metalanton Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 I was planning on making Batson's H frame press according to his directions, but in the materials list it calls for 3 x5 x 1/4" angle for the four uprights. this seems a little light to me and when I look at similar presses like the carolina custom knives 24t press the uprights appear to be 3x 5 x 3/8". anybody made one or have any recommendations? also, last time I was at the scrapyard I came across two pieces of 5 x5 x 1/4" square tubing and I thought I could make the uprights out of that instead for a design similar to the Claiborne press only having the cylinder on the bottom pushing up. this would be the cheapest option, but I want to make sure it is strong enough. I do think Batson's design looks the strongest as far as having plenty of surface area for strong welds. Using the square tubing would require the joints of the horizontal section to be simply butted and welded, instead of the sandwiching that happens with the angle in Batson's design. any insights would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
territorialmillworks Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I'm close to finishing a Carolina clone and share some of your concerns. I welded 1" square bar between each pair of up rights for more rigidity and to keep them from spreading apart. I also overbuilt both platens. I pre-assembled the frame with 1/2" grade 8 bolts to insure everything was square and plumb before welding and cycled the cylinder with compressed air to check for binding.. I'll probably leave the bolts because, well they're already there and kinda look art-deco. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Mullins Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I'm close to finishing a Carolina clone and share some of your concerns. I welded 1" square bar between each pair of up rights for more rigidity and to keep them from spreading apart. I also overbuilt both platens. I pre-assembled the frame with 1/2" grade 8 bolts to insure everything was square and plumb before welding and cycled the cylinder with compressed air to check for binding.. I'll probably leave the bolts because, well they're already there and kinda look art-deco. . Got any pictures? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metalanton Posted October 19, 2015 Author Share Posted October 19, 2015 teritorialmillworks; I am assuming you did use the 1/4" 3 by 5 angle iron then? I would love to see some pictures too. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
territorialmillworks Posted October 24, 2015 Share Posted October 24, 2015 Hope to be photo ready next week...wife's going to see her mom.....so lots of shop time. SSSHHH, don't tell her I said so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metalanton Posted October 24, 2015 Author Share Posted October 24, 2015 Hope to be photo ready next week...wife's going to see her mom.....so lots of shop time. SSSHHH, don't tell her I said so... i have the exact same "time constraints" I look forward to the pictures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Hat 66 Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 I'am also ready to build the same press from the same book, I will be using 4x4 sq. tubing. I have made large power hammers with 4x4 and have not had any problems with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rthibeau Posted October 13, 2016 Share Posted October 13, 2016 I built a Batson style press according to his instructions, but used what I already had in the shop. I used 4"x4"x1/4" for the uprights and built it all on a wheeled cart so it was moveable. The square tube got reinforced as the build went along. If I was to do it all over again, I'd use heavier steel all around. A 24 ton press might look small, but it packs a huge punch. First time I used it, retracting the cylinder tore it up pretty good. So build heavy and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will52100 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I built a Claiborn style H frame, overbuilt the frame, but used small channel iron for the ram guides, bend them and went with 1/2" x 4" flat bar, and am bending it, not bad, but enough to get out of square, need to use heavy angle or larger bracing. I don't think it's possible to overbuild a hydraulic forging press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 It's overbuilt only when you can't get the workpiece between the dies... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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