Hydraulic press suggestions...

[axolotl81]

I wanted to see what people here would suggest for a hydraulic press. I want to use it in my garage at home. I intend to use it for bearings, bushings, and any other great uses I can find for it. Would you suggest a 10 ton or 20 ton? I'm trying to keep my price range within $800 and would prefer Made in the USA although that might not be realistic for the price range I want to stay in. Thanks for the suggestions.

Clint

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

if you can weld, and you want made in the US, you should just build one...use and enerpac or SPX ram and an greenlee electric pump if you don't want to crank on a jack handle.

 

[1911]

Bigger is better when it comes to hydraulic presses, personally I wouldn't buy anything less than a 20 ton.

I usually advocate for high-quality tools, but admit to buying a 20-ton Northern Tool Chinese-made press because they had it in stock and I needed it that day. It has worked fine over the years for my occasional use (u-joints, bearings, the odd transmission re-build). If I had a machine shop and used it every day I'm sure I'd rather have a good U.S. made one, but this one has been worth the few hundred dollars it cost me.

 

[axolotl81]

if you can weld, and you want made in the US, you should just build one...use and enerpac or SPX ram and an greenlee electric pump if you don't want to crank on a jack handle.

I don't know how to weld, but I do plan on learning and possibly picking up a cheap from HF just to learn on.

Bigger is better when it comes to hydraulic presses, personally I wouldn't buy anything less than a 20 ton.

I usually advocate for high-quality tools, but admit to buying a 20-ton Northern Tool Chinese-made press because they had it in stock and I needed it that day. It has worked fine over the years for my occasional use (u-joints, bearings, the odd transmission re-build). If I had a machine shop and used it every day I'm sure I'd rather have a good U.S. made one, but this one has been worth the few hundred dollars it cost me.

I think I will go this route for now just to save a few bucks.

If I ever get welding down and am tinkering regularly with fabricating stuff. then I'll go for a quality press. Thanks for the help. I really do like LAMBCRUSHER's idea if I knew how to weld. Maybe someday.

 

[e9999]

well, that didn't take long. From Made in USA to Chinese in 2 posts...

I was tempted to say that a press made with a hydraulic jack is not exactly rocket science and that people have said good things about the HF one but I refrained given you said US...

And yes, it seems that the consensus is that you want to go 20 tons. (I must say I was surprised to see some rather flimsy ones out there, considering how dangerous a failure could be...)

 

[axolotl81]

i have been reading other reviews of these cheap Chinese made units and a lot of people seem to like them. They get the job done. Thats all I really want for now. It will save me a few bucks so I can get a used or cheapie new welder really soon. Again, I prefer Made in the USA, but I think my price range may not allow for a quality, made in the US press.

 

[firestopper]

Honestly, the HF 20 ton press has served me well for automotive and can be had for 150 bucks on sale. They don't take up much room and can be moved with a dolly. The long bolts that came with it where not used. I preferred to use shorter grade 5 for all connections resulting in a much more rigid set up.
I do plan on fabricating a 50 ton (at least) in the near future. I have budgeted 1,500 for material and power unit. I will probably keep this one for most automotive applications.

 

[axolotl81]

Thanks @firestopper. This just gives me more of a reason to go this route now. Perfect for things I want to use it for.

Thanks for all the suggestions. That's why I love this forum, everyone here is so knowledgable about tools and fabrication. I know I can usually get a solid answer from the great guys on MUD.

 

[axolotl81]

Oh and @firestopper, really digging your workshop. Saw it in the workshop forum. And I noticed the HF press next to the badass table you built. Awesome work.

 

[kevos37]

I bought a smaller HF press off craigslist, I added a air/hydraulic jack. Works great. If I was going to get one, the 20T is on sale for 199 and don't forget the 20% off coupon! So for about $160 you get a economical press and save the $$$ for a good welder.

 

[firestopper]

All those long through bolts at the top of the press (4) is what I replaced with individual grade 5 (8). Made a world of difference.

 

[axolotl81]

Again, thanks for the suggestion of the HF 20 ton. I will be ordering that today.

All those long through bolts at the top of the press (4) is what I replaced with individual grade 5 (8). Made a world of difference.

That is exactly what I will do once I get this thing in and set up.

Thanks again MUD.

 

[e9999]

I saw it advertised at $154 in a mag. And you can often get the 20% on top of that if your register skills are good.

 

[axolotl81]

Didn't get to order it today, so maybe I will just walk in to one of the HFs near me and get it in person. Hopefully find an unmolested box. Thanks @e9999 for the suggestion.

 

[e9999]

be aware that was a coupon in the mag though, but they probably have it online

 

[ozcrusier]

I built this 20 ton press 14 year back as you can see I used a 1 1/2 inch pin from a dozer blade and ran that through a piece of round bar turned in a lath for a tight fit so the press rod has no sideways movement under load. This press stands about 7 1/2 foot tall so plenty off room for removing axle bearings etc. To be honest it's one of the most used tools in my shed.

 

[axolotl81]

@ozcruiser your press is awesome. Someday I hope to be able to try and build my own....someday.

 

[rusty_tlc]

if you can weld, and you want made in the US, you should just build one...use and enerpac or SPX ram and an greenlee electric pump if you don't want to crank on a jack handle.

I think you could build one that bolts together pretty easy

 

[warezdog]

cheaped out on the 12T from HF and went air over hydro, love it but have over taxed it and looking back should have done the 20 but it has done everything I've asked it to so far, the arbor plates are crap and WILL split without notice so beware of them!

 

[axolotl81]

cheaped out on the 12T from HF and went air over hydro, love it but have over taxed it and looking back should have done the 20 but it has done everything I've asked it to so far, the arbor plates are crap and WILL split without notice so beware of them!

Any place I can source arbor plates? Maybe a good thing to replace first along with the hardware.