How you can make a jack press with your own hands?
Every car enthusiast knows that a garage press is a must for servicing the chassis of your car, and is also a great addition to your home workshop. This device is indispensable when working with bushings, crankshafts, for mounting bearings, bending sheet metal, fittings, etc. д. In some situations you can get help from the vise, but this method is ineffective, if we are talking about oversized parts. The method of pressing allows you to cope with tasks of any complexity. Do you think that it is difficult to make a press for the garage with your own hands? Then you will find our article useful.
The unit under consideration allows you to perform processing of a variety of products and materials by pressure. A special fluid is responsible for the operation of the mechanism. In the system in question it remains under increased pressure.
Construction consists of two main cylinders, also known as chambers. The smaller vessel increases the pressure of the liquid and transfers it to the working vessel, which has a larger size.
Hydraulic press
The cylinders are connected to each other by a special conduit or pipe. In the big compartment a liquid (usually a special oil) exerts a force on a special piston. From there, the force is transmitted to the installed executive tool and then to the workpiece.
The operating cylinder is generally set upright. In some situations it can be installed horizontally.
The press can develop forces up to several thousand tons. The specific value is chosen according to the characteristics of the workpieces to be processed and the tasks to be performed.
Makeshift press
Presses are widely used in pipe processing, pressing a variety of products, manufacturing all kinds of pressed blanks from rubber, wood chips, plastic, etc.д.
Options for using a homemade press
Self-made hydraulic press for the garage
In the garage, such a press will be a great helper for self-repair of the machine and perform other tasks. For example, if you build a homemade press, you can press out a bearing yourself and then press in a new product. That is, you do not have to go to the car service center and spend money.
The press will allow you to perform straightening, securely glue various parts under pressure, squeeze liquid, bend a metal product, press old bottles, cardboard, tin cans and other similar materials.
Ready-made factory-made press equipment costs quite a lot of money. If you assemble it yourself you will have to spend money only on the necessary accessories. An additional advantage of building the press yourself is that you will personally supervise the process every step of the way and can get the unit that is best suited to your needs.
The base
It must be strong, since it is this part that will carry the maximum load. You can, for example, weld a frame from a corner, inside of which you can weld segments of the same corner or a thick metal bar (pins and the like) to increase the strength. Note that there will be a hydraulic jack on this bed (platform), so on the upper surface of the frame you must weld a cut sheet of iron. Its thickness depends on how “powerful” should be the press.
In fact, you need to make a welded structure in the form of a letter “U”, which “legs” will be attached to the platform. Its height is determined by the maximum possible extension of the jack rod. The easiest way to do this is to use a square or rectangular thick-walled tube. Take care that all the elements of the stop are at right angles. Not even the slightest warping of the “letter” is allowed.
Operating element
In fact, it plays the role of the lower, moving stop. In the process of pressing the part it will be pressed against the upper support (“rung” of the letter “U”). The principle is clear. How to make, there are several options. For example, to make an assembly of metal plates of appropriate thickness, which are fastened to each other with bolts or the same welding.
In order for this part to move freely up and down and not shift at the same time, the length of the outer plates is chosen longer. The “ledges” on the sides will act as position retainers on the horizontal axis. In other words, such an “assembly” will be able to move vertically, but not left-right.
To avoid a large displacement of the mobile stop the length of the “inner” plates is chosen so that they are almost closely adjacent to the legs of the structure (legs of the letter “U”), with a minimum gap.
The jack device
How to make a hydraulic press with your own hands using a car jack? Prepare:
- Welding machine;
- electrodes;
- Grinding machine;
- steel profiles;
- bottle-type jack;
- Hand pump (can be a hydraulic pump).
Sequence of steps “how to make a jack press with your own hands“:
- Make a supporting platform.
- Fabricate frame. Its parameters must match the dimensions of the material you plan to process.
- To install the jack on the main surface of the press, and on its upper part. a movable work table.
- Obtain the necessary stiffness for the machine by means of profiles.
- To make the entire structure more stable, attach a metal plate with a thickness of at least 8 mm and a size of 2025 cm.
- Install a spring on each side of the jack.
- Make stop. The press is ready!
Production cycle
| Step | Works |
| 1 | Debarking and cutting into logs of equal length |
| 2 | Log pelletizing and veneer tinning |
| 3 | Cutting veneer into sheets and passing them through gluers |
| 4 | Gluing the sheets in the press |
| 5 | Edge trimming |
| 6 | Sorting by surface and edge quality |
| 7 | Stock shipment |
Some of the steps are worth going into a little more detail.
Log preparation
What plywood is made of in full-cycle production?
The most typical plywood material is pine and birch. Somewhat less common are fir, larch, cedar, spruce, poplar, alder, basswood, aspen and beech.
Note: coniferous and deciduous plywood markedly differ in mechanical strength and are produced under different GOST. 3919.1-96 и 3919.2-96 respectively.
Sawn and delimbed logs are debarked (stripped of bark) and cut by hand or on a crosscut saw into pieces of equal length. In winter, the trunks are pre-conditioned in a bath of warm water to give the frozen wood the necessary plasticity.
Trunk debarking.
Culling and peeling
These two operations are usually performed on the same machine. A cylindrical shape is first given to the block, and then a layer of wood about one millimetre thick is peeled off in a narrowing spiral. The leftover cuttings are not used in production.
Cutting into sheets
This is followed by sorting. Defective areas of the sheets are cut out; strips of small (less than 1.5 m) width can be used for gluing to a complete sheet.
Cutting of veneer into sheets and primary sorting.
The veneer then passes through a gluing machine, where it is impregnated with a resin.
Reference: Urea-formaldehyde resin is used in production of Frank veneer. The so-called technical FFS veneer is glued using phenol-formaldehyde resins, which makes it a hazardous material.
Press drying
A hydraulic press with superheated steam heating is used to dry the plates. Typical drying temperature is around 200 degrees. This part of the cycle takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the thickness of the sheet.
Drying is carried out with intensive forced ventilation of the room: as already mentioned, formaldehyde is not good for health.
Unloading from the press.
Trimming
Dried sheet is a rough sandwich with jagged edges. To become a saleable product, it is trimmed on a sawmill.
Pay attention: according to GOST requirements the edges of the sheet should be strictly perpendicular to each other. The trimming may not exceed 2 mm per running meter.
Sorting
The quality of plywood is determined visually and, depending on the appearance of the surface, allows you to assign it to one of the varieties. from the elite to the fourth.
The price of the leaf, depending on the variety can vary by twice or more.
The photo allows you to appreciate the difference between the elite and other grades.
Storage
A plywood panel installed vertically or tilted is capable of deforming under its own weight due to the fluidity of the resin bonding the veneer layers.
Also: fermentation may change the color of the top layer in bright sunlight.
That is why contained in the domestic standards for the storage of sheets prescribes that they are stored in a strictly defined manner:
- In an enclosed space with constant humidity;
- protected from direct sunlight;
- Stacked horizontally on pallets or pads.
Stocking the material.
Pressing without welding from a car jack
Very simple design of the hydraulic press from an ordinary car jack. When carrying out repairs to a car, motorcycle, as well as performing various types of work there is a need to use the press. With its help, you can make a controlled bending of the parts, align them, squeeze pressed bearings, etc.д. The high cost of the factory press makes such a purchase unreasonable. I suggest the variant of its creation on the basis of the car jack for 5 tons.
Materials required
First cut 2 blanks from the square tube. They will later be used as the main stand of the machine. Their length I have picked up under parameters of the jack. I have 66 cm. I also make the legs from the angle at once. To ensure their stability, a length of 30 cm is sufficient.
Using the drilling ridge, I mark on the corner for drilling, and then make two holes for M10 bolts. I put an angle on the spot on a square tube and align 90 degrees to make a marking for drilling. Preparing a through hole through both walls of the square. Now I connect the tube and the angle with long bolts and nuts.
When the mullions are ready, I cut two pieces of angled billet each 40 cm long. They will be used as the top reinforced stop for the jack. I put them in position one by one and mark out the marks for drilling. I drill holes in the corners first, then I also drill a square.
From the existing thick steel plate I cut a rectangular billet about 80×13 cm in size. The jack piston will rest in it. Now turn the stand so that the cross brackets are at the bottom. I put the plate across and drill in its center.
To keep the jack cylinder rod from slipping under load, a limiter is needed. To do this, I cut another plate, but a little smaller. I use a 4 mm thin board for this. On it I make the through holes by transferring them from the big plate. Also in its center I cut a large diameter hole, in which the heel of the jack piston will fit. To avoid using nuts, I cut threads in a thin plate. Now I put both plates on a support from the corners and twist everything with bolts M10 (length 30 mm with a head for a hexagonal key).
Now I make a sliding support for fixing the bottom of the jack. It won’t have much load on it, so I decided to make it out of steel strip.
I started by cutting two 16cm long pieces. I made two cross marks on them at a distance of 5,4 and 10,8 cm from one of the edges. After that I grind the wedge-shaped cut with an angle grinder, but I don’t cut it to the end. Using the obtained groove, I bend the steel band, obtaining a U-shaped profile that slides easily over the machine table.
Having put the profiles in place on the rack I measure the distance between them, in doing so I take away 4 mm for the tolerance. Transferring my measurements to the steel band. Its length should be 8 cm more. I make a mark, having previously indented 4 cm from the edge. Then I cut the wedge-shaped grooves with an angle grinder in a similar way. I bend the tails obtained on the edges of the strip at 90 degrees. Now it is necessary to connect the blanks obtained from the strip. To do this, I first drill holes in the tails and immediately cut threads in them, so as not to use the nuts later. I also prepare holes in the U-shaped profile and connect everything with M8 bolts with a 16 mm hexagonal key.
The jack and its features
For making a hydraulic press, a cup jack is most often used. It has a relatively low cost and is able to produce a pressure of 20 tons.
There are two ways to assemble a hydraulic press based on a jack in your garage:
The jacks have a parameter for the correct position. The operation of some jacks eliminates the inverted position. So before you start, you need to be sure about the capabilities of the chosen equipment.
Drawings
Before you start working on the creation of a hydraulic press it is highly recommended to make a drawing. The dimensions of all parts of the design must be fully consistent, otherwise the first time you use the unit, the design will be driven sideways.
Specialists are recommended to independently make a drawing of the future system, as ready-made options will not always be able to satisfy the owner in terms of dimensions, and it is possible to make a mistake with the choice of the jack type. In such a case, a lot of time will be wasted on adjusting the system to its parameters.
Photos of drawings of the hydraulic press can be easily found on the Internet.
Step-by-step instructions for independent creation of hydraulic baling equipment.
One of the main actions involved in making a hydraulic press with your own hands is to prepare the frame. It is called the “frame” and it is inside it that the future press will be located. Its strength should have some reserve, since the pressure inside the frame is carried out in both directions (and up and down), so there is a possibility that the frame will break.
First thing to do: Cut all the main parts as per the installation drawing. Drill holes in the structure. Then a special plate is installed by welding.
The next step is to assemble the model. Mounting the jack in the construction is the last stage of the construction.
To construct a more robust system it is recommended to use a channel and mounting angles, and for more stable operation of the press you can add a portable support beam.
Thus, an independent creation of the press. it is a fascinating activity, which will not only save on the purchase of new equipment, but also to adjust such parameters as the size and power of the tool for their own needs.
Design and construction of the vacuum press
The design of the vacuum press has certain features, with which it is better to get acquainted in advance. It will help to understand the construction of this product in more detail.
Vacuum-type baling equipment consists of three main elements, which include:
- The frame. Main bearing element, to which other press components are fastened. It is made of profiled tubes or rails.
- Work table. It is on its surface that the workpiece to be pressed is placed. Also on the working table is the clamping frame for fixing the workpieces to be pressed. Made of flat metal plates.
- Pneumatic system. Responsible for the main technological process. To make such a system, a water pump is used.
Among the main features of the vacuum press model are
- The operation of the equipment is carried out under full manual control;
- Commonly available materials are used to manufacture the vacuum system;
- The efficiency of the manufactured equipment is not inferior to the factory models.
Calculation of the dimensions and construction of the mechanical press
Presses of mechanical type are used for processing leather goods, metal components, as well as cardboard and foam. To make the device yourself, you need:
- Four equal angles of metal with a length of about 90 centimeters to connect the four corners, the length of which is 55 centimeters. To fasten them, ordinary screws or electric welding are used.
- Fasten the two iron rectangles obtained with metal pipes.
- Strengthen the fabricated box with the steel plates and cross bars.
- Make a small door in one of the walls, through which you can get pressed products.
Then proceed to form the main component. the piston. To do this, 55-65 cm long iron channels are welded together. After that, reinforce the structure with a cross iron beam. In its center, attach a flange with a bar inserted inside. Then channels are welded to the iron box on opposite sides.
When the construction is fully assembled, a washer with a nut and bearing is put on the rod.
Types of hydraulic presses
According to the Russian National Classification of Fixed Assets, the hydraulic press belongs to the group of all metal-working presses and hammers.
Classification by cylinder arrangement
- With closed frame. the frame has holes to fix the press on the table; used for bending, straightening, pressing/unpressing.
- with open frame. for machining irregularly shaped and awkwardly designed parts; performs analogous operations.
- Universal. with full range of functions; the hydraulic pump can be used manually.
- Pressers. used for mounting/dismounting, pressing/unpressing. Small dimensions allow it to be used more often in any environment.
Modern presses are available with CNC controls. By setting the operating mode and selecting the pressure, you can forget about the constant control of the machine. the microcomputer takes care of that.
The fabrication process
When the drawing of your future hydraulic press is ready, and all the necessary materials, tools, equipment and accessories are available, proceed directly to the manufacturing. The first thing to do is to cut all the metal, following the dimensions given in the drawing.
One of the variants of the drawing for making the press
Now it is necessary to make the base of the press, for which the prepared square pipes are welded together, and a steel plate is welded on the rectangle formed from them. Then the upper and lateral parts of the frame are welded together, taking care that the obtained U-shaped structure is even and has strictly right angles at the joints. Now the resulting structure should be welded to the base and you can consider that the frame for your hydraulic press is ready.
The next element you will need to make for the press is a moving platform. For its manufacture can be used channel, square or rectangular tube. In the central part of the platform a piece of pipe is welded, which will serve as a socket for the head of the jack rod. To make the guides for the working platform you will need two steel strips, whose length should correspond to the width of the press frame on its outer contour.
A variant of press construction with a movable lower platform, which is fixed by bolts
Fix the strips to the sides of the mobile platform with bolt connections, previously driving it inside the frame. According to the same scheme, a removable support is also made, but in his guide strips are drilled holes opposite the frame rails for fixation at the desired height. Completing the process of making a hydraulic press with their own hands is the installation of draw back springs and the jack itself. Convenient such a hydraulic press is also the fact that you can always remove the jack from it (for example, if you need to use it to repair the car).
The appearance of ready homemade press
One of quite economical variations of the hydraulic press, made by own hands in your garage with the use of simple devices, welding, jack and channels.
Quite often amateur in something repair or mastership there is a need for treatment of parts, units by pressure (pressing). An indispensable help in this will be a hydraulic press, with their own hands designed.
What to rely on when choosing a hydraulic press?
An abundance of models and manufacturers makes it possible to choose a hydro-press for special working needs. It is better if the characteristics of the unit will be a little better than required. Plus, you need to pay attention to the allowable service life.
Important technical features
These indicators determine the further choice. For example, a 10 ton bench press is not suitable for truck service, and a small shop in a garage does not need a 100 ton machine.
The power of the hydro-press is given in the technical data sheet. Once you know what you will be working with, you can choose the best machine for the job, taking into account the standard grading:
Pay attention to press height/width and stroke of the working piston. This determines how much of the workpiece will resist a hydro-press.
Features of hydro-presses, which are worth paying attention to
- Automatic piston rod return.Speeds up the work process and increases convenience.
- Chrome plated shock.Lengthens press life by protecting against corrosion.
- Safety valve.Safe operation of the press by venting excess pressure in the system. Excessive loads can have serious consequences.
- Reliability of the frame.Robust material is only 50% of the structural integrity. It is important that all seams are carefully sealed, otherwise the force of the press over time will break the frame.
- Winch mechanism.Needed for adjusting the work table when working with massive cells.
- Displacement of table and cylinder.The mobility of the individual parts of the hydropress increases the convenience of working with non-standard sizes.
- The quality of the pressure gauge. You can only assess the force exerted on the workpiece with a manometer, so make sure that it is accurate and made of reliable materials. It is better to choose a glycerine gauge that suppresses vibration.
Misconceptions about Hydraulic Presses
There is an opinion that hydraulic presses do not need safety elements. This is not true, because pressure drops in the system can occur even because of a banal change in the weather. If the cylinders are made of low-quality metal, which reacts to small temperature fluctuations, the liquid can quickly heat up. Without noticing it, the worker will run the hydraulic press at maximum, provoking not just a breakdown, but a danger to himself.
When choosing a hydraulic press, it is necessary to consider not only current needs, but also future ones, because then you do not want to get a new unit.
Where to buy a hydraulic press from a manufacturer?
Sterlitamak Machine-Tool Plant has long been supplying us with high-quality hydraulic presses of its own production. Weight of the product is certified and checked by workers of “STK” Ltd
Which hydraulic press is better for you??
Hands of the master should always be free to control the situation, so if the choice fell on a mechanical hydraulic press, among others, focus on the pedal installation. And while the foot will operate the press, the hands will be able to adjust the part.
Also on our site you can read articles about milling machines.
Any hydraulic press (table, floor-standing) is a special mechanism for metal. It is driven by high-pressure fluid. Below we will consider in more detail the mechanism of action, types of fixtures and their features.
Tools and materials required
You can make a homemade press from a jack. With their own hands the device can be assembled fairly quickly. This will require:
- Jack. This is the main element of the entire structure. It is best to use a hydraulic jack. If you don’t have one, you can use a mechanical screw jack or homemade one. And for added convenience and mechanization of work, you can use a hydraulic cylinder. You can power the hydraulics from a power tiller, tractor or even from an oil pump with an electric motor.
- Channel. It is best to use 8P or 10P channel. Bed of such metal can withstand loads of up to 15-20 tons, which is more than enough for domestic use.
- A piece of pipe with a wall of at least 4 mm for making a thrust rod.
- Metal angle. Choose bars with flanges from 50 mm to 75 mm is optimal.
- Fixing screws. It is desirable to choose a higher strength class, so that they do not break from the load.
- Sheet metal 8-10 mm thick to make the base of the table, stiffeners, rails.
- Springs (2 or 4 pcs.) to create a return mechanism.
- A welder, an electric drill, an angle grinder, a screwdriver.
The required amount of rolled metal products and fasteners is determined individually for each case.