Hydraulic Press on Wheels ???

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer

Joined
Feb 28, 2006
Messages
3,494
Hi Friends,

I got another question on a hydraulic press (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=642673). I need to get this 1500 lb sucker out where the forklift can do its job getting it on the truck. Then I have to get it from where the forklift sets it down to it final home in its new location. I've been thinking pallet and pallet jack, but am somewhat stumped about getting the pallet under (and out from under) it.

Lately I've been thinking about just installing wheel on its six legs via a 2 ton floor jack and blocking to lift one side at time. What weight capacity should the wheels be able to handle? (The press weighs 1500lbs.) I'm thinking 2"-4" swivel wheels that could handle 1000 lbs each.

What do ya think?

Thanks, Phil

PS -- If you have any thoughts on my other questions in the original thread (how to convert from two hands on two switches to joystick or treadle, and; how to increase ram speed) they would sure be appreciated.
 
Phil, those are my thoughts exactly!
I'll be building my press right after the balde show and it will be able to roll around the shop.
What you want to look for are "casters" and the rating is for each wheel.
So you'd only need 400 pound ratings and that a piece of cake.
Look for the poly type wheel so they'll handle irregular concrete and such.
 
I built my press just as you described, put four 365lbs rated casters (from Lowe's) under it and can move it around the shop and out of the way when needed, just remember to put a large enough base on it so it will not tip over. Good luck, Bill
 
They make casters with travel locks. You don't need it moving while you work.
Almost everything in my shop is on wheels. Even my anvil has a set. On it,I mounted a set on one end of the wood block, so they are just off the floor. On the other side of the block I drilled a deep hole that I can stick a long piece of 3.4" round stock in. When I lift on the round stock it tilts the anvil and the wheels hit the floor and off I go. I have the stuff to built my press and when I do I whill put on some wheels.
 
Phil, this is a pic of my press http://tbladeforge.com/images/Press.JPG (click on the pic to enlarge it). I believe the wheels will support #450 each. The outriggers that I added are never used, just the weight of the press is sufficient to prevent the press from rolling when I am using it. You would not need locking casters for you application, unless you're working on a hill :jerkit:.
 
I am mounting my press on a old pallet jack so I can move it into the shop and around if needed.Hoping it will handle it,will find out soon...
Bruce
 
Hello Phil,

I've been in the process of making a 30 ton press. Just got the start of a web site up last week. Only have a shop tour posted. Take a look here http://www.flemingknives.com/shoptour.htm. Scroll down to second picture from the bottom (Large Press) and click on it for build pics. It is on wheels that are rated 600lbs each.

I have not seen the original thread you refer to at the top of this thread. You mention converting to foot switches or the such. The press I am building uses an electronic hydraulic valve controlled by foot switches. As far as ram speed, that all depends on cylinder volume, pump gallons per minute (GPM) and the horsepower to run it. Also you have different considerations if you are running a single stage pump vs. a two stage pump. I'm running a single stage pump as I want to have a reciprocating ram speed at a specific timing. You cannot do that with a two stage pump as it goes fast when not under load then slow when under load. you need much higher horsepower motor if running a single stage pump at any decent ram speed (close to 1 inch per second is good).

Attached is a calculation spreadsheet I used to help me. Be sure to only enter numbers where there are not formulas in the cells. Give me a shout if you have questions.

Hoping my press is up and running in about a month. Good luck with yours!

Eric
 

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Thanks guys!

Now I know wheels will work.

Eric, that press you're building looks fantastic (all your stuff does)! The one I'm talking about (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=642673) was built as a clay press.

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Stacy has suggested I build one designed for forging (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6807920&postcount=15). I'll check out your spreadsheet, thanks!

All the best, Phil
 
I'd consider making two bases to fit in the press, wide flaring bottoms, to spread the forces over those large plates, narrowing to maybe 7"x5" die holders. Maybe make them 8-10" tall and install one upside down on the top plate of the press. Then the ram only has to travel 8-12", but plenty of room for dies and the work won't be obscured from view by those large plates close together.

Something like the northerntool #2010 might be a possible control valve that works like the joystick you were thinking about. Foot control might have to be a diy rigged up rod.

I'd try the speed as is, but if it's slow maybe one of those 16 gpm two stage pumps would speed things up. Possibly your slower speed motor would decrease the pump output to around 8 gpm. A 22 gpm running at 11 gpm might be nice but the price really jumps up.

I'd build as tough as possible and consider turning the psi down to 2000psi. Maybe consider getting a copy of the Batson manual and have safe fun with it.

Just thoughts, Craig
 
Hey Craig,

Thanks for the thoughts. There are four sets of five threaded holes on each press plate where the clay mold frames mounted. A couple of mold frames are on the bottom plate in the photo in a previous post. The tapped holes might make it fairly easy to mount some extended die holders securely and square to one another. It might be a way to get a little something going pretty quick, assuming the ram speed can be jacked up a bit. The other issue would be setting up some sort of one handed or footed control. Anyway, the first thing will be to get the beast moved over to our new school site. It will have to be parked for the summer months while construction is going on.

All the best, Phil
 

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