"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
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"PrecisionmachinisT" wrote in message
news:2c2dnfsyFNsqhtvOnZ2dnUVZ_tydnZ2d@scnresearch. com...

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
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Ok, for the first time ever I used the right tool for the job. I
routinely set alignment pins in aluminum plates for some parts I make.
What I have found works fairly well in the past is to set one plate with
a slip fit size hole on top of the plate with the friction fit hole and
use a piece of aluminum stock as a drift to smack the pin in with a
hammer. By doing it that way it actually works pretty well and goes in
pretty straight.

Today I used a 3 ton arbor press now that I finally own one. It was
both easier and harder than I thought. Once I got used to how much
force I really had to exert on the lever they went in straight and fast
with little fuss. What surprised me was how much force I had to
actually use on the lever. I probably could have gotten by indefinitely
without one, but I've started making a part that uses a press fit solid
pin as a hinge pin. I am hoping I can quickly assemble the parts with
the press. The hammer/guide/drift method does not work easily for the
hinge pin assembly.



I've been using an old delta bench drill press with a pin punch in the
chuck to press 3/16" dowells into aluminum plate for many many years
now...very nice to have the handle raise back up automatically. Guessing
we typically press 100 pins or so per day using this method, it goes
pretty quick.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoind...es/12320-A.jpg

I tried that with my much newer much cheaper (of course modern Delta stuff
isn't that great either) drill press, and I was never happy with the
results. I think my drill press just isn't rigid enough for good results.
I think you suggested it before when I tried it.


I got a feeling it wouldnt work as well if I was pressing pins much larger
than 3/16" diameter