Looking for a shop press.

satman72 · Oct 16, 2015

Understand that this is a tool that I will not use a lot.(I think).

So, I've got this local place, similar to your Harbor Freight, has a 12 ton shop press on for $122CDN on sale.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/powerfist-12-ton-shop-press/A-p8604639e

Would it be worth it for me to get this, or should I wait for something better?

conv67bdere · Oct 16, 2015

Let me see if I got this straight . . . you're going to buy a shop press from a "princess" ? ? ?

LMAO . . .

If you're not going to use it much, I don't see how it could do you wrong ( unless you can find one on CL for a better price )

gdrill · Oct 16, 2015

I bought this one.... http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/powerfist-10-ton-benchtop-hydraulic-shop-press/A-p8604571e . I figured I had more bench space to use up than floor space.

You're right you barely ever use them but when you need them they are priceless. I will say overall I'm happy with it.

Hemi Rebel · Oct 16, 2015

If you plan on doing anything even remotely close to heavy, that thing will twist like a pretzel.

Coronet 500 · Oct 16, 2015

I've got the 12 ton floor model bought on sale, couldn't buy the steel for what I paid. Great purchase, dosen't take up much room in the corner. Bought it for differentials and axles and such but use it more than I ever thought I would, it's super handy to just pull it out even for the smallest task rather than banging in the vice or on the anvil.

5.7 hemi · Oct 16, 2015

20 ton minimum is what you should get.

satman72 · Oct 16, 2015

OK, I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff. I have a 72 satty my son and I are working on. Is this press good enough to do the few things we'll need it for? I don't mind spending more for something better, but at this point I really have no clue what exactly I need.

Richard Cranium · Oct 16, 2015

mopar 3 B · Oct 16, 2015

I have a HF 12 ton floor model. Has gone everything I have asked it to. My bench space is limited and like the fact a axle will fit and not hit the floor. A larger one would be nice but would more than likely just start braking things instead of fixing them.

satman72 · Oct 16, 2015

Thank you all for your opinions. From what I've read, not the greatest, but might do what I need of it. I think I'll go for it. It's a decent pric e for now and I won't feel too bad if at some point it is less than what I need and may have to spend a bit more to get a better press.

5.7 hemi · Oct 17, 2015

Mine is a HF 20 ton press, it wasn't too much more for it over the 12 ton unit.

themechanic · Oct 17, 2015

I bought the HF 12 ton shop press and wish I would have spent the extra $60 on the 20 ton press. However, I was able to use the 12 ton press for all my pressing jobs.

Bad Sport · Oct 17, 2015

5.7 hemi said:
20 ton minimum is what you should get.

This ^^^, I bought the 20 ton, and it works well.

I would caution all of you that have the HF presses, that those plates can shatter = NOT GOOD! They are OK for small stuff, but if you get into something that requires extreme pressure, be cautious.

I have steel plates cut to match those, and the ones that came with the press are boat anchors.

Daves69 · Oct 17, 2015

Bad Sport said:
This ^^^, I bought the 20 ton, and it works well.

I would caution all of you that have the HF presses, that those plates can shatter = NOT GOOD! They are OK for small stuff, but if you get into something that requires extreme pressure, be cautious.

I have steel plates cut to match those, and the ones that came with the press are boat anchors.

^^This^^

IMO, Go with the HF 20 over the 12. 155 on sale. When you twist the 12 you'll know why. Then too, you never know what your friends will bring you.
I put a set of casters on mine as I have limited space.

hunt2elk · Oct 18, 2015

I was in the same situation as you a few years ago. I almost always buy good quality tools, but on this one I went with the HF 20 ton. Knowing that it would seldom get used and if I remember correctly, there was some kind of mega sale on it for $109. at the time. Replaced a set of axle bearings, and rebuilt 2 rear ends with it so far. It has worked out just fine. No doubt if I used it weekly I would want something better, but for me it is great.

Homstead · Oct 18, 2015

I would hold out for the 20 ton as well. Bigger is always better!

snakeyes · Oct 18, 2015

satman 72 have you search some of the old threads on the HF press, here is one of the older threads that members had posted there thought and I had a added a few videos that I had found hope that this will help you and others out

chipper · Oct 18, 2015

I have a similar model and have had good luck with it. I have even used it to brake the beads on smaller atv tires. Only suggestion I have is to weld up the frame sections that are only bolted together. It stiffens it considerably.

Cranky · Oct 18, 2015

I bought a 12 ton USA made press 20 years ago and it's done good but I've taken it to it's limits several times. How do I know this? The top jack bar is welded and I've popped the paint off of the welds! Figured that was a pretty good warning lol so I repainted the welds and did it again....and again. So far no fractures but I have a pretty good feel for it now and haven't popped anymore paint in probably 10 years now. Not sure if a 12 ton with a bolted top piece would take that kind of abuse. Wish I had gone with a 20 but didn't think I'd be pushing or using this one so much either.

Looking for a shop press.

satman72

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conv67bdere

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gdrill

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Hemi Rebel

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Coronet 500

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5.7 hemi

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satman72

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Richard Cranium

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mopar 3 B

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satman72

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5.7 hemi

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themechanic

Oklahoma is OK

Bad Sport

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Daves69

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hunt2elk

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Homstead

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snakeyes

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chipper

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Cranky

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