Pneumatic press in the making

[Ken]

After looking at Carter's press I decided about 6 months ago that I would like one just like the ones he makes. But because I'm in Australia it wasn't feasable for me to buy one off him, so I have been buying the parts and at last I have started.
Here is a picture to start it off.

[mikeradio]

Great Job Ken, I just purchased one of Carter's Master Series Cheese Press.  I haven't had a chance to press cheese with it yet as I am not finished my cave yet, but very close.

Mike

[Tomer1]

How are you going to calculate the pressing pressure so you dont apply too much pressure?
You need a force gauge on the cheese follower or something of this sort.

How did you build the frame? you welded it yourself?
I built myself an hydraulic wine press last year with a wooden frame and managed to crack it so I want to get a steel frame instead.
 

[zenith1]

Have a look at this page http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pneumatic-cylinder-force-d_1273.html for calculating pressures applied by pneumatic cylinders.

[Tomer1]

Do you modulate the force by adjusting the input pressure?

[mikeradio]

Yes you regulate the line pressure and depending the dia. of the cylinder it will amplify the pressure.
My press has a factor of 5 times, so if I apply 5 psi * 5 you get 25 lbs of force. 

[Ken]

Thanks for the extra info mikeradio. Just did a primer coat today and trying to figure out how and where to place my switch so the hoses don't get in the way.

[Ken]

The press is finally finished. Now to find time to test and use it

[Tomer1]

May I ask what type and thickness of steel profile did you use?

[Ken]

36mm OD, which is about 1 and 3/8 inches. I would have used inch and a half but this was laying about.