[TheForge] Hydraulic Press Plans

Tue Jan 9 06:43:00 EST 2007

I haven't seen Cliff's design. I think Batson has two booklets, with the 
second one dealing with more compact versions of a press. I built a 
press from his first booklet and that info is certainly worth the money, 
a lot in there. Batson (first booklet) also discusses converting a log 
splitter into a forging press.

I initially set my press up for 5HP/2" per sec. I found it to be way too 
fast for my taste--1" per sec. is plenty for me. 2"/sec gets really 
exciting if you are doing any bending.

I have a 6" cylinder limited to 30 tons, press is built for 36 tons. I 
don't have the calculations handy, but I sized the 5HP motor to do 
2"/sec at 36 tons, so you'd need a little less than half that for 
1"/sec. 2HP may be a practical number.

Logsplitter pumps (two speed pumps) claim they work at 3600 rpm, which 
is where I started (at 2"/sec). At this speed my pump was insanely loud. 
I had a hard time believing it would last many hours. Size your pump so 
you can run it at 1750 rpm and still get the flow rate you need.

My shop in Colorado was unheated. I used hydraulic fluid from the farm 
store, and I had to warm it up in the winter with a magnetic oil pan 
heater. The fluid I'm using in Maine works fine cold. I don't know what 
types of fluid, just find out what the right kind is for your situation.

I agree with Chuck about the H frame press. That's what I'd build if I 
were to do it over. It depends on what kind of work you expect, of 
course. At an ABANA conference Batson showed a couple of 'table top' H 
presses that still reached 20-30 tons (I don't remember how much, but 
plenty).

Steve

Chuck Robinson wrote:
> You need to get Jim's hydraulics primer that comes with his plans.
> Cliff's is the better design.
> Forget the 2 HP motor. You'll need about a 5 HP motor.
> You have to size the motor to the pump you use.
> Target is 1 to 2 IPS ram travel.
> You can use an old log splitter but it's much better to recycle it's 
> parts into  an "H" style press.
> Chuck
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Daniel Kretchmar" 
> <dan at irontreeworks.com>
> To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 9:05 PM
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Hydraulic Press Plans
> 
> 
>> Thanks Mike!
>>
>> Here's another question.  Has anyone ever converted a log splitter 
>> into a press?  I met a smith at a Hastings, MN Metalsmith conference 
>> some years back who made a set of dies to flare brass/bronze bells on 
>> an old logsplitter.....I might be able to buy an old log splitter 
>> cheap......I would have to switch out the gas motor and install the 2 
>> hp electric.....is it worth it?
>>
>> Danr
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Linn" 
>> <bamablacksmith at comcast.net>
>> To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 6:40 PM
>> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Hydraulic Press Plans
>>
>>
>>> There are 2 different sets of plans out there that I know of...
>>>
>>> Jim Batson has a set for $25 postpaid -
>>> Jims has photos, parts lists and assembly tips
>>>
>>> 176 Brentwood Lane
>>> Madison, AL 35758
>>> 256-503-0386
>>> jbbatson at knology.net
>>>
>>>
>>> and Cliff Ohlenburger just announced his plans for a 24 Ton H-Press.
>>> His includes parts list w/sources, CAD drawings for each part, 
>>> step-by-step construction details,
>>> & a CD with 42 digital photos of the construction process
>>> his is $25 + $2.50 s&h
>>>
>>> 2029 County Road 110
>>> Jack, AL 36346
>>> firebirdforge at alaweb.com
>>>
>>>
>>> mike
>>>
>>> At 03:33 PM 1/8/2007, you wrote:
>>>
>>>> Greetings to the August Sages who walk these halls!
>>>>
>>>> I have almost convinced myself that I need to build a hydraulic 
>>>> press. I don't
>>>> think I can afford to buy one and the pnuematic design is giving me 
>>>> headaches.
>>>> I have a 2 hp Motor, a junk yard that has cylinders and pumps and I 
>>>> know how to
>>>> weld.
>>>>
>>>> Do plans for such a beast exist?
>>>>
>>>> Your Humble Suplicant
>>>>
>>>> Daniel Kretchmar (Danr)
>>>> www.irontreeworks.com
>>>>
>>>> ps. I just finished drawing out a billet made from a harley 
>>>> chain!!!  I will
>>>> post pictures when the knife is done!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>            Mike Linn
>>>      Artist Blacksmith
>>>          McCalla, AL
>>>        AFC Webmaster
>>> http://afc.abana-chapter.com
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________________
>>>
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>>>   close they were to success when they gave up. "
>>>   ~ Thomas A. Edison
>>> ______________________________________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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