On the other end of the spectrum, . . . crushing, or breakage, and loss of feel can indeed be a problem. I found myself increasingly in need of a much smaller arbor press than I had and in a stroke of luck I found this ancient Greenerd #1 1/4-ton press, dirty and neglected, in a basement sale. A thorough restoration brought it back to life and I use it regularly. The throat is 2.75" deep and the ram is 7/8" diam. Amazingly Greenerd is still in business making presses of all kinds, and the #1 is still in production.
Admittedly such a press isn't all that much use if you're building big, but it's plenty of use if you have projects that are a fraction of the size of a 1.5" scale 4-8-4.
But back to the subject, I think my larger press is 2-ton and that serves my needs (small 7.5"ga loco) well enough, but every now and then I find myself in need of more tonnage, and when you need it you NEED it!
which Arbor Press to purchase?
Re: which Arbor Press to purchase?
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GWRdriver
Nashville TN
Nashville TN
Re: which Arbor Press to purchase?
I agree with others for an arbor press, 3 ton minimum and ratcheting is a big bonus. after searching for months on marketplace and Craigslist for a good deal I gave in.
I bought a 3 ton ratcheting arbor press from eBay at the time $250 delivered. search ebay "Ratchet Arbor Press 3 Ton AP-3" Seems to be decent quality. Weighs a 120lbs so a decent amount of iron. Typical Chineseum you need to take it apart and clean it and grease it.
I also have a 20 ton hydraulic press
I bought a 3 ton ratcheting arbor press from eBay at the time $250 delivered. search ebay "Ratchet Arbor Press 3 Ton AP-3" Seems to be decent quality. Weighs a 120lbs so a decent amount of iron. Typical Chineseum you need to take it apart and clean it and grease it.
I also have a 20 ton hydraulic press
Re: which Arbor Press to purchase?
Hmm! I guess my 50 ton air over Hydraulic press is a little over kill for 1 1/2 scale loco lol
Re: which Arbor Press to purchase?
Not in my opinion. I have a 100 ton four post press I hope to rebuild. I have it fully dismantled and looking for a good hydraulic solution. I'd like it even better if it was 200 tons.
H
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.
Re: which Arbor Press to purchase?
I was being sarcastic Bill lol! When I bought mine, I wanted it to have a large enough tonnage, area and height adjustment to cover whatever I needed. It is still a challenge fitting some parts in the press. I do like the air over hydraulics as it gives me a faster stroke, or I can use the hand pump for more sensitive presses. It also has a gauge that shows tonnage. The table is raised and lowered by a cable system using a boat style winch.