Yeah, I saw videos of people doing it that way, and I mentioned that option in the video. Even though the press bed isn't balanced the way I did it, it's not a big concern. Stabilizing the press bed is very easy because it's literally only around 5 lbs uneven. A little support with my free hand keeps it balanced. The result I wanted was to not have to muscle the press bed up and down anynore, and I achieved that. This will make doing press work less physically demanding on me and for whoever I'm filming with.
Thanks Richard. Most of the time I'm working with someone else, but there's been times I've been on my own, and it's a lot more work having to manually raise and lower that press bed with brute strength.
Thanks for the kool mod! You have helped me on many projects on my 2001 1st gen tundra! I did my rear axle bearings and seals back in 2020 when covid was going on. Harbor Freight was out of 20 Ton presses so I made a home made press out of 5/8" all thread and a 1/2" plate of steel, it worked great job was a success thanks to your videos! Timmy ROCKS!!!!
I messed around with different amounts of counterweight on the opposing handle, and it didn't work out. In one direction, say raising, it would go up level. Then I'd switch to lowering, and it wouldn't stay level. I used fishing weights in a small canvas sack. I gave up after messing around with it for quite a while. It's not a big deal to me having to stabilize the press bed with my free hand because I'm only overcoming a very slight weight imbalance.
Suggestion for another video: Place the winch on the front of the press bed, about 1/4 the the left or 1/4 to the right according to your handedness. Then unwind the steel wire completely. Locate the midpoint of the wire and rewind it starting at the center, the center being held in place with an adjustable hose clamp. Put a pulley at each end of the bed, and then you can attach each end of the wire to the top of the press. At this point, the winch will exert a balanced force on both sides of the bed when you wind it up. If you want more mechanical advantage, put two more pulleys at the top of the press, and return the ends of the wire to attach them to the ends of the bed. This will give you a balanced 2:1 mechanical advantage. Smooth!
That's a good idea, but I'm fine with how the winch mod is working for me. I don't feel like redoing it. If you try out your idea, I would like to hear how it turned out. Thanks for the comment.
Yeah, Sean mentioned this idea and somebody else mentioned it as well. I just bought a set of 6 lb ankle weights and I think 6 lbs will balance it out pretty well. The winch weights 7.5 lbs with the carabiner and cable. Since the carabiner is attached to the opposing side and some of the cable is unspooled from the drum, 6 lbs should balance out the press bed fairly well. Having an ankle weight attached on the handle won't be sexy, but I'm trying to avoid having to weld a big hunk of steel to the handle as a more permanent modification. With the ankle weight set-up, I can add or take away weight pouches to dial in the weight to balance out the press bed.
I just tried the counterweight idea with a small canvas bag with fishing weights inside and I hung it with a carabiner on the other press bed handle. I played with different amounts of weight, and there doesn't seem to be a perfect weight to where the press bed goes up level and goes down level. So, I'm scrapping this idea. Stabilizing the press bed with your hand is very easy and not a strain in the least bit so I'll stick with that technique to level out the press bed.
Several people mentioned the counterweight idea. I tried it and it didn't work. I think the main reason it doesn't work is there's a human component to the equation. I'm holding the handle of the winch while it's going up and down which affects the balance of the press bed. I tried using fishing weights in a small canvas sack and played around with different weights and couldn't get the press bed to go up and down evenly in both directions, so I gave up on the idea. I think with how I did this modification, the best solution is to just stabilize the press bed with my free hand, which is very easy to do. Mounting the winch on the top of the press with a cable going to each handle is the way to go for anyone who doesn't want to have to balance the press bed with their free hand. Knowing what I know now, I think I'd probably still do the mod like I did because I think it's a hassle having to figure out how to mount another cable to the winch and to figure out the proper length of each cable to get the press bed going up and down evenly. The goal was to take a physical load off of me when doing press work, mainly axle work, and I achieved that. The balancing of the press bed is a minor nuisance that doesn't bother me. Thanks for the comment! Great to know you like the content Sean and I create. Happy Wrenching!
Solution: Add a counter weight to the other side of the platform. The weight only needs to displace the weight of the crank side. Also you could use pvc to reduce the gap in the platform to prevent swaying. Sincerely Robert
I messed around with different amounts of counterweight on the opposing handle, and it didn't work out. In one direction, say raising, it would go up level. Then I'd switch to lowering, and it wouldn't stay level. I used fishing weights in a small canvas sack. I gave up after messing around with it for quite a while. It's not a big deal to me having to stabilize the press bed with my free hand because I'm only overcoming a very slight weight imbalance.
Can you add some weight to the right side to compensate for the weight of the winch on the other side to see if that solves balance issue and let me know please?
Sean came up with the same idea. The only issue with this idea is the weight of the winch changes based off how much cable is spooled out. The winch is heaviest at the top near the bottle jack and lightest at the bottom near the floor. But, I have no doubt a counterweight would work out well. I'll figure out what to add to the other handle and give it a try. Update: I bought a set of velcro ankle weights that go up to 6 pounds. With the extended cable and carabiner attached to the opposing side, I figure 6 pounds of weight should balance out the press bed fairly well. The ankle weights arrive tomorrow and I'll report back how well it works out.
I decided to make a run to a couple stores and give the counterweight idea a try today. I bought a small canvas bag and some fishing weights of different weight, and I hung the bag with the weights inside with a carabiner on the other press bed handle. I played with different amounts of weight, and there doesn't seem to be a perfect weight to where the press bed goes up level and goes down level. So, I'm scrapping this idea. Stabilizing the press bed with your hand is very easy and not a strain in the least bit so I'll stick with that technique to level out the press bed.
Hey it works great and the welds aren’t too bad. The second plate was better as you “warmed up” on the first plate so understandably the second would be better. If you get some spare time lol yeah I know, you can just weld up scrap pieces of steel all day and get better practicing and playing with the settings on the machine and just layin beads. These mods are almost a must for a press. Good stuff brother 🤙 God bless~
When I first started learning how to weld, I got a bunch of scrap metal from a fabrication shop and practiced a lot. I feel pretty confident in my welding ability now. Getting comfortable laying long continuous beads is something I need to get more comfortable with. I feel the need to stop to check how I'm doing.
@@TimmyTheToolman haha yessir that’s all we did in welding school when you first start. You just grab a piece of square cut steel and weld beads up and down both sides of it and grab another one and do it again lol got old, but eventually it clicks in your head and you learned how to control the puddle. Those were some very long days in class lol
Do you have a Drill Doctor? If I grab a dull bit, I can sharpen it in seconds! My Drill Doctor is so old.... I chuckle when I open the case because it has a VHS instruction video still in it! 🤣 Great press video! I still have to do my 99 runner front wheel bearings!
No, I don't have a Drill Doctor, but I'm going to look into getting one. I've never heard of it. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm glad you like the video. We do have a video on how to do the front wheel bearings, but I assume you know that already.
@@TimmyTheToolman I'm telling you once you get the hang of that tool, it's so nice to just sharpen up a bit as you're using it. And you'll go through all of your bits that you have now and get them ready! Let me know if you want to borrow the VHS tape! 😎🤣
I actually tried adding weight to the other handle and it's kind of funky. I put fishing weights in a small canvas sack and hung it from the ring. In one direction, say raising, it stays level, and then I go to lower it and it starts getting way out of balance. I tried different amount of weights with the same result. I think just giving the press bed a little support with my free hand works pretty damn well.
I feel ya. I don't use mine that much either, but after doing that first mod on it adding the caster wheels, I looked for other mods I could do on it and discovered the winch mod. I've probably done around 20 rear axle bearing jobs, but that's over the last 7 years or so.
@@brucewayne2773 It is good content, but I wouldn't have done this mod to my press unless I saw value in it. These were two affordable mods to perform, but they did take some time.
@@TimmyTheToolman Off topic, just saw another 3rd gen 4 runner lose its lower ball joint, they were lucky to be on city streets while it failed. Dang lucky driver they had just gotten off of the 101 freeway, like 2 blocks
@BM-cr1zf You're not lifting one side. You are stabilizing the press bed by applying some support. You're basically offsetting the unveness of the press bed because of the imbalance of having the winch connected to one side. The winch doesn't weigh that much, so you only need to give a slight amount of support to srabilize the press bed. The winch is doing all the lifting. I don't think I've had quite that much weight on mine, but I'm pretty confident I could manage to keep the press bed level with a press break weighing down the press bed.
This channel is the best on here. I have an 02 Tacoma, and this guy has helped me fix it more than once.
Thanks for the compliment Jeremy. I'm happy to know our videos have helped you out.
I mounted a winch on top of the press and used tow cables -one for each side so the bed rases and lowers evenly.
Yeah, I saw videos of people doing it that way, and I mentioned that option in the video. Even though the press bed isn't balanced the way I did it, it's not a big concern. Stabilizing the press bed is very easy because it's literally only around 5 lbs uneven. A little support with my free hand keeps it balanced. The result I wanted was to not have to muscle the press bed up and down anynore, and I achieved that. This will make doing press work less physically demanding on me and for whoever I'm filming with.
Great job Tim! Doing press work by yourself can be a huge challenge. This makes things much easier.
Thanks Richard. Most of the time I'm working with someone else, but there's been times I've been on my own, and it's a lot more work having to manually raise and lower that press bed with brute strength.
How is this modification holding up?
Thanks for the kool mod! You have helped me on many projects on my 2001 1st gen tundra! I did my rear axle bearings and seals back in 2020 when covid was going on. Harbor Freight was out of 20 Ton presses so I made a home made press out of 5/8" all thread and a 1/2" plate of steel, it worked great job was a success thanks to your videos! Timmy ROCKS!!!!
I'm glad you like the mod Mike. I'm also happy to know our videos are helping you out. Good job making the homemade press.
Nice work, looks like it works perfect to me. Anything to helps lift and hold the bed to a close enough position for the pins is a win for me.
Thanks Dan. This mod definitely eases the physical strain when doing press work.
Excellent video!! Your presentation was very professional and informative.
Thanks for the compliment, Bob. We appreciate it!
Add a weight the same as winch on other side to even out may help
I messed around with different amounts of counterweight on the opposing handle, and it didn't work out. In one direction, say raising, it would go up level. Then I'd switch to lowering, and it wouldn't stay level. I used fishing weights in a small canvas sack. I gave up after messing around with it for quite a while. It's not a big deal to me having to stabilize the press bed with my free hand because I'm only overcoming a very slight weight imbalance.
IM so glad i bought this over the 12 ton
Me too.
Suggestion for another video: Place the winch on the front of the press bed, about 1/4 the the left or 1/4 to the right according to your handedness. Then unwind the steel wire completely. Locate the midpoint of the wire and rewind it starting at the center, the center being held in place with an adjustable hose clamp. Put a pulley at each end of the bed, and then you can attach each end of the wire to the top of the press.
At this point, the winch will exert a balanced force on both sides of the bed when you wind it up. If you want more mechanical advantage, put two more pulleys at the top of the press, and return the ends of the wire to attach them to the ends of the bed. This will give you a balanced 2:1 mechanical advantage. Smooth!
That's a good idea, but I'm fine with how the winch mod is working for me. I don't feel like redoing it. If you try out your idea, I would like to hear how it turned out. Thanks for the comment.
2004 Tacoma, you helped me do the axle diff sleeve thing.
Ever think about putting a counter weight on the other side? Maybe like a 5lbs weight.
Yeah, Sean mentioned this idea and somebody else mentioned it as well. I just bought a set of 6 lb ankle weights and I think 6 lbs will balance it out pretty well. The winch weights 7.5 lbs with the carabiner and cable. Since the carabiner is attached to the opposing side and some of the cable is unspooled from the drum, 6 lbs should balance out the press bed fairly well. Having an ankle weight attached on the handle won't be sexy, but I'm trying to avoid having to weld a big hunk of steel to the handle as a more permanent modification. With the ankle weight set-up, I can add or take away weight pouches to dial in the weight to balance out the press bed.
I just tried the counterweight idea with a small canvas bag with fishing weights inside and I hung it with a carabiner on the other press bed handle. I played with different amounts of weight, and there doesn't seem to be a perfect weight to where the press bed goes up level and goes down level. So, I'm scrapping this idea. Stabilizing the press bed with your hand is very easy and not a strain in the least bit so I'll stick with that technique to level out the press bed.
Nice ! I love watching you videos - wonder if some weight was added to opposite side would be any improvement or more trouble ?
Several people mentioned the counterweight idea. I tried it and it didn't work. I think the main reason it doesn't work is there's a human component to the equation. I'm holding the handle of the winch while it's going up and down which affects the balance of the press bed. I tried using fishing weights in a small canvas sack and played around with different weights and couldn't get the press bed to go up and down evenly in both directions, so I gave up on the idea. I think with how I did this modification, the best solution is to just stabilize the press bed with my free hand, which is very easy to do.
Mounting the winch on the top of the press with a cable going to each handle is the way to go for anyone who doesn't want to have to balance the press bed with their free hand. Knowing what I know now, I think I'd probably still do the mod like I did because I think it's a hassle having to figure out how to mount another cable to the winch and to figure out the proper length of each cable to get the press bed going up and down evenly.
The goal was to take a physical load off of me when doing press work, mainly axle work, and I achieved that. The balancing of the press bed is a minor nuisance that doesn't bother me.
Thanks for the comment! Great to know you like the content Sean and I create. Happy Wrenching!
Solution: Add a counter weight to the other side of the platform. The weight only needs to displace the weight of the crank side. Also you could use pvc to reduce the gap in the platform to prevent swaying.
Sincerely Robert
I messed around with different amounts of counterweight on the opposing handle, and it didn't work out. In one direction, say raising, it would go up level. Then I'd switch to lowering, and it wouldn't stay level. I used fishing weights in a small canvas sack. I gave up after messing around with it for quite a while. It's not a big deal to me having to stabilize the press bed with my free hand because I'm only overcoming a very slight weight imbalance.
Helpful design Timmy 👌
Thanks Arin.
Just found your channel and subscribed. Very nice work
Thanks and welcome to our channel.
Can you add some weight to the right side to compensate for the weight of the winch on the other side to see if that solves balance issue and let me know please?
Sean came up with the same idea. The only issue with this idea is the weight of the winch changes based off how much cable is spooled out. The winch is heaviest at the top near the bottle jack and lightest at the bottom near the floor. But, I have no doubt a counterweight would work out well. I'll figure out what to add to the other handle and give it a try.
Update: I bought a set of velcro ankle weights that go up to 6 pounds. With the extended cable and carabiner attached to the opposing side, I figure 6 pounds of weight should balance out the press bed fairly well. The ankle weights arrive tomorrow and I'll report back how well it works out.
I decided to make a run to a couple stores and give the counterweight idea a try today. I bought a small canvas bag and some fishing weights of different weight, and I hung the bag with the weights inside with a carabiner on the other press bed handle. I played with different amounts of weight, and there doesn't seem to be a perfect weight to where the press bed goes up level and goes down level. So, I'm scrapping this idea. Stabilizing the press bed with your hand is very easy and not a strain in the least bit so I'll stick with that technique to level out the press bed.
You're awesome! Thank you :)@@TimmyTheToolman
gonna do this mod for sure thanks for sharing !
You're welcome. Good luck with the mod.
Hey it works great and the welds aren’t too bad. The second plate was better as you “warmed up” on the first plate so understandably the second would be better. If you get some spare time lol yeah I know, you can just weld up scrap pieces of steel all day and get better practicing and playing with the settings on the machine and just layin beads.
These mods are almost a must for a press. Good stuff brother 🤙
God bless~
When I first started learning how to weld, I got a bunch of scrap metal from a fabrication shop and practiced a lot. I feel pretty confident in my welding ability now. Getting comfortable laying long continuous beads is something I need to get more comfortable with. I feel the need to stop to check how I'm doing.
@@TimmyTheToolman haha yessir that’s all we did in welding school when you first start. You just grab a piece of square cut steel and weld beads up and down both sides of it and grab another one and do it again lol got old, but eventually it clicks in your head and you learned how to control the puddle. Those were some very long days in class lol
Do you have a Drill Doctor? If I grab a dull bit, I can sharpen it in seconds! My Drill Doctor is so old.... I chuckle when I open the case because it has a VHS instruction video still in it! 🤣 Great press video! I still have to do my 99 runner front wheel bearings!
No, I don't have a Drill Doctor, but I'm going to look into getting one. I've never heard of it. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm glad you like the video. We do have a video on how to do the front wheel bearings, but I assume you know that already.
@@TimmyTheToolman looks like Amazon has them still. Looks different than my old one. Get one and do a vid! 😎
@@KetoCaveMan Maybe I will make a video on the subject. Thanks!
@@KetoCaveMan I purchased the more expensive model that can handle up to 3/4" drill bits.
@@TimmyTheToolman I'm telling you once you get the hang of that tool, it's so nice to just sharpen up a bit as you're using it. And you'll go through all of your bits that you have now and get them ready! Let me know if you want to borrow the VHS tape! 😎🤣
Great mod!
Thanks!
Sic mod!
What brand are ur work pants on this video if u don’t mind me asking also how do u like them?
Those aren't work pants. They are a lightweight pair of pants. They are made by Kuhl. REI carries that brand, but you can also just purchase online.
Cool mod.....RnD. How about add a 5lb weight on the ring to counter balance it.
I actually tried adding weight to the other handle and it's kind of funky. I put fishing weights in a small canvas sack and hung it from the ring. In one direction, say raising, it stays level, and then I go to lower it and it starts getting way out of balance. I tried different amount of weights with the same result. I think just giving the press bed a little support with my free hand works pretty damn well.
@@TimmyTheToolman Well I'm sure you'll find a solution. I might try the mod on my press in the future. Great content.
Funny I was just thinking about this the other day haha
It's a fairly common mod, I reckon. There's already many videos in existence for it. This was just my rendition of how to do it.
Lol...I have the same press. Not sure if I want to spend that much time and effort to make this mod. I only need to use mine once in a while.
I feel ya. I don't use mine that much either, but after doing that first mod on it adding the caster wheels, I looked for other mods I could do on it and discovered the winch mod. I've probably done around 20 rear axle bearing jobs, but that's over the last 7 years or so.
@@TimmyTheToolman I can see you doing such mods since it's great content for your channel
@@brucewayne2773 It is good content, but I wouldn't have done this mod to my press unless I saw value in it. These were two affordable mods to perform, but they did take some time.
@@TimmyTheToolman Off topic, just saw another 3rd gen 4 runner lose its lower ball joint, they were lucky to be on city streets while it failed. Dang lucky driver they had just gotten off of the 101 freeway, like 2 blocks
@@brucewayne2773 Yeah, that's lucky.
20 ton press is not made heavy enough I had to plate the top and bottom because it was bending but for price it’s not bad
What are you working on? Sherman Tanks? I've done wheel bearing jobs on lots of different Toyota and Lexus SUVs, and the press has never failed me.
Timmayy
🤙🏼
Dam now I gotta do some work 😵💫
That's what happened to me. I started watching more modification videos that you can do to the Harbor Freight press and it inspired me to do this one.
@@TimmyTheToolman 👊🏻
Not practical to lift 1 end while you winch. My plates and press brake weigh about 160lbs.
@BM-cr1zf You're not lifting one side. You are stabilizing the press bed by applying some support. You're basically offsetting the unveness of the press bed because of the imbalance of having the winch connected to one side. The winch doesn't weigh that much, so you only need to give a slight amount of support to srabilize the press bed. The winch is doing all the lifting. I don't think I've had quite that much weight on mine, but I'm pretty confident I could manage to keep the press bed level with a press break weighing down the press bed.