Crank assembly

[Pete Muller]

Most definitely supported at the bearing journals.

[Jimmy Moore]

You don't need $800 die sets because, perfect alinement is achieved after the pressing operation. Get a piece of 1/2" steel about 8"x8" and make a hole in the middle for the shaft. Get 3 steel blocks 1"x 1 1/2"x 3". Square one end and drill and tap for 1/4-20 then, space the blocks at 3 equal distance spots around the plate to hold the shaft. Make the holes in the plate oblong so you can adjust to the size of the shaft you're working on. You can control the width of the shaft with shims on the end of the crankpin. All the shafts I've pressed have come out within .002" runout and most are closer. You need other tools to do shaft work but, they are also easy to make.