A question on hydraulic presses

R

redneckswami

Joined
Mar 31, 2008
Messages
118
Good evening, ya'll.
I've recently recieved a Kohler 25hp key-start motor that was previously used on a small cement mixer:D Was just checked out by a mechanic, and works great (just needs a new battery and I have several of those). I've been wanting to build a hydraulic press for some time. My question is, will this motor work or can it be made to work, on a hydraulic press? I'd thought about converting a log splitter, because I've seen that done successfully, but then this motor dropped into my lap. My current shop setup is split between my garage (my neighborhood ain't zoned for loud gas motors and ringing anvils, so I grind and do the polishing and handle construction here...) and a converted boat shed at some property near Lillian, AL. Power is a problem at that location, so gas-power would actually be a good option for me in this situation. I have a copy of Dr.Batson's book, but can't locate it at the moment, so thought I'd post the question here. Any information would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I would build a "C" frame press that is mounted on a trailer and can be run horizontally. It really works well that way. Vertical is fine,too if that is what you want. You can still build it on a trailer. Use the beefiest I-beam that you can find for the upright. A trailer mounted press is portable and can be taken to a friend's shop or a hammer-in. You may even find this project quiet enough to run on a Saturday morning for a few hours at home.

Use Dr. Batson's book to do the build engineering.
With that motor, a 22-30GPM pump, and a 5" cylinder, you can make a Super Dupper press. Another advantage of the motor you have is it will run much quieter than the 10HP log splitter motors. If it doesn't have a good muffler system, have a muffler shop add one.

I would really suggest you build it with an automated control valve. You use a foot switch for Up, Down, and have a switch on the console for AUTO or MANUAL. In MANUAL, you press the up and down pedal to raise or lower the ram. In AUTO when the pedal is depressed for DOWN, the ram is controlled by two relay timers set to run the ram down, press for a set time, reverse, and repeat...as long as the pedal is depressed. This makes the press act like a slow sped power hammer...with a 30 ton hammer. Set the timing for something like one second press time and one second cycle time and you can draw a billet out in one heat. The timer relays are adjustable for any cycle time you wish.
Both of your hands are free to maneuver the billet.
Talk to Kevin Cashen about the advantage of an automated press.
 
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