Arbor press

[Carquest]

Does anyone make a decent arbor press any more? How is the HF one? Hate taking a chance on one without hearing some feedback first.

 

[PelicanPines]

I need one too... I'm interested in knowing.

I had a chance to get a nice 1 ton with a speed wheel... but someone beat me to it on CL.

 

[D45]

There are a ton all over Craigslist and Ebay

Old presses are ten times better, even if used

Find an old used press like Dake, Famco, or Greenerd

 

[ndnchf]

You can stilly buy new American made arbor presses like a Dake, but they are pricy.

http://www.dakecorp.com/products/arbor-presses/single-lever-arbor-press-1

But keep your eye out for vintage models, they can often be had at much better prices. I got this Dake 1-1/2 ( 3 ton) for $75 a few years ago.

 

[Cahark]

Personally, I would search on craigslist. With a little time and effort you can make a grungy old press into a Great tool/great conversation piece.

I was able to find a number three Greenard on a stand for 100 bucks last year. There's a good chance that you'll be able to find something similar, but you may have to search for a month or two.

 

[bob15]

Keep looking on C-list or even swap meets and flea markets; the older American made ones out perform the HF stuff.

 

[davethorik]

This is kinda pricy, but I saw this thread and had to go hit local Craigslist. Found this Famco foot pedal operated press, $300 but very cool.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/5995640612.html

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

I like arbor presses, right after vices and anvils. I have the 3T buffalo, and always looking for another one. The North American made ones are better. I think the offshore ones are cheap cast. BCD.

 

[PCustoms]

We have a HUGE floor mounted Dake at work, supposedly mfg date is around WWII. Since the serial is less then 3 digits, I belI've it.

Safety crew has demented a guard over the gears, trying to figure out how to make one or load the thing into a trailer and "save" it frome fate....

 

[FadedGray]

I picked up my famco at an auction for 9 dollars. I don't have a pick of it at the moment though because I'm painting it right now.

 

[Shootinok]

Seems there's pretty much a consensus here. Try to find quality used if you can.
I looked for several weeks then had a Dake show up on CL and jumped on it. Notable quality over the HF cheapie.

 

[ndnchf]

So I just checked my local CL. There is a Dake #2, 6 ton press listed for $350. While not a steal, that's a pretty good price for a press like this.

https://richmond.craigslist.org/tls/6005582440.html

 

[Shadowdog500]

If a 1 ton press will meet your needs, I cant see why the $59 HF press won't meet your needs.

I Picked up a three ton Chinese arbor press when Enco had a smoking good deal. I really like it, and found that an arbor press is a really useful tool to have in the shop. I use it a lot more than my 20 ton hydraulic press.

I just used my arbor press to change a U-joint on my jeep. Here is a video.

Disclamer; Normally I would never use a cheater bar, but the gearing on this press almost requires it to get anywhere near 3 ton.

Im never going back to changing them with a hammer again. And
if I ever see a used stand mounted 6 ton Dake arbor press at a smoking deal, Im buying it.


Chris

 

[boomer12831]

I have an Atlas No.1 that I will be selling. If you PM me with your email, I can send pictures. I am in Northern NY.

 

[boomer12831]

I posted a thread on 12/17/16 about it. It is the red one.