Big Blu 27 ton hydraulic press?

B

Blackhawk901

Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Messages
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Hi! I'm purchasing a Big BLU 27 ton hydraulic press after reading all the blogs etc...I priced out the Coal Iron works, Gilmore, Anyang etc and the Big blu came in $1K less than the other 25 Ton or so options delivered. My question is does anyone have any experience on one . My understanding is that the 50T is popular and the 27T is a new addition. I like their 5HP engine as opposed to the smaller 3HP on the Gilmore press. I'm just not finding anyone with one in their shop or posting about them. I know Coal Iron works gets a lot of attention but after reading Ed Caffrey's posts I'm shying away from the C-shape frame. Any recommendations or information would be awesome. I can still cancel the build if folks think its better to turn my attention elsewhere. I'm a custom knife and small architectural blacksmith shop so I thought no need for a large 50T for $2-3K more.

Truly appreciate your help,
 
Well, nobody has commented yet so I'l take a stab with the understanding I have almost NO experience with forging presses other than the bit I've used a Coal Iron press that's advertised as 12 ton, but is actually only 9 ton when setup properly. It has a 3" cylinder with hydraulic system spec'd at 2550 psi for 9 ton. As you're aware it's an "H" style frame. The "C" style frame you mention has many pluses over the "H" frame - provided it's built strong enough. For the 25 ton range that's not much problem, but as Ed says you do have to watch for flex with a "C" style.

There's really nothing for me to write other than what you read on Ed's thread - he pretty much says it all. I'm not hardly as conservative as Ed on pressure. If using 3500 psi rated cylinder and hoses 3500 to 4500 psi I'd think 2500 psi is safe. As you read, Ed feels 2,000 is max, but that requires a very expensive (as in large) cylinder.

You're saying the Big Blu was around $1K less than the Coal Iron 25 ton?

Have fun,
 
I just looked up the Big Blu press - Interesting it is. First time I've ever seen 5hp motor wired for 120vac. Normally 5hp is 220 vac for good reason. They don't have any specs on the press, GPM of oil pump, operating pressure, size of cylinder, etc. I suspect they're using using a 5" cylinder at 2750 psi to get the 27 ton. Wait, I see they say 28.9 ton of pressure, that would be almost 3000 psi!

GPM of pump would determine ram travel speed. 1 stage or 2 stage pump? 2 stage is more normal - I think.

I do think lots of folks get hung up on tons of pressure. It's amazing what can be done with an 8 ton press, which is what I got from Coal Iron - the pressure setting wasn't adjusted properly. Coal Iron's advertised 12 ton press has a 3" cylinder spec'd at 2550 pis which is actually only 9 ton.

What is important is the pressure per sq in of die surface. A 12 ton press using 1.5" wide dies will put the same amount of pressure as a 24 ton press with 3" wide dies pressing on same billet. You're just working a tad slower since you only press half as much each time. Not a big deal for a hobbiest.

You gonna enjoy "Big Blu"

Ken H>
 
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Hi! I spoke with big blu and they are using a 6" inch cylinder 5HP 220V with 30 amp breaker needed. 1.9 IPS closing speed with a limit switch to control opening width. They stated the actual tonnage is 30 Ton. So I guess that helps with some of the math. The stroke is 10 inches and I'm told you can make your own dies out of 3" by 1/2" plate as needed.

Thanks for taking time to answer my questions Ken.
 
If they're using a 6" cylinder then only around 2100 psi is required and that's MUCH better working pressure. I just don't like high pressure stuff - I read where one person said his press was operating at 10,000 psi! A small leak in that could easy cut a man in half.

Not sure how I came up with 120 for 5hp motor. I looked at the website again and it clearly states "5hp at 220 vac" and even shows a drawing of a NEMA 6-50 plug which is what's sometimes called a "dryer plug" that's used on both clothes dryer and stoves. Boy, I guess I need glasses..... wait, I'm wearing glasses :(

I do think I really like the way their dies are held in place. Seems the foot control comes standard? Die's are not hard to make at all, but if you've got to buy the steel it does add up cost pretty fast.
 
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