Egan

Thanks for the information guys!

I ordered some Matrikote 90A to line my forge with. I am gonna do 2” of ceramic wool and an inch of kast of lite 30. My question is if there would be any benefit in putting the matrikote on both layers of the kaowool as well instead of just the outside of the refractory. Thanks, Egan

Thanks Frosty, I already have this flow control valve and plan on using it. I believe it can handle 0-30 GPM. Would using a 2 stage pump that runs 30 GPM or something close to 30 at the high end be best so I can have a fast press but have the ability to slow it down if that’s too fast? Second, my understanding is there are 3 configurations for how to control the ram. 1st, you manually have to make the ram go up and manually have to make the ram go down. (Which is the configuration you like) 2nd, A detent valve where wherever you put the peddle, handle etc it stays there. (Which would seem to me you would have less control) And 3rd, a mix between the 1st and 2nd configuration. Where when you release the peddle the ram goes up until it can no long go up. (I assume you use a spring rather than a detent valve but place a second spring somewhere that would pull the handle up constantly which in turn would make the ram go up without actually manually telling it to? or is there a special valve you use for this configuration) Wouldn’t this 3rd configuration be a bit annoying, every time you come back to the press you have to wait for the ram to come all the way back down to your work piece. Which brings up another point, limit switches. I’m thinking the “Ultimate” setup would be the 3rd configuration but with an adjustable limit switch to stop the ram from going to far up everytime. Thanks! Egan

Could a hydraulic flow control valve be used to control the speed of the ram? If yes I’m guessing it would go between the pump and main valve? I’m planning on getting two, 4.5” bore hydraulic cylinders which should give me 47 - 48 tons, what size pump, motor, oil reservoir etc do I need? What is the best way to set up your press in terms of valves. One that automatically raises the ram up or one that you have to manually tell the ram to go up or down? I think Big Blu presses automatically make the ram go down when you let your foot off the pedal but it futures adjustable limit switches which stop the ram wherever you want.