Making A 50 Ton Track Pin Press For About $300.

Video Description

I make a 50 ton track pin press for less than $300. I want it to be a real tool, so that means machining the end plates. I start out by drilling out the center of 2 1-inch steel plates, and then drill 1" holes for 3 threaded rods that will attach the plates together. I take care aligning the plates so the rods will be perfectly parallel when assembled. At this point, if I could drill a 2" hole in at least one of the plates, I could go ahead and use the press. I buy 3 1-inch B7 alloy threaded rods with structural washers and grade 8 nuts. But I want this to be a nice tool, so I go on to machine the 14" plates which turns out to be quite a challenge. I remove the gap bed on my lathe so I have room for these big plates. I drill the center holes to 2". I try turning them but can't for 2 reasons. The outer surface of the steel has hardened when it was cut with a torch, and my tool holder setup isn't stiff enough to cut the plates over the gap bed. So I make a new compound tool rest, which comes with it's own challenges. Once I have the compound rest done I am able to face off the plates which goes very well. But I still can't turn the outer diameter because it is hard. I set up a circle jig on my belt grinder and grind the OD that way, which works great. Total cost: B7 threaded rods (from speedy metals), quantity 3, 1"-8 TPI, with structural washers and grade 8 nuts (from bolt depot): $150. 50 ton bottle jack (from Northern Tool): $130. I got the end plates for free, but $100 at most. Probably much cheaper if you work with somebody who deals in scrap. Finally, I coat them with linseed oil for durable rust prevention, and that turns out better than I was expecting. Now this baby is ready to use. MERCH store: https://www.farmcraft101.com Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeByFarmCraft101 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FarmCraft101 Amazon Affiliate Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmcraft101 Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farmcraft101 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmCraft101/ Evolution power tools affiliate link: (promo code: Farmcraft) http://aspireiq.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=5959&aff_id=16043 Save 5% for yourself and also help out the channel. Thanks! #farmlife #farmcraft101 #farming #farmer