[TheForge] screwpress

[kevin donahoe]

All,

It's been a few years since I plagued theforge with my virtual presence,
can't say I've gotten a lot done in that time, but have done a little.  Nice
to see some familiar signatures.  As much for the fact that I am (maybe)
still that lucid! as any warm recollections.

Well, I got a good deal on a screw press.  It's an American Can Co. #1,
Chicago, IL. and weighs in around 5-600#'s (estimated by grunt factor) with
the stand.  It has a flywheel (~100#'s) instead of the apothocary ball/beam
kind of hand control.  There's about 10" of throw to the business end.

I've downloaded a couple of webpages, Ron Riel's and Old World Anvil's, that
have some great info and pictures.  But basically being lazy and not getting
to borrow a friend's lathe for a bit, I'd like some ideas and information
before I go stand in front of Bill's lathe and think "What the hell am I
here for?"  Has anyone much experience with them?  Are they the panacea of
the shop I've heard?  Of course it's always fun to play with a new tool, but
would like some general direction, perhaps think of it as a push as I stand
on the brink.  Thanks.

Kevin Donahoe
Flying Pig Forge
Morrow, OH
flyinpig@go-concepts.com