Abstract: The invention is directed to a press having a crown member and a base member with support and tiedown means for maintaining the crown member at an operative predetermined work station relative to the base member, and operative press ram means operating between the crown and base means in direct or offset loading position on a workpiece, characterized in that the support and tiedown means comprises hollow columns characterized by greater resistance to the bending forces induced by offset loading than support and tiedown means comprised of solid columns composed of the same kind and amount of material as the hollow columns. These columns furthermore may comprise pressure fluid-actuated cylinders having cooperating pistons and piston rods.