CL Press, opinions please

[whaler2001]

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/1745548366.html

Says it works, I'm not sure what tonnage it is, but it looks like a heavier model.

Owner says he'll go 200 on it.

Assuming it works, thoughts?

 

[lametec]

Looks like a 20-ton. Looks to be fully welded frame (good).

Very similar to this:

And if it it's the same type, it's even made in USA.

$480 at Northern Tool.

Considering a Harbor Freight 20-ton is $200 (less 20% coupon), I'd say $200 for this press is a pretty good price.

For reference, I paid $120 for my used HF style press a few years ago.

 

[whaler2001]

Cool. I thought 200 was fair for both of us, assuming it's 20 ton and works when I get there. I'd rather pay a bit more for a heavier model than the same for a lesser HF model.

 

[Brad54]

I have that exact press. I'm VERY happy with it.

I did make some improvements, but only because I'm picky: I added a Craftsman bottle jack, because the one that was on it (not original) had a slightly convex bottom and would spin around easily.

I cut two pieces of 2x4 box tubing the same length as the angle iron feet, put a pie-cut in the middle bent them, then welded them to the bottom of the uprights. This raised the press 4 inches for a better work height, and made the base's foot print wider, making the machine more stable. I then put an adjustable machine leveling foot at each corner to make it level and counter any low spots in the floor.

The two angle iron feet were the perfect width to make a basket across the tops of my new feet. I added an expanded metal bottom to the basket, added a piece of angle to each side, and welded it to the top of the feet--this tied the bottom of the press together, keeping the long uprights from flexing or twisting.

I've used it several times for bearings and other projects, and it's worth evvvvvvry penny!

-Brad

 

[whaler2001]

Good stuff

 

[Zrexxer]

Or it MIGHT just be one of the myriad Chinese copies of that style of press... no way to tell from just a CL picture.