Hydraulic Press

colu41

colu41

Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Messages
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What is the least "tonnage" for a hydraulic press? I'm thinking of either building one, or fabricating something maybe from a log splitter.
I'm guessing 8 ton wouldn't be enough?

I will be using it for very small work.
 
Honestly its more about speed than tonnage. If its fast enough 8 tons will move metal pretty good, a slow 40 ton'r wont move metal for squat. You need around a couple inches per second unloaded..
 
15 would be the minimum IMO, 20+ would be better. The log splitter thing can be done.The ones that I have seen on video have been reinforced a bit.
 
I have used many log splitters in my work as an arborist. I have had over six years of experience. Basically I am thinking you will have to buy some kind of hydraulic press part and tig/mig weld (fabricate) your own frame for your machine. I am not sure where you would find a hydraulic piston and engine for your project, but I could help you with design and how to as much as I am able if you would like. I think that any kind of hydraulic piston that is used for log slitting would be much more power then you would want. My previous boss that worked as an arborist (tree care, landscaping, removal) made his own log splitter and fabricated his own trailer and track for the wedge. I think the wedge part is fabricated by him as well. He fabricated both from "I beam" which is used in building construction. I think you would have the best results using I beam and machining a base. You will need some very thick welds on the machine. What you are talking about will work.

From what I gather, you want to make a vertical press with a metal base. You will need to buy a hydraulic lever and rubber hoses (the ones used for hydraulics that stand up to the kind of psi that a hydraulic piston puts out), a hydraulic piston and rod (high polished stainless), and I beam. You will need a Tig and Mig welder. A air compressor would be ideal, so you can use air tools such as a cut off wheel to cut the I beam. Then you will need a Drill Press, Belt Sander, etc. to finish the ends of the cuts to perfect. You could also use a band saw with a guide.
I would use 2-3 inch thick carbon steel for the base, and machine slots through the bottom of the base (maybe a router would work for this with a drill press or milling jig (for metal); so you can affix something to the base for a press. (like a makers mark stamp, or pattern for your steel). This can be affixed at a later time with nuts/bolts. The base itself should be flat and the sides should be affixed using nuts and bolts as well. Keep in mind that you should make the base long, not narrow, so you can keep your surface flat and level; your holes for nuts/bolts should be on the outsides of the base so you don't get marks from your press... If this makes sense to you. I should draw you up a blueprint of some sort.
The PSI's that a large piston puts out seems like a but much for annealed or red hot metal honestly, but it may be just right.
Hmmm..
Maybe a slightly smaller piston with slightly less PSI... I know my boss's wood splitter is an absolute monster beast. Let me know.
Goodluck. Keep posting. :thumbup:
 
Thanks for that Zem, I'm still just in the "research" process of this. I don't plan on starting anything for a little while. Unless I find a deal on a decent splitter. But, I am wanting to do this because, originally, I was thinking of building a hammer. But I am really just not willing to spend that much money right now. As this will just be another toy for the shop, nothing that is absolutely needed. Well maybe it is....:D

Anyways, I was looking for something low budget. As I am willing to build, weld, fabricate what I need to make something work. But as it sounds, for the power I would need, I would definitely need a gas splitter, dumping the idea of electric or even manual. The manual splitter would be awesome, but it wouldn't nearly be fast enough.

As for building it from scratch. Pistons & hydraulic system, I'm sure I could do it, but it seems like I would be spending just as much if not more if I were to purchase something. I'll keep researching, and please any more ideas from anyone would be awesome.
 
Ok guys. Please don't laugh at me. :foot: But whats your opinion on this? I think its pretty cool! And super low budget. It may not be the most efficient, but it looks like it works, and I don't care how slow it is. I'm more worried about my carpal tunnel getting too bad to the point where I cant use my hands....and I'm 28 years old.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwZ-GYUZZEY

Sorry, forgot the code for embedding video.
 
If you want to set welds with it, it's adequate. I've got one, it easily fits on the bench. Crushes cans like mad!

Embed code it {youtube} qwZ-GYUZZEY {/youtube}
Change the {} to []

[youtube]qwZ-GYUZZEY[/youtube]
 
It will work, just be sure to provide it with enough compressed air...it draws air like there is no tomorrow!
Mine is based on the same jack and unfortunately my compressor is not up to the task. My small unit needs to recharge for every heat, very annoying.
Give enough attention to the quick release handle, you will improve your workflow if you "open" the jaws just enough to fit the piece back again, avoiding wasting air (and heat) for closing the travel gap.
 
stezann said:
It will work, just be sure to provide it with enough compressed air...it draws air like there is no tomorrow!
Mine is based on the same jack and unfortunately my compressor is not up to the task. My small unit needs to recharge for every heat, very annoying.
Give enough attention to the quick release handle, you will improve your workflow if you "open" the jaws just enough to fit the piece back again, avoiding wasting air (and heat) for closing the travel gap.
Click to expand...

That's my only fear is the air consumption. I don't mind letting the compressor charge up while reheating but. Just not having adequate air to press.
I have a cheap Briggs & Stratton 15 Gallon 2.5 hp. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that probably won't work.
 
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