Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

I have some spindles/steering knuckles and want to use my 20-ton Harbor Freight arbor press to press out the kingpins, but I don't have the right accessory, which I am envisioning as a metal plate with a variety of different size holes around the edge. Unfortunately, when I go to the Harbor Freight website, there are only the arbor presses shown and no accessories. When I go to eBay, there are only arbor presses and no accessories. When I google arbor press accessories, I find maybe 2-3 accessories.

So, where in the world do I go simply to get accessories for my arbor press?? I'm beginning to think this may be my big break: I'll become a millionaire by being the first person to start a company that makes accessories for arbor presses!

Thanks,

Bob

[Gary R.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Hi Bob
Well there are Arbor presses and hydraulic presses. I believe you are referring to a hydraulic press since it has a 20 ton cylinder. Arbor presses are rack & pinion setups.

The press you have should have come with 2 plates. I use old races, pipes, steel tubing, and other pieces with my press. Sometimes I'll make up some tooling as needed. If you have a scrap metal house near you or even a community recycle center you might find steel to use. There is a metal house near me that has racks of stock in small sizes for low cost.

[Joe L.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Hi Bob
Well there are Arbor presses and hydraulic presses. I believe you are referring to a hydraulic press since it has a 20 ton cylinder. Arbor presses are rack & pinion setups.

The press you have should have come with 2 plates. I use old races, pipes, steel tubing, and other pieces with my press. Sometimes I'll make up some tooling as needed. If you have a scrap metal house near you or even a community recycle center you might find steel to use. There is a metal house near me that has racks of stock in small sizes for low cost.

Gary-----


Yup, that's how it is on both counts.

Furthermore, I don't know of any source for specialized press accessory tools. Just as you describe, folks generally make up what they need from commonly available pipe, fasteners and steel stock. I've got boxes full of the various things I use as-is or have made up.

[Kenn S.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Harbor Freight's press comes with a couple of plates with various shapes on the edges, and perhaps they sell that separately. Very useful.

I've found sockets are a must as well. Non-impact--softer sides so piece isn't damaged. For example, I press U-joints, sway bar bushings, and control arm bushings in/out with no issue. Just choose a socket of appropriate diameter and depth (regular v. deep).

Curious...I don't have a C1/C2, but on my C3's the steering knuckle is attached with two bolts and a Stover nut. Are the knuckles different on your car? No bolt, but a pin of some kind?

[Bill M.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

I use all different size schedule 80 pipe nipples. along with the 2 steel plates that come with the press

[Tracy C.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Bob,
Most everyone makes up simple tooling from scrap metal as others have said. One thing I can share with you is a tip to make the Harbor Freight press more user friendly. I found that my press was essential useless when I needed anything needing precision compression. The plunger would shift under load because there was nothing to keep it from moving 1/4" in any direction.

I modified the press by adding some linear ball slide blocks and rails on each side. These are the same type of rails used on a mills to keep the tables square with the cutting head. I bought mine on eBay for under $50. I bought a single rail with two blocks. I just cut the rail in two with my chop saw. You only need about 12 inches of rail on each side. That is more than the travel on your hydraulic jack.

I can tell you my press is now a JOY to use. It never shifts under load. Here are a couple of pics.

IMG_1090.jpg

IMG_1091.jpg

[Bill M.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

to add to what Tracy said I squared up all of the joints and welded the whole thing together no more shifting

[Jack H.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Tracy & Bill...

Not to hi-jack the thread, but thanks for the tip. I've had my eye on buying that same HF press for quite a while now, but didn't like all the slop. Good solutions.

[Gary R.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Nice deal there Tracy. The slop in mine is not a problem but the original cylinder didn't last long. I bought a 20 ton cylinder from Graingers ( also Chinese) and it has lasted about 8-9 years now. Used it for plenty of 4 speeds, diff's, and trailing arms since.

[Joe L.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Bob,
Most everyone makes up simple tooling from scrap metal as others have said. One thing I can share with you is a tip to make the Harbor Freight press more user friendly. I found that my press was essential useless when I needed anything with precision compression. The plunger would shift under load because there was nothing to keep it from moving 1/4" in any direction.

I modified the press by adding some linear ball slide blocks and rails on each side. These are the same type of rails used on a mills to keep the tables square with the cutting head. I bought mine on eBay for under $50. I bought a single rail with two blocks. I just cut the rail in two with my chop saw. You only need about 8 inches of rail on each side. That is more than the travel on your hydraulic jack.

I can tell you my press is now a JOY to use. It never shifts under load. Here is a couple of pics.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]57712[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]57711[/ATTACH]

Tracy-------


This configuration Harbor Freight press has no side-slop. However, I don't know if it's still available. I got this one a LONG time ago.


DSCN3078.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Nice deal there Tracy. The slop in mine is not a problem but the original cylinder didn't last long. I bought a 20 ton cylinder from Graingers ( also Chinese) and it has lasted about 8-9 years now. Used it for plenty of 4 speeds, diff's, and trailing arms since.

Gary------


It's pretty hard to find one of these hydraulic bottle jacks that isn't made in China. I've even seen some hydraulic presses which were otherwise entirely made in USA but still used a Chinese hydraulic bottle jack.

[Gary R.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Gary------


It's pretty hard to find one of these hydraulic bottle jacks that isn't made in China. I've even seen some hydraulic presses which were otherwise entirely made in USA but still used a Chinese hydraulic bottle jack.

Very true however the quality between the HF and Grainger parts was noticeable. I wish I still had the 60 ton Dake press we used rebuilding Bridgeport mills- that was a true quality tool

[Tracy C.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

Ah yes, I can see why no slop, the plunger is contained. I have a HF store in Wichita and I have never seen a press configured like that there or even in the flyer's they mail me. I'd say you bought one of the last of those for sure.

tc

[Phil D.]

Re: Where to get Arbor Press accessories?

HF does sell a 10 piece bearing race and seal driver set which I've found to be quite handy with my press.