Need a Shop Press: Questions?

[Beowulf]

Need a Shop Press: Questions?

I need to get a shop press to change out some bushings in my control arms, but also want to be able to do wheel studs and press on axle bearings. I don't want to spend over $250 and would like at least a 20 ton unit.

There are 2 versions from Harbor Freight I am looking at. Does anyone have any experience these? Or know why an A-frame would be better than an H-frame?

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

Or:

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-a-frame-industrial-heavy-duty-floor-shop-press-37999.html

 

[spressomon]

I've been wanting to pick one of these up too. I've used the exact upper model (the "H" model) at one of our local fab shops and it works great. I'd say get the H unless you need the smaller footprint of the "A". If you're like me you're going to want to get a press brake kit for it and the extra between the channels width of the "H" might come in handy.

 

[adventureduo]

Used the top "H" version before to press in bushing in the J-arms in the 80 series. Worked fine.

 

[frgtwn]

I have seen the first press on LA craigslist for $100. I'd look there first for a better press.

My personal rule about HF is, "Don't buy something from there that can kill 'ya."

This press can do just that.


Dale

 

[1911]

I have a 20-ton very similar to the top one that I bought at Northern Tool. It's not a precision tool, but it's been more than adequate to press-out u-joints, transmission shafts and bearings, and to compress coil springs. Well worth the money (if you have room in your shop/garage for one) just in aggravation saved in those kinds of jobs.

 

[4671 Hybrid]

I've used the "H" Harbor Freight model for quite a few pressing jobs with no issues and wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

 

[Quill]

If you are not careless and only use it occasionally then it will do fine. You could build one if you wanted a bit heavier duty.

 

[Beowulf]

I am going with the top unit and do have a coupon to pick it up for $169. They have them at the Fort Collins location, so I will just stop in.



I also plan on getting these Brake Plates from Swag to expand the usefulness of the press. Seems everyone is loves these. Thank you for all the suggestions.

http://www.swagoffroad.com/20_Ton_Press_Brake.html

 

[ExpoMike]

I have owned the top one for about 8 years. I went with this model because the frame is welded and not a bolt together setup. Much stronger. It has worked perfect but I did have to build my own custom cross bar for pressing in bushing on my '69 Camaro. The standard one would not allow the arm to get close enough to be centered on the bushing. Definitely have been wanting to get a press brake for it.

It's not something I use everyday but I have used it more than I thought I might.

 

[Beowulf]

I'm thinking the same thing. At first I did not think I would use it that much. Thus, the reason I don't have it yet. But, after reading some many post about this unit and what they can be used for, I have no doubt I will be using way more than I initially thought.

 

[Antichrist]

I've had a 12 ton from them for about 30 years. Haven't had any issues with it, other than the jack died. I replaced it with a 20 ton air-hydraulic jack.

 

[CLynn85]

I've used the top one from Harbor Freight several times in a friend's shop and it always did the trick just fine, there's not really much to go wrong with them...

That said, I'd rather buy a used older model off of craigslist than a new one from China.

 

[hoser]

I've used the 12T version of the top press. Bent the C channel trying to remove LC80 J-arm bushings.

 

[Sc0-]

I picked up an Omega 25t press awhile back, bolt together and has a sliding jack which is useful sometimes. Converted it to air over hydraulic with a HF motor that uses a foot pedal, still have the backup hand pump. (press is WAYYY to slow when using the handpump)

First thing to do is to toss out the plates that come with the press, cast steel! $40 at a steel salvage yard can give you some good replacements and spacers.