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Pneumatic press in the making

Started by Ken, March 12, 2011, 12:51:05 AM

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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.