Bottle jack press
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Are you planning on building a frame around it and using it as a press? I don't know how much you'd save over just buying a press. I have this one from the cheap junk store: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices and it works ok. Powerful enough to do wheel bearings, and I also made a can crusher tool that fits in there.
They also have this one for the benchtop, although I've never used this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
They also have this one for the benchtop, although I've never used this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 904
Likes: 0
From: PHOENIX
I have used a bottle jack.
I placed the part between the jack and my truck frame and pumped away.
It worked in a pinch since I dont have a real press.
I've used ones like that hf 150 dollar model and they are nice. Much easier than trying to balance the part between the jack and the frame. It just isn't on the top of my needs list right now.
I placed the part between the jack and my truck frame and pumped away.
It worked in a pinch since I dont have a real press.
I've used ones like that hf 150 dollar model and they are nice. Much easier than trying to balance the part between the jack and the frame. It just isn't on the top of my needs list right now.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Northern MD
I was thinking about buying one of the harbor Freight or Norther presses, but was leaning more toward the 20 ton press because it could handle longer items. What's everybody's experience? Is it worth getting the 20 ton, or has everybody been able to get by with the 12 ton with no problems?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 2
From: Az
Are you planning on building a frame around it and using it as a press? I don't know how much you'd save over just buying a press. I have this one from the cheap junk store: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices and it works ok. Powerful enough to do wheel bearings, and I also made a can crusher tool that fits in there.
They also have this one for the benchtop, although I've never used this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
They also have this one for the benchtop, although I've never used this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
It would seem too time consuming and labor intensive to rig a devise for each application. Suggest 1st check on Criag's list, may find something local and save on shipping. Came across a 20t press, including several plates and accessories, dirt cheap surfice to say it was a good deal. Can also consider posting a 'wanted' in craigs list, but still check the ads. Also put wheels on the press.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 904
Likes: 0
From: PHOENIX
That sucker barely costs more than a dollar a pound. Factor in the costs of steel, the jack, labor, spray painting, subtract for chinese craftsmanship, and it still comes out cheap.
The bench top one looks nice and compact, but it's capacity would make it's uses very limited. I don't think you would be able to do any jobs bigger than pressing studs into a brake disc.
The big one would fit axles, long parts, wider parts.
And it doesn't have to be mounted, it just kicks it there like any other piece of shop equipment.
Which just gave me an idea. If I ever get one I think I will mount wheels on it so I can move it around the garage and roll it back to the tool storage area when not in use.
The bench top one looks nice and compact, but it's capacity would make it's uses very limited. I don't think you would be able to do any jobs bigger than pressing studs into a brake disc.
The big one would fit axles, long parts, wider parts.
And it doesn't have to be mounted, it just kicks it there like any other piece of shop equipment.
Which just gave me an idea. If I ever get one I think I will mount wheels on it so I can move it around the garage and roll it back to the tool storage area when not in use.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,751
Likes: 3
From: Sin City
I was going to build a frame for it but, after seeing those presses it would probably be more cost effective and time saving to just buy one.Do you have yours mounted to the floor? I have a post tension slab in the garage so no drilling allowed.Maybe the bench mount is the way to go.
Thanks
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I didn't mount mine, since I didn't have a slab in the garage. It worked just fine. When you put it together, tighten it up good, since they like to rack (twist out of square) under pressure. On mine, I'm thinking about putting cables on the backside in an X to brace it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 236
Likes: 18
I have the Harbor press too. Had a heck of time getting it square and had to beat on it with a single jack for a while to get it right. Been a real good unit since then.
Like most other tools, you will be surprised at all the uses you find for a press after you have one.
Like most other tools, you will be surprised at all the uses you find for a press after you have one.
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