I'm not totally opposed to the idea of welding up one myself. I don't need a large one, under 10 tons would do just fine.
Problem is, I need one where the sides are open. I.E. one that I can slide a 2" diameter axle in to and bend it back into shape. Looking at HF, they all have closed sides, so I'd have to bend it with it at an angle. Not really perfect as it would be much easier if I could keep it straight.
Price is most definitely a factor. HF has their 12 ton for $129 (plus a 20% coupon) that would do everything I need if the sides were open. I'm sure cutting huge holes in the sides would weaken it too much. Building one up from c-channel and square tubing should stay under $150. But, I'm not a metallurgist, so I'm a little concerned about buying the right type of steel not to break or bend..... Plus, I'd be buying the steel online because there's only a couple of steel shops around and none open late or weekends.
Anyone know of an inexpensive one that has open sides?
Kart axles get expensive to replace and if I could save a few $$ by straightening a tweaked one (which is most common), it would help to keep costs down. Plus, I could probably have a side business digging bent ones out of the trash and reselling them or straightening ones for a small price.
-Rob
Before I start mumbling about mild steel and the lack of fancy materials in an HF press... Rather than trying to run it through at an angle trying to get it close to parallel to the press's width, is it likely that the included arbor plates would be sufficient to just feed the axle right in the front? Rest the arbor plate so its long axis is perpendicular to the press, use something to raise the spots on the axle you want to press between off the plate, and press down in the middle?
EDIT: I am not a machinist/pro fabricator/etc... While I would be inclined to try this myself, presses can store up a lot of energy in a piece of metal, and I figure I should point out my inexpertise in case there's something unsafe about my idea.
Poke around craigslist for a higher quality used one. Or cut up a HF unit, it's all tensile load where you are talking about cutting and most likely generic A36 hot rolled mild steel, so you can just calculate the cross section area and make sure you end up with more than that when you reinforce it around the hole. Use 1018 if you're feeling spendy.
Harbor freight press and a hole saw.
Few minutes of drilling and the axles slip right through the holes, oriented just the way you want.
Lil Screwy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_LSPX8cNaE
Yeah, the HF press has holes in the side already for the adjustable shelf pins. Just make one pair bigger. Start with the 20 ton press, which should be plenty strong if you only need 10 tons.
Also, take a look at the pipe benders. I have one of those and it will probably do exactly what you want, but not be as handy as the regular press for everything except axles. The 12 ton is on sale for $110.
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-hydraulic-pipe-bender-32890.html
