Good USA arbor press?

[Dustin Crawford]

Hey guys, just wondering if you had any brands of nice USA arbor press units. I really like the DAKE ones, but I think there is also Famco. Is there anything else out there? Any good non US brands? I looked up Daton and was surprised they were Taiwan.

Thanks, Dustin

 

[ndnchf]

+1 on the Dake.

I have an old Dake model 1-1/2 (3 ton) that is great. I've used it for many things. They are still in business and all parts are available.

In the 1950s Dake purcheased the Atlas arbor press line and started producting it. Sometimes you'll find an Atlas that looks identical. Greenerd is another good old American made brand. All are good pieces.

 

[merr6267]

+1 for Dake.
I work for one of their sister companies. The main factory is right down the road here in Grand Haven, MI.

I do know that Dake does have a facility in China, but I believe that most items are in-fact made in USA.

We have quite a few Dake arbor presses here, and they get used a lot. All have held up well.

Take care,
Phill

 

[bobcatdan]

Dakes are nice and here in WI, famcos are pretty common, I think they where made here. There are plenty of them out there used and show up on craiglist. I'm watching right now and have seen some, but am holding out for a ratcheting one. I love my genration, so many my age don't know what **** is and sells it cheap.

 

[oldtools]

I have a Benchmaster made in USA. Not sure if it is as good as Dake.

 

[torqueman2002]

I just picked up this 1 ton Dake No. 001 off eBay for $61.00.

As said above, this model is still sold and parts are available.

I also have a Palmgren 3-ton, form Amazon (free shipping, with SuperSaver). Good build quality, China COO.

 

[Lewis Hein]

I have a 50 year old Greenerd 1/4 ton press, and it looks like it will last another lifetime or two. After seeing the Harbor Freight presses, I am hooked on the Greenerd. If you want a good press, you probably cannot do better than a Greenerd. See some more details here

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have a Greenerd No. 3 which I bought from a Air National Guard full timer who got it at a base surplus sale . I have a Dake 25H hydraulic press which I like, but Dake does think highly of their parts . The leather washer seals for the pump on the 25H cost over $60 which I thought was a little crazy .

Charles

 

[Red Leader]

I'm keeping my eyes open for a nice Atlas arbor press when I see one

 

[Sage55]

What kind of price range are you wanting to stay under? Dakes no.1, such as this, seem to be the most popular but are a little costly unless you find an older used one.

 

[Dustin Crawford]

Anywhere from 300 but no more than 500. I was hoping for a 3 ton unit. I would prefer to buy old.

 

[ndnchf]

Anywhere from 300 but no more than 500. I was hoping for a 3 ton unit. I would prefer to buy old.

I picked up my Dake model 1-1/2, 3 ton for $75. It is missing the table plate, but I just ordered a new one from Dake for $72.63. Its well worth the $$.

 

[Brad54]

Just curious--what's the benefit of a bench-top arbor press, versus a hydraulic shop press?

I've got an old arbor press, but I converted it to a valve spring checker. I've got a hydraulic press, and have never once wished I had an arbor press for a job.
I can definitely see situations where I'd rather have a hydraulic press though.

-Brad

 

[ndnchf]

Just curious--what's the benefit of a bench-top arbor press, versus a hydraulic shop press?

-Brad

They both have their uses. The hydraulic presses, like those from HF are inexpensive and pretty powerful for the price. I've had a 12 ton model for years, and besides the crappy, leaky jacks that come on them, its been pretty good for a lot of things.

I picked up the Dake 3 ton last year and I like it because its quick and easier to use. There is a definate difference in the feel of a mechanical press compared to a hydraulic. With the arbor press I can feel when a bearing is seating better.

I like em both.