Some hydraulic plumbing questions

D

deker

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Nov 14, 2005
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Hey folks, I just sold my Imagination XPress this weekend and brought home this press from Larry Donnelly as a replacement.

DSC_0439.jpg


Because of the fact that Larry had the one pump running 4 presses in his shop, the hoses I've got are a bit short for the setup in my shop. I've got it up and running, but the pump and tank aren't in the best location. In looking at it all, I'd like to make some changes when I replace the lines from the pump. Ideally, I'd like to replace the hoses on the press with hard lines. By doing that I'll eliminate the one thing that has always scared me about forging presses; exposed hoses I could burn through. in particular, I absolutely hate the idea of hoses running across the shop floor from the pump to the press. that just seems like an accident waiting to happen.

What I'm trying to figure out is what type of pipe and fittings are proper to use in a hydraulic system. Does anybody here have experience in hard hydraulic plumbing? I'd like to make all of the lines on the press itself hard lines and then run hard lines over to the pump when I'd connect them to the short hoses I already have. Any clues on what I'm looking for?

Thanks,

-d
 
I used A.N. Fittings for my press project. -8 AN Fittings. for 1/2" line
Here's a very informative article on the subject!


Jason
 
Last edited:
JasonSCarter said:
I used A.N. Fittings for my press project. -8 AN Fittings. for 1/2" line
Here's a very informative article on the subject!
Click to expand...

Did you use hard pipe or hoses? I don't get much choice on fitting type since all the parts are already here...:rolleyes: What I'm really curious about is how I can replace hoses with hard lines.

Thanks!

-d
 
I'm sorry I didn't mention that :foot: I used rubber lines, all scavenged from John Deer Excavators. your local Napa auto parts should be able to make new lines for ya. (atleast mine can & does!) call em and ask about hardline anyway...

Cheapest place I've found for hydraulic parts...

I went and looked up hydraulic tubing, and I found all kinds of industrial suppliers, but none for the lil guy...:rolleyes: Wouldnt it be just a scaled up brake hardline though?
 
By the looks of the connections on the valves, you have either 1/2" or 3/4" NPT. To go steel lines, you would be looking for schedule 80, or depending on pressure, possibly schedule 160. Pipe can be welded, but as it is a pressure vessel, any welding sould be done by a ticketed welder. You can thread it as well and buy the required fittings form any hydraulics supply shop. I would use hose from the power pack to the pipe, then use hose again to the valves. Hoses will help dampen any spikes and help to control some vibration.

Fred


Fred
 
Onies said:
By the looks of the connections on the valves, you have either 1/2" or 3/4" NPT. To go steel lines, you would be looking for schedule 80, or depending on pressure, possibly schedule 160. Pipe can be welded, but as it is a pressure vessel, any welding sould be done by a ticketed welder. You can thread it as well and buy the required fittings form any hydraulics supply shop. I would use hose from the power pack to the pipe, then use hose again to the valves. Hoses will help dampen any spikes and help to control some vibration.

Fred
Click to expand...

Thanks Fred, this is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I believe that you're right on the fittings being NPT, and mostly 1/2" (the return line is 3/4" and the fittings on the cylinder itself are 3/4" with adapters down to 1/2"). My plan was to leave the hoses at the pump end as you've suggested with the thought that it would help buffer spikes. I was hoping to keep soft lines away from the press body itself as much as possible, or at least limit their exposed length as much as possible since I'll be swinging hot steel around. Could I get away with hard lines from the valve to the cylinder (the pieces most as risk) and then have some short (12" or so) sections on the input and return from the valve?

Thanks!

-d
 
I wouldn't. I am sure tubing can tolerate a bit of flex, but how much and for how long is not something I'd want to find out in my shop.

The cylinder is going to move, unless the fixed end is welded to the press. (Not recommended) There's always a bit of slop in those pins.

I chose hose through-and-through for my press, and had intended to fit guards - as well as a healthy dose of "be-fkn-careful." All I am using is the latter right now. (My only exposed lines are at and near the valve)

Dave
 
You can use NPT fittigs for hydraulics only if they are pressure rated and make damn sure you stay within that rating because you do not want one going off.
 
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