Building a Hydraulic Forging Press for Blacksmithing

I have been wanting to make a forging press for many years. I spent a long time trying to decide on the most appropriate design. I decided on the H frame design as most of the work I want to do does not require the extra space a C frame offers. The H frame is also cheaper and easier to make as strong as an equivalent rated C frame. It took 9 months to build from start to finish (not including the design time). This is a short video made up of a few photos and videos I took during those 9 months.
The completed press is rated at a little over 12 tons. I decided to make the frame out of one solid piece of steel rather than the normal approach of welding sections of structural steel that most other DIY press builders do. The advantage of this is that the frame is much stronger, and so more of the 12 tons goes into the workpiece rather than into stretching the frame. As a result, this machine is notably strong for its size and has as much “squish” as other higher tonnage presses I have used. Not having a welded frame also allows for easy disassembly, easier structural calculations and less chance of human error in assembly.
It is powered by a 2HP electric motor which runs off a standard UK socket (230v single phase) and draws a little over 9 amps. The power supply was the overall limiting factor in the tonnage of the press. Since 2HP is rather low for a press, the overbuilt solid steel frame and choice of pump ensures it is not underpowered. The total weight is about 300 kg / 650 lb but is easy to move around the casters. It has a height of 190cm / 6ft3in.
Acknowledgements:
- John Nicholson. The design is heavily inspired by the massey twelve by John. John has been very generous and helpful by sharing his hydraulic knowledge with me which helped a great deal and I am very grateful for this. John sells his premium quality presses in the UK. He's on instagram - instagram.com/non_jic/?hl...
- James L. Batson. His book "Build your own hydraulic forging press" was very helpful and would be my top resource recommendation for anyone wanting to build a forging press.
- My colleagues at work, especially Mike and Joe. The use of their workshop, knowledge and experience was invaluable for the EDM of the frame and crosshead.
- Morgan for the laser cutting help.
- My parents for the workspace.
You can see more of my work on Instagram instagram.com/winterbrook...