Advice on 12 ton shop press

You can handle most of that stuff using an arbor press, which typically range from 1/2 to 3 tons, so a 12-ton should be more than enough to do anything you want to do and a few things you don't (like smash the part you are trying to press)!

 

Most jobs don't require that much force.

I have encountered a few things that my 20 ton press groaned under though.

If you're getting a good deal go ahead (you can sell it if you need to "upgrade" later).

The very day I was at a store shopping for a press, I got a phone call (coincidence) to inform me that a neighbor had a 20 ton press in his garage sale.

$45 and he helped me load it in my car. It had only been used a couple times. Nearly identical to the one at the store for $200.
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I have a 1-ton arbor press as well. It's good for light duty jobs like pressing a seal into a water pump but pretty useless for anything much bigger.

 

2NA: what good company your press has... a good friend of mine had a Miura P400, unfortunately he sold it to move on to a Murcielago. I have fond memories of that P400.

12 tons should be plenty for all the workshop needs. Wheelbearings should be easy even with 3-5 tons. I never came across anything that needed more than 10, including gearboxes.

 

Suspension bushings and ball joints on some cars can be stubborn. Frequently the biggest problem is having enough room under the press for the awkwardly shaped part that you're working on. Bigger is better than smaller.

 

Next you will need a lathe to make adapters.


Gerrit
http://dino308gt4.com

With no Ferrari to hug anymore.

 

I'd suggest an inverter type of machine if you're looking for a TIG machine.

Years ago I started off with Miller's Econotig, which at the time was good value, but struggled when trying to weld moderately thick aluminum pieces (over 3/16" thick). I stepped up to Miller's Dynasty 200 DX machine which was a world of difference. Big power out of a little package. Not cheap - set me back over $3000 as a complete package, even with my Econotig as trade-in - but worth every penny.
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This is usually the problem I run into with our press at the shop. I would get the press with the most room and adjustability of the holding surface.

Which leads to this.........

Have fun stocking up the garage with new toys!