A press for hydrostatic extrusion includes a press stand and a high pressure cylinder displaceable in the stand. A punch is mounted for movement into the high pressure cylinder to produce the extrusion pressure therein. The billet and die are positioned by a manipulating arrangement between the open end of the high pressure cylinder and a die support, and the cylinder is moved over the billet and die. Pressure fluid is then introduced through the die support and die into the pressure chamber, flow of the fluid out of the chamber being prevented by a valve arrangement or by seating of the billet against the die. The punch is then advanced into the pressure cylinder to produce extrusion.