Harbor Freight Hydraulic Press With Bells & Whistles

[tmate3]

Like a number of other idiots, I bought a $180 Harbor Freight 20 ton press and then proceeded to pour over $500 into it. Oh well, here's the result.

Mods include:

Casters
Pinned the plates
Air over hydraulic jack
Boat winch for table
Individual grade 8 bolts
Needle bearing guide rollers
Swag finger brake
Knob made from turned down timing pulley
Shaft collars on ends of table pins

[DIYer]

Thanks tmate3! We've added your Press Modifications to our Brakes and Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: tmate3's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Press Modifications by tmate3

tags: press, modification

[sossol]

I bought one of those presses some 5 years ago, painted it in the Gulf Oil colors, used it once, then took it back apart and put it into storage because I inherited my dad's circa-1979 Taiwanese 12-ton press. Haven't touched it since.

Neil

[IntheGroove]

I've done similar upgrades to my HF press but I added one more bell, or whistle, a foot operated air valve...

[blkadder]

I bought the 12 ton press when I was putting together several HK rifle receivers. I did what I could to stiffen up the unit, but nothing like what you have done here. I think that I may have to revisit my alterations, and go more for what you have here. I especially like the rollers and the knob for the jack. Nothing more frustrating than trying to use the OE bar for tightening and loosening the valve on the jack.