Update on this.

After two years exactly it's now been replaced by an Adkins. To be fair it has had a tough last six months and has paid for itself over and over, but it's pretty much ready for the scrapper.

Main faults at time of death .....

Massive cool spot on left lower 1/4 of heat plate.
Handle hits top of heat plate when pressing, trapping fingers if not careful, giving a jolly "CLANGGGGG" with every press.
Handle very loose and jams half way when raised preventing press from opening fully.
Handle at an angle, about 20 degrees off level.
Allen screws securing sliding bed to runners keep falling out under use.

No complaints really though, it's done it's job up until now. Our A2 Adkins hasn't been trouble free, but that was just a phone call to Adkins and parts arrived next day. I don't feel the HP3805 is worth repairing .... or even if the parts are readily available ..... Had a brief look and the handle appears welded so can't see how to remove it to get the cowel off to attempt a fix. It's really all down to wether you feel 2 years is reasonable for a £500 pound press. I think it's done ok for the price but a used or reconned Adkins would be my preference now with hindsight.