Ross Moffett

Jspool: Thanks for the reply. Sometimes -read mostly always- I may get a bit carried away with trying to get a "neat" design, your advice is definitely a better and more economical route, especially if I can't get hold of a metal bandsaw to use. Though I think I shall still put gussets in all the corners. Ross

Hi Y'all, My latest press design has the I beams connecting at a 45-degree angle, my question is if this is as structurally sound as say the beams connecting at 90-degrees? I've colored the I beams different colors for ease of viewing - refer to image below. Thanks in advance, Ross

Good luck. The log splitter method WILL be the easiest, safest and cheapest. Give me a shout if you need help with anything! turning log splitter into a press is not easy or always safe

michael klemz, I wouldn't go any lower than 16 tons, I suggest you check out Coal Iron Work's presses to get a general idea of pricing... IF buying a press is out of the question then maybe look into getting an old log splitter (20 + tons) and convert it into a forging press, which would probably be cheaper and easier than building a forging press from scratch. Check out Big Dog Forge's video about converting a log splitter into a forging press on youtube. Make sure when buying a log splitter that the quoted tonnage is not quoted from the log splitter's ram cutting edge and rather the cylinder's rod because of smaller surface area = more tonnage (I hope I've made at least an ounce of sense.) I'm sure more experienced people will chime in soon and give you better advice than mine. Disclaimer: I'm only 15 yrs so don't take anything I say for granted!! Ross

ianinsa, Thank you for the offer but unfortunately, I'm moving down to the western cape (Overberg area) later this week. Although I would greatly appreciate it if you could maybe send the presses and power packs specs? Thanks and regards, Ross

Received a reply from the seller, he says he thinks it was used as a molding press, so probably won't work for forging.......? Regards.

Hi Y'all, Found this hydraulic press on "Gumtree" and I was curious if it could be used or adapted for forging? The description given by the seller: Good condition. Heavy duty. 300mm opening. Good value. Was going for 40000 then 30000 and now it's 20000, price in South African Rand. Thanks in advance.

All the log splitter presses I've seen have been converted to electric, remember electric motors are stronger than gas.

BeaverNZ - Good advice will do.

Hi Y'all, So I've been doing loads of research and designing and I've finally come to the stage where I can start ordering the parts for the press. Anyways here's my reason for posting, my calculations and the page about the pump say for a 10.51 GPM, 3000 psi, 2 stage pump I need a 7 hp motor. BUT Coal Iron Works 25 ton press uses only a 5 hp motor for a 13 GPM pump and McNabb's 24-ton press uses a 3 hp (not sure what pump though)!?! Am I doing my calculations wrong or something? I'm going to be using a 5 X 8-inch tie rod cylinder. Thanks in advance! Here's a quick "animation" of the press. The press is just over 7.5 feet and working height is around 3.5 feet. "Edit" added some images in case the "animation" doesn't work. Recording #4.mp4

I'm no expert but I'm sure some forge gurus will chime in soon. Welcome aboard!

Beautiful piece, though I can't say that handle looks too comfortable. Correct me if I'm wrong!?!? Of course, it would have been a lot harder to do the inlay if it wasn't flat.

I really need to try this! Thanks for the tip Beaver.

Very nice work, clean and simple.

Welcome aboard Mark!

Very VERY nice work.

Astounding work!

Foundryman - That pattern is spectacular, yet very clean and simple.

Welcome aboard Baz! It's always nice to see the blacksmithing bug bite again. All the best, Ross.

Of course... I've heard wetting the anvil and hammer helps blast scale off the workpiece, though I may be totally wrong?!?

Don't worry @Steve Sells you weren't the only one who winced (to put it mildly) at the "blood groove" comment.

Maybe and maybe also to remove scale?

Frosty, hope you get better soon.

Welcome aboard Craig!

Thank you, I really appreciate all the replies. Good luck with the press and have fun making it! Let me know if I can help with anything. Regards.