Would you buy this arbor press?

[k p]

So I've been looking for an older quality arbor press, I put up a wanted ad and got a reply from someone the next day. He sent me a photo and said he'd sell the bigger one for $100 and throw in the small one for free. Cool. I asked to see the back side of the press for a model # or brand name, he replied and said it was a no-name press. I emailed him back and said that $100 for a (likely) imported press is a little out of my range, but thanks anyways. He replied back again and said okay, how about $40 for both?

So, is this press even worth $40? I'm strangely hesitant to even go see it in person.

I don't know the actual size of this thing but I'm guessing it's about 1 foot tall, give or take.

 

[Neverfly]

I'd probably be "Ok" with $40 for both... But bear in mind that I'm thinking in U.S. dollars, here.

 

[k p]

I'd probably be "Ok" with $40 for both... But bear in mind that I'm thinking in U.S. dollars, here.

Oh...$40US is okay, well the current exchange rate is $1.04, so I guess for you $41.60 is out of the question. Odd.

 

[jakemac]

If I had an immediate need for a press, I'd probably go for the $40 for both. But if I could wait, then I'd keep looking for a quality press. You could always re-sell them once you find the press you're looking for.

 

[Neverfly]

Oh...$40US is okay, well the current exchange rate is $1.04, so I guess for you $41.60 is out of the question. Odd.

Ah, I'm a mechanic, not a fincancial guru. I just remember that I'd read books as a kid and the price on the book cover would say something like,
"$5 U.S.
$15 Canada."

The real question is- Is it worth $40 (or $41.60) to you or isn't it? It sounds as though it isn't from the doubts you've expressed. If you're that doubtful, I think you've answered yourself.

 

[k p]

If I had an immediate need for a press, I'd probably go for the $40 for both. But if I could wait, then I'd keep looking for a quality press. You could always re-sell them once you find the press you're looking for.

True. I just wonder when someone drops from $100 down to $40 with very little effort. I guess I'll have to see them in person to sort out if it's worth it or not.

Ah, I'm a mechanic, not a fincancial guru. I just remember that I'd read books as a kid and the price on the book cover would say something like,
"$5 U.S.
$15 Canada."

The real question is- Is it worth $40 (or $41.60) to you or isn't it? It sounds as though it isn't from the doubts you've expressed. If you're that doubtful, I think you've answered yourself.

Book prices have always been wonky when crossing the border but those prices have nothing to do with the value of the dollar it's just stupid pricing. Same goes for just about every other product, everything costs more in Canada, but not because of the exchange rate.

At the end of the day I've spent more money on dinner, so $40 for a tool that I get to keep is a pretty good investment. This was more a question of quality of the press rather than worth.

 

[Neverfly]

Without examining it, I don't know if anyone on here can vouch for its quality unless they recognize a key detail on it which clues them into the maker etc.

You have a point about the severe drop... Maybe his electric bill was overdue? I can see why that would make you uncomfortable, but maybe the guy just needs the money.
I do think your questioning of it suggests you may not be too happy with it after the sale. Maybe if someone popped up and said, "I recognize that from the picture as a High Quality brand- you'd be stealing at $40" you might feel better. I don't think that is likely to happen. Why not just continue your search? Buy what you feel good about.

 

[Outlander]

Buy them - then PM me. I'd restore them in my spare time and sell my Princess Auto one

 

[k p]

Without examining it, I don't know if anyone on here can vouch for its quality unless they recognize a key detail on it which clues them into the maker etc.

You have a point about the severe drop... Maybe his electric bill was overdue? I can see why that would make you uncomfortable, but maybe the guy just needs the money.
I do think you're questioning of it suggests you may not be too happy with it after the sale. Maybe if someone popped up and said, "I recognize that from the picture as a High Quality brand- you'd be stealing at $40" you might feel better. I don't think that is likely to happen. Why not just continue your search? Buy what you feel good about.

This is what I'm thinking as well. I love buying used tools but I hate buying tools twice because the first one was ****. I figured someone on here may recognize it or have a personal story of using one of similar quality. I'll sleep on it, he doesn't seem to be in a big rush to sell.

 

[k p]

Buy them - then PM me. I'd restore them in my spare time and sell my Princess Auto one

Except I feel like the bigger one is a Princess Auto one.

 

[rsanter]

Depends on what size they are
Likely $40 is a decent price but is the larger one large enough to donwhatnyou want

Bob

 

[Neverfly]

he doesn't seem to be in a big rush to sell.

After dropping $60 off the price at the drop of a hat? Ok, NOW I'm worried.

 

[k p]

After dropping $60 off the price at the drop of a hat? Ok, NOW I'm worried.

I feel like he was just fishing when he said $100, after I said no it probably clicked that I'm not a dummy buyer. I should also mention that the last email between us stated that these presses were included in a large lot of tools he purchased, so maybe he legitimately doesn't know their worth.

 

[Neverfly]

Makes sense now. Even so, I'd recommend that you sleep on a bed instead of on the arbor. Might hurt.
Besides, when decisions are due, it's only productive to do the sleep thing if it's your boss.

 

[seagullplayer]

If I needed a press and thought a $40 would get the job done, I would buy it.

One person in a 1000 has a need for a press around the house. I'd say there is a good chance he is not that one. He has no idea what its worth, only you know if it will fit your needs.

Our neighbor had one in his barn when I was a kid. I never saw him use it for anything, but I use to crack walnuts with it. You can buy a better walnut cracker for $40...

 

[Garage Coffee Roaster]

Seems like a good enough deal for the price. Buy them. You could always turn around and sell them later on craigslist for $25 each and get your money back.

 

[signcrafter]

If you have a use for an arbor press then go pick it up. 40 bucks isn't much money to be out if it turns out to be junk. I treat this like a used car. Buy it and drive it until you find a better deal on a nicer one. Then sell these.

If you don't really need an arbor press then pass on them and wait for something better. The 1/2 ton is 37 bucks at HF so two for that same price isn't a bad deal.

Plus in my opinion an arbor press is more of a "delicate" press for pressing smaller bearings and other stuff on shafts. Stuff where you need a feel for the pressure. Not something you crank the heck out of trying to pop a bearing out or something. So even a cheap import should work fine for most things.

 

[zkling]

If I had an immediate need for a press, I'd probably go for the $40 for both. But if I could wait, then I'd keep looking for a quality press. You could always re-sell them once you find the press you're looking for.

It will get the job done, hopefully. One on the left looks like your standard off shore job maybe 1 ton possibly 1.5. The one on the right I have no idea. Maybe a 1/4 ton. $40 is not that great of a deal, unless you need a press right now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-arbor-press-3552.html

 

[k p]

All very valid suggestions and opinions. I think I'll wait it out for a higher quality (and hopefully bigger) unit. I don't need it today so I can afford to wait.

 

[Banjorear]

I bought a US made one (looks like early 1900's) at a yard sale for $5.00. I stumbled on a good deal, but they are out there.

I'd pass on any foreign-made press. Just doesn't seem worth it to me.