I picked me up a 20 ton press from harbor freight finally. First use is for a transmission rebuild. I quickly found out that I need the base opening wider...it current measures four inches and I need about six to get gears inbetween. I have not been so lucky searching for ideas on widening this sucker. This is my first press and I was tempted to just lower the base and put cinder blocks on top to get my needed width...but not sure how safe that would be. I was thinking of cutting the straps and bolting in some extensions, but once again I am not sure if that will kill the structure Any ideas?
Hf 20 ton press
- Thread starter midas
- Start date
77Mini
Well-known member
I wouldn't suggest cinder blocks either.
owenst7
Well-known member
Not sure I understand your issue. I've done a lot of 1-ton axle re-gears along with wheel bearings and a couple turbo hydramatics. Haven't had any issues with the table yet. I was always taught not to press directly on the table so as not to gouge it. Using arbor plates allows you to easily file or grind any gouges so that you can maintain a flat working surface.
I use my arbor plates to hold stuff off the table.
The SWAG arbor plates are a great size for that press and are much larger than the stock ones.
I use my arbor plates to hold stuff off the table.
The SWAG arbor plates are a great size for that press and are much larger than the stock ones.
I use spare C-channel for similar jobs. They have holes so I can take it apart and adjust the spacing between supports using 5/8"-11 bolts and some pipe (spacers). I also keep some longer 3/4" solid steel rod on hand for the vertical supports on the wider temporary table.
