How to Install a Shop Press
A hydraulic shop press is a piece of equipment that the serious do-it-yourselfer or advanced hobbyist could benefit from. It is useful for pressing bearings on and off, pressing close-fitting machine components together or apart, straightening bent parts, and even light metal-forming operations. If you are the new owner of a shop press, you will need to give serious thought to where to install it so it is out of the normal flow of traffic in your shop, yet readily accessible for use. It is also best to fasten it solidly to the floor to prevent tipping.
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Level
- Hammer
- Punch
- Drill
- Masonry drill bit, 1/2-inch
- 4 half-inch concrete anchor bolts with nuts
- 3/4-inch wrench
- Press owner's manual
Instructions
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1
Sweep the floor where you plan to install the press. Check with a level to ensure the floor does not slope.
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2
Move the press into place. Set it out from the wall to provide enough space for work pieces. Check the uprights with the level and make sure the press does not lean.
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3
Use the hammer and punch to mark the floor in the location of the mounting holes. Move the press out of the way.
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4
Drill a half-inch hole three inches deep at the marked locations. Sweep away the debris left by drilling.
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5
Re-position the press over the holes. Drop a concrete anchor into each hole. Use the wrench to tighten the nut on each anchor.
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6
Bleed the jack on the press according to the instructions in the owner's manual.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are mounting the press on a wood floor, substitute a wood-cutting bit for the masonry bit and substiture half-inch lag screws for the concrete anchors.
Be careful not to tip the press. Enlist help if you have difficulty moving the press.
