I could use some advice on setting up an arbor press

B.Mauser

B.Mauser

Joined
Jul 22, 2011
Messages
2,348
Hi guys.

I have always set my snaps by hand with a hammer but I am finally able to buy an arbor press. I am hoping you gentlemen can help me figure out what I need.

I want the grizzly 1/2 ton. I want to set line 24 snaps for my leather work and I want to set 1/4 eyelets for Kydex.

I think I found the parts I need to do this with an arbor press but I am hoping to make sure they are right before ordering.

I found CKK 1/4 Rivet/Eyelet Flaring Dies and a setter they say is for a press called Snap Setter - Master Series (for Sheath/Holster Snaps) - Line 24 at knifekits.com.


Can anyone tell me if these are the right parts for the grizzly 1/2 ton press?
 
Trying to post in two parts as BFC won't let me as is.

The dies you're looking at have 3/8" shanks.

Which Grizzly 1/2 ton? They sell a couple. If it's the one with the ram hole pre-drilled and comes with three punches, I own one of the 1 ton versions and wouldn't buy another. Not well made. If it's the other one, you'll need to drill a 3/8" hole in the ram. Either will need the ram drilled and tapped for a set screw to secure the top die and a 3/8" hole through the anvil. You'll need to flip the anvil or pull the pin so it "floats" unless you're veeeery accurate on alignment. The arbor presses that KnifeKits (the one you mention for the snap dies and possibly the same as the Grizzly you're looking at) and USAKnifemaker (which is a better press IMO) sell already have these things done.

On the eyelet dies, the ones from USAKnifemaker are better than KK's in my experience (longer lasting, less splitting). They have the same size shank. The KK line 24 snap dies are weird. They're technically more versatile since they're "open", but they don't give as good a finished look as more "closed" dies in my limited experience and they'll destroy your work in a hurry if you don't really watch the pressure you're applying to the arbor press. They're basically a hand setter that fits a 3/8" hole.
 
Ugh, can't post, PM, or email the rest through BFC. I'll try again later or just give me your direct email addy. I think I can suggest a better setup for you for less money.
 
Thank you Kiah.

I was looking at the Grizzly G4017 Arbor Press - 1/2 Ton on amazon for $75 shipped. Seemed like a good price but I'm starting to think it does not already have the hole to use the parts I need. I would rather not deal with adding it myself if I can avoid it.

I sure would like to hear any advice you can give me on figuring out how to do this when you have the time.

My email is MileHighK5@gmail.com

Brian
 
B.Mauser said:
Thank you Kiah.

I was looking at the Grizzly G4017 Arbor Press - 1/2 Ton on amazon for $75 shipped. Seemed like a good price but I'm starting to think it does not already have the hole to use the parts I need. I would rather not deal with adding it myself if I can avoid it.

I sure would like to hear any advice you can give me on figuring out how to do this when you have the time.

My email is MileHighK5@gmail.com

Brian
Click to expand...

Yeah, pretty sure you'd need to drill the ram in that one (as well as the set screw hole and anvil). FYI, Grizzly has that one on sale direct for $35 right now. Don't know what shipping would be though.

Most of those arbor presses don't come pre-drilled and the inexpensive ones that do are pretty rough IME or the hole is the wrong size. I got my main one from KK when they used to sell the older model and they'd already done the mods. I think USAKnifemaker still sells that same one, which I'd pick over KK's new one. So, yeah, you're probably gonna have to do some drilling unless you get one from those places and pay the premium.

Let me see if I can get the rest of my earlier post to load. If not, I'll email you.
 
Ain't happening apparently. Sent you an email.

Short version: The cheap Ebay "grommet presses" can be pretty readily put into service for a lot less money and hassle for those looking to ditch the hand setters.
 
Grab a Little Wonder press and the 24 snap setter from Weaver, The knifekits eyelet setter also fits right in.
 
Skystorm said:
Grab a Little Wonder press and the 24 snap setter from Weaver, The knifekits eyelet setter also fits right in.
Click to expand...

Hi Skystorm. It looks like a great press but I was looking for a cheaper way to do this. Thanks for trying to help though.


A great big thank you to Kiah and everyone else for the suggestions and education. I didn't understand much about these before.

I went down to the Tandy leather warehouse in Denver Today to pick up a few supplies. While there I saw the nice red Tandy press on sale for $135.00.

I asked them about it and they said they had too many in stock in that location and the manager made an in store sale on them to get rid of some. So I got one. I will have to wait a while to afford the dies but I think it will be worth it to end up with the better press.

Thanks! :thumbup:
 
Cool. I like my Tandy press. You'll probably still wanna get your eyelet dies from USAKnifemaker if you're doing Kydex. They'll fit the Tandy press. The Tandy bottom eyelet die is too wide.
 
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