Buying shop press....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 768
Likes: 3
From: Chicago Burbs IL
Buying shop press....
Looking for capacity and spec recommendation on buying a economical shop press for typical automotive needs....ie...bearing races, bushings, water pumps...
What pressures are needed (6, 12, 20 ton)? What styles...H-press, A-press, C-press? Bench mount vs floor?
Thanks
What pressures are needed (6, 12, 20 ton)? What styles...H-press, A-press, C-press? Bench mount vs floor?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
If you've ever observed someone trying to remove the bearings from the rear spindle, then you know that more is better. I say get a floor mounted H-frame 20 ton as a minimum.
My philosophy of life - it's better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
My philosophy of life - it's better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
I checked out the shop presses at Harbor Freight a couple of months ago with the idea of getting a 10- or 20-ton model. There was too much play in the ram for my taste, so I decided to pass. I had no trouble with the rear bearing rebuild using a medium-sized arbor press where I work. I'm not sure exactly what pressure it's rated at, but it's very accurate in driving the post down squarely with virtually no chance of side-to-side movement. The only job that taxed the arbor press was punching out the old U-joints from the drive- and half-shafts. Knowing what I do now, I should have used a torch to cut the crosses out before pushing out the bearing caps. That would have been no problem for the arbor press. If I didn't have easy access to one at work, I would buy an arbor press for home use.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
I got a 12T HF press, H-Frame style. It has done bearings, races, bushings, bent and straightned steel parts, no problem. If you have floor space available get the biggest one you can afford
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 768
Likes: 3
From: Chicago Burbs IL
Choices..choices..choices....
Thank guys!. Being space impaired ,I would love an arbor press....but.... I am hoping to rebuild some water pumps and I don't think I can get a deep enough or tall enough working space with the arbors I have seen. There are many very affordable Chinese options on-line. Both Greg Smith and ASEdeals offer inexpensive options even below HF prices....$139 for a 20T H press. I just hate spending good money on junk...especially heavy junk....
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Same one I have. For the cost difference, I couldn't justify the 20-ton model. I used it to install my 1/2" wheel studs on all four hubs, straighten parts, and re-assemble my T/As after Gary set them up for me. It hasn't let me down yet.If the ram goes out, go to the auto parts store and buy a new bottle jack. That's all it is.
Last edited by I'm Batman; Jul 17, 2007 at 03:23 PM.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 768
Likes: 3
From: Chicago Burbs IL
Suppose 12 Ton is plenty....unless
Going up to the 20 ton will probably just allow me to break stuff easier.....right? Sounds like I can save a few bucks and still get the job done with the 12 ton. I checked out the Torin Big Red 20 ton (made in china) over at the local Pep Boys this afternoon. At 200 lbs it looks like a mule of a press. However, I am a bit concerned with a the very short ram protruding from the bottom of the press. The good news is the units are ANSI certified....this gives me some sense of quality assurance. The Torin's also carry a one year warranty.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: Wellington CO
Same one I have. For the cost difference, I couldn't justify the 20-ton model. I used it to install my 1/2" wheel studs on all four hubs, straighten parts, and re-assemble my T/As after Gary set them up for me. It hasn't let me down yet.If the ram goes out, go to the auto parts store and buy a new bottle jack. That's all it is.
Another owner of the 12 ton HF press here. I've done several rear end rebuilds with it and it's held up just fine.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 6
From: New Port Richey FL
If I were to buy one I'd seriously look at the harbor frieght model, esp. since your not going to be making your living with the tool. I have many handy tools that I'd use occasonally from there and have never had a problem. With this only being a couple of pieces of steel, two springs and a bottle jack, I don't really see how the chinese could screw this up. Don't know what anyone would need a 20 ton press for either... 12 ton seems like more than enough. Just my .02...
