Hello Karl, this press shaft has a hollow nose 1.5 id X 2.4375 od so I started with a piece of 2.25 1018, put a 1.5 neck on it, then machined a saddle for the weldment.You are a step ahead of me. This is on my TO DO list for my press.
Could i ask for the detail of this area?
Never have had a problem and have pressed 3/8 plate so far, like any tool one always uses common sense and presses at the centre.I'm curious how rigid you are here, can one side (end) get 1/4, 1/2 or full inch ahead of the other? Too loose , it won't come down even, too tight, could bend the main cylinder. Or least that's my concern.
Karl