"Steven" wrote in message
m...
A recent posting on arbor presses got me thinking again about my arbor
press. It seems to me that the working end of the ram needs tooling.
My ram is plain on the end, just square stock with a rack cut into the
side.

What if anything have you fellows done to make your press more
useuable? Would one drill and thread the ram on the centerline or
make a clamp arrangement to hold tooling or punches, etc?

Maybe do one end of the ram with "?" and leave the other end plain?

I haven't had any real need to do much more that pressing a arbor and
such, but I'm always looking to "improve" these types of basic tools.

Thanks,

Steven Harris
Everson, WA

Hey Steve,

It's my opinion that you shouldn't mess with the end of the ram. Because
you need the flat end for many applications, anything you do to alter it
could lead to problems, mushing of the hole, perhaps more mushing on the
edges.

You suggested using opposite ends of the ram. If you can change ends with
the ram easily, no tear down of the press, I think your idea is good. My
press would not respond to that idea because the ram can't be removed
without taking the press apart.

Assuming your press won't permit changing the ram without dismantling, If
you feel a need for specific tooling, I think I'd suggest an adapter that
fits over the end of the ram. You could clean up the existing mushing by
belt sander so the newly made "cup" could fit over the ram, made to a snug
fit slip and retained by a set screw. The opposite end of the cup could
have a hole of sorts that would than accept specific adapters, again, held
in place by a set screw. That frees up one hand, making it easier to do
some things.

Harold