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Shop press

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Gsmblue

Shop press

Looking to buy a shop press. The main reasons are:

Rear axle bearings
Ball joints
Snowmobile skid bearings

I am eyeing up the horrible freight “12ton” press for about $170

Would this be sufficient or am I being too cheap?

All and any advice welcome!

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

Gary Lewis

Re: Shop press

Administrator

I have a Chinese 20T press and it has been adequate. I think a 12T would be also, although there have been times that it might have been at the limits.

However, the issue is as much the height of it and the range it moves as the pressure. You need to be able to have an axle shaft hanging down from the "table" in order to press some bearings on.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Rembrant

Re: Shop press

In reply to this post by Gsmblue

I have a 12 ton press at my work and a 50 ton. The 12 ton is just a cheap one from Princess Auto (Kind of our Canadian version of Harbor Freight).

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-ton-hydraulic-shop-press/product/PA0008604639

The 12 ton has served me very well with my automotive work. I have rarely ever had to use the 50 ton unit, and when I did it was usually because of needing more space, not more pressure. It has a larger press bench, but it would be overkill most of the time. It is similar to the unit below, but a higher end industrial brand:

https://www.princessauto.com/en/50-ton-pneumatic-hydraulic-shop-press-with-foot-control/product/PA0008998049

I wouldn't hesitate at all in buying a 12 ton, but like anything else if there's a bigger one for only a couple bucks extra, then why not. I like the 12 ton because it's strong enough for most jobs, but it's light enough you can "feel" the work and you're less likely to damage your workpiece.

And, you can always add a little heat when needed. I have Acetylene Torches at my work, but Mapp Gas is perfect for home use. That's what I've been using for the last 25-30 years.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Welding-Soldering-Torches-Tanks/MAPP/N-5yc1vZc8lqZ1z0z746

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

Gsmblue

Re: Shop press

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

A mapp torch is on the list too.

Gary Lewis

Re: Shop press

Administrator

Don't forget a hammer. Once you get pressure on a part a tap from a hammer frequently gets it to move. It doesn't have to be a hard hit, just a rap to shock things.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Ray Cecil

Re: Shop press

In reply to this post by Gsmblue

I bought the heaviest one at Harbor freight, 12 or 20 ton....can't recall....but it's served me well for 6 or 7 years now.

1988 F250 Supercab Longbed 7.3 IDI, C6, 1356, GEARVENDORS, 4.10 Sterling with autolocker

1986 F150 302, C6, 9" 2.75, Wood Flatbed

Gsmblue

Re: Shop press

I picked up the 12ton press today.

It made short work of all the bearings in my sled skid. Looking forward to using it on the Bronco axles too

Here are all the bearings i had to press out/in.

Paid for itself on the first day, still got a second sled to do too.

Gary Lewis

Re: Shop press

Administrator

Should do the trick. Always good to have the right tools.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: Shop press

In reply to this post by Gsmblue

Nice press! I like the shape(s) of the plates that came with it too. That's better than the old rectangular blocks that they used to be.

FordFETruck

Re: Shop press

In reply to this post by Gsmblue

That press will come in handy. I have the 20 ton version and it's a lot of press for the money. It had absolutely NO problems pressing the wheel bearings and retaining collars on Ford 9" axle shafts, and those things are extremely tight press fit.

1986 F250 351W, C6, 10.25 Semi float 3.55 gear, 250K Miles

mat in tn

Re: Shop press

I have been using this same model press for a few years now and don't know how I got by without one. I only have one gripe. the seal between the body and the base of the jack used has a tendency to weep. it makes a bit of a mess, and I don't always remember to put rags under it. I do have it sitting on an old door mat in the shop though so that catches what I miss.

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Shop press

Administrator

Loctite PST....

(ask Gary.... It is made for this 'stuff')

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.