What size press?

[topcatcustom]

I normally go for as big a machine as I can however I think I should try and cap my spending a bit, what is the biggest size press that will be needed for general engine/car stuff?
I'm thinking a 10 tonner would probably do- we normally just use our crane jacks but I think having a 35 tonne crane pushing out a gudgeon pin might just be overkill and a bit risky!!!

[katanaman]

Mine is 10 and it pushes out piston pins no bother along with just about anything else I have tried in it. Wont split the hub of a halfshaft on a scim though, you need a 50 ton for that

[HairbearTE]

10 tonne presses are cheap enough if you shop around, if you really must have a large one like a 30 or 50 then make it yourself - it's a simple machine and plans and parts lists could be downloaded i'm sure, and you'll save hundreds by doing so. I've seen e few home made presses in garages cobbled together with bits of RSJ that do the job fine.

[ChrisJC]

The hardest thing to get out is valve guides.... But I've not tried any yet with my 12tonne press.

Chris.

[Wotland]

The hardest thing to get out is valve guides.... But I've not tried any yet with my 12tonne press.

Chris.

I tried already to remove valve guides with my own 12tonne press.... not very good idea.... top of valve guide broken

You need an perfect alignment.

[Eliot]

My dad took valve guides out of heads for 30 years with a std arbour press. Basicly he always warmed the heads up with a big torch and then just pressed them out, only as he got older and on his 2nd heart bypass did it start to pull on his stiches a bit.

I've got a 10 ton full height press, which if you have the space is handy for getting bigger bits in. Here I took it to bits and turned the press upside down so I could do some tvr wishbone bushes:

[topcatcustom]

Thanks again guys, 10 it is then. Can always beef it up a bit if need more!!