it

• This reply was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by oldemtr.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by oldemtr.

[frankr]

I have an old Taiwanese 5-speed drill press. It’s junk. Be careful what you buy. I seldom use the drill press anyway, because I now have a mill.

[kevinrude]

Thanks for all of the info guys. A lot to think about!!

[jeff-register]

I used a mill working at TRW. Difference between night & day from a press.

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

1 user thanked author for this post.

kevinrude

[labrador-guy]

Yup Tubs! Poor mans press! I can relate to that!

dale

Water going over a fall. Is it pushed or pulled?

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

[Author]

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