Shop Press

[Cobra]

I have started on a new project for the shop. I have looked at the hydraulic presses in Princess Auto (Canadian equivalent of HF) and thouht - I have extra steel, I can build that.
Drew up what I think will work and got started today.

Working on the base and uprights to start.


Making the feet for the base from 3X3X1/4 angle. It will have casters on the bottom of the legs.


Drilling the bottom of the uprights. Certainly the largest piece I have had on my small mill.
The uprights will be separated by a piece of 2X2 square tube with a 1/2 rod clamping the sides together.

 

[herrwood]

Interesting project I have a old 20 press that I picked 8 - 10 years back and it is heavy the casters are a good idea. I do not move it much but the older I get the heavier it gets.

 

[wawoodman]

I do not move it much but the older I get the heavier it gets.

Funny how that happens. And I notice that my arms have gotten so much shorter, when I try to pick something up off the floor...

 

[Cobra]

Trial fit of the uprights to the base angles. The spacer 2X2 tube in held with a 1/2" rod threaded on each end.

 

[Cobra]

Starting the assembly of the top of the press. 4" channel.



Using a chunk of the side post for sizing


Managed to weld the angles to get a snug fit but not shrink enough to no longer fit the side posts.
Drilled the 1/2" holes in the mill. Had to drill from each side.


Welded plate for hydraulic ram to press on with reinforcing rib between the plate and the channel.

 

[Cobra]

Drilled the holes in the uprights for the support rods for the work table.
Attached the casters to the base.

 

[Cobra]

Trial fit of the top cap. Will pick up bolts for it tomorrow.

 

[brav65]

Looks great! I do not know how to weld so I got a Drake bench top press. It works great but was not cheap.

 

[Cobra]

Got the bolts for the headpiece and worked on the work table for the press.

Fitted Headpiece and work table. The worktable is held together with 1/2 inch bolts in 3/4 inch spacer sleeves.
The worktable sits on 1 inch pins that are slightly stepped so they will slide in from one side but will not go all the way through.
They will have snap pins on the other side to prevent them moving back when the press is in use.

 

[FLguy]

Looks great! I do not know how to weld so I got a Drake bench top press. It works great but was not cheap.

I like my Dake also!