DIY Bearing Press To Clicker Press

How I made a leather clicker press to cut out repeatable leather shapes by converting a garage bearing press. I also have a general chat about the pro and cons of various forms of clicker press and toward the end of the film I give a few tips on what to look for in a press.

[@vanessakitty8867]

I had just finished watching the video of making the forms. TY for showing us your methods. It is greatly appreciated.

Amazing invention Harry, please continue showing us your work, we'll be glad to see it. Greetings.

[@vajake1]

Very nicely done Harry! Thanks for posting this one! Bob from Virginia, USA

[@MKilby]

Again as I start a project I find great tips and ideas from your work. Thank you Raven Shoe Leather

[@dochayesnm]

Thank you, Harry. Happy New Year!

[@buddyhutchins3782]

Very well done Mr. Harry. Thank you.

[@jerrywhidby.]

I wait patiently for your video on your new die making process. I very much enjoy learning about the process you used to make your dies and die press.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks...it may be a little while ...sorry too much happening.

[@BeachsideHank]

I used to manage a dental chair manufacturing plant, we had vinyl (Naugahyde) trim pieces that were glued into a hinge recess area of the chair, it was a kidney shape about 5 x 7 inches. I had ordered a set of 4 clicker dies to speed the process up of cutting them, but was deciding on what press to order and buy for the sewing shop when one of my more experienced gals told me to simply get her a rawhide or hickory mallet, that's all we would need, and sure enough, she would lay the finished side face down on the blade, tap all round with the hammer, and off came a nice, clean cut, precise insert. We did thousands of them and never once did I have to send any of the dies out for sharpening or repair.☺

[@harryrogers]

BeachsideHank Thanks just shows you do not need many tools!

[@jimbenge9649]

Hi, I've been enjoying your videos for a while now and as a rank beginner in leather-work I've picked up some really useful tips, thanks. Oddly enough, in this one, I found myself admiring your leaded glass behind the press. That is a craft I've long wanted to try but never got round to.

[@harryrogers]

Jim Benge thanks Jim..there are films on me restoring that!

[@jimbenge9649]

Thanks Harry, I'll look them up.

[@wonkydogleathercraft6698]

Absolutely brilliant, I'm going to order one. Many thanks

[@harryrogers]

Hi Percy...do look at the Sealey 15 ton Premier press...I am now using that and the quality is very good. Rgds Harry

[@bushcraftbeats4556]

Harry, have been off the interwebs for a few months, just checking in, and here is HARRY! I think you may be our favorite youtuber. I'm American of Welsh and other English peoples descent, and despite myself and my pride in our country's Constitution, I have such an affinity for you English gentlemen. I wish you, and I suppose we, weren't a near extinct minority on this planet, I feel it could use a few more like you and me. I suppose that statement could be taken uncharitably, but it'd only reinforce my point if it were. Cheers, love the leatherwork, and please consider forming a leather export company, we pay double what you do for cheap Mexican and South American import leather that wouldn't hold a candle to the standard leathers you get to work with. Jealous of your leather! All the best!

[@harryrogers]

Bushcraft Beats Thanks.

[@silasshimakeleni8794]

I have watched this video around 10 times with my boiler maker. We are making a custom project for a 30 ton bottle jack with a 1000mmx 600mm bed.

[@fjimenezbotello]

Very cleaver Harry, many thanks for share all your knowledge. You are a vary kind man. Regards from Mexico City.

[@harryrogers]

Do also look at the Sealey Premiere 15 ton press which is black in colour as its better machined to come down flatter.

[@fjimenezbotello]

Ok Harry, I will look right now. Many thanks 👍😃

[@ranmad415]

Great video. Thank you for posting.

[@tropifiori]

Brilliant Harry.

[@445supermag]

Nice setup. Once you get everything set, you could consider getting those two metal top plates tack welded together. If you then had a piece of round tube welded on top, you could attach it the jack extension with a set screw. Then they would lift up with the jack and you wouldn't have to disassemble it for each new cut.

[@harryrogers]

Good idea..thanks.

[@caskwith]

Added bonus, you can also change your wheel bearings! lol Very handy bit of kit, I can see that if you are making more than one or two of a certain item it would quickly pay for itself.

[@harryrogers]

caskwith Yes and I should have added that it's good for embossing and wet forming...eg leather tankard bases as well!

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

In the USA the manual 4 ton clickers are $1200 USD. I was able to buy a used 7 ton Tippmann air powered clicker (12"x12") for $1250, and you just need a small compressor to run it. It weighs about 300lbs so it takes a couple guys to move, but can be easily used in the home on a sturdy tabletop. I don't know if you can get Tippmann clickers outside the US, but the company has hundreds of demo videos on KZbin cutting all sorts of materials...and they also manufacture custom dies.

[@buddyhutchins3782]

I've modified my two ton hydraulic press just as you did that giant...... It has cut everything I've needed so far, 8 once. Anaco, Anz.

[@spegheti]

Thanks for your videos! How well would this work for stamping larger logos and things?

[@Josh_Luijsterburg]

Clear presentation Harry @ 8:00 ‘press’ to 😂

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

A couple of hundred instead of a couple of thousand see,s like a good compromise if you're not a high volume shop. Good job Harry.

[@Jlayism]

More great info. Thanks!

[@markdmaker3173]

Nicely done, new subscriber

[@schrierplanthire]

Thanks for the idea!

[@friscokid66]

Thank you for sharing this Harry. I thought about converting a hydraulic shop press such as yours for a long times, since the real leather die clicker presses are pretty expensive, especially the larger ones. I suppose lightly hammering the die itself works well enough, but in my case the noise would bother the people around me at night. After watching your video, I think I'm going to finally order one. I was also really surprised at how relatively low cost these hydraulic presses were. Cheers.

[@harryrogers]

Hi do take a look at the better quality Sealy Premier 15 ton...it's far better than the cheap ones..it's black in colour.

[@friscokid66]

I'm actually in the US, and I see that Sealy Premier is not readily available. But I'm going to keep an eye out for a better quality press--doing the research and all. Thanks for the tip.

[@harryrogers]

@@friscokid66 You are lucky in the US and have access to the Weaver Mighty Wonder presses...expensive but worth it.

[@friscokid66]

Yes I had my eyes on that Mighty Wonder clicker for a long time. It seems really easy to use, and it’s gotten many positive reviews. Love to have one but their price is way out of my range, anywhere from $1500--$3000. I’m trying to keep it all under $500. I thought this might be possible, based on stuff I read online about people converting their shop press into a leather die clicker. But there's not much detailed info. Modifying any machine is bit of a gamble. But your video definitely tip the scale.

[@frankwells7478]

Another informative video Harry & as always delivered in an easy to understand way giving alternative options for different situations, thanks for that one. On a personal level I have hearing difficulties , when you are away from camera I lose you , in some of your videos you are miked up which is a huge gain for me. Perhaps you might consider using a mike as a norm if it doesn't present you with a lot of problems, I don't want to miss out on the hard earned info you are passing on. Thanks again for great channel, Frank.

[@harryrogers]

Frank Wells Thanks Frank that is helpful feedback. All the best Harry

[@missedastitch323]

Thank you Rodger, your videos are very inspiring. Greets from Texas.

[@pheenix42]

Very sharp indeed. Cut my finger on a section of that rule picking it up and not knowing at the time what it was supposed to be.

[@dirkie9308]

Hi Harry, thank you for all of your great content, I have learnt a lot from you. A while back I was watching your "Home Made Leather Clicker Press" video and am wondering which press is working better for you? Do you still use your homemade press now that you have the hydraulic version?

[@harryrogers]

Hi Pieter...I am now using a Weaver press but the hydraulic press was good, especially for larger items and is a good cheap entry to see how much it gets used.

[@terenceworrall8645]

Thank you Terry Worrall

[@builtrodewreckedit]

Curious if you have tried to cut threw more than one piece of leather at a time? If the relief aria on your cutter is enough you might find doing two or three stacked pieces easier and quicker... Another thing im wondering. For that thin leather could you turn your cutter upside down blade part up and lay the leather over the cutter and use a rolling pin or metal pipe? The metal blade and round metal pipe might have such a small surface aria in contact that it wouldn't take a great deal of pressure to slice threw the leather?

[@robinsoria7611]

Thanks again, be thinking about doing just that, but th he cost of the dies can be costly. Hope you come up with a "How to" on just that. Really enjoy your channel. God bless

[@harryrogers]

Excellent suggestions...it does work well with two pieces...I have not tried the rolling pin idea but that sounds a very good idea...thanks for your comment ...I am sure several people will find that very helpful.

[@PiddlnMan]

Always learn so much from your videos !! Thanks for sharing Harry !!! Would you mind sharing the products/costs you used in making this clicker press ? Thanks again !

[@harryrogers]

Hi Michael, these presses in their basic form are quite cheap and it does not cost much to adapt then either....they are not ideal but a good step up in getting production moving! I recall I spent around £150 UK in total in getting this all working.....of course the actual cutters are another matter!

[@PiddlnMan]

@@harryrogers Thanks for the info Harry !

[@GarnettM]

Harry You could pretty well get away with melting your metal form into a cutting board the form will protect the metal from caving in , Maybe lay the loop on the board add a 12 v current to the loop to set it this way it`ll be set and wood won`t crush , Just soon as you melt it cool it should work fine Nice Idea there .

[@jnmarin6603]

This is a good idea for stamp making at affordable price. Can I ask what is the difference between 2pt bohler steel rule and 4pt?

[@harryrogers]

JN Marin The 4pt is thicker, stronger but more difficult to bend...but in many ways is probably better for leatherwork!

[@phyllismulkey3778]

very interesting

[@rubenbautista183]

It would be great to know the tanning process of the leathers you use. Greetings from Mexico.

[@9772783]

Have you thought about using an arbour press? might have a smaller footprint in the shop for the same pressing force as the bearing press

[@harryrogers]

Andrew Carbines Hi I have a two ton arbor press that is very good for logos.

[@Josh_Luijsterburg]

Works like a charm. I could use such. Even my straight cuts are not repeadable 😂

[@thomasfinns5134]

Hi I plan do build a press to press my dies out with a 3 t ratchet press like the one you have but was wondering if you think the 20 t will be a better option as the 3 t arbor press will cost me 300 including post my biggest die will be 24 cm across what would you go for?

[@harryrogers]

I am guessing you can get 20 sq cm max cutting area per ton...not 24 cm sq!..i.e. a shape roughly 5cm x 4cm...and I think that would be very hard work....that's with a ratchet arbor press...just to be clear....the likes of a Weaver 4 ton Mighty Wonder would do your large shape in two or three movements because you get more leverage. So I would not go for the three ton arbor press...the 20 ton will do it. happily.

[@thomasfinns5134]

@@harryrogers thank you for your advice just want to say I enjoyed your informative videos and have taken a lot of trips from you over the last few years Thank you regards Tom

[@TipsyTadpole]

Thanks!

[@sablon3123]

Very smart

[@CompletementGlucose]

Hello Harry, Thank you for this video! i am a shoe maker and use double sided cutting dies ...The biggest measure is 45 cm long, do you think my work is feasible on this kind of press? Greetings

[@harryrogers]

Hi, I think you could do it by taking several goes, I.e. do one half then feed through and do other half, possibly followed by a final middle cut. This is all a bit of a compromise but it does work, obviously if doing volume work you won't beat a professional clicker press. Another option to consider if space or weight are an issue is a Weaver or Lucris type 4 ton press...again taking a couple of passes.

[@ljr8819]

Hi Harry. Lindsay Ross here from Cape Town. I/we have been making holsters and accessories since 1976 and to this day have not found a way to put edge creases around a product other than manually by hand. I have seen that some companies have used a clicker knife and the inside around the perimeter has a indented line of steel in them. I have never tried anything other than on small items where we have had a separate "smooth" clicking like blades made and pressed it in a clicker under low pressure. But that is hit and miss as you can imagine :) - Just wondering if you ever came across this in your travels. Many thanks and great channel I love the stained glass and English countryside outside the windows :)

[@harryrogers]

Hi all I have seen on a German website ..(.Sieck?) is a rolling wheel type machine for straight lines on items like belts.

[@ljr8819]

@@harryrogers Thanks for the reply Harry. We use a standard embossing machine for straight lines by having a roller made for it with a line on either side. I dont guess anyone has come up with the other problem solver yet. Thanks again

[@paulreid1399]

Hi Harry, I've watched a fair few of your videos over the last few years now, you give some handy tips and comments but i have got to ask were you at the darts final on Sunday night between Micheal Van Gerwen and Raymond Van Barneveld i seen a man who looked exactly like you in the crowd When Micheal Van Gerwen walked onto the stage to start the match.

[@harryrogers]

Hi Paul - I was not in Milton Keynes!!

[@paulreid1399]

Hi Harry thanks for replying, I tell you something you have and half got a double out there

[@paulj3653]

Hi Harry, I know it's difficult to answer but do you have any idea as to how many cuts the cutter can make before replacing? and realistically can these cutters be sharpened?

[@harryrogers]

Paul J Hi Paul...I am only using the thinner 2pt rule...not the welded 4pt industrial clicker rule for leather...so I am not expecting it to have a long life....perhaps 500 cuts? My wooden frames will probably give way...In theory you can sharpen this to an extent.

[@paulj3653]

Thanks Harry.

[@paulj3653]

Just a thought here. I remember your video on 'pricing jobs'. Maybe not so much set up equipment 'press' but certainly 'cutters' would be consumables and therefore a percentage would need to be priced into the cost of jobs.

[@jnmarin6603]

Does Pepe's bender able to bend the 4pt steel?

[@harryrogers]

JN Marin I doubt it but do not know.

[@corpsiecorpsie_the_original]

Could an arbor press be adapted to do clicker press type things?

[@harryrogers]

Yes for very small items

[@harryrogers]

Like 2 sq inches per ton....

[@lowspeak]

What are the cons of using the hydraulic press compared to a normal clicker press?

[@harryrogers]

If you have space, floor loading and budget I would get a hydraulic clicker press. A bearing press is a cheap entry to see if you want a better long term press. If doing wallets etc also consider a Weaver 4 ton or 6?ton press as its a fairly cheap lighter option. The hydraulic press is obviously a lot slower, and not as well 'machined', but hey it can get you going.

[@jackiespivack5519]

Can you use for embossing design on leather book cover?

[@harryrogers]

I would have thought the 20 ton would.

[@jackiespivack5519]

Harry Rogers do you have video on that?

[@harryrogers]

@@jackiespivack5519 Sorry no.

[@waledissawi3811]

professional

[@rupert5390]

my god you british chaps are juat nice blokes - nice video old chap - or mate as i like to say.

[@terenceworrall8645]

Hi Harry I have just started in leather and was trying to get some where to make a die I have drawn my design but need someone to make the die Thanks Terry Worrall

[@harryrogers]

Search for clicker die makers...Yellow Pages in UK

[@ishtiaq1ahmed]

hello, if you don't mind may i knew the size of your work shop thanks .

[@harryrogers]

Its very small...about 8x12 feet.

[@ishtiaq1ahmed]

Thanks for your reply, one more question where do you buy your leather for belts.

[@harryrogers]

@@ishtiaq1ahmed Please see films on Sedgwicks and Metropolitan Leather.

[@vanessakitty8867]

I am making a 12x16 so. foot workshop that will have insulated walls and cieling/ attic space. Your shop ideas come in very handy on my designing the small shop. TY kindly for Teaching.

[@danielraeburn6461]

What’s the name of the press ?

[@otm646]

It's a generic H frame style press you'd find at Harbor Freight or similar. Getting a platform that's actually level is the trick.

[@killernils]

Who in europe/UK does make custom clicker dies? Cant find anything

[@harryrogers]

S J West Press Knives should be able to help you. Please tell them I gave you their name. Regards Harry

[@Pinoyphilly]

Hello Harry: I am making insoles for shoes after my brother died and pick up the trade from him. Can I order a die from you? I am based in Pennsylvania. Thanks for your very informative video.

[@harryrogers]

Hi Freddy...it's great you are carrying on from your brother I am sure he would be very pleased you are doing that..a positive from a sad event. I am sorry I do not make the dies for sale...I guess Texas Rule and Die or Milwaukee Steel Rule dies can help you out..best regards Harry

[@goshenmmacom5207]

Better hope those springs never break while your using it.

[@ftsetradersteve2742]

I love these videos but can we have Mrs Rogers in the background hanging the washing on the line just to add the realism of daily life!

[@tastycorpse666]

Might oughta change the title.

[@Liofa73]

Brian Quintanilla --- Makes sense to me, especially as I watch Harry regularly. Clearly you were expecting something else...

[@tastycorpse666]

Liofa-- I was talking about the pLess

[@rfleecs]

LUV your videos! Always looking forward to receiving the next one! Very good lessons that are "reasonable " for the leathercrafter who is working with a modest budget. Actually, I found a similar press doing a quick internet search...less than $100 USD shipped! Fortunally, and I was able to get past the title fopah...could be a translation issue 😅...well done, again! Best wishes from southeast Nebraska!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Ron....yes mine was super cheap off Amazon...I do not know how they can even ship them for that price!

[@rfleecs]

Harry Rogers , I should clarify that the press I found had a 6 ton pump. Would that be enough "oomph" to do the trick? I know that yours is a big boy 20 ton, but what would your best guess be. The 20 was another $30 or so...if I decide to invest in one, I'd probably go bigger. Thanks again !

[@ameliameliani2929]

Terllu rinet