10 and 20 ton presses are great for doing general "light" fitting, transmission bearings etc. One of the most important skill requirements for a fitter to develop is what is known as a "feel".
10 to 20ton presses give a great feedback feel to the operator, imperative to instantly recognize if there is adequate "interference" between the two components, nine out of ten times, the preferred quickest path to getting a job done.
But if no resistance (interference) is felt, one must then disassemble, and precision measure to identify the offending component which has caused the lack of interference.
When it comes to presses for crankshaft pins, bigger is better. When a small inadequate press struggles, it spring loads the frame of the press instead and when the energy does lets go, it moves with a jump and a cracking bang. Definitely not preferred for a quick stress-free precision crankshaft outcome.
A twenty tonner will get most 125 crankshafts done reasonably OK without too much stress, but for a quality outcome of bigger more stubborn Maico's cranks etc, a 50tonner makes it a stress free walk in the park.
If you are building a press for heavier cranks? then the more rigid the frame, the better.
If the C section you have is heavy thick flanged cold rolled channel? then you can give the first step a tick.
Good luck Matt.
