Can anyone identify this press?

[Norfolk BoyParticipant @norfolkboy]

Hi All, I don't know specifically what this is. It looks like it's been designed well, and constructed well, with what seems to me a complicated angled rack on the driven shaft to do the pressing.

I can see what it's ability is with interchangeable cutters and plate but it's fitted with what it came with and I have no other cutters. Looks like it was last used to punch square holes in thin sheet.

The base is 10" x 10" in old money.

[Norfolk BoyParticipant @norfolkboy]

[I.M. OUTAHEREParticipant @i-m-outahere]

Home made arbor press using the steering shaft out of a rack and pinion steering unit , the angle on the handle is so a std spur gear meshes with the angles teeth on the rack.

Currently set up as a punch and the punch and die are probably home made also , depending on the throat height it can also be used to broach keyways and a a general light duty oress in the workshop . Handy bit of kit !

[Norfolk BoyParticipant @norfolkboy]

Hah, I can't believe I did not spot the steering rack gearing. I have only recently replaced the rack on my old Volvo and was stripping it down to replace the seals but came across a better one already done. So I have a rack and pinion in my spares/scrap box only 3 feet away. I will try to do it justice and make appropriate accessories as I go along. As I say it does seem to be nicely made.

I think it's possible without stripping it down that the handle shaft is the original helically cut steering column shaft as the angle fits that idea. Won't know unless I pull it apart.

Alan

[An OtherParticipant @another21905]

I seem to remember an article in ME long ago about building a press from an old steering rack. If I have time I will try to find it.

[Author]

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