HF PRESS

[sdnative13]

Ok so i am in the market for a press. I have been looking and reading a lot about the Harbor Freight h and a frame presses. I went the other day to purchase the 12 ton a-frame press and was informed that it is in the process of being discontinued. Stll available online but not in stores. I was wanting the a-frame because after all my searching the conclusion is it that the h-frame can be a reliable press but not without moderate to heavy modification/reinforcement. Does anyone know why the a-frame is being discontinued?

And before anyone suggest others pressess im not interested due to price and expected use.

[isplice]

I've got one and it does everything I ask of it. I have no idea why they are discontinuing it. If you aren't in a hurry, 7-14 day shipping on it is $6.99.

[generalpetres]

i would recommend the 20 ton press its a lot better than the 12ton. cant go wrong, its the press of the ak gods

[sdnative13]

But is it really worth the extra $100

[kcstott]

you get 8 extra tons of working force. once you have a press and learn to use it extra power is nice to have.

[Chunky_lover]

whatever press I have, its the small one maybe 2 feet high total
its too small to do anything with it as there is no room
not deep enough and not wide enough
not even a small 10 inch wheel fits to press out bearings

only used it 2 times as those projects only fit so at least it paid for itself

if I ever get another one it will be those very tall floor mount ones with tons of room under it

[Bralowe]

Although I don't know what you intend to use the press for, I've used the HF 20 ton press for my AK builds & it has worked well. As kcstott points out, extra capacity can be very useful.

[valley82]

Get the 20 ton you won't regret it.

[Twystd1]

Get the 20 ton you won't regret it.

And yes it is worth the extra cost.

Look on Craigzlist. The 20 ton can often be had for under 120 bucks.
You have to look everyday. They go quick.

-T

[Baeleron]

The H frame is not very difficult to mod, and is a decent press after you've modded it. If the mods seem too hard, I'd advise against trying to build an AK

[hermosabeach]

A friend who builds AKs has the 12 and the 20

He only uses the 12 ton as he gets a feel for the rivet.

I would check with the old AK builder team before going to then20

My guess the decision to discontinue is based upon volume of sales and profitability of turns on inventory.

[Bullets&Whitewalls]

I have the HF20 and for the money it has been good to me. Far from perfect, I had to go through a couple before I got one that was drilled correctly (sorta) Mine is close I had to shim the table so it would not twist out of shape too bad. The ram went out and I got the air over hydraulic 20t and that has been really nice when you want to position something and control it with your foot. I have used it for dropping steering arms for 50s cars to suspension bushings and bearings in diffs. to AK stuff as well. Even with all the extra work for the money it is still worth it to me. I have slowly been putting metal aside though because at some point I will build a larger framed unit because some of the axle work I some times do needs a little more space. Get the 20 you will be glad you did.

[generalpetres]

yes its worth the extra money, goto harborfreight and look at both the presses the 12ton is really lite and small tbh and the 20ton is a lot more sturdier, even though you might need 20 tons its nice to have extra pressing force encase the need ever arises. ive brought mine to build parties when they were still going as well as used it to help build the rear end thats in my 72 nova.

[baih777]

20 ton just went on sale. $154.99
I have the 12 ton. I bought a 20 ton jack for it. just have to use it wisely.
you will find some barrel pins and barrel stubs in parts kits need a little more force. as far as the loose fit. both presses have it. to fill in the gaps where it bolts together, just go to a hardware store and buy fender washers
(larger diameter) .
as far as the crossbar (press bar) there are gaps in both. all you need to do is get some 1 inch or 1 1/4 flat stock. bend it into L-shape.
1 1/2 x 3 and drop into place to fill the gap.

[generalpetres]

Yes as baih777 said they are on sale right now for 154.99 which is a great deal.



i was at harbor freight earlier and took a pic of the two different presses just so you understand how much size difference there is. to me the 12ton is just too small.