Gorman, George wrote:
>
> Brian:
>
> but I found two problems. (1) top frame is just two steel
> plates mounted on-edge. I've bent them from being slightly off-center on
> occasion. Look for press with an I-beam on top. I made one of my own to
> replace the plates. (2) Size the beast to fit what you plan to be pressing.
> Couldn't quite fit a Ford rear axle in to press off wheel bearings (axle was
> too long). Could press new bearings on however, just due to geometry (it's a
> long story, but you get the picture).
Same thing here, except the bottom was the issue.
Normally, when you press, the work piece rests on a heavy
duty steel platform. The platform is supported by two
pegs that go through the main legs of the press, distributing
the force of the press downwards.
I sized my HF A-Frame press so I could press RX7 rear axle
bearings (H-Frame was too small). However, because the
axles are so long, they won't fit in the press with the
press-platform. Therefore, I made my own platform
out of wood and metal. However, this platform ended
up resting on the bottom cross-brace, and ended up
distributing the press force sideways, against the
legs, instead of downwards, towards the floor.
The outward force extered itself on 4 grade 2 bolts,
which promptly snapped. Grade 8 replacements
were sufficienct, however, when I have to do axle bearings
again, I'll make a custom jig so that the force
of the press is exerted down into the floor, instead of
sideways.
-- Jack
|