Extraction Accessories

[JP1]

So my press has a small (I'm guessing 1") rod that comes down and squeezes the plates (harbor freight 12 ton hydraulic jack if that helps). Thing is it doesn't always press evenly as it almost always pushes in 1 direction or another. I'm looking for something that maybe attaches to the rod to spread the pressure out more evenly. No idea what to call it so have no idea what to search for. I know there's some machinists around here so I'm looking for help with buying one or even just knowing where to look

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

In order for the rod to travel perfectly (the goal) down square. The frame must be completely square (not likely) in all directions. The travel bar with the Pushing pin must be prevented from moving left to right or front to back on all possible axis. This can be done with shims but once again the frame is likely not square enough for precision work..

Get a thick piece of shoe leather and put it between the shaft and the top of the press. See if it will act as a gimbal. You may need to sandwich it in metal to keep the pin from just punching it out.