Area 419 Zero press problem or normal behavior?

[WallyM]

Just got my Zero press mounted and noticed right away that the ram seems to be much more difficult to move in the first half of travel than the 2nd half. It's very smooth all throughout but I'm putting 6-8 lbs of force out on the end of the handle to get the ram through the first half of the stroke. Then the effort goes to nothing and the handle will drop freely to the bottom of travel. Is this normal?

 

[Vbull]

Just got my Zero press mounted and noticed right away that the ram seems to be much more difficult to move in the first half of travel than the 2nd half. It's very smooth all throughout but I'm putting 6-8 lbs of force out on the end of the handle to get the ram through the first half of the stroke. Then the effort goes to nothing and the handle will drop freely to the bottom of travel. Is this normal?

no mine does not have that issue
sounds like some thing is binding.

 

[rlporter507]

well thanks a lot. didnt notice that before, but now that i went and tried it mine is easier toward the top than at the bottom going up. not by much, very smooth, must be the way they are.
hahhahahaha!!!!

 

[Oso]

Mine is the same… I believe gravity is the culprit. My press takes more force raising the ram (pushing handle halfway down) and then it all but falls on its own the bottom. Having spent like 20 seconds raising/lowering press 4-6 times my non-scientific explanation that I would give my 9yo son is “At about halfway up/down the weight of the ram gets offset by weight of press handle & ball.” This discussion would then lead into talking about gravity and pulleys devolving into topic search on YouTube for fun educational videos. He’s 9 so topics start going sideways fast.

Either way it is Smooth

 

[jpjulian]

Mine does not act in that manner. I suggest you call or email their customer service.

btw... I posted a reply yesterday that may have been removed for some reason. Said basically what I say above. Hmmmmmm........