Weaver 20 ton press

[Summersteel]

I've been looking on and off for a Weaver press, and stumbled on this one that wasn't too far away. Owner had it since 1970s and got it from a school district.
I'm super excited to have it, as it came with all the original parts, except some u-shaped channel, but that should be easy enough to find.
I plan to strip the paint and restore it. Has anyone ever done that to one of these? It shouldn't be too big a project, except for the weight of the individual parts.
Love to hear from any who have this press, or one of the bigger ones Weaver made (I believe this is their smallest model) and how you like it. Post pics too, cuz these are cool to look at!

 

[454ragtop]

Wow, how bizarre, I picked up a 28 ton, 42" between the uprights Weaver today, haven't even had a chance to take any pics yet. Mine came with the cool round press plate, but is missing the handle/lever, PO had some mongrel rod he was using to operate it. If yours has an original, maybe you could measure the length.
Jim

 

[Summersteel]

Wow, how bizarre, I picked up a 28 ton, 42" between the uprights Weaver today, haven't even had a chance to take any pics yet. Mine came with the cool round press plate, but is missing the handle/lever, PO had some mongrel rod he was using to operate it. If yours has an original, maybe you could measure the length.
Jim

Jim,
Mine came with the round plate also.
I wish mine was the 28 ton version with the "speed" feature, but I'm glad to have this one.
I have the original lever/rod, and it measures 27" long and 7/8" diameter. No taper or knurling, just straight rod.

 

[wrenchguy]

heres my 28 ton hi speed. had to put new bottom cross members and press bottom cross members on it.

 

[Summersteel]

Wrenchguy,
Thanks for the link.
I've seen your video before, and your press is one that inspired me to look, for one of these Weavers. Did you end up painting it red?
Also, when you cleaned it up, did you take the wheel/ram mechanism apart? I'm looking to do that, but wondering if there's a thousand pieces in there and I would be sorry to take it apart?

 

[wrenchguy]

i didn't take apart or paint. kinda wiped it off and put it to work. good luck with ur project.

btw, i got 1 cast iron base crossmember available if anyone needs 1. the other was broke ... hence me making new base crossmembers.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Board member Irontrap just posted a picture of his Weaver press yesterday: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7306867&postcount=71