My mini forge press

B

Badmouthblacksmith

Joined
Sep 3, 2016
Messages
21
So I just wanted to show off my version of the mini forge press. I understand its limitations I know it is not as good as a true knifemakers press or power hammer. Anyone who wants to build one need to know that, that is a very true. It is great though and no mine is not a pretty as others I have seen. I did, however, weld pin and brace and weld the upper cross bar to the pillar bars. I used 2x2 inch square tubing with 1/4in thick walls the pins are 3/4 in round stock welded into the cross bars, pillars and pinned through the braces and welded in (I tend to overbuild a bit also is, not the greatest welder so I went for as many securities as I could). I will say for pressing out damascus and drawing out it works better and allows you to work more out without being extremely tired just working out a billet by hand. Just wanted to share I hope you enjoy please let me know if the photo shows up it is the first picture ive tried to post.

20170302_173025.jpg
 
Badmouthblacksmith said:
So I just wanted to show off my version of the mini forge press. I understand its limitations I know it is not as good as a true knifemakers press or power hammer. Anyone who wants to build one need to know that, that is a very true. It is great though and no mine is not a pretty as others I have seen. I did, however, weld pin and brace and weld the upper cross bar to the pillar bars. I used 2x2 inch square tubing with 1/4in thick walls the pins are 3/4 in round stock welded into the cross bars, pillars and pinned through the braces and welded in (I tend to overbuild a bit also is, not the greatest welder so I went for as many securities as I could). I will say for pressing out damascus and drawing out it works better and allows you to work more out without being extremely tired just working out a billet by hand. Just wanted to share I hope you enjoy please let me know if the photo shows up it is the first picture ive tried to post.

20170302_173025.jpg
Click to expand...

I would love to see this, but in order for us to view your picture, you need to upload it to a photo sharing site (like photobucket) and insert the url for that photo in the
 
The link you inserted is your computer's hard drive. We can't get there, and you probably don't want us to. ;)
 
Sorry everyone it took a little long to get this done but ive been busy. here are the pictures. Ive used it some more and I must say this thing is a beast.

20170302_180630_zpsfozeruit.jpg.html


20170302_173025_zpskzyzyofd.jpg.html
 
How many presses are you getting per heat ?


Sent via telegraph with the same fingers I use to sip whiskey.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
A thousand welders just yelled. "My eyes, my eyes, I can't look any longer" :eek::):)
Click to expand...
LOL
that compressor is way under powered for a press. My med size 20gal 7cfm compressor can't even keep up. Yes these presses can do a good amount of work but you need the air to run them. Thy are slow but if you plan your heats you can get a lot done. It is in no way a replacement for a full size press but it is better then nothing. I love mine but am going to be building a full size once I get the new shop up. Also I would be worried about the guides on your lower section. The part that moves up and down is so tall that any Misalignment could cause that lower section to shoot out. There is a LOT of force generated by these jacks and if improperly used can be very deadly.
 
I'm going to + 1 on JT's comment on the guides. That looks like it could cause some potential hazards.
 
I was going to comment on the lack of sturdiness of the build, but didn't want to be too harsh on a newer member. The press is only safe right now because the mini compressor isn't powerful enough. If you plan on using it much and will use a bigger compressor, please rebuild the guides with 4" long plates of 1/4" steel that run along the uprights.

Also, I would suggest a better pressure relief than a taped up pair of pliers. A 8 or 12 point socket and short "T" handle with a cotter pin, drilled through it and the relief stud, would be far better.

A welding class at the local Vo-Tech would also be good, too.
 
I have hooked it up to a larger compressor, I was just seeing the movement things with the small compressor I have it hooked up to a 60gal. After I worked on a project I agree about replacing the guides and will be doing that before continuing use. Lol I know the welds arent pretty thats why I also pinned it and all I mean ive seen so many that were just pinned or bolted together (I acctually looked at JT when I decided to use pins welded in). I agree at some point soon Ill be taking welding classes. I thank you all for the constructive criticism.
 
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