Securing Dies on Home Built Press

[divinedotte]

I would appreciate input on options (pics please) and opinions on die holders for home built presses.

I just picked up a press, 30 ton currently running at about 18 tons. It is roughly based on the Redbeard Ops design. I received a few dies with the press. They plates are 10x4x1. The frame uprights are 12" apart leaving about an inch 1" on each side of the die plate to weld on slides if that's the best way. The previous owner used a die shoe for the top die (not included with the press) and welded a lip onto the long side of the bottom die to keep from pushing it out the back.

press without die holders
dies I have

If going with slides and clips:
Is angle iron sufficient for the slides, or should I weld some up from plate?
How do the clips work? I'm assuming gravity keeps them in place) and what thickness stock should they be made from? Despite a bunch of searches, I'm having trouble coming up with these answers.

Thanks for any help you can give!

-Jason

 

[Ken H>]

I would LOVE to have die holders like Coal Iron Presses use on their press. Take a look at this method at the 3.00 minute mark and also at the 4:30 minute mark.

You can look on the Coal Iron website to see how the dies are made on bttom

 

[lynx85]

Simple as flat rectangle, I am on path to build something similar. Sometimes you can find gems in older youtube videos, not always latest is the coolest.

 

[Ken H>]

I like that method - that's what I'm using on my press, but it's not so slick as he's got.