Sport Rescue 245 Posted March 15, 2013 Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 I'm in search for a new press. Are these Harbor Freight, Northern Tool shop presses worth a damn? As I understand, the A frame press are more precise but, working distance is not as much as the cheaper H Frames. Most reviews are mixed and most are using for unrelated purposes. I guess my real question is... what have y'all found to be a good, inexpensive press? Also, will the 12 ton be suffice, or should I be looking for a 15 to 20 ton? Thanks for any input...Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BB1980 71 Posted March 15, 2013 Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 I've heard of the cheap cast arbor plates exploding under load, but that's about it. There are companies that make aftermarket arbor plates from billet steel, but if you aren't using the plates, it's no biggie. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RoughRider666 47 Posted March 15, 2013 Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 get a 20 ton from Harbor Freight. the price difference between the the 12 & 20 isnt enough to bitch about. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
evlblkwpnz 3,418 Posted March 15, 2013 Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 I have a HF 20 ton. After shimming it, it does what I need to do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sport Rescue 245 Posted March 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 Thanks. Are the H frames precise enough for barrel, pins and all other tasks? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwelhse 1,285 Posted March 15, 2013 Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 I'm not an AK builder, but I've used the 20 ton HF press A LOT... Nothing at all wrong with it. I even know some farmers that beefed up the frames and put bigger jacks in them. I have never heard of the plates exploding before. Each one must weigh close to 20lbs and are about 1.5" thick!! I'm not a china lover, nor a HF believer in many regards, but their press is just fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sport Rescue 245 Posted March 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2013 Well that's good to know. Reviews on website were mixed. The 20 ton is on sale for $149. Hell of a price but wanted to know from forum builders who have used and know what I am expecting this press to do. Really did not want to spend a whole lot considering my bank account dwindling due to my AK addiction. Probably will be spending a couple hundred at AK Builder just on press tools. Anyway, Thanks guys for the info. Will go pick it up in the morning. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chubby 1 Posted March 16, 2013 Report Share Posted March 16, 2013 on the AK builders website I see there seem to be several types of 80% lowers, but I do not see an 80% lower, or just the flat plate, for a saiga 7.62x39. I do not know all the diferences between the various types, MAK90, saiga, bulgarian, hungarian, polish and so on. I would like to buy parts kit for a 7.62x39 and finish the lower myself and I believe I would like to make a Saiga or Russian AK. Do I have that option? From what I have seen so far I would have to buy the kit for a chines, romanian or other. And, what is the difference between the 1mm and 1.5 mm, besides 0.5mm? Is there a spreadsheet that lays out all the part numbers for each AK version? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.