Recommendation? Hydraulic press build

[Ken H>]

If you're planning an "H" style press your 4" channel should be plenty, DEPENDING on how thick the material is, and what design you use. Coal Iron 12 ton press uses 2"X1/4" angle for the sides (2 on each side) with a 1"X3" solid bar set edge ways for the ram supports. There are plenty of examples around for you to look at. "IF" you're staying below 12 ton "H" style the Coal Iron is an easy design to follow.

 

[Gilbert M]

I like what Ken said about following the Coal 12 ton design. My flanges are 4 inches wide tapered from 3\8 to 3\4 at the web 8 inches from flange to flange. I welded 1\2 inch flat bar on one flange I should have done both and added 2x 3\8 flat bar to reinforce the web. At 20 tons it flexes, but I would be uncomfortable going to it's max I've taken it to 24 tons. If you are doing "C" frame way over build and the tapered flanges are a pain to hook up your ram slide to. Again the Batson book has some great information. Here are a couple shots.

 

[Ken H>]

Gilbert, when I click on your photos they almost look smaller than the links. Might be same size, but still tiny. Also, how are you determining what tons you're putting on press - 20, 24, etc? By the PSI that builds up, with ram size?

 

[Gilbert M]

K Ken H> Hopefully this worked I didn't have my foot control adjusted very well. Yes a pressure gauge(I set relief pressure to adjust max) bore,rod size and psi. I used the Batson book, Surplus center's calculator and one other.