Hydraulic power unit

[jackpar]

I’m building an H frame hydraulic press for knife making. I have hydraulic cylinder with a 4in bore and a 2in rod. I want it to be able to travel approximately 3in even though it has a total distance of 16in it can move. I want to achieve approximately 12 tons. Can anyone help me with finding a hyd power unit that can do this. I don’t want to pay the extra money for a phase converter. I can wire a 220v outlet. Thanks in advance

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You will need a 2HP to 3HP electric motor and a 12GPM pump ... plus hoses, two-way valve with center off (splitter valve). I don't know where you would buy one all set up for our purposes. Such a power package would run probably $4000 or more. Many are gas engine powered.
If you want only 3" of travel, you will have to engineer that in the build with a pressure stop or electronic control.
You really need two hands to use a press safely, so some form of foot control is needed.
James Batson's book on building a hydraulic press is a very valuable resource.
Also, there are dozens ... maybe hundreds ... of build threads in Shop Talk. Just use the Custom Search Engine in the stickies and search "Hydraulic Press" and "Hydraulic Press Build"

I want to ask about your skills and ability for this build. Building a forging press is a lot bigger job than most folks realize. Besides some serious welding and machine work skills, it will take some serious equipment. Also, there is no scrimping on a press build. Try and save money by using lighter materials and it will tear itself apart.
Do you have a pretty good machine shop with the ability to cut and weld large I-beams?
Do you have a large welder capable of doing structural welding on 3/8" to 1/2" steel?
Does your shop have the ability to lift the frame as you weld it to the base with the frame weighting maybe 400 pounds (or more)?
Does your shop have, or can you install, a dedicated 220V 30 amp circuit?

Take a look at the Coal Iron Press as well as some of its competitors. It is a turnkey package that is hard to beat without a lot of welding equipment and experience.
They also have a benchtop unit that is really nice and even cheaper. Ken H has one on a rolling Kitchen Cart.

 

[Ken H>]

Jack, you keep talking about a "Hydraulic power unit" - are referring to a unit like I linked to in the other thread? The part number is HBHR280GX and just do a search and a couple of vendors show up in first two results. This type unit is the complete package with motor, pump, controls, tank, etc. I would think all that would be required would be to connect hoses from unit to cylinder.

As noted most all those are gas powered engines, and the item number I listed would give you 12 ton since it's spec'd at 2,000 psi. The cost of one of those complete units will be almost what purchasing a complete press would be.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That was the unit I looked up. It would work.

Ken, I'm not where my books are. Have you calculated ram speed at the rated 2000PSI/5.5GPM?
I have found most all of these type tools and equipment have somewhat higher than actual ratings. As you have already pointed out, many commercial press makers list the pump ratings like 3200PSI/16GPM, not the actual used pressure/volume. I would suspect the unit we are looking at will deliver 1600PSI at 5GPM. What would be the tonnage and ram speed for that scenario?

 

[Ken H>]

Per the online calculators by baumhydraulics using 1600 psi would give about 10 tons, "if" it would top at 2,000 psi it would be a good solid `12 ton unit.

5 gpm with a 4" cylinder would be 1.5 inch/sec ram speed. Of course that's at low pressure before the 2nd stage kicked in.for high pressure. the speed at high pressure isn't a concern since the press seldom moves more than 1/8" or so at high pressure.

Yep, and that unit lists for $3,000!

 

[jackpar]

You will need a 2HP to 3HP electric motor and a 12GPM pump ... plus hoses, two-way valve with center off (splitter valve). I don't know where you would buy one all set up for our purposes. Such a power package would run probably $4000 or more. Many are gas engine powered.
If you want only 3" of travel, you will have to engineer that in the build with a pressure stop or electronic control.
You really need two hands to use a press safely, so some form of foot control is needed.
James Batson's book on building a hydraulic press is a very valuable resource.
Also, there are dozens ... maybe hundreds ... of build threads in Shop Talk. Just use the Custom Search Engine in the stickies and search "Hydraulic Press" and "Hydraulic Press Build"

I want to ask about your skills and ability for this build. Building a forging press is a lot bigger job than most folks realize. Besides some serious welding and machine work skills, it will take some serious equipment. Also, there is no scrimping on a press build. Try and save money by using lighter materials and it will tear itself apart.
Do you have a pretty good machine shop with the ability to cut and weld large I-beams?
Do you have a large welder capable of doing structural welding on 3/8" to 1/2" steel?
Does your shop have the ability to lift the frame as you weld it to the base with the frame weighting maybe 400 pounds (or more)?
Does your shop have, or can you install, a dedicated 220V 30 amp circuit?

Take a look at the Coal Iron Press as well as some of its competitors. It is a turnkey package that is hard to beat without a lot of welding equipment and experience.
They also have a benchtop unit that is really nice and even cheaper. Ken H has one on a rolling Kitchen Cart.

I am a retired engineer. I worked I the plastics industry for over 25yrs. I’ve done everything from setting molds to creating new processes. My plan is to take an H frame and strengthen it. I have the Bateson book but it seems to be concentrating on building a 24 ton press. I’m building w16 ton. I’m trying to find the correct hyd pump and motor but am having trouble finding them. If anyone can tell me what company has the pump and motor I need I would appreciate it. I’m looking for a 2hp motor at 220v and a pump.

 

[Ken H>]

Jack, I thought I'd posted my email before, but if I've not, send me an email to sailingtoo at the gmail place. I think you can put together an email from that. I've got a list of parts 'n vendors that wouldn't be appropriate to post here.

Yes, I agree the Batson book tends to focus on building the one press - but by digging thru it the info is there to design a press like you want.

You mention building an "H" frame - that's a good frame. Are you looking at basically the Coal Iron 12 ton frame? Using a tad larger angle will work nicely for a 16 ton frame. You see from my profile I'm in South Alabama - if you're anywhere close just holler. I'll put a pot of coffee on, or a cool one, your choice.

Ken H>

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

One thing many folks don't realize is how sturdy the frame and welds need to be. I see folks planning on using 4X4X1/4" angle iron and welding it with their $90 HF welder.
It won't hold up. Use at least 3/8" I-beam ... 1/2" is even better ... and weld with a deep penetration arc. 200amps at 220 is a good range for 1/2" frames.