Forging Press Survey/Questions

[i4Marc]

I'm sure this has been covered before but information changes over time. In my search it seems most people are asking about building their own. I don't have the time, the materials or a robust enough welder to accomplish that at this time. I will be purchasing one.

Can those of you who have purchased one, NOT built one, talk a little bit about which model you have, where you bought it and what pros or cons you feel your machine has?

Even if you don't have a press can you list brands you can think of? I am aware of Big Blu, Coal Iron works, Gilmore, Uncle Al's, and Clark Iron Forge.



Ok, for anybody who has one, even if you built it, I have some questions:

What would you consider minimum tonnage?

What would you consider minimum IPS (inch per second)?

What would a minimum stroke be for doing feathers, using punches, etc?

How important is having a treadle or depth stops?

Do you prefer a C frame or H frame?


What questions should I be asking but have not?


Thanks!

 

[weo]

Do you prefer a C frame or H frame?

I prefer a C-frame, but I also do more general blacksmithing than just knifemaking and having the access all around the dies means more than if I were focused on just knifemaking.

 

[Ken H>]

Several questions come to mind - budget? full time knifemaker or hobby? How many hrs/wk will the press be used?

I've got the Coal Iron 9 ton press (the one they falsely advertise as a 12 ton) and it worked amazing well for my use due to the very small surface area dies provided. I've send mod'd the press to a 4" cylinder (came with a 3" cylinder to provide 9 ton).

For sure I think I'd prefer the C style press. Budget no concern, 25 ton min, and more if have room and money. BUT - 16 ton works just fine for a hobby maker.

I'm thinking I'd LOVE to have a rolling mill.