I have been watching these presses for a while and last week I got a flyer with them listed for $169, that's about as low as I've ever seen them. Anybody own one? I have about a gazillion u-joints to do and I would like to fab up a bender so I think I might pick one up this week...

 

I have one, and it's ok for regular light duty work. Two things to watch, though- Make sure you assemble and use it on a hard smooth surface like concrete, and make sure all he bolts are tight. They like to rack pretty badly, so I'll probably add a 3/8" cable X brace on the backside.

 

I also have one, and have used it a couple times to press out motor mounts on my Jetta and a few other things. Occasionally when I lift the handle to pump it, it will want to snap back down, almost like it didn't suck any fluid that stroke. I figure its a valve in the jack sticking a bit, usually clears up after the first few strokes. It was definitely worth the money.

 

I built a better base for mine from U channel; same dimension as the press uprights. Got rid of the small angle iron feet. Also made many adapters for the ram from old sockets and extensions. Various plates also augment the pair you get with press. It has worked well for a year and I have removed and replaced bearings and ball joints. Mine was $179 and had a $20 off coupon to make it $159 but that was a year ago. Painter's Touch "Real Orange" Spray from Walmart was a good match for HF orange.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Funny, the base struck me as weak too, but what else do you expect for HF (think 4x6 horizontal bandsaw...) I figured a base upgrade was in order here too. RainbowATF, thanks for the paint tip!

 

Came across HF press on Craig's list and decided to hold off, agree the frame did not appear that strong. Happened upon 20 t on Craig's list week later, much better quality and oh what a deal, the extra plates thrown in were worth the price alone. Put wheels on it and able to move it around. Don't use that often but certainly comes in handy when I do. Fellow backyard mechanics in the area drop in on occasion to use it.

 

Sounds as if you got some good feedback in this thread. If, however, all you are using it for is U-joints, a good vise would serve you better.

 

Well, I ended up picking it up last weekend; thanks for the feedback... The first thing I did was press out 3 u-joints from some D44 axles I had laying around -not bad! Now I want to build a bender, I guess I'm going to be spending some time over at the Hobart site.