[TheForge] Hydraulic Press

[Andrew Vida]

David E. Smucker wrote:

> None of this applies to blacksmithing presses except that there are some 
> similar risks and one of the ones that I have always been most concerned 
> about is fire.  Even if it doesn't get you it may burn your shop down.  That 
> is why I like designs where all of the hydraulics, including the cylinder is 
> below the hot metal.  (Can be either a pull down, or push up design.)  Then 
> with some sheet metal work you can get all of the hoses and or lines 
> enclosed so that if you have a leak (and you will) you just get a mess.

Run your lines inside conduit.  EMT or even copper house plumbing.  If a 
line fails, the fluid is contained.

In this day of easy digital control, I am wondering if a pressure sensor 
could be used to determine line failure and shut down the pump 
immediately.  Just a thought.  Bruce has been working his genius with 
Arduino boards lately.  As much as it pains me to say this, I have been 
duly impressed with his abilities.

Don't anyone tell him I said this or I will never hear the end of it. 
His head is already too big for his hat.