Dake 1.5 arbor press: what do I have here?

[BTL-A4]

I've acquired a Dake No. 1-1/2 arbor press. It's really heavy (over 100 lbs, I think). Is it worth fixing up? Any issues I should be aware of? Seems simple enough. It seems to be missing an original pawl, but the aluminum block there now works fine. I'll also have to make a new handle. Should I paint it? Anyone know the closest rattle can color to the original color? I have use for it, but it might be a little big, so I'd like to be able to sell it if needed. Any thoughts and comments appreciated! Thanks!


The pawl:

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

The Dake 1-1/2 is a 3 ton press. The ratcheting feature is very nice. I just use a piece of bar stock that fits for a handle on mine. A little short on stroke for Broaching keyways but still a handy press. Light machinery grey should be a good match for color. Ed.

 

[whateg01]

I've acquired a Dake No. 1-1/2 arbor press. It's really heavy (over 100 lbs, I think). Is it worth fixing up?

Nope not worth fixing. But rather than you having to pay to have it hauled off, I'll come get it from you to save you the trouble.

As pointed out, the numbering system for arbor presses isn't really logical so don't rely on the number to give you a direct indication of the tonnage.

Also, it's a dake. You'll have no trouble selling it. Even less if you clean it up. Avoid painting stuff that shouldn't be painted. When I see that I immediately offer less because of the work I'll have to put in to clean that up.

 

[RTM]

You should wander over to this thread, see the rest of the family.

Show us your arbor press!

I have one and wonder how many of us have them in our shops. I will post pictures of mine a soon as I can.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[csp]

It's worth keeping if you have uses for it. I have the same one and it's so handy to have at times. Recently had some large roll pins to drive into tractor three point pins and it sure beat trying to drive them in straight with a hammer.

 

[ALLFAST]

I've acquired a Dake No. 1-1/2 arbor press. It's really heavy (over 100 lbs, I think). Is it worth fixing up? Any issues I should be aware of? Seems simple enough. It seems to be missing an original pawl, but the aluminum block there now works fine. I'll also have to make a new handle. Should I paint it? Anyone know the closest rattle can color to the original color? I have use for it, but it might be a little big, so I'd like to be able to sell it if needed. Any thoughts and comments appreciated! Thanks!


The pawl:

And if you might be in need of tech support on the vintage stuff, Jesse at Dake is extremely helpful. He found the two blueprints ( almost 80 years old) in their computerized archives for some parts that I needed recently.

 

[Shiftless]

Here is a picture of one all prettied up. (Lifted from eBay)
I admire the skill of anyone who can so precisely paint the edges of the lettering.

Painting just tops black isn’t so hard. I sometimes do that with old vises. It’s the edges painted in red that I so admire.

 

[Nutria]

Very nice. Great that you have the hand wheel and anvil.

 

[paulsomlo]

I have a Dake 1 1/2 - yes, it's worth fixing up. In fact, I can't imagine being without it, they're incredibly handy to have. Just remove the rust and put it into service. And no, it's not too big - I've occasionally wished for a bigger arbor press, but never a smaller one.

 

[BTL-A4]

And if you might be in need of tech support on the vintage stuff, Jesse at Dake is extremely helpful. He found the two blueprints ( almost 80 years old) in their computerized archives for some parts that I needed recently.

I'd like a drawing of the pawl so I can make one. Do you think they'd provide that? They still sell the press, but a more modern version. How would I get in touch with Jesse? Is it as easy as calling Dake and asking for him?

 

[BTL-A4]

Thanks all! I'd like to make a new pawl and handle, then use it for awhile. I have no projects that need it at the moment, but something may come up. It's really heavy and big, so I might need to rearrange some things to fit it, since my garage space is pretty tight.

New these are $1300, but used the price varies all over the place.

 

[MongoTA]

I've acquired a Dake No. 1-1/2 arbor press. It's really heavy (over 100 lbs, I think). Is it worth fixing up? Should I paint it? Any thoughts and comments appreciated! Thanks!

My opinion, definitely worth cleaning up.

I'd get rid fo the rust but not repaint. I'd use BLO or Penofin, something like that, on the body. I prefer to keep the patina but protect the metal. A little Penofin/BLO goes a long way.

Someone paints something, I know people like pretty and all, but a reseller can use new paint to hide things that shouldn't be hidden. Not always, I know, some are simply trying to make it pretty. But I often think new paint simply looks out of place. I'm a fan of patina and the worn look of old iron.

 

[ALLFAST]

I'd like a drawing of the pawl so I can make one. Do you think they'd provide that? They still sell the press, but a more modern version. How would I get in touch with Jesse? Is it as easy as calling Dake and asking for him?

I called their customer service number I found on Google. The receptionist was an equally outstanding and helpful, courteous soul. I got the impression when speaking with Jesse ( last name is Sorenson IIRC) that whatever part you need a drawing/diagram for, he’s got it on file.

I returned his call, had the chat, and he had emailed me the diagrams within the course of our conversation…

 

[RMERR]

Definitely worth a resto. I had two Dake 1 1/2B's, restored both, kept one sold the other for $600. I like cleaning AND paint, just keep it a "reasonable" shop gray or something in your shop colors IMHO. You can still get all the parts, including the ratcheting pawl from Dake. Here's mine, I welded a stand for it.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought two arbour press'. I sold one and restored the Manley.
I would much rather have what you have. My little press is OK, just.

 

[BTL-A4]

Definitely worth a resto. I had two Dake 1 1/2B's, restored both, kept one sold the other for $600. I like cleaning AND paint, just keep it a "reasonable" shop gray or something in your shop colors IMHO. You can still get all the parts, including the ratcheting pawl from Dake. Here's mine, I welded a stand for it.

Would you happen to have a photo of the pawl? I can't seem to find one anywhere. The parts diagram on Dake's website has a really small drawing, but it's hard to tell what's going on. No rush, and no problem if you don't.

 

[four.cycle]

Dake / Dake Corp., 1809 Industrial Park Dr., Grand Haven, MI 49417 / https://dakecorp.com/ / est. 1887 / arbor press, saw / http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2237&tab=0 /

* there are catalogs and manuals available at the VintageMachinery.org site above *

DAKE at International Tool Catalog Library

* click that red heart at top where it says "donate" and toss in a couple bucks for the cause.

 

[danielbuck]

it should be perfectly usable. Clean it up and grease it, and use it. Don't bother with painting it unless you just like prepping and painting stuff.

Me personally, I shy away from buying freshly painted items. Who knows how cheap it was done, and how many sins are covered up by the fresh paint and bondo. When I see an item for sale that is "fresh coat of paint", that's when I lose interest.

 

[RMERR]

Would you happen to have a photo of the pawl? I can't seem to find one anywhere. The parts diagram on Dake's website has a really small drawing, but it's hard to tell what's going on. No rush, and no problem if you don't.

Well, to my own surprise, i took a look and I do have a picture. It's a quick shot of some new parts that I got from Dake for my resto. Some new face cover gaskets, a shaft, a new brass ID badge for the front aaannnnd a ratchet pawl. It's not exactly a "highly finished" part as you can see, but that's the "new" pawl Dake sent. Again this is for a 1 1/2B (broaching so taller) but guessing the pawl is most likely the same size as yours?