Would a Harbor Freight arbor press work for pins / bolsters?

[Maelstrom78]

Would one of the small models work for this application?
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=arbor+press

Here's a 6 ton bench top model. I don't think I have room for a floor model.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-a-frame-bench-shop-press-1666.html

I am intrigued by this method of a fixing bolsters without a through pin. Wouldn't have to deal with any more pins showing.
http://dcknives.blogspot.ca/p/hidden-pins.html

Thanks!

 

[Fred.Rowe]

I have both the one ton and the 1/2 ton and they work quite well. For heavier work I put a cheater handle on.

They look like an old US patent to me. Heavy.

Fred

 

[jdm61]

There are some guys using them for stuff like tube handle rivets and such.

 

[Maelstrom78]

Thanks for the replies so far. The reason I ask is that like many newbies I'm trying to not have the bolster pins show. I've only done two bolsters so far though in my stainless one turned out better than my brass one. I think that I used the 2 degree reamer too much
though on the brass one.

 

[StuNY]

Seems like more work than just peening the pins in the traditional way? I haven't had any issues with visible pins using that technique. With that said, you may be on to something... I may just try using my arbor press instead of peening pins with the ball peen hammer I have been using... could end up being a lot faster!

 

[jdm61]

the traditional method works great if you are using similar materials where they essentially "vanish" if you do everything right, but not as well say if you have damascus bolsters and regular carbon steel pins.

Seems like more work than just peening the pins in the traditional way? I haven't had any issues with visible pins using that technique. With that said, you may be on to something... I may just try using my arbor press instead of peening pins with the ball peen hammer I have been using... could end up being a lot faster!