Mobilizing my Hydraulic Press

[astroracer]

I've had my hydraulic press sitting on these small HF trundle carts for a couple of years now. Makes it easy to move around but it's time to get it onto a dedicated cart.

I used some more of that 2 x 2 tubing I used for the cut-off rack. I also had a couple of pieces left over from a couple of engine stands I repurposed into a chassis rotisserie.


I ran the flap disc over the 2 x 2 after cutting them to length. All ready to square up and weld. It's a little smoky after a few minutes of welding.



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[astroracer]

The press has these angle iron outriggers that keep it from tipping over. I will use these on the new cart. I'll cut them to length and weld them on.


I wire brushed all of the welds and brushed on a coat of black Rustoleum.

Dragged the engine hoist into the shop so I could lift the press high enough to get the cart under it.



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[astroracer]

Lined up the bolt holes and put it together.

Rolls around great! The way it feels I think it will even be good when it's loaded up with plates and the bending machine. I tried tipping it over and all it does is roll away.


I have a decent collection of old press dies I have picked up at garage sales and eBay. This is a small selection I got off eBay for 100 bucks...

There is also a selection of angle iron and blocks that get "pressed" into service for forming parts...
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[astroracer]

I have been pushing this thing all around the shop and it is almost impossible to tip it over. I probably could if I really tried but it rolls around nicely. Besides, the way I have it loaded up now, all of the weight is in the bottom so it is even better.
I wrapped up the cart build this morning. Cut a piece of 1/2" plywood and screwed it to the cart. I then screwed a 3 dollar yard sale tool box to it and loaded all of my dies, press plates and the Swag Bender on the bottom shelf.

All of the press dies loaded in the box.

The press plates all load in beside the tool box.

The Swag Bender stores nicely in front of the tool box.

This organizes ALL of my bending stuff into one spot and there is room for more in the box!
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[astroracer]

I also added a spring clamp tool holder for the jack handle to hang in.

All done.

This is definitely a good thing and will keep all of this stuff in place so I don't have to go hunting for it.
Mark

[kbalch]

Thanks astroracer! I've added your Hydraulic Press Cart to our Metalworking and Storage and Organization categories, as well as to your builder page: astroracer's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Hydraulic Press Cart by astroracer

tags: press, cart, hydraulic, welding, caster(s)

[oldgoaly]

That's a neat idea Mark! I swore I'm not moving my press another time last year! (I have the same press) At the bottom I just keep a cardboard box and some rubber sheet for embossing sheet metal. That catches the shafts or pins that get pushed thru, also I've used it to broach before the box catches the swarfs from that operation. Thanks for sharing! tt

[DIYer]

Nice touch on that toolbox. Puts the dies within easy reach and adds useful weight to the base.