Presses and techniques for 1/2" HEX broaches

[matthewdenny]

Would something like this work?

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-...ess-37999.html

[Cory]

Originally Posted by matthewdenny

Would something like this work?

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-...ess-37999.html

Sure, if you don't mind all the downsides that have been pointed out about this style of press. If you're going to be broaching a lot, get a 4 or 5 ton lever operated arbor press that will allow you to broach in one shot. You'll spend twice as much but it will be 5-10 times faster and easier to setup.

[aldaeron]

Originally Posted by Cory

Sure, if you don't mind all the downsides that have been pointed out about this style of press. If you're going to be broaching a lot, get a 4 or 5 ton lever operated arbor press that will allow you to broach in one shot. You'll spend twice as much but it will be 5-10 times faster and easier to setup.

Recommendation? Pretty please?

Not sure we would buy one yet, we're on the cusp of "it's annoying but a better tool is expensive and this one works"

[Cory]

Originally Posted by aldaeron

Recommendation? Pretty please?

Not sure we would buy one yet, we're on the cusp of "it's annoying but a better tool is expensive and this one works"

We've had this for 6 or so years now and it works great.

[AustinSchuh]

Originally Posted by Cory

We've had this for 6 or so years now and it works great.

Almost works great. I've spent countless hours with your arbor press, and the head isn't perpendicular to the table. The end result is that if you don't re-square the broach up in the middle a couple times, it'll broach crooked. I end up with like 70% yield and 5-10 minutes per part.