Tool Tuesday: My Trusty Potter USA Hydraulic Press

Happy Tool Tuesday, everyone! Today I want to sing the praises of one of my most valuable tools: my Potter USA Hydraulic Press.  This workhorse has been a game-changer in my studio, and I honestly don't know what I'd do without it.

I invested in this glorious piece of machinery back in December 2014, and then added the 20 ton electric press upgrade  the following year.  It was purchased with a very specific purpose in mind: to help me punch out blanks in all shapes and sizes, as well as form bracelets/rings and add texture.  Let me tell you, it has more than delivered on that promise with helping to limit wear and tear on my body!

This hydraulic press has been an absolute lifesaver, paying for itself over and over again.  It's been especially crucial for fulfilling wholesale orders that contain hundreds of pieces and components from small blanks to bracelets.  The sheer volume of work I can now handle is incredible.  Frankly, I couldn't physically do what I do today if I hadn't taken the plunge and made this investment.  It's truly allowed me to scale my business in a way that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

blanks punched out from pancake dies that will be textured then stamped creating pendants, earrings and bracelets.

showing the set-up starting left to right the 20 ton upgrade, the actual press and also my indispensable bench shear from Pepe Tools.

starting to punch out blanks for a wholesale order of 100s of Wee Forest Charms

A wholesale order of Mandala Maple leaves, the typical Mandala form along with larger discs for Mountain Camping Pendants on the bench.

Here you see the punching out of ovals for button closures on the Mandalas.

Earrings, pendants, wee charms and jump rings being made.

Next step, after cutting out strips using the bench shear, is to texture each one in the Rolling Mill.

It is almost that time of year once again when wholesale orders arrive and the flurry of studio work begins.  Stay tuned for more Tool Tuesday features in the future!  What are some of your favorite tools?  Share them in the comments below!

enjoy, take care-

Stephanie

www.stephaniedistler.com