Harbor Freight Press Mods! | Pneumatic Jack & Swag DIY Press Brake Kit

[@CncObsession]

2 2x4's to hold the opening apart keeping spring tension, pull out and replace jack. Jack it up to remove 2x4 blocks, done. Welds arent necessary unless springs break.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

With all of the forces being applied in use, I wanted to be extra careful!

[@MrTimo1124]

Swag makes an accessory for $17 called a machined thumb knob for the release on the bottle jack. It's like a star pattern knob you turn with your fingers so you don't need to use the end of the pipe to tighten or loosen it. It's a must have!

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I know! I keep forgetting to order one. I've been telling myself I'm just going to glue a hose spigot knob on there

[@daviddelosier1915]

I had one of those little welders, if I welded long beads I had the same problem. Then a friend ( experienced welder) told me that I was probably exceeding the duty cycle of the welder. On the welder I had, I think it was around 20%. If i weld more than 12min. an hour the welder would heat up and weld boogers. Check duty cycle.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for the info!

[@LuisLopez-lj8lw]

@@FortuneOffRoaddid you ever figure out if this was your problem? (Duty cycle)

[@thisoldjeepcj5]

Looks like it's all going to work GOOD! Thanks for sharing.

[@mwinner101]

Nice video with solid upgrades. And you’re even patient with some of the obnoxious commenting.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! I just do youtube for the fun of it!

[@donniehamlett2157]

If you ever underbend something turn the part over and mark where bottom die made mark on it and you will be able to line it back up to hit in same spot again . I ran a 400 and 500 ton press for 11 yrs

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for the tip!

[@donniehamlett2157]

Mark it on the side of the metal or on top where the line is on bottom

[@Shadow6a]

You pushing or pulling? Gad works better pushed while flux core doesn't really matter.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Good to know. Direction usually depends on the position

[@rockywaltermire7481]

I've had the 180 for years and just recently switched to gas and I will say that switching from Flux core to gas on the 180 is WAY different..the Flux burns so much hotter on the same setting then the gas it's crazy but all in all I've had nothing but good luck with mine over 10 years of having it..

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Switching to gas was a game changer for me. I'm no expert but my welds have since improved dramatically

[@davidwhite5858]

Use wire core plus C25 Argon deeper penetration . Turn the heat up . Have another person do the tuning wile you weld . You will find success.

[@brucemorris6319]

I think it’s great to put a air jack on your press but would it be better to put bolts in it to anchor it instead of welding it in case the jack needs to be removed for repair.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

That's definitely true! ...but I hate drilling and enjoy welding. Will cut it off later if I have to!

[@johngurney1069]

great video only problem with all these presses is if you want to bend narrow u type bracket the first bend hits back of press as you bend second side

[@akbychoice]

T shaped press point allows it.

[@jimc3678]

When you switched to gas, did you also switch the POLARITY on your welder? DCEN / DCEP.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yes, I did. It's running pretty good now. 🤙🏻

[@zulubravo9434]

Interesting welding mild steel to case iron.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

It's definitely not the strongest bond, but will work for these purposes

[@kirkgibbard6093]

You need to turn your heat up on your welder that’s why it’s skinny and build up like that

[@Masdyl1319]

What handheld hydraulic apparatus are you using?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

It's the air jack upgrade from harbor freight.

[@Brandon-jf5ed]

Crank the heat, throw some tacks on it and walk the cup (push). It will be beautiful

[@robert4005]

You’ve done fairly well with your welding considering the machine you’re using. GET A 220V MACHINE FOR WELDING MATERIAL THAT THICK. 11Ov machine is NOT suited for it. I have over 30 years experience mig welding in steel fab shops and have often been asked about buying a mig welder. I always say to save a little longer and get a 220 machine as it will do anything the 110 will and whole lot more. I’m usually ignored and they’ll get the 110v unit anyway. 🙄

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! I'll get one eventually. Right now the 110v is great! It's actually been burning too hot for a lot of material. O don't even need multiple passes most of the time. What do you recommend for a 220v machine?

[@robert4005]

@@FortuneOffRoad for the hobbyist welder you can’t beat what Hobart offers for the money. I just got an Ironman 240 for around 1500 bucks and love it. Look at their smaller machines around 180-200 amps.

[@akbychoice]

@@robert4005 I have a Hobart 190 handler and it’s good with 75/25. Loved the PowCon welders I used in the 80’s they could push 045 wire all day. Used hardwire, dual shield blueshield and nickel wire.

[@mrmotofy]

@@FortuneOffRoad The HF upper level welders have really good reviews and used in shops daily for years.

[@CTMadModz]

Looks good man

[@dougekren6495]

Small shop ,hell I would have to get concrete first.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Horribly small. I've got to get a storage shed to get all of this nonsense out of here!

[@bjimbosld]

Needless work on mounting the air jack. There’s no need to grind smaller and weld

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Not sure which part you're talking about, but this setup has been working great! Part of the reason for welding was getting more seat time in with at the time was a new welder! 🤙🏻

[@ryguy08781]

Where did you order the brake kit from? TIA

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Swag offroad 👍🏻

[@davehammond9796]

You shouldn't ever weld on an assembled bottle jack, the heat will damage the seals, also the jack is cast iron not steel.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I'm sure you're right. I'm hoping it's not damaged and continues to work for more years to come. Of it doesn't, they're cheap enough 👍🏻

[@russellstephan6844]

Installing gibs to remove the ram slop on the 20-ton press: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmfdeJ1vltt-f7M

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Awesome!

[@EivinSukoi]

Swag off road is extremely expensive , I ordered my brake and fingers , should have used Eastwood , I don’t care if their brake is made in China .

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I went swag because everyone seems to love their products. Other than that I do what I can to avoid supporting China.

[@EivinSukoi]

@@FortuneOffRoad I hear you , obviously you never shop at Walmart , department clothing stores , kitchen utensils, everything you use daily must be made in USA right 😂

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@EivinSukoi Gotta read those Amazon questions to see where's it made!

[@billj503]

Please remember to hold the camera still, you are making me sick.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I sure will try, Bill. I get all excited when it comes to this stuff!

[@vladtepes97]

Montages are unhelpful, especially when you don't say what you're doing. Saying that you have to make modifications, then showing your Rocky Style Montage of cutting and grinding does nothing to tell us what modifications you made or why.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Just keep watching, and you'll literally SEE what I'm doing. Grinding to make the surfaces weldable, then welding. What step do you need help with?

[@daveandlauriemarsh4750]

Like that you dont go into every niggly detail!