Hydraulic Shop Press

[diyengineer]

I have been look at harbor freight and grizzly. I always find myself needing a press here and there but never have one. I want to break down and buy one.

What are the benefits/disadvantages of the A VS H frames?

Is it worth getting one with a PSI gauge that actually shows the force applied?

If i get a press how many tons is a good general amount to do just about everything? Grizzly has a 30 ton H frame press for $209..

I would like something i can tackle all kinds of random projects with if i so choose. The one with the most room for options is what im after.

Price range: preferably less than $250.

Thank you!

[breathe]

I have been look at harbor freight and grizzly. I always find myself needing a press here and there but never have one. I want to break down and buy one.

What are the benefits/disadvantages of the A VS H frames?

Is it worth getting one with a PSI gauge that actually shows the force applied?

If i get a press how many tons is a good general amount to do just about everything? Grizzly has a 30 ton H frame press for $209..

I would like something i can tackle all kinds of random projects with if i so choose. The one with the most room for options is what im after.

Price range: preferably less than $250.

Thank you!

Not sure about the different frame sizes, but craigslist can be an excellent source for getting tools in great shape. Sometimes you can find some sweet deals.

[doorknob]

If you decide to go with Harbor Freight (and buy from a store), you may be able to get a better-than-advertised price if you're willing to do a bit of haggling (and are willing to join their "Inside Track Club" for $30, even if it is just to try it out, and you can cancel for a refund within 90 days)...

I just bought the small 6-ton A-frame press from HF, and the "head cashier" was all over me trying to give me a discounted price (below the lowest price that I could get with the 20% off coupon) as long as I signed up for the ITC at the time of the purchase. He was pushing the even greater discounts that would be available with one of the larger presses, but the 6-ton unit meets my needs, so that was the one that I ended up getting. He also gave me the additional 1 year warranty for no extra charge. (HF is probably giving really good bonuses to cashiers who sell ITC memberships right now - scuttlebutt is that HF may be going public, and so they want to make their balance sheet and income statements look really good, so they are doing whatever is needed to 'prime the pump')...