Press- Buy or Build

T

Themilkman

Joined
Dec 1, 2014
Messages
49
Hi All,

I am very interested in getting a forge press similar to Coal Iron's 12 ton mini press. It seems to be able to haul some steel, and is the perfect size for the small space I have to work with. 12 tons should be plenty for me, for now, considering the forging I do. At just around $3,000 shipped, it seems like a pretty solid buy.

I was having thoughts that maybe I could build a press very similar, and save some money in the process. It doesn't look very complex, given the frame is built carefully with rigidity. I was trying to figure out a rough estimate of the cost to build the press over buying, but am having a hard time calculating cylinder size/pump size, etc. . I know how to calculate the force a cylinder will give, but can't find a cylinder that comes out to 12 tons. For example, if I want a 12 ton press, should I get a cylinder rated for a larger tonnage than I want in the end? These questions are making me wonder if building would really be worth it, and how much I would save in the end by building.

Any comments are appreciated

Thanks
 
All depends on your skill level, and how much spare time ya got on if its worth it to buy or make one. I know guys who have made their own just as solid as a pre built press, at a fraction of the cost. But i know other guys who spent all the money, to get the parts, and dont have the skill to weld it up, get it assembled, designed etc. OR who just dont have the spare time to get it built.

If it's something you aren't SURE you can pull up, id buy one. If you're pretty sure/ or positive you can build it, AND got the time to put into designing it, sourcing materials/parts and then building it from scratch, then go for it, will save a good amount of money.

Just don't bite off more than ya can chew.
 
It is hard to beat the Coal Iron presses. They are in an affordable range, mobile, and have a guarantee.
 
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