ShopTalk Forums | Aircooled VW Tech & Restoration Help

winifredevw wrote:

I have the "real deal" genuine Harbor Freight 12 ton? model, I think you have a better design here. I would like to hear about long term results.

I changed the springs, welded on the round stock and clamped the base into place. The round stock was an old 3/4" pry-bar that I had, just had to cut it for length and do a little grinding to square up the end, it made pretty sparkles on the grinder! (HARD STEEL) I bolted the base on just to get an idea of where to put it, I'll drill the holes after I get a "Drill Doctor" my bit is really dull. I'm gonna drill 9/16" holes and use 1/2" rods, I know thats on the small side but I can always drill the holes bigger later.

That is looking sharp, I think you have just about nailed it. Great inspiration for the rest of us.

I'm done for now, I'll drill more holes for the pins later or as I need them. The pins are just 1/2"x12" bolts that I cut the threaded end off, I'll replace them with grade 8 soon. I couldn't stand it, I had to test it by bending that piece of scrap 1/4" steel! That pretty much maxed out the jack, believe it or not the pins didn't bend, but I don't trust them. Question for whomever may know, if I'm using a 6 ton jack, do I have a 6 ton press?

The press is cool but where does one find a nice Cordorba like that? I have seen that car with the "rich cornthien leather" in 25yrs.

I'm flattered, but for some reason lil' wifey won't part with it! I don't think she'll let me part it out, even though the low profile roots blower has to be worth 20K. Seriously, that damn car has sentimental value.

winifredevw, ya done good, nice work!

drill as many of the holes as you can....

on my friends press they are kinda far apart and you are constantly moving the table up or down and looking for spacer blocks.

use oil when you drill the holes and the bit should last longer....

Sorry about the pictures disapearing and all.

Here's a pic of it today. I don't use this tool very often, but it has made certain tasks so much easier in the past couple of years.

Man is that a confusing thread without pictures. Any way you can get some of those photos back, or just a good head on of what you have now? I need to find a good local scrap yard. This is pretty high on my list of things I want to do the second I have the space

The pics were lost a few years ago when I thought I knew how to manage photobucket. Yeah, right.

A small to medium press won't be that hard to build. I'll be glad to take a few pics if need be.

I am going to set up for a 20 ton jack, even though I only have a 12. Why build twice. The biggest question I have for you is are there any issues you have with it? Anything inconvenient or could have been done better?

I built mine knowing it would never be used for anything HEAVY-DUTY. If you're gonna build a 20 TON PRESS, look at how those are made, and construct yours even beefier. I made a "hobby press", with a 6 ton jack.

winifredevw wrote:Sorry about the pictures disapearing and all.

Here's a pic of it today. I don't use this tool very often, but it has made certain tasks so much easier in the past couple of years.

looks good, just needs wheels
it can go anywhere