Help needed for homemade arbor press.

[Braeden P]

Today i went to tuckahoe steam and gas meet up today and I bought a 3ft rack and two pinons from @DiscoDan and a handle for so i was wondering has any one built a arbor press from scratch because i cant buy one because im only 12 and dont have a job so i cant buy one so any ideas are helpful. I dont have a mill or lathe and can only weld when i go to my gram-pas house so drilling holes and filling is all i can do.

 

[cathead]

Hi Braeden P,

The way you are headed, it won't be too long and you will have a lathe and mill. For the present time, get
a little help from someone capable of some assistance in your project. Don't get discouraged. It takes
time to find the right person to help you along sometimes. I can give you encouragement but am too far
away for any physical assistance. Your project is an interesting one and you will accomplish getting it
put together I am sure. Your welding skills will be a big help, maybe grandpa will help you with it.
Good luck on your arbor press project and keep us informed on HM of your progress.

Cathead

 

[NortonDommi]

Hello,
I have ideas but they involve scrap steel and welding. What tools do you have or have access too? Is there any scrap yards local to you?
A 3' rack is pretty long, can you give some more dimensions? An Arbor Press is super handy but the size and capability in terms of force will be dependant on the size of the rack.
I can tell you this, you have two of the most important parts so rattle ideas around in your head and keep a weather eye out for anything that may be of use. It is only the principle that you need it doesn't have to look like a shop bought one to do the same job.
A fair bit of my stuff is OPCOR,(Other Peoples Cast Off Rubbish). I have just cleaned up a nice little vise for a friend that I dug out of the waste bin at the scrap yard. It was totally seized up and just a blob of rust but took very little effort to make nice.

 

[Martin W]

I think someone here had a thread on building an arbor press, but I couldn't find it.
Are you going to be starting high school next year? Not sure if your local high school has any machine shop classes? This would make a great class project.
I don't know many 12 year old boys who would even think of taking on a project like this. Its great to see. Don't get discouraged because sometimes these projects can take years to finish. Keep practicing your welding skills at your Grandpa's when you have time.
Cheers
Martin

 

[Braeden P]

Hello,
I have ideas but they involve scrap steel and welding. What tools do you have or have access too? Is there any scrap yards local to you?
A 3' rack is pretty long, can you give some more dimensions? An Arbor Press is super handy but the size and capability in terms of force will be dependant on the size of the rack.
I can tell you this, you have two of the most important parts so rattle ideas around in your head and keep a weather eye out for anything that may be of use. It is only the principle that you need it doesn't have to look like a shop bought one to do the same job.
A fair bit of my stuff is OPCOR,(Other Peoples Cast Off Rubbish). I have just cleaned up a nice little vise for a friend that I dug out of the waste bin at the scrap yard. It was totally seized up and just a blob of rust but took very little effort to make nice.

the rack is 1/2 by 1/2 i only want one for small jobs so i dont have to use a hammer or my drill press but once i get a shop i will buy a real one this is just to make do with what i have for now and i can get some scrap metal to make it and i have some 6' by 3'' by 3'' by 1/4'' angle iron and im thinking about making it like a H frame or what every you call it with two beams.

 

[Braeden P]

I think someone here had a thread on building an arbor press, but I couldn't find it.
Are you going to be starting high school next year? Not sure if your local high school has any machine shop classes? This would make a great class project.
I don't know many 12 year old boys who would even think of taking on a project like this. Its great to see. Don't get discouraged because sometimes these projects can take years to finish. Keep practicing your welding skills at your Grandpa's when you have time.
Cheers
Martin

the only discouragement i get is from when i have to clean out the garage my gran pa says a weld better than half the people at where he used to work.

 

[Braeden P]

Hello,
I have ideas but they involve scrap steel and welding. What tools do you have or have access too? Is there any scrap yards local to you?
A 3' rack is pretty long, can you give some more dimensions? An Arbor Press is super handy but the size and capability in terms of force will be dependant on the size of the rack.
I can tell you this, you have two of the most important parts so rattle ideas around in your head and keep a weather eye out for anything that may be of use. It is only the principle that you need it doesn't have to look like a shop bought one to do the same job.
A fair bit of my stuff is OPCOR,(Other Peoples Cast Off Rubbish). I have just cleaned up a nice little vise for a friend that I dug out of the waste bin at the scrap yard. It was totally seized up and just a blob of rust but took very little effort to make nice.

i keep everything including worn out hacksaw blades so nothing is wasted. not even worn out files

 

[Braeden P]

Hi Braeden P,

The way you are headed, it won't be too long and you will have a lathe and mill. For the present time, get
a little help from someone capable of some assistance in your project. Don't get discouraged. It takes
time to find the right person to help you along sometimes. I can give you encouragement but am too far
away for any physical assistance. Your project is an interesting one and you will accomplish getting it
put together I am sure. Your welding skills will be a big help, maybe grandpa will help you with it.
Good luck on your arbor press project and keep us informed on HM of your progress.

Cathead

i already know people who will help me with some parts and metal so i should be good for now

 

[NC Rick]

Position of the rack to the pinion will be the most challenging part as far as accuracy. A square slot with a bolt on plate? Include an adjustable gib. That will be a fun project. You are obviously a very bright young man! Please keep us posted of your progress. Even doing it wrong will be great, to keep those wheels turning!

 

[Braeden P]

Position of the rack to the pinion will be the most challenging part as far as accuracy. A square slot with a bolt on plate? Include an adjustable gib. That will be a fun project. You are obviously a very bright young man! Please keep us posted of your progress. Even doing it wrong will be great, to keep those wheels turning!

i will ad gibs for sure for minimum slop and a bolt on plate.