Hello everyone. I just bought a Central Machinery rivet press at an auction, and although I know there are several uses for them in repair, I am not exactly sure how it works. I know I have a few dies, but I am not sure if I need anything else (besides wheel cups if I want to press wheels). Help!
Dies and some sort of glass?
It also came with a ton of parts, which was a big push for buying it.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have a press. I do not have the wheel cups. There is always something popping up that I use it for. Not an everyday tool for sure but nice to have. Enjoy yours. Just experiment.
Carguy I got a rivet press too not too long ago as well as a jeweler's drill press. Send me an email so I can send you some documentation..... Here is what I did with my new tools.
Since the years are starting to catch up, I've found that having the tools makes my repairs better....since I find it difficult to hold things steady anymore. One thing that I would suggest...do you see the lighted magnifying lamp on the arm? My son's gave that to me for a birthday gift. It really helps in seeing up close and doubles as eye protection.
Have fun while learning...I certainly am!
Thanks for the information guys! I am kinda looking forward to something breaking so I can try to use this thing 
I bought one from Harbor Freight and had a local machine shop modify it for train press duty. Half the cost total of buying just a Hobby Horse or STX press, if you can get someone to sell you just the press. You are going to need a plate for the bottom that has a 5/8 hole in it for the tool anvil and wheel cups to sit in. The ram has to have a 3/8 hole in it to accept the upper tooling. Buy yourself a manual for the Hobby Horse Press from Jeff Kane. It shows most of the tooling in use and what tools come with it. Look at the pic on the right and you can see what the plate needs to look like. I did not use the 4 holes because of the cost of extra machine work, instead they just tacked it with a welder. I have the 1/2 ton press.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
