Modified Hydraulic Press Installation Pics

My Modified Harbor Freight Hydraulic Press

1/29/2015

There are some great hydraulic presses made especially for use with jewelry and small metals. My budget isn't up for that right now so I went to Harbor Freight and bought one for $199. Then I hired a local craftsman to make two 8x12" removable platens-- and it works like a charm.

Harbor Freight 20 ton hydraulic press (modified)

(Update 1/31/2015: If you're researching this topic, read the comments people are leaving below. Lots of advice and important viewpoints to consider.)

So yeah, Harbor Freight is always good for starting a heated discussion about cost vs. quality and you get what you pay for. No denying that. I'm super happy with some products and not so much with others. Should you decide to embark on a similar adventure, my disclaimer is that your results may vary. Be safe, be careful, do your own research-- at your own risk. This is just my story to share.

Before assembling the press, I took the two middle crossbars to Fortin Ironworks, a local metal fabrication shop here in Columbus, OH. They viewed an image of the assembled press on Harbor Freight's website, measured the crossbars, and proposed a design. Two days later the parts were ready.

The job cost $107 for labor and all that steel. So this 20 ton hydraulic press ended up costing me about $300.

VERY nice.

Bottom Platen
This is the new bottom platen. The craftsman suggested a removable solution to retain flexibility in how the press can be used. He welded a section of large square pipe to the plate and it drops right between the crossbars of the press to keep it securely in place.

Dropping in the new bottom platen

Bottom platen securely in place

New bottom platen view 1

New bottom platen view 2

Harbor Frieght 20 ton hydraulic press (original)

Installation
The new platens are SUPER heavy. I can't lift them. All the installation was done by someone larger.

Here is a shot of the original center section of the press. The two black X-shaped steel pieces came with the press. We decided to use them as spacers under the bottom platen but they can be set aside to make more vertical space.

The top crossbar in this image hangs from springs. The bottom crossbar height is adjustable and can be moved lower on the frame to accommodate larger work.

Top Platen
My plan was to cut off the round vertical rod and weld a new platen to the top crossbar. Instead, the craftsman proposed welding a pipe onto the new platen to fit over the vertical rod. I decided to go with the adapter simply to preserve the original functionality of the press. (Update 1/31/2015: is this the best design? See section A Few Notes, below.)

To install it, we placed the top platen on top of the bottom platen and then pumped the jack to lower it. Once the rod was completely in the cylinder with platens pressed tightly together, the pressure screw was tightened.

New top platen view 1

New top platen view 2

Top platen ready to secure

Screw tightened with hydraulic pressure between plates

A Few Notes
I'll update this as I work with the press.

The jack didn't work well until we pulled it out and added fluid-- works great now. Regardless, the manual jack requires a fair amount of pumping. Electric ones do exist but I'm ok with this.
This setup has no pump gauge so pressure is guesswork. I may wind up buying this torque handle from Potter USA but still need to contact them and ask questions. Update 1/30/2015: Kevin Potter tells me yes, this would work fine. This video explains the tool.
Dimensions are going to vary based on the press so I won't share measurements for these square and cylindrical adapters. The steel platens are 8x12" and 3/4" thick but this size was not determined by any scientific means.

Reader Comments (Updates after 1/31/2015)
Holy moly, Batman. It turns out the best part of this project is YOU. The comments below are a must-read for anyone researching a project like this. There are some differing viewpoints but sort through them to determine what fits best for your needs. These are just a few highlights:

Cynthia Eid, instructor and co-author of Creative Metal Forming, left some great tips on use and safety.
Dana Evans outlined her concerns about the top platen's design. She argues for welding it to the frame for structural integrity.
After an offline conversation with metal artist Stephen Fitz-Gerald in Santa Rosa, CA, I summarized his comments in a post under my own name below. He generally works with dies and no top platen, with the arbor intact as-is.
Metal artist Brad Severtson left detailed suggestions below based on his own setup with this press.
Lots more... must read!

Wrap-up
I didn't say a word about how this press is used for jewelry and small metals. Most of you are still reading this because you already know, right? Maybe I'll show some pieces in a future post but in the meantime see this google search for hydraulic press jewelry.

Both plates fully installed

Installed and Ready
When we released the pressure, each platen was securely in place and ready to go.
Pretty darn cool if you ask me :-)

OK, your turn-- leave me a comment!! Tell me what you think. Sue :-)

73 Comments

Katie

1/29/2015 10:18:04 am

Super cool, Sue!! What a great, low-cost alternative! Can't wait to see what you make with it!!

Michael Sabo

1/29/2015 10:24:08 am

HF gets a bad rap too often. If one knows what they need and has a basic inkling as to serviceability, they have somes gems in the rough. It would be nice to be able to support Kevin Potter, or purchase a Bonny Dune...but it looks like you have a very serviceable tool atva reasonable price. Keep us posted as to the results.

Cherilyn George

1/29/2015 10:29:59 am

Great idea!!

Barb link

1/29/2015 10:50:31 am

Wow!! I'm not in the position to buy one yet, but what a great option!

Robyn

1/29/2015 11:04:39 am

Hi Sue, My friend and I did a very similar thing here in Australia. Works like a charm and very cost effective!!!!!

Sue Lacy link

1/30/2015 03:57:00 am

That's great to hear! If you'd like to post any details about your solution here, you're more than welcome :-)

Mary Fisher

1/29/2015 11:06:03 am

Sue, what a great idea - thanks for showing the modifications so clearly. Have fun pressing.

Marian

1/29/2015 11:13:01 am

Thank you for sharing your research and creativity.

Jennifer Muru

1/29/2015 11:14:30 am

Great idea! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

Nancy Sathre-Vogel link

1/29/2015 11:58:27 am

Love it! I, too, have had mixed experiences with Harbor Freight. Sometimes they are awesome; other times not so much. Please keep us update about how well this holds up.

Diane

1/29/2015 12:22:36 pm

Great idea for a limited budget. Thanks for sharing.

Linda

1/29/2015 12:23:17 pm

Fantastic, thanks for sharing this!

Lola link

1/29/2015 12:32:33 pm

Excellent idea, Sue. Thanks for sharing, and will look forward to your review.

Evelyn link

1/29/2015 12:38:28 pm

That's impressive!!

Lee Anne Messerschmidt

1/29/2015 12:38:50 pm

Thanks for sharing this.. I am going to check into this my self.. I would love to have a press. And I have always had great customer service at Harbor Freight. If something did not work as I expected they always took it back or replaced it.

1/30/2015 03:59:26 am

That's my experience too, Lee Anne. I haven't dealt with their online sales because we have a local store, but Harbor Freight's customer service has been great.

Michael D Horgan

1/29/2015 01:08:09 pm

Sounds like a good deal for you, Sue. I use Harbor freight as a place to buy kits from which I build tools. Nice. Now get to work!

Kasandra link

1/29/2015 01:30:39 pm

Amazing press - well done! Now I want one!

Barbara Laffan

1/29/2015 03:14:55 pm

The press looks great. Getting the huge one and scaling it down was quite ingenious!
Harbor Freight can be good for tools. The best of them, Fretz et al, are too expensive for many budgets. Creativity is good, too. I keep my smaller items stored in plastic ice cream jars, and found out that several other people use them also. Inexpensive or even free things abound if you look for them!

1/30/2015 04:13:39 am

Good idea for storage, Barbara. (mmmm now I'm thinking about ice cream)

Nancy link

1/29/2015 03:39:53 pm

Great idea to confert a Harbor Freight press .
Thanks for the clear explanation with photos.
You might want a gauge for repeat performances! Keep us updated in your future posts.

Leslie Todd

1/29/2015 04:30:43 pm

Thanks for sharing! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I have a hydraulic press on my want list.

Ken Roussin link

1/29/2015 04:32:18 pm

Thanks Sue. I have been thinking about buying a press. Now I think I will follow your lead, and make one.

1/30/2015 04:11:25 am

Let us know how that goes! :-)

Robert Thirlaway

1/29/2015 10:33:46 pm

Great addition to the press I have the exact same one I bought the air operated Jack on sale with a 20% coupon for $69 it makes it much easier to use. Still need to add a gauge but it's very easy to get good results without it. You've inspired me to upgrade mine.

1/30/2015 04:05:50 am

Hmmm Robert I'll have to look into the air operated jack at some point.

1/30/2015 04:20:21 am

It is SO great to read all your comments-- thanks for all the positive vibe. As I use the press and learn things I'll come back and add updates to the notes section.

I can't take credit for coming up with the concept of adapting a Harbor Freight press since I've heard of others doing it. But I do want to credit (again) the craftsman at Fortin Ironworks here in Columbus for devising this cool solution.

I would seriously love to hear about other solutions you've heard of or come up with-- details in comments are more than welcome.

Cynthia Eid link

1/30/2015 05:16:41 am

Hi Sue,
Welcome to the world of hydraulic pressing! It looks like a pretty good adaptation, so that you can put a toe into this method of forming. I would like to offer a few comments about safety. I did something similar when I became interested----bought a press made by a local welder. Like you, I did not have a gauge. I did manage to bend some of the frame---though it still worked, it is not ideal! I am glad a seam did not blow in a dramatic, dangerous way. So, I strongly suggest using Kevin Potter's torque wrench, or investing in a jack with a gauge. Not only does it help you get consistent results, but it is safer.
Be very careful, as these hydraulic presses are made for use by auto mechanics, who have different needs from jewelers. The frame is long and thin, compared to most presses made for jewelers.
I also suggest that you have some holes drilled, so that you can attach tooling to a platen, so that it stays in place. This is important if a tool is taller than it is wide, and/or if the ends are not both flat and parallel to the platens.
Please wear safety gear, such as safety glasses,or a face shield. Consider setting up a thick piece of polycarbonate as a safety shield. I don't have one, but Jim Binnion set one up after there was an accident in his shop.
Be very careful, as these hydraulic presses are made for use by auto mechanics, who have different needs from jewelers. The frame is long and thin, compared to most presses made for jewelers.
I will post my hydraulic press safety list on the Foldforming page on Facebook for you, and others.
Learn as much as you can about how to use this tool safely. I have seen things pop out of a press and fly across the room! I teach that since it is a powerful tool, it is important to know how to use it safely. Get training, as you did before your drove a car. Be careful about believing everything on YouTube---just because it is on the net does not mean that it is wise or safe. Get Susan Kingsley's book about the hydraulic press. Take a class from someone you trust. I cannot resist mentioning that I will be teaching at workshop in July 2015 at Metalwerx in Waltham, MA.
Have fun, and be safe! You are my friend!
Cynthia Eid

1/30/2015 08:34:40 am

Cynthia, wow-- thank you for the fantastic commentary in use and safety. I updated my post under "A Few Notes" to suggest that readers scroll down and look for your note about use and safety.

For those who don't know her (anyone?) Cynthia Eid is co-author of Creative Metal Forming and a thought leader in this field. A class with her about the hydraulic press would certainly be valuable!

1/30/2015 08:44:34 am

Also-- Cynthia is referring to the book Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers & Metalsmiths by Susan Kingsley. I've got it-- great resource :-)

Greg Starner

1/30/2015 05:53:29 am

Thanks Sue. I have that press and was trying to figure a way to add the plates. This should work very well and it's easy to remove them for other aplications. The height of tge press works well for compressing tubing.
Greg Starner

1/30/2015 08:16:18 am

Greg, I hope you'll let us know how things go with yours and if you modify the configuration at all.

Valerie Wood

1/30/2015 08:59:29 am

Sue, Thank you so much for posting this! I have wanted a press for quite a while; this makes it possible! Since I live near the Center for Metal Arts, do you think someone there would make the platens for me?

1/30/2015 11:17:03 am

Hi Valerie, good question. I'll check on that and answer here soon.

1/31/2015 11:41:03 am

Valerie, it sounds like they might be willing to do this or something similar for you. You can contact Pat or Laurie about details and pricing at (845) 651-7550. I'll be interested to hear the outcome.

Ann Sanicola

2/1/2015 02:46:45 am

Talk to Patrick Quinn. He might be able to help. If not, then Dutchess Metal Supply on Overlook might be a thought. Chats where I got the steel for my spacers

Brad Severtson

1/30/2015 11:03:51 pm

I've been doing it this way since I started metal smithing. I have this press and use it all the time.

1/31/2015 02:21:17 am

So good to hear from you, Brad. You were nice enough to answer some questions for me a couple years ago when I began thinking about presses. Took long enough for me to jump in, huh?

Jill Leventon link

1/31/2015 01:40:19 am

I live in the UK, so buying a Bonny Doon press just isn't an option for me! I have a press that a friend made for me, which is wonderful, but I recently used a Bonny Doon one, and it was so much better. I have an ordinary car jack in mine, with no pressure gauge. After using the BD press, I'm going to try to get one with a pressure gauge.
Cynthia, do let me know if you're running any classes on forming in the UK in the near future.

1/31/2015 02:26:16 am

Jill, thanks for the insight on BD and the pressure gauge. I dropped Cynthia a line letting her know about your question to her.

1/31/2015 09:00:06 am

Hi Jill, I used to teach every summer at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham, UK. Unfortunately, with the change of economy, as well as new head of school, and new head of short course/workshop program, I have not been to the UK in a few years. If you have a favorite school, please do suggest me to them. I am thinking about putting together a few schools---in England and Ireland---so that I could make another trip. Also, if you email me at [email protected], I'll add you to my mailing list for the future.

Kim Lyons

10/2/2015 09:27:07 am

Hello Cindy,
Where would we find info on where you are doing classes? Husband suggested I get a press like this, but I know absolutely nothing. I prefer to take physical classes when learning a new skill.

Dana Evans link

1/31/2015 02:21:23 am

Hi Sue! I applaud your ingenuity! One thing that really gets my ears up (I come from a architecture/physics background) is the top platen design. The fact that it is being supported on the top post by a set screw worries me. When pressing, there could be some uneven forces and will that set screw be enough to avoid a failure/accident? I would have followed your instincts and removed the post and then welded a top platen onto the bar above. Even with your current configuration of not removing that post, welding the top platen to the post rather than depending on the set screw seems better. Relying on that post as a single point load of compression is not better than removing the post and installing a welded plate, which would distribute the loads more evenly. As it is set up now, regular inspection of that set screw is critical. Pressing can weaken the threading. It's worth a re-looking at the top configuration for long-term use. Another $100 for a re-do would be well worth it IMHO. Good luck and have fun!

1/31/2015 02:31:16 am

Dana, thank you for clearly defining your concerns about this design. I will add an update in my post suggesting that readers look for your comment here.

Linda Koutroulis

1/31/2015 01:56:59 pm

I too purchased a Hydraulic Press from Harbor Freight. I purchased the 6 ton. Very inexpensive. on sales right now, $74.99, use a 20% discount coupon and take another $15.00 off. $60. + 6.99 shipping.
I have used PotterUSA, pancake dies, and shilhouette dies, successfully. I bought the urethane and the extended platen, which I use with the patterned bracelet dies. I am not a power user. But, it works fine for me.

2/1/2015 02:17:28 am

Linda, I've always wondered about that small press and what it could do. Thanks for the info!

1/31/2015 10:08:07 pm

Suggestion or areas I think you could give more consideration to. 1. get rid of the post. 2. Make it so the top platen screws in place to the floating press base piece. 3' This new top platen should have a centered hole drilled and tapped in it to accept common press accessories easily. 4. I'd like to see some sort of wrap on the springs. 5 make sure the eye bolts are double nutted. 6 the floating press base piece on these is generally sloppy it can move both front to back as well as side to side. tighten up the tolerances with some shim stock. 7 I always wanted to have a way of knowing the distance traveled, better yet the distance remaining to be traveled. A metal ruler under one side of the frame could provide that bit of knowledge. 8. It might be kind of handy to have some lines scribed into the bottom platen and the edges of both platens to help locate center. 9. Get yourself some pads and contained forms and go for it. 10. Bravo to you.

2/1/2015 02:24:59 am

Brad, thank you so much for all this great advice. I added a note to the blog post alerting readers to scroll down and look for this.

2/1/2015 01:45:46 am

Yesterday I talked with Stephen Fitz-Gerald, a talented metal artist in Santa Rosa, CA. See his work here: http://sfitzgeraldfineart.com. He uses this same Harbor Freight press (among others) and generally uses no upper platen. He makes his own dies and uses the existing arbor (the vertical rod) as it is. **For small work like jewelry, this size for the top platen is not necessary.** So please note-- I chose this size because I want to work on some large sheets. Others should choose the top platen size and design that's appropriate to their own projects.

Ann Sanicola link

2/1/2015 02:51:43 am

I recommend replacing the stock eyebolts with case hardened eyebolts. We metalworkers put a lot more strain on those than your average auto shop.

2/1/2015 03:48:20 am

Great suggestion, Ann!

Dave

1/1/2017 04:52:54 pm

This comment make absolutely no sense. The springs are under the same tension regardless of who is using the press .

Richie

7/13/2015 08:06:09 pm

Hi Sue,

I would love to see more follow up with your hydraulic press adventures. I've been working on the same idea, and its really good to know there are others working on modifying these presses for creative uses simply because trying to get a real press is just too expensive and costly. I ordered my HF press today. Hopefully I can also get the right die I need to work with this machine. I wonder how necessary it is to have a bottom and top platen, and definitely will spend a little more for a cutting board to my die.

10/2/2015 11:02:25 am

Hi Kim,
I teach regularly at Metalwerx, in Waltham, MA, outside of Boston---both weekly classes and workshops. (I also volunteer on the board of this non-profit.) I don't have anything scheduled at the moment, but you could sign up for the newsletter and class listings by emailing [email protected], or going to the website, www.metalwerx.com.

10/4/2015 11:02:37 am

Thanks Cynthia. I am in Southern NJ. I will.

11/22/2015 07:47:05 pm

I started with the HF 6 ton "a" frame press but initially changed all the bolts to grade 5 (or better). The next change was to improve feet from the shabby ones HF supplied to real angle iron with a larger cross section. The final change was to increase the height. Again using angle with a larger cross section I added about 12" to the height with additional holes to set the work table in more and convient positions. In all of this, I was careful to keep at least the minimum cross section of the original angles. now maybe a pressure gauge...post here if you want pictures..

Alisa Vogt

3/14/2016 11:42:50 pm

I have been looking at the HF presses and would love to see pictures of your modifications. I've been trying to decide if I should get the "A" frame or the floor model.

Al Rodi

2/26/2018 10:09:31 pm

I can do that, but how can I post them here?

Nancy LT Hamilton link

1/14/2016 06:37:18 pm

Great page Sue! I just shot a link over to a curious, future press owner. Thank you!

Anita Vogelsang-Wilhelm link

1/26/2016 01:58:20 pm

Thank you! Just discovered your site while searching for (an affordable) hydraulic press (fat chance). I lost my husband recently, and need MORE income. I am going to TRY to duplicate your efforts regarding the press! If you would care to share any advise or glitches encountered during your "adventure," I would be grateful. Thanks for being there when I needed you! Hope you get to read this, I realize I am a year late...

1/26/2016 02:25:19 pm

Were you saying someone in particular or general question to the group. I would be happy to post pictures should you wish.

Ginger Mitchell

3/28/2017 12:22:12 am

Has anyone used this setup with pattern plates? I would like to use a press to put a pattern on metal that I use in my jewelry pieces.

Travis Roy

6/4/2017 12:19:52 pm

How did you locate a craftsman in your area? I would like to the same, just larger plates.

Yama Ploskonka link

9/1/2017 08:35:12 pm

Hi Sue! Very happy with my 20 ton Harbor Freight modified to print and to press paper. I make paper by hand, and while for quite a while I got quite decent results with my 16x24 platens made out of wood, my latest contract was for 22x30 paper, thus requiring larger and MUCH heavier platens, thick so they would not bend. Eventually I had to reinforce with steel beams, etc., making things even heavier. I'm fixin' to change things so the jack is under the lower platen and pushes up, between one thing and another the springs seem to have worn out from the weight. Yes, some kind of pressure gauge would be good, for now I just go as much as I can on the lever (very good exercise, BTW) and call it "20 tons", though I really have no idea :-) For papermaking this really has worked well for me. I have also used this to emboss between laser-engraved acrylic plates.
Eventually I'll weld a real frame out of real thick steel beams. It's amazing what those 20 tons have done to my wood.

yama ploskonka link

8/25/2020 10:15:02 pm

2020 update: Still the same press, I have worn out one jack, purchased a second press from which I used the metal to reinforce the first, replaced some of the very worn out wood with that metal. The platens are still wood, but only for the large flat section, and that's several layers, 8 inches thick, touching the press metal parts are metal reinforcement pieces. I have also replaced the springs, ran a cable inside each, so that if one of those happened to break and jump, it "should" stay tied to the press and no go take someone's eye off. Hmm, I think that's about it. Oh yes, the newer 20-ton Harbor Freight presses look flimsier that those i purchased years ago, I'm not really sure, not that I need another... this one will probably last me for my entire life, and be reliable, perhaps replacing a jack now and then. I've never felt really the need to get a gauge or anything like, I press as hard as the jack will let me until too hard to keep going, but NEVER use an extension with a pipe or what irresponsible people do, which could force the jack beyond what it can actually handle safely. Maybe "too" careful, but I prefer it this way.

Shaheen

2/26/2018 02:05:15 pm

I want to contact you to suggest a press machine for me

Michael Foley link

9/10/2018 03:53:11 am

The comment section is a gold mine!

Elizabeth

8/25/2020 09:19:51 pm

My question is about the platens, is 1/2" steel ok as you used 3/4" on top and bottom . Thanks

Steph link

1/13/2021 04:20:24 pm

Great read tthanks

Patrick Bell link

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Joseph Waller link

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Stan

11/23/2023 07:33:47 pm

What kind of steel did you use for the platens? I've priced out tool steel and it comes in around $1,000.

11/24/2023 10:09:41 am

@Stan
1) look for "drops" in your metal supplier's warehouse. Those are pieces of metal left behind by other clients and projects, my supplier here charges 80 to 65 cents per pound. Seldom do I have to buy "normal" steel, drops are usually enough to manage

2) I did not use metal, I used several layers of (repurposed, free picked up from curb) wood. Yup, gets crushed, yup, eventually added a metal brace from heavy-duty metal bought as a drop. I had to add extra springs, so the top platen gets lifted, got those springs from a discarded trampoline. My platens were HEAVY. But also huge, I made 32"x24" handmade paper. I started with smaller platens, then had this contract for large paper.

look for my posts from 2017 and 2020, up in the page

My Modified Harbor Freight Hydraulic Press

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