Looking for a shop press.

[satman72]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Coronet 500]

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]

20 ton minimum is what you should get.

 

[satman72]

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]

 

[mopar 3 B]

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]

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]

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

 

[themechanic]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[snakeyes]

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]

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]

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.