Does anyone use an arbor press to drive out pins?
Basically, I am planning on modifying an arbor press with a chuck to hold different punches and a modified plate for work holding.

Backstory:  Got rheumatoid arthritis with a side of Lyme arthritis (it’s a thing, really) which has taken a toll on my hand strength and dexterity.  
I also am a machinist/programmer that has access to my family’s full machine shop. We are slow right now so there are machines open that otherwise would be running.

This is a fun project for me in part to get some time of machines and processes I haven’t used recently.  I was gifted an Econoline bench top blast cabinet and working on cleaning up some stainless pistols.


I figured I could:

1) D&T a smaller press for an extra keyed chuck I have.

2) Modify the chuck to have a flat inside for the punch to set.  Plunge with a CEM to create a flat on the interior of the chuck for the punch to set.

3) Cut to length and turn down the handles on a set of good punches and mount of a magnet strip on the side opposite the handle.

4) surface grind plate faces parallel .

5) D&T plate for work holding hardware.

I also thought about engraving a grid on the table then realized it’s probably going to devour 0.030” mills if it’s hardened.

The only thing I need to figure out is a simple way to lock down the rotation of the plate.

I like the idea. When I was working we had a medium sized arbor press that I used for bearing removal and installation, sheet metal dimpling and joggling and many other tasks. I always thought that attaching a tool holding fixture or chuck would be handy.

I use an arbor press for sight removal and installation.
Clamp the slide down and push with a brass rod. Easy and no hammer marks or expensive sight pushers.

Interesting idea.  Drill a hole to accept a punch in the ram, and install a set screw to hold the punch in place.

A 1 ton press from Harbor Freight isn't very expensive.

Holy hell....why did I never think of this???

and what's worse is I have a 3D printer so I can print slide holders