Portable Plate Press

This is a truly portable unit used to press metal truss plates into wood at any location. Truss manufacturers, as well as builders, frequently require a tool to repair metal plate connected, wood truss components.

The wagon is built from square tubular steel. Extremely compact at only 28” wide and about 32” long with four wheels on soft-rubber solid tires. A steering axle on the front with a handle makes the unit easily maneuverable. There is a floor plate at the front to hold the power unit and an area for a suitcase generator. A rack in the back built to store the C clamp; and a steel loop to store the hydraulic hose and electric cable.

The clamp is manufactured from high strength steel cut into a C shape with a steel tube welded to the front that holds the cylinder. 4×4 magnetized steel plates hold and press the truss connecter plates . The throat opens to 4-1/2” inches to accept either 4 x 2 or 2 x 4 lumber. It has a push on and release off switch to cycle the unit. The clamp weighs less than 30 pounds. A 10,000 psi electric over hydraulic power unit pumps the hydraulic fluid through a 10,000 psi hose to the 10 ton hydraulic cylinder with a 3.9 inch stroke.

The unit can be powered by 120 electric power or a 2200 amp gasoline powered generator, which can also act as a portable power supply out in the field.