arbor press question

ok thanks C W Burfle that is what i was thinking.  ( not about having to bore out some holes)  but i was thinking it is a good deal at least.  thanks once more.  

I agree with CWB that the Hennings one is superior.  For one thing, it includes a set of 15 fittings - the type you really need when you need them and never even understand why you have them until you do.  These probably cost as much as the press.  Second, I've looked at the Harbor freight model while there at some time i t he recent past.  It's probably good enough to work on toys and models - capable of doing its 1 ton limit, but the verticle press bar (whatever you call it: the verticle square crossection bar with gear teeth on it) looked to be made out of rather soft metal for a tool.  The whole thing didn't look cheap but it didn't look like real quality, either.

The tool set, without the anvil holder, is listed on the Hennings site for $165.
Jeff Kane sells a similar tool set for $195. I purchased a set of Jeff's tools when he first started offering them. IMHO, they are good.

Is there really any difference between the basic quality of the Harbor Frieght and the STX-360 press? Who knows?

I think I can make out "MHC" on the STX_360.

Both presses are made in China.

Both Enco and MSC sell similar presses under their own names as "Imports"

Finally, in the Modern Era, Lionel used plenty of similar unbranded Chinese presses. Rather than being set up for universal use, as service station presses are, they were fitted with custom tools to do a specific job.

I agree with 'Burfle'.  I just purchased the Henning's one and it includes the tools for all the riveting functions and the special base plate.   You would still have to purchase the wheel cups separately however.   It is not a cheap item but when you need a certain tool you need that tool!   Also two of the riveting tools now are double ended so you get 17 tools instead of just 15.  

While the Harbor Freight one is basically the same it does not include the riveting tools and special base plate.  

I have had the one from HB for a long time, it has always done the job for me, and as simple as it is there really is not much that can go wrong with it. Its material and construction are fine. You may have to improvise the tooling to fit the job, but that is usually the case anyway.

Good luck!

Alex

I'm just going to interject a quick note: I have the press and tools from Hobby Horse Products. It is a great press and they were engaged by Lionel to be the source for presses for their service station in more recent times. It is big enough to also do Standard gauge.         An earlier model was made for Lionel Service Stations by Chicago Rivet and Presses. They are still in business and you can order regular tools for the press as well as custom tools if you supply a drawing and spec's, costs are based on the nature of the tool required.   The Hobby Horse Press also has regular tools as well as specialty tools for particular applications, and  is  AMERICAN MADE!!  I say no more.  Dennis M.