log-splitter press questions

G

grawulf

Joined
Feb 16, 2005
Messages
56
Hello!
I've read a number of references to this conversion and I have a few questions, particularly if anybody has any experience with these. I've been looking at the Harbor Freight deals that are 24 or 30 ton presses in the $1000 range.

I'm wondering if this is a good deal first off? Its considerably more realistic for me than the real knife presses out there, which seem to start at least $3000. I might be able to stretch my budget for $1000, but thats about it.

Would one of these be a good compromise for a few years while I'm getting started? Also, can I retro-fit one of these with an electric motor? I have neighbors :-)

Thanks in advance for your help.
Jeramy
 
grawulf,

You can modify and use a log splitter for knife work. If you get the proper mount you can put an electric motor on them. However if you have the ability to modify alog splitter then you should be able to build a press. With a little scrounging you sould be able to do it for less than the splitter would cost. :)
 
A couple of years ago at the Moran hammer-in a Mastersmith brought his logsplitter hydraulic press with him that he uses...for the life of me I cannot remember his name at the moment! Anyway, I took lot's of pictures of it. If you email me I'll be happy to email them to you to have a look. It was a pretty easy conversion, but I'm sure the pics would be helpful...

:)

-Darren
 
Darren, you beat me to it :) I was there at the first Moran hammer-in and remember that conversion. I too cannot remember the makers name. I remember watching a seminar where damascus was being forge welded and the press was being used in the demo. Worked quite well I might add.
Scott
 
His name is Mark Sentz. You can look him up on the ABS website under master smiths.
Stacy
 
Thanks Stacy. That was driving me nuts trying to remember. :eek:
Scott
 
That right, Mark Sentz, thanks Stacey! Anyway, I've got pics that I took with his permission if anyone who plans to build one of these log splitter presses want to see them...

:)

-Darren
 
Thanks a lot guys. I'm not sure about the whole cost effectiveness as burke pointed out, but I would love to see some of those pictures. I left a message at the Dfogg website for his press plans but I haven't heard back yet on those. Once I have more details in hand I'll have to price everything out. The log splitter conversion appealed to me as a simple cheap fix, but if I really can build a press for less I'm gonna have to go that way even though it sounds quite a bit more complicated.
thanks,
Jeramy
 
burke531 said:
grawulf,

You can modify and use a log splitter for knife work. If you get the proper mount you can put an electric motor on them. However if you have the ability to modify alog splitter then you should be able to build a press. With a little scrounging you sould be able to do it for less than the splitter would cost. :)
Click to expand...

I gotta aggree

Is this the kinda press ya mean , what do you wanna use it for?

press1.gif


click here
 
That doesn't look like a bad foundation to start with, but it would have to be totally powered-hydraulic, with a double-acting cylinder. I'd like something in the 24-30 ton range for pressing billets. I'm getting into knifemaking after not doing it for about 5 years. When I quit I had just made a few damascus blades and I got totally hooked. The problem is that 1) I don't have the time to spend an entire weekend hammering out a single billet... 2) The neighbors will probably have me thrown in jail for spending an entire weekend hammering out a single billet!

So basically I'm looking to get the most 'bang for my buck', as well as making the best use of my time. I have a family, full-time work, and too many projects to mention at any given time, so the press really seems like the way to go.
 
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