ThomasC.
Well-Known Member
If you have the handle in the same configuration (you can reverse the toggle so that the handle points up at an angle or straight down) as mine with the handle pointing up when the ram is down....the do this.@TomGCherry you have given me the idea the add a counter weight to the toggle on the handle. Also like the handle hook to keep the ram in the down position.
I picked up a Jr 2 press that was 50 years old. No one will ever wear out those cast iron presses.
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Get a 3/4 or 1” or maybe 1.25” 1/2 x 20 bolt. Use a piece of 3/4 flat stock....say 5” long. Drill a 1/2” hole in one end of the flat stock. You will see there is a threaded hole on the bottom of the toggle. You can play around with weights. I used a piece of 1/2 stock. Approximately 3” x 4”. I used two 1/8 pop rivets and attached it to the other (opposite the drilled hole) end of the strap. You have to have the press mounted away from the edge of the bench or elevated or cantilevered out. Mine is on a piece of 2 x 6 OLD HARD Oak). That elevates it nicely and then the counter weight will clear the edge of the bench. I THINK that with the steel, that a single Bakelite ball will work and the handle will be kept in the UP position or the Ram down.
NOW you know....good luck. Next you need one of my customized balls....as that is the NUTS!