You might be able to source acme in anchorage; I know it used to be available from a couple sources. I’d probably go 5/8” personally but I’d imagine 1/2” would be fine.

I know what you mean about shipping…was 155$ last time I had a press shipped up from last chance

 

So far the only rod I can find locally is 3/4". That might be a little overkill I would think. On a side note, is N7709K your plane?

 

Not answering your question, but I saw a video of a home-made press that uses a trailer lift jack. Looks simple and robust, and less fuss than any other design I've seen.

 

I saw that video and probably every video about diy presses on youtube . I have all the materials minus the acme rod and fingers, or I likely would have gone that route. I do like that design though.

 

Thats a cool and simple bow press!

 

You might also find it cheaper to get a trailer jack and salvage the ACME rod out of it. At least when I’ve looked ACME rods cost more than a harbor freight trailer jack.

 

I did think about going that way, but unfortunately we do not have a harbor freight up here and with shipping it made a little less desireable. I ended up sourcing a 3' 3/4" acme rod and nuts locally.

 

Nothing wrong with using 3/4 rod.

 

A heck of a build thread just a little further down on the first page "Let's build a slim press together" It is a very modular press providing one options that other presses don't provide.

 

I read through that thread as well. There is lots of great information in all the various threads on here. I have a few more things I ordered that I am waiting to get up here and I will start my build. I am going to video and photo document it.

 

I used 3/4 and it works great.