If you run a leather workshop, you know how quickly hand tools and mallets can slow you down. Setting rivets, punching holes, stamping leather, cutting shapes — it all adds up.
That’s why I recently picked up the VEVOR 1 Ton Arbor Press, and after only a couple days using it in my shop, I can already tell it’s going to become one of those tools I reach for constantly.
For how versatile this thing is, it’s honestly surprising how affordable it is.
In this post I’ll walk you through:
- What you get in the box
- How easy it is to set up
- How I’m using it in my leather workshop
- Why arbor presses are becoming popular for leatherworking
- Whether this one is actually worth buying
Watch the Full Video Review
Check the Current Price
If you want to check out the exact arbor press I bought, you can see it here:
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What Is the VEVOR 1 Ton Arbor Press?
The VEVOR 1 Ton Manual Arbor Press is a compact desktop press designed to apply controlled downward pressure for workshop tasks like stamping, bending, punching holes, forming parts, and pressing materials together.
It uses a simple lever and rack-and-pinion system to generate up to 1 ton of force, which is more than enough for many small workshop projects.
The press itself is made from heavy-duty cast iron, which gives it solid durability even though it's a relatively compact bench tool.
Key Specs
- 1 ton pressing capacity
- 5.9 inch maximum working height
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Rotating anvil plate
- Desktop / workbench mounting
In short, it's a small but powerful press that can easily fit into a home workshop.
What Comes in the Box
When you open the box, everything is pretty straightforward.
Inside you'll find:
- The VEVOR arbor press
- A rotating anvil bottom plate
- Three drifts with different shapes
- The press handle
- A handle screw to lock the handle if needed
The rotating plate has multiple openings that allow you to support different tools or parts when pressing.
Setup Is Extremely Easy
Getting the press set up took only a few minutes.
All you really need to do is:
- Install the handle
- Mount the press to your workbench (optional but recommended)
- Adjust the ram height
The long handle gives you great leverage, which means you can generate a lot of pressing force without needing much effort.
A Small Upgrade Leatherworkers Should Consider
If you're planning to use this arbor press for leatherworking, there is one small modification I would recommend.
The included bottom plate has openings in it. That works for many tasks, but for leather stamping or die cutting it's better to have a completely flat surface.
I actually have a flat steel plate coming in the mail that I plan to swap in soon. That will give me a perfectly flat pressing surface for cutting dies and stamping.
How I'm Using This Arbor Press in My Leather Workshop
This is where the tool really starts to shine.
There are a surprising number of ways an arbor press can be used in leatherworking.
Die Cutting Leather Shapes
For cutting shapes with steel dies, the press works great.
I added a magnet to the bottom so I can quickly attach cutting dies underneath the press and pull the lever to cut shapes cleanly.
It’s much quieter and more controlled than hitting a die with a mallet.
Punching Stitch Holes
Another great use is pressing stitching chisels through leather.
Instead of hammering your chisels, you can apply steady downward pressure and punch clean holes without disturbing anyone nearby.
Setting Rivets and Snaps
This press also works really well for installing hardware like:
- Rivets
- Snaps
- Chicago screws
Because the pressure is perfectly vertical, it helps prevent crooked hardware.
Punching Belt Ends and Corners
You can also use it with:
- Corner punches
- English point punches
- Belt end punches
This makes belt making faster and more consistent.
Leather Stamping
If you stamp logos or makers marks into leather, a press gives you something that's hard to get with a mallet — perfectly even pressure.
This can make stamped impressions look much cleaner and more professional.
Why Many Leatherworkers Use Arbor Presses
More leatherworkers are adding arbor presses to their shops for a few reasons:
- Consistent pressure
- Quieter than hammering tools
- Faster workflow
- Better alignment when setting hardware
Once you start using one, it's easy to see why they’re so popular.
Is the VEVOR Arbor Press Worth It?
After using it for a few days, my honest opinion is yes — especially for the price.
Pros
- Very versatile tool
- Affordable compared to other presses
- Solid cast iron construction
- Easy to use
- Great for leatherworking projects
Cons
- The stock bottom plate isn’t ideal for leatherwork
- You may want to add a flat steel plate
Overall, this is one of the best budget arbor presses you can add to a small workshop.
Where to Buy the VEVOR 1 Ton Arbor Press
If you want to check out the press I bought, you can find it here:
👉 View the VEVOR Arbor Press on Amazon
Final Thoughts
I’ve only had this press for a couple days, but I’m already excited to keep experimenting with it.
There are so many tools you can pair with an arbor press that it quickly becomes one of the most versatile tools in a leather workshop.
If you're tired of hammering everything by hand, this might be one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your workflow.
If you're interested in more leatherworking content, tutorials, and tool reviews, be sure to check out my Youtube and Tiktok channels @Puredleather