Arbor Press for Freechex III

[possom813]

I'm looking at investing in an arbor press for the check-makers.

Everything else being equal, would the 1/2 ton work well, or would the 1 ton be a better option?

[Dan Cash]

A half ton will work but when I went to buy one, they were on back order. The 1 T press from Harbor Freight was only $10 or $15 more than the 1/2 ton. Have not regretted the purchase and don't know how I got along with out such a press these last 50 years.

[TCFAN]

I also use the 1 ton.Well worth the extra few dollars.......Terry

[Woody3]

A little off topic, but not really

I can buy a very nice used arbor 1ton press for $20.00. Should I do it?

[TreeKiller]

Yes if you have a use for it. Do you have a Freechex III?

[retread]

For $20 go for it. Even the one from Harbor Frieght is now $49.99 + shipping

[Woody3]

Nice, I don't make checks right now but will some day.

Sorry for the hijack.

[JeffinNZ]

I have a Harbor Freight 1/2 ton for my FC III and it works GREAT.

[shadowcaster]

You can't go wrong with the 1 ton press for not much more money. It has a little more clearance than the half ton, and I also use it for other things than making gas checks.

Shad

[Maven]

I have a Harbor Freight 1/2 ton for my FC III and it works GREAT.

Of course you only need a 1/2 ton arbor press as you got the entire weight of the northern hemisphere pressing down on you, Jeff!

[RayinNH]

Nice, I don't make checks right now but will some day.

Sorry for the hijack.

It makes quick work cracking walnuts ...Ray

[possom813]

I ended up with the 1/2 ton. I'm ok with it, I wanted the 1 ton, but HF made the decision for me, being sold out and all

Pretty neat little contraption, I partially put it together, I still have to tighten it all up, but I feel it will be adequate for the checkmaker. Now I just have to build a bigger bench to accommodate it



Also, just and FYI, this was only $35, but somehow or other, it cost me $141 to get out of that store

[JeffinNZ]

Of coure you only need a 1/2 ton arbor press as you got the entire weight of the northern hemisphere pressing down on you, Jeff!

"After years of success in making gas checks Jeff came to the sudden realisation that in fact it wasn't his shear brute strength making the job so easy but the weight of the upper half of the planet....."

[nekshot]

141.00 to get out of the store! Sounds like your going broke saving money too. It must be a new sickness or something..

[Char-Gar]

I don't have a gas check tool, but I do have a HF 1 ton arbor press. I should think it would do fine to make gas checks. The HF press I have works fine to neck size rifle cases and seat bullets. It full length sizes shorter handgun cases like the 38 and 44 specials and the 45 acp. It will full length size 44 mag and 45 Colt, but you have to put your weight on the press. There is no way it will full length rifle cases, even the 30-30. This press is made cheap and that shows up.

If I ever run across a good used 3 ton American press I will grab it. This 1 ton harbor freight is the bear minimum I would want in my reloading shop.

[Von Gruff]

I use the Sinclair arbour press for the Wislon straight line dies to make my checks on and it works easily on the .012 material.

[Jeff H]

I don't even know what tonnage mine is but I bought one several years ago to use with the rivet dies (eyelets) for making Kydex sheaths. I got a used one from ebay for something like $12 plus shipping and it was under $40 by the time it got to my house and has been used for many other things, so it's a great thing to have in a shop anyway. I haven't shopped for one lately, but buying used from an auction site or at a flea market might still be a viable option. Shipping cost more on mine than the actual item but it was still a bargain.

[Woody3]

I just picked up an enco arbor press for $20.00 and he "threw" in 2.25 lbs of 50/50 solder. The base is a little rusty but the press itself functions great.

Now I just need to buy some freechex.

Thank you for starting this thread.
Jason

[skimmerhead]

Attachment 66125Attachment 66126Attachment 66127Attachment 66128Attachment 66129this is my set up for the freechex and my arbor press.
skimmerhead

[hawkins455054]

A 1/2 ton works great, Charlie was alot of help, delivered when he said and my Freechex lll is great, shot some 44 mags and the group was just as good as the store bought ones, i tried to deal with the other maker of the tool but all i got was excuses and no responses most the time, Charlie talked to me on the phone and he's very helpfull and friendly, I will buy from Charlie again!