When would an arbor press be primarily used?

An arbor press is specifically designed for light to medium duty tasks, particularly in the domains of metalworking and assembly. Its fundamental use involves applying a precise amount of force to achieve accurate positioning and fitting of components. One of the most common applications is pressing bearing races and bushings, as this requires controlled pressure to avoid damaging the components.

The arbor press enables the user to leverage mechanical advantage, making it easy to perform tasks that necessitate accuracy without applying excessive force that could lead to equipment damage or misalignment. This attribute makes it particularly suitable for delicate operations like fitting bearing components, where precision is critical.

In contrast, heavy equipment pressing typically requires more robust hydraulic or pneumatic presses that can withstand greater loads, which the arbor press is not designed for. Other options like cutting and shaping metal sheets are tasks that would involve different tools such as shears or hydraulic brakes, and welding involves the application of heat rather than pressing, ruling them out as appropriate uses for an arbor press.