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.
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
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.
Have a look at this page http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pneumatic-cylinder-force-d_1273.html (http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pneumatic-cylinder-force-d_1273.html) for calculating pressures applied by pneumatic cylinders.
Do you modulate the force by adjusting the input pressure?
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.
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.
The press is finally finished. Now to find time to test and use it
May I ask what type and thickness of steel profile did you use?
36mm OD, which is about 1 and 3/8 inches. I would have used inch and a half but this was laying about.