Ceilidh ... Re^3: Would like to build a die press/which accessories?

Hydraulic Die Forming Discussion Group

Re^3: Would like to build a die press/which accessories?

Hi Roberta,
It seems like the guys have responded to your press-building questions, but here are my thoughts on how you should spend your $250 on accessories (I'll put the shopping list in order of importance--you can check prices, and see when it adds up to $250):
-Susan Kingsley's book
- a set of urethane pads. I suggest:
1/16" and 1/8" 95 durometer
1/16", 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", and 1" 80 durometer (you can stack them for greater thicknesses)
-plexi spacers and kevlar face plates
-contained urethane block (probably the 3" or 4"?) with 80 durometer insert
-pusher for contained urethane block
-master tool holder
-mushroom former

If you have not taken a workshop, maybe you could apply for a grant so that you can attend one, or invite an artist to your school to give one. OR, there is the lower budget method (which I did to start off): you can learn a lot by reading Susan's book, and setting yourself assignments to use the processes and techniques in the book. In fact, if you do this, or at least read thoroughtly the book before taking a workshop, you tend to get more out of the workshop, since the concepts are already familiar.

Good luck! I predict that you and your students will have a lot of fun!
Cindy
www.cynthiaeid.com

Wed Dec 4