Ceilidh ... building a press

Hydraulic Die Forming Forum

building a press

Hello. I'm new, although guilty as being a "lurker" as mentioned a while back. Reluctant to ask questions which may have been answered, or join when I have little practise to contribute.
Anyway, here goes. Question one: are there any references about building a press? I have read Ms. Kingsley's book. What I have is: a Power Team pump; 4-post press plates (12"x12"); a 10T x 13" stroke cylinder which could be mounted by a threaded collar at top or threaded hole in base, all bought at various auctions. I plan to have the parts made to assemble into a working press. Any suggestions or cautions gratefully accepted.

I want to experiment with jewelry related techniques, but my bread and butter is going to be a (in start-up) business making copper cookie cutters. I think I can move from all hand work to a hydraulic/hand mix using the bits I've accumulated. I'm bending in 2-D rather than stretching in 3-D, so I think I can get away with only 10T, but I'd sure like an informed oppinion.

Sun Feb 20