Hand punch press

[bumbler]

A pexto 4 ton hand bench model 218 is on K-Bid auctions ( MN) --closing 03/07/2011 with a current bid of $65.00. Can this punch press be modified as a stretcher, shrinker or other forming tool?

Bruce

[jlrussell4]

It will make a fine punch press :). Seriously, why ruin a good and handy machine to have in your (or anyone elses) shop?

Just my $.02. You might find your needs different.

[Doug98105]

I have a 218.

With the ram up there's approx 4" of "daylight". Max force is developed at bottom of ram travel which is approx 1/2".

So, you need a set of dies with a total height of 3-1/2" or less, provided you don't modify the punch's frame. And, frame modifications wouldn't be real easy, but anything is possible if you really want to.

ERCO shrinking dies will not fit the machine as is, their overall height is over 4" at rest.

Lancaster dies, I don't know, I can't find mine.

On the west coast 218's generally bring good money. Anything under $200 would be a steal for use as intended. Punches and dies are readily available, it uses standard size small press tooling.

Doug

[LARRY KAEMPFER]

in a word { no }