Press guide questions.

[J. Keeton]

I have found that my next dilemma in building this press is attaching my guides. I don't know if I should weld them on, bolt them on, or weld one side and bolt the other. I don't even know if my design is adequate. So I come to the wise men and women of blade forums to council me in my decision.


Here are some pictures of what have planned on doing.











Thanks in advance for you help!

 

[delbert ealy]

Mine are bolted with 2 1" dia bolts. I have to tighten them about once a year. I'd do it that way myself. You know it will loosen up and wiggle if you don't.
Just my thoughts,
Del
www.mokume-jewelry.com
www.ealyknives.com

 

[J. Keeton]

Cool, I was thinking that using bolts would probably be the safest way incase anything needs to be replaced.


After thinking about it I think my real question is if my design is adequate. If I were to bolt or weld those guides in where I was holding them would they be strong enough to do the job?

 

[delbert ealy]

After looking at the last pic, I think you might want to go with something heavier. Mine are 6x6 angle iron. The last thing you want is that cylinder shooting out toward you.
Del

 

[J. Keeton]

Ya, I am thinking in that direction also. I am going to try and find a way to beef up the design.

 

[Will52100]

Definatly go heavy, this is the first version of the guids on a press I built not too long ago. The guids are 2" channel iron. Didn't take long to bend crap out of them. I replaced all four channel pieces with four pieces of 1/2"x4" flat bar and that seems to have solved the problem.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=51717&d=1138216013

 

[J. Keeton]

My new plan . Please leave feedback.



p.s : I am sorry for my poor skills in paitshop.

 

[Bowie]

That last plan will work ---but you are building a good chance of blowing the bolt
. while we are talking bolts be sure that you use soft bolts ,they will stretch before breaking -you have a chance to know that thing are getting loss a hard bolt will break fast and you could be in for some eye opening excitement or eye closing .
also I would recommend that you weld two pieces of steel upright at both ends from front to back weld all except back drill and tape and bolt the back plat on plate weld to ram base and front plat that way when you place bolts on the back --if broken will fly away from you not at you .
The least amount of movement you have in your ram the more controllable you machine will be . if I can be of more help let me know
Bowie -- Claiborne presses–

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Make it twice as thick as you think you will need........and double that.Some things can't be done too heavy.

 

[J. Keeton]

Make it twice as thick as you think you will need........and double that.Some things can't be done too heavy.

Thats a good idea. :thumbup:

 

[Bowie]

what did you decide to do
bowie