The Bernardo DP1 manual rack and pinion press features a torsion-free solid steel frame, effective force of 1,140 kg / 11,183 N with an adjustable 350 mm lever and 60 kg manual force, useful workpiece height of 135 mm, distance from column axis 95 mm, spindle 24×24×240 mm, and a Ø 115 mm rotary table with multiple openings (3 × Ø 17 mm, 1 × Ø 28 mm). Suitable for inserting/removing bearings, bushings and small components, riveting, straightening, and broaching. Weighs 11 kg. Made in Austria, distributed in Italy by Krollit as the official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Effective force (with 350 mm lever): 1,140 kg / 11,183 N
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Max workpiece height: 135 mm
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Distance from column axis: 95 mm
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Rotary table: Ø 115 mm with 4 openings
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Spindle: 24 × 24 × 240 mm
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Structure: Torsion-free solid steel
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Weight: approx. 11 kg
Who uses the DP1 and for what
The Bernardo DP1 is the entry-level manual rack and pinion press in the DP family, sized for small components in craft workshops, maintenance laboratories, and mechanical departments. With a weight of 11 kg and dimensions of 190×270×330 mm, it is the most compact in the range, suitable for workbenches with limited space or for mobile workshops that require a portable tool. The effective force of 1,140 kg is sufficient for inserting/extracting small bearings, standard bushings, precision assemblies, and light broaching operations on small parts. The useful height of 135 mm is the limit for manageable workpieces: beyond this measurement, a higher model in the family is needed. In Krollit customer laboratories, it is chosen by mechanical modeling hobbyists, precision workshops, watch and precision mechanism repairers, and maintenance departments where portability is important.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The DP1 is the entry point of the DP family. Above it: DP 2 (force 1,285 kg, workpiece height 190 mm, weight 30 kg); DP 3 (force 1,181 kg, workpiece height 300 mm, weight 40 kg); D5 / DP 5 (force 1,560 kg, workpiece height 445 mm, weight 160 kg cast iron). The progression is not only dimensional but also in purpose: DP1 for small precision, DP 2/3 for intermediate generalist use, D5 for heavy-duty applications. The effective force does not scale linearly with weight: the DP 2 has greater force than the DP 3 (1,285 vs 1,181 kg) because the lever-rack ratio is optimized differently. For those working on pieces under 130 mm in height and looking for a compact and lightweight tool, the DP1 is the correct choice; for taller pieces, choose the appropriate DP model from the range with adequate useful height.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days to the South). At 11 kg, it is shipped in a single protective package and can be handled and installed by one person. It must be fixed to a workbench using the mounting holes. Original Bernardo spare parts available from stock with 3-5 working day shipping. Customer support available in Italian.
Who the DP1 is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Hobbyist passionate about fine mechanics |
Recommended |
Compact size, adequate force for small bearings and bushings. Entry-level tool that covers the vast majority of hobby precision needs. |
| Precision workshop / mechanical watchmaking |
Recommended |
1,140 kg force sufficient for inserting minute bearings without damaging components. Rotary table with multiple openings allows precise positioning of small parts. |
| Maintenance department with medium-sized parts |
Adequate |
Useful workpiece height of 135 mm can be limiting. For standard general mechanical workshop parts, consider DP 2 (190 mm) or DP 3 (300 mm) with little price difference. |
Not suitable for: working on pieces over 135 mm in height (consider DP 2, DP 3, or D5); applications requiring forces over 1.1 tons (DP 2 at 1.285 t or D5 at 1.56 t); high-volume serial production; on-site use without a stable support bench.
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Max workpiece height |
135 mm |
| Distance from column axis |
95 mm |
| Manual force (on lever) |
60 kg / 588 N |
| Effective force on workpiece |
1,140 kg / 11,183 N |
| Lever length |
350 mm |
Spindle and rotary table
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle dimensions |
24 × 24 × 240 mm |
| Rotary table diameter |
115 mm |
| Rotary table openings |
3 × Ø 17 mm / 1 × Ø 28 mm |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
190 × 270 × 330 mm |
| Net weight |
approx. 11 kg |
| Frame material |
Torsion-free solid steel |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo DP 1 manual press (machine body)
- Rotary table with openings
- Adjustable lever
Frequently asked questions
Is the DP1 really suitable for daily workshop use?
Yes, but for small parts under 135 mm in height. For generalist use on standard mechanical workshop parts, the DP 2 (190 mm workpiece height) is sized more correctly.
The DP1 is a precision tool for small mechanics: watchmaking, model making, precision repairs. For general workshops with various parts, the 135 mm height can be limiting. The price difference between DP1 and DP 2 is contained: for growing workshops, the DP 2 is strategically preferable as an investment.
Can I exert 1,140 kg with 60 kg of effort?
Yes, that's the principle of the lever. With a 350 mm lever and the internal gear ratio of the rack, a manual effort of 60 kg multiplies by approximately 19 on the rack, reaching 1,140 kg of effective force on the workpiece.
The lever-force ratio is designed to generate forces adequate for the size of the workpieces. The DP1 with a 350 mm lever is the 'shortest' in the DP range: larger models have longer levers (D5 at 800 mm) to generate higher forces. For prolonged use, the 350 mm lever is also the most ergonomic for quick and repetitive movements.
Does it need to be fixed to the workbench?
Yes, it must be fixed using the mounting holes in the base. Without fixing, the press lifts during the pressing operation, reducing precision and safety.
Fixing is particularly important on the DP1: its 11 kg weight is not enough to counteract the pressing reaction. Standard workbench fixing bolts are sufficient. For temporary or portable use, a heavy cast iron base is available as an accessory that can replace workbench fixing.
Can I use the DP1 for wire bending?
Yes, for precision bending of metal wire up to 4-5 mm in diameter on mild steel. For thicker wires, the available force may be insufficient.
Wire bending requires dedicated equipment (forming curves) mounted on the spindle. The DP1 is a general-purpose tool: with suitable accessories (purchased separately), it lends itself to various bending, riveting, and straightening applications. For repetitive bending in production, consider hydraulic presses with dedicated tools.
What is the expected useful life?
For intermittent craft use, the DP1 is designed for decades of durability. The rack is the component with the most wear: with minimal maintenance (periodic lubrication), it maintains precision for many years of daily use.
The DP1 is a simple mechanical tool without electrical or hydraulic components subject to failure. Maintenance is reduced to periodic lubrication of the rack and greasing of the joints. For intensive professional use, it may be necessary to replace the rack after many years; original Bernardo spare parts are available from stock with 3-5 working day shipping.
