[RichardJ]

It's made with 4" x 1.7" Steel Channel which I think is heavier than used on the HF. I have two pieces of the 4" channel on the bottom, just like at the top. That and the eight 5" x 1/2" bolts holding it together has never once made me think it should be welded together.

I used vertical 5/8" steel rods to guide the 1/2 x 3" plate, but had to weld on those chunks of steel to help keep it lined up square.

The cable clamps holding the guide rods were crudely made, but were perfect for the job. I just had to machine the back side flat and to the same height so they held both rods square and equal distance from each other.

On the table, I used EMT tubing to space the halves together before welding the 5/8" rods in place, inside them. The tubing was cut on the lathe, to get square ends and all the same length.

Not only is the press a great addition to your home shop, a small lath comes in super handy to make specialized pieces to help with the press work.

You can never have too many tools.