arbor press and tools for wheels

For Std Gauge, I use a Harbor Freight 1 ton arbor press.  Drill the ram for common rivet tools, crossdrill and tap for a thumb screw to retain those tools.  I have a lathe, so I make my own mandrels for the base and solid end tools for the ram.  I press on the hub of the std gauge wheels, not the rim.  If the axle is started squarely in the wheel, it will go in straight when pressing on the center hub.  Replaced hundreds of std gauge wheels with no wobble.

I have a Harbor Freight press with a few common tools, it's done all I need to do.  I don't routinely do steam wheels, mostly motor flywheels, worms, and diesel wheels.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I have a Harbor Freight press with a few common tools, it's done all I need to do.  I don't routinely do steam wheels, mostly motor flywheels, worms, and diesel wheels.

What tools do you find most useful, and where did you get them?  Did you do any modifications to the press?

@Jon G posted:

For Std Gauge, I use a Harbor Freight 1 ton arbor press.  Drill the ram for common rivet tools, crossdrill and tap for a thumb screw to retain those tools.  I have a lathe, so I make my own mandrels for the base and solid end tools for the ram.  I press on the hub of the std gauge wheels, not the rim.  If the axle is started squarely in the wheel, it will go in straight when pressing on the center hub.  Replaced hundreds of std gauge wheels with no wobble.

I noticed that HF sells 1/2 ton and 1 ton.  Is 1/2 ton sufficient?

I had both, but found that the 1/2 ton didn’t have the height needed to accomplish all tasks.  It worked, but was tight.  I’m happier with the 1 ton.

@Mallard4468 posted:

What tools do you find most useful, and where did you get them?  Did you do any modifications to the press?

I noticed that HF sells 1/2 ton and 1 ton.  Is 1/2 ton sufficient?

What Jon said.  I have the 1/2 ton, and I must admit, it would be useful to have some more height at times.  However, I bought the press and tools with an assortment a few years ago, I got the press, a really nice jeweler's drill press, a 2" cutoff saw, and a mini table saw as a group for $150.  I looked up the Dumore drill press and discovered they are actually selling for more than I paid for the whole lot.