I am using a 6" form box, and having problems with the pressure.
I have the electric press.
When I get up to 2000 psi
The pressure gauge wiggles, and does not go beyond that PSI, so I am also not getting any forming with the acrylic die

IS there something wrong with the jack.

Beads and Hollow Forms---Silhouette Dies and the Hydraulic Press
February 24, 2012 - February 26, 2012
Metalwerx, Waltham, MA
http://www.metalwerx.com/workshop/516

Learn to make and use silhouette dies, which create forms that are perfectly matching opposites using the hydraulic press. This technique is great for creating beads, pendants, lockets, containers, boxes, or even bud vases. We'll look at how we can use the same die to make different one-of-a-kind pieces, or multiple beads/units for a bracelet or necklace, or make a series of related designs.
There are several ways to make a die reversible! This course will demonstrate both "low-tech" methods as well as use of the Knew Concepts Precision Saw Guide. Demonstrations will also include: a simple way to neatly solder together matching halves so that there is minimal clean-up; how to know which thickness and hardness of urethane to use; how to use a form box to create deeper forms; using commercially available dies; and embossing. If students are interested, how to make a blanking/cutting die will also be taught.
This workshop will begin with an overview of how to use a hydraulic press safely, so this class is appropriate for students with basic metalsmithing skills but no experience with the hydraulic press, as well as experienced jewelers and metalsmiths who want to create more complicated designs.

Hi Lynn,
This is a common occurrence. All things hydraulic leak, it's the very nature of hydraulics. The manufacturer claims that 1 tablespoon per week is within factory tolerance. If you are seeing more than that then it may be time for an overhaul of all the seals. If it's less than a tablespoon/week then you can open up the pump by removing the bottom plate and locate the large 4" diameter hose clamp that clamps the rubber bladder to the pump. This hose clamp can be tightened a little bit to minimize the leak, but do not over-tighten.
I have never gone more than 6 or 8 months with a new pump before it will start to leak. I place a rag underneath the pump and change it every two weeks or thereabouts.
Hope this helps,
Phil

Hi there,
I bought the electric pump in January, it was used in the class Cynthia offered and then brought to my studio. I started using it in the last month and notice two things:
1. There is a leak at the bottom front end of the box.
2. During the class the pump descended much faster than it is now. It's very slow.

The leak is the most concerning thing and I hope you can help me figure out how to fix it.

THANK YOU,
Lynn
email: lynn@lynnvernon.com Not sure if this was updated in the database or not. It used to be lynn@a-bella.com.
Phone: 425-836-4103 (H)

September 6-10
Hydraulic Press From A to Z
Genevieve Flynn's Studio
Kansas City, Missouri
http://www.genevieveflynn.com/index.php?pg=5&sub=V&IName=Visiting%20Artists

Learn how to use Bonny Doon tools for the hydraulic press, as well as how to make your own tools to explore the design and form possibilities that the hydraulic press offers. The workshop begins with hydraulic press safety and care. Then, learn about how to take advantage of the various thicknesses and durometers of urethane for effective embossing and forming. Make and use your own embossing and silhouette dies. Try out the newest Bonny Doon embossing and silhouette-die tools. Become skilled in using the anticlastic and synclastic forming tool sets, the “freeform” forming system, as well as contained urethane blocks. Use the press to deep draw flat 3” discs into small vessels or a seamless ring-size tube.

Demonstrations will alternate with time for hands-on experimentation. For each demonstration, the instructor will show samples of variations. The workshop is process-oriented, rather than project-based. Participants are free to work on whatever they wish, though they are encouraged to try each technique after the demonstration. Power point presentations will be offered, showing how the press and the tools work, finished jewelry and hollowware made in the hydraulic press, and Cynthia Eid’s metalworks. With both group demonstrations and individual attention during hands-on work-time, this workshop is appropriate for people with basic metalsmithing skills, as well as professional jewelers and metalsmiths.

Doug,
That video is on the Deep-Draw CD. It was about 45 minutes of work shortened by time lapse photography to about 35 seconds, where you'll see a step formed vessel change into a smooth sided tulip shaped vessel.
Hope that helps,
Phil

Awhile back there was a link to a video done by Phil showing bowl (?) forming using a bougeing (sp??) tool in the press with an electric pump.

The action had been sped up as I recall.

Anybody know if that video is still available and where? I don't see the tooling in the BD product line any longer.

Thanks,

Doug

Jack,
You can place lots of items inside the can and form metal over them. A lot depends upon what material the 'master' item is made from, metal objects press well, whereas plastic items tend to compress. You can also start with a brass blank and carve up a design using your Dremel or Foredom.
I hope this answers your question, have fun experimenting!
Phil

Are there any options to use the PDF System with your own designs if you are not equipped to make a brass or steel die.

Hi David. I don't understand what caused the accident (a photo?). What would have prevented it?

David,
Thanks for the story, a good wake up call for those of us that might get complacent at the press! Glad to hear you found your ingot.
Phil

Safety is always a constant vigilance! Even though I use my press almost every day there are moments where things can go wrong. In the classes I teach, I like to stress safety first. Today I was cold forging an ingot in my 50-ton press. I do that from time to time. In this case I was using two 18 gauge, spacers on top and bottom of the ingot to allow the ingot to “slide” so the top and bottom of the ingot can move with the rest of the metal instead of sticking to the pusher plates and remaining small and having the center bulge out. I like my edges parallel so there is less metal removal. Today something different happened. The spacer plates, and ingot started to deform to the back away from me. Because I was standing with the side beams of the press between the work, and myself I didn’t see the deformation. Then, “Bang” the press spoke. When I realized what happened there was an ingot shaped hole in the sheet rock wall and my ingot was living in the space inside the wall! One of the spacers was sticking halfway out of the wall just under the big ingot hole, just like a ninja throwing star. When I work I wear a buffalo hide apron just for such moments. Later, cutting holes in the wall became a big chore because I had no idea where the ingot was! I wasn’t going to leave $2000.00 in the wall for someone else!!! I am happy now… project finished and I don’t have a broken sternum and am not waiting in the hospital!

Happy Pressings!!!
And many Blessings!
David B. Anderson

If your ram has a gauge then it would be quite easy to convert to an electric pump. The electric pump comes with everything you need to make the change.
Let me know if you need more details.
Sincerely,
Phil

How difficult would it be to connect the rio electric pump directly to this Hydraulic press?
Please let me know
I really apreciate all your help
Amaral

Amaral,
The air over hydraulic pumps require a lot of air volume, typically in the 15 to 20 cubic feet per minute range at 100psi air pressure. These units are best used in shops with existing big air compressors, twin stage 5hp and up.(or 5hp screw-type).
Hope this helps,
Phil

I give classes in enameling and use of the Bonnie Doon hydraulic press in my home studio just south of Harrisburg, PA. Contact me at javb2000@aol.com.
Jean
charmdimsur.etsy.com

I just got an used BD HP Gold Model attached to an hydraulic pump. Does anybody know what kind of compressor CFM is needed to be able to run this press
Any help will be appreciated
Have a great day
Amaral

Moving and must sell my hydraulic press. Original Lee Marshall model.

Includes:
1. Original Bonny Doon 20 Ton Press with gauge.
2. Two 1” Spacers for the Bottom and Top Platens
3. Two Kevlar Face Plates for each spacer.
4. Set of 8 urethanes
a. Red, 1” x 1” x 6”
b. Red ½” x 6” x 6”
c. Red ¼” x 6” x 6”
d. Red 1/8” x 6” x 6”
e. Red 1/16” x 5 ¾” x 6”
f. Orange 1/8” x 6” x 6”
g. Orange 1/16” x 5 1/8” x 6”
h. Yellow ½” x 6” x 6”
i. Numerous small red and orange filler pads (1 x ½” red and orange for those trouble areas that are narrower)
5. 34 cast cell acrylic dies
a. 12 (¼” x 5” x 5”)
b. 21 (1/8” x 5” x 5”)
c. A few large pieces of cast cell acrylic that are ½” to 2” thick
6. 3 (6” x 3”) 24 gauge argentium silver sheets in original tissue and bag from Hoover and Strong. I’ve found this to be the best metal for die forming. It is ductile, moves more quickly and is strong.
7. Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmith Book by Susan Kingsley.
8. HTC Deluxe Tool Table with the press mounted on it. Very Stable and good for heights 5’4” to 6’.
9. Three piece rebar for pumping.
10. Original manual and crate.

Pickup only in Bellows Falls Vermont. 2 hours from Boston, Manchester, NH, or Hartford, CT. 3.5 hours from NY City. Pictures available via email metalismyriad@msn.com or call 802.463.4765 for info.
Purchase price with all accessories, $1696.00, Asking: $1175.00

Hi,
the press is good at embossing, which means that whole piece of metal moves---similarly to corrugation. So, the answer is that the press is good for making spaces to fill with enamel, but the back will not be flat----there will be "innies" corresponding to the "outies" on the side that you want to do the champleve enameling.
Cindy
www.cynthiaeid.com

Hi,

There's room in the workshop I'll be teaching at the beginning of July in Hawaii.

There's also space at the workshop at the end of August in WI.

I am scheduling a workshop in Atlanta in the fall---exact date is yet to be determined. (I'm teaching there in July, but it's full)

In April, I'm doing a workshop in CT.

Details and contact info about my workshops are on my website, under Events.

Cynthia
www.cynthiaeid.com