Hydraulic press

[Claude Marquis]

I plan to build a press to make damascus billets. I already have a small Bradley power hammer. What are the advantages of using a press over the hammer? Where can I get detailed plans?
Thanks for the information,
Claude

 

[mikeS]

Don Fogg has the Batson plans available, www.dfoggknives.com . Press's allow faster intial welds and also manipulation through the use of dies, ladder. pool and eye etc. I believe it is faster to draw out on a hammer though.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Claude, I am in the process of building a press to replace my power hammer. The press gives much better control for damascus making. I talked to Ed Caffrey about his that he got from Jeff Carlisle at (406) 452-1246 Jeff builds the X-press for about 2700 dallars. The special dies for different patterns are extra. Check out Don Foggs page some plans and a picture of the x-press. Also he has a picture of his big one. Mine is going to be bigger than the X-press but that is only because I got a great deal on the 5" ram. Im still considering what to do for the pump, motor and valve. Dons web is: www.dfoggknives.com Bruce