shane's junk press

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 6:10 pm

This is my first post here but I am on a mission to build a shop press. I went to the scrap yard and got a lot of junk for $31.00. I plan to make a (Harbour Freight clone) press out of this

The jack was free, (6 ton) I already had it. I Know, why not just buy a press?? You tell me

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 4:39 pm

Here it is so far, I doubled the "C" channel where the jack will push, don't know if the pic shows enough. That is 4" channel, it is 60" tall and 30" wide.

Post by **Leatherneck** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 5:20 pm

Is the jack going to be mounted upside down? Are you making adjustable stops for different height shelfs? Looks good I am getting inspired to make one.

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:05 pm

No the jack will be right side up, thats where the springs come in, they pull the jack back up after it is released. I'm not sure, but I don't think a bottle jack will work upside down? Adjustable stops... yes,but...I don't know if I want to drill 20 big holes or weld on 20 pieces of 1 1/2 angle. Here's the crux, if I drill holes it will be easier to adjust height and be stronger, but I'll eat drill bits (I think 5/8 is the min for support rods), but if I weld on 1 1/2" angle to the outside of the frame, will the welds be strong enough? If I go the angle route, I'll have to bolt my "base plate" together so I can undo it to adjust it up or down. I like the angle iron idea, I just don't wanna build a hydraulic hand grenade!!!

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:14 pm

I forgot to mention, I cut all of that steel with a reciprocating saw and a couple of good metal blades. Wear ye goggles!

I should also mention that I did my level headed best to square that frame, both uprights are exactly the same, top and bottom is exactly the same, and the diagonal measurement was within <1/16".

Post by **Leatherneck** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:47 pm

I would drill the holes would rather bend a shelf pin then bust a weld under pressure.

With the jack butt end down how will you be able to get a smaller objects? Round stock? I just like pushing with the smaller end then the butt. I don't know I am confusing myself, long day!

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:00 pm

Yup, round stock. The jack rests on a "platform" that keeps it more or less level. The round stock is welded underneath the base of the jack to provide the push. I'm not too good at explaining stuff, sorry.

Post by **Leatherneck** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:37 pm

Is the jack point welded to the upper C channel or how do you hang the jack?

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:58 pm

You don't hang the jack at the top, it rides on a "floating rail' suspended by a couple of springs. The springs constantly pull the base of the jack upward. A picture is worth a thousand... Once you see it, you'll kick yourself.

Just search Harbour Freight; hyd press.

Post by **doc** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:11 am

Cool project! I've coveted the HF press for several years. I have a HF store pretty close by me, so my cost on their press would be about $175 or so. This looks like a much less expensive way to go, if you have welding capability.

I'll be really interested to see more pics as you get farther along. Thanks for sharing.

doc

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 3:56 pm

Here's what I done this afternoon, I need to get shorter springs so I can screw that jack back down (or up, I guess). Leather has a good point, I'll drill the holes rather than take a chance on a weld failing.

I'll take a few better pics tonite or tommorow. I spent $22 on the springs and some hardware to make the pins with and to bolt the base together, just in case I ever want to get it off! Looks like I'm gonna pull this off for under $60.

Post by **Leatherneck** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:23 pm

Have any pics (closer) of the hook up to the top? I know I keep harping on it but if the shock would work upside down you would only have the pressure to pull back up vice the pressure and the weight of the shock. Looks good though. Any side shots?

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:55 pm

Here's some closer pics, this is how the top of the jack stays in one place.

Here is how the springs are hung, just rebar and eye-bolts.

This is what the jack rides on, I welded 6" guide plates on the side to (hopefully) keep it from binding. The lithium grease is a given!

edit- I removed the pictures because they were the wrong ones that I originally posted. I'll fix it if I can, sorry ya'all.

Post by **Leatherneck** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:05 pm

Shane where are you drilling for your adjustable table?

winifredevw · Post by **winifredevw** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:34 pm

Well, I need to get those springs changed out and then weld in the round stock. Then I can get a measurement of how far down to locate the "bench". That jack only has 5 1/2" travel, so I'll probably put the first holes about 5" then maybe 6" on center after that.