Shop Press Upgrade Research - Need Your Help

RandyM

RandyM

Mr. Deliberate
H-M Supporter Gold Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2011
Messages
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I am seriously considering an up grade for my shop press. I currently have a 30 year old Harbor Freight 12 ton press, works great. I would like to move up to a 30-50 ton. I see Harbor Freight has a 50 ton currently on sale. I need your help with any and all feedback you can give me on this unit. Will I be greatly dissappointed? Are there others that I should consider?

Harbor Freight 50 Ton Press

press.jpg
 
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Also considering this 40 ton from Northern Tool.

Sure could use some input on these. My feeling is you get what you pay for but, on the other hand these are just presses, really don't want to spend a lot of time making them work properly, ya know?

press.jpg
 
What about the dimensions??? They look pretty different between the two models. Do you have any requirements on what you might need?

Anyhow, both look pretty cool and they seem to have "squeeze-ometers" on them. I've never seen a shop press with that. Is it really reading applied pressure?


Ray
 
Ray, pressure gages are common in larger presses. I believe they read in 1000psi, but I could be wrong. My cousin has one, but I never really paid a lot of attention. His is a 50 ton.

Randy, sorry I can't help with HF presses. Since you have a 12 ton you can probably expect the same quality and usability as what you have now. I expect that what you would be getting at Northern Tool is similar to HF. Same horse different stall.

Paul
 
i'd go for the 50 myself. and if you do, install a chain or cable thru each of the return springs like they do with those long overhead garage door springs. I won';t confess to how I know that. . . . . .

im going to guess that the pressure those pumps put out is 10,000 psi, just like a portapower pump does.
now i'll go to the catalog sheet and check out the specs. . .:))

did I ever ask you where in wi you are ??

with the 20% off coupon, that's a pretty good price. heavy little bastard tho. lots cheaper than hamburger by the pound.

I don't think you could build one for that price if you figure out if your time is worth anything. 500lbs of iron, a few hundred bucks in pump / valves/ cylinder. . . boat winch, cable and pulleys, drilling all them holes, making pins, primer and paint, i'll meet ya at harbor freight. . .:winner::winner::winner::winner:
 
davidh said:
i'd go for the 50 myself. and if you do, install a chain or cable thru each of the return springs like they do with those long overhead garage door springs. I won';t confess to how I know that. . . . . .

im going to guess that the pressure those pumps put out is 10,000 psi, just like a portapower pump does.
now i'll go to the catalog sheet and check out the specs. . .:))

did I ever ask you where in wi you are ??

with the 20% off coupon, that's a pretty good price. heavy little bastard tho. lots cheaper than hamburger by the pound.

I don't think you could build one for that price if you figure out if your time is worth anything. 500lbs of iron, a few hundred bucks in pump / valves/ cylinder. . . boat winch, cable and pulleys, drilling all them holes, making pins, primer and paint, i'll meet ya at harbor freight. . .:winner::winner::winner::winner:
Click to expand...

Likewise, I'm sure. I really like the winch/cable set up. I find it to be a PIA to squeeze into where I need to get to manually remove & replace the pins. I vote for the HF unit as well.
 
Thank you everyone for your valued input. I am not adverse to building one but, as David points out it probably wouldn't be cost effective. I also have far to many other projects qued up for my time. This is definitely one of those things you buy. I find at my age my time is highly valued. It does appear that everyone is leaning towards the $$$$$$ savings part of this equation. I just don't like buying something brand spanking new and then completely modifying it to work or make better. It seems this is happening more and more lately. Ya know, maybe it is worth holding out for a Craigslist buy. :think1:

And Ray, No I do not have any dimensional requirements I need to have. Keep in mind it is an up-grade of my 12 ton and gains in size and force will be added bonus. My 12 ton has served me very well.

P.S. David, I am located just south of Madison in Stoughton. Looks like we are on opposite ends of the state.
 
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I have a Chinese press. It is really a piece of junk. I does what it is supposed to but not at all accurately. It is like they were teaching welding to 6 year old kids on this production line. Probably not funny.

Think of getting a used unit? Maybe better quality?
 
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