A bending press comprising a lower frame member, an upper frame member mounted above the lower frame member, tool holding means positioned in operative association with one of the frame members for holding bending tool means, die holding means positioned in operative association with the other of the frame members for holding die means, a plurality of first hydraulic rams mounted in laterally spaced relationship to be operative between the tool holding means and the associated frame member, a plurality of second hydraulic rams mounted in laterally spaced relationship to be operative between the die holding means and the associated frame member, the first hydraulic rams being adapted to be hydraulically connected together during use for hydraulic fluid to distribute a load applied to a workpiece during use evenly between the first hydraulic rams and provide compensation for frame member deflection during use, and the second hydraulic rams being adapted to be hydraulically connected together during use for hydraulic fluid to distribute a load applied to a workpiece during use evenly between the second hydraulic rams and provide compensation from frame member deflection during use.