pieces to shim a part in the press

[PoorOwner]

Where did you guys get the pieces to hold up steering knuckle or other objects in a press?
Would some thick steel square tubing cut to length work? I know you can buy extra plates but it is too expensive without any objective so what are some good shapes and thickness that is most versatile?

Obviously wood is not a good choice since it can blow up, right?

 

[JJThrasher]

I use whatever is handy. Sometimes wood. For small shimming flattened motor bearings work well. Other times random scrap, brake rotors can stack nicely. Purge patties can work if you know anyone in the plastics industry and depending on forces required.

 

[Bobioz1]

A hack I work with uses used disc brake pads for shims. It works.

 

[1930]

A hack I work with uses used disc brake pads for shims. It works.

Feel the love

 

[zkling]

Yes you can make them, you can also by wheel bearing or just bearing press kits for a press. Basically a set of rings that will support the bore on the edge as well as be able to press by the specific race.

Once you have a press, any solid or heavy walled piece of scrap becomes viable press tooling. Of course 1/5 times you will still need to make something for the specific work piece.

 

[Bobioz1]

Feel the love

It's ok, he's a self admitted hack and proud of it. Didn't realize they were such a tight knit bunch.

 

[T_Roze]

Once you have worked on a few press able items, you'll save what you work on. I have two buckets of old bearing cups that I use all the time. Cut up pieces of old leaf spring, and of course sockets work too. It's a little different every time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1badbird]

Go to your local steel shop and see what they have for drops, never know what they will have that might work for you.