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DIY: C-Frame Press

A press is simply a clamp. However presses are generally used to fold, form or cut metal with a die, rather than hold something together. Presses typically employ a faster means of tightening than the kinds of threads seen in a C-clamp, for example. Hydraulic jacks are a great solution. A DIY C-Frame press is essentially a very rigid frame that utilizes a hydraulic cell, rather than a threaded clamp.

Things You'll Need

I-beam
Bottle jack
MIG welder
Plasma cutter
Drill

Instructions

- 1
  Cut three segments of small I-beam. Cut one long pieces with two opposing 45-degree angles and two shorter pieces with a square end and one 45-degree angle. The three pieces will form the squarish "C" of your frame. You can cut the pieces with a cut-off saw or plasma cutter.
- 2
  Weld the angled pieces together, forming the "C." Make sure your weld thoroughly penetrates the steel, and each side coalesces. There will be significant strain placed on this joint.
- 3
  Drill mounting holes in a piece of steel plate to be used to mount your hydraulic piston; you can use an inexpensive one called a bottle jack. They're commonly used in car jacks. Make sure the holes align with holes in the bottle jack.
- 4
  Drill mounting holes in two additional pieces of steel plate to hold the frame upright, and allow it to be bolted to your work bench.
- 5
  Weld the mounting plate to the bottom lip of the C-frame, so it is perfectly perpendicular to the ground.
- 6
  Weld the frame mounts to the bottom of the "C," making sure they are flush with one another so the frame mounts flat.
- 7
  Weld a final small piece of steel plate under the top lip as a surface for the bottle jack to press against.
- 8
  Weld triangular gussets made from steel plate in the corners of the the C-frame. The gussets will reinforce the joints and reduce flexing, which is more apt to happen with the open "C" design than a closed or square design.

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