Hydralic Press

Posted on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 3:42 pm under Uncategorized.

I’ve had a question asked about my home built hydralic press (Thanks Wally).  I will try and show some pictures and give measurements where I can
The first press I saw was built by Jeff Carlille in MT.  The Imagination Express, It worked great so since I am a welder by trade I figured I could build one myself.
I hope that any of you that see this blog will comment on things that you have seen that worked better or ways that this design could be improved.
John Reynolds, a fellow knifemaker and friend of mine built one that I have copied  and have had great succese with.
Bottom attachment and slide

Bottom attachment and slide

The slide is made of 3/4 inch steel with four 5/8 bolts holding them together, the center piece is shimmed to a little over 1 inch and it is drilled and taped for a grease zerk.  One inch was used for the cylinder mount and that was welded to a piece of 1 1/4 that was beveled on both sides to match 4 inch channel iron.

Hydralic Press
Hydralic Press
The beam I used was 6 inch H beam with a 1/2 inch web and flange. It is 45 inches tall.  I then added 1/2 inch piece to each side to box it in.  Those where moved in 1 inch to make room for the slide guides.  I then plug welded a 1/2 by 6 inch piece on the front to stiffen the beam further.

Front view
Front view
The ram is a 5 inch with a 1 5/8 rod and the stroke is 8 inches.  I set it up to only run at 7 when fully extended so it didn’t bottom out.

Top cylinder mount
Top cylinder mount
Where the ram attaches at the top I used a 1 inch by 6 inch piece and cut out the H beam so it would fit back into it then welded it all up solid.  You can’t see it in the photo because the boxed pieces are covering it but the mount runs to the back of the beam.  In this photo you can see the front 1/2 inch piece that was added.

Press die attachment
Press die attachment

This photo shows the way the dies are attached, John came up with this and it works great.  They are easy to change, the only draw back is that they slide out some times.  I have many different dies  for drawing and shaping.

This has been a very good press for me and I have not had a bit of trouble with it.  I do have a two stage hydralic pump on it that I like, it moves fast and maybe to fast sometimes when you are try to do delicate work but if you are carefull it is fine. 
Please if you have any questions or comment let me know.

5 Responses to “Hydralic Press”

  1. Wally Krall says:

    Thanks for putting up the press pictures and descriptions. I’ve got some questions if you’ve got the time.

    * I can’t figure out how the dies are set up to go on or how they stay on.

    * It looks like the “H” beam, motor, tank etc. are all attached to a plate and that maybe it sets on a stand that isn’t integral… is that right?

    * Is the bottom die holder attached like the top cylinder brace is?

    “Wally”

  2. Kirk Rexroat says:

    I will try and explain the die setup. Its hard for me if I can’t draw or use my hands.
    The dies are made of 4 inch channel iron and the piece the die slides onto is tapered to match the inside of the channel. The channel is slid into place and a 1 inch by 1/4 inch piece of strap is welded on both sides so the channel can’t fall off. It will however slide off if you pull it away from the H beam. The bottom die holder is attached in the same manner, it is welded solid to the H beam and is tapered for the 4 inch channel iron.
    You are right in that everything is attached to a plate and it is seperate from the legs. I did it this way so that I can load it in my pickup and haul it to do demonstrations with.

  3. Wally Krall says:

    Kirk, is the bottom die holder a 1″ piece run through like the top cylinder mount? And it looks like there are angles through bolted to the 1″. I’m guessing the angles are welded to the base plate but is the 1″ welded also?

    “Wally”

  4. Kirk Rexroat says:

    Yes Wally you are right. The bottom piece is 1″ and it is mitered into the web of the H beam. The angle iron with the bolts through it hold the H beam to the top plate. Since there is no pressure on the base plate the beam isn’t welded down, the bolts and angle iron hold it up.
    Kirk

  5. Wally Krall says:

    Thanks, Kirk. I’m going to go think about this for awhile… =]

    “Wally”

Leave a Reply

 


American Bladesmith Society