How to Make Your Own Hydraulic Jewelry Press

Hydraulic jewelry presses are invaluable tools in any metalsmith's studio, consisting of a strong steel frame with an attached hydraulic ram.

Richard provides an introduction to hydraulic presses, then shows several creative uses for pancake dies to craft earrings, pendants and bracelet components. Additionally, he shows how roller printing your metal can add visual interest while silhouette dies can create symmetrical forms with ease.

Frame

A hydraulic press's frame serves to support and steady its mechanism. This may be made of wood, metal or plastic; its strength will depend on how much pressure needs to be applied during its intended purpose.

There are various kinds of hydraulic presses, varying in size and quality. Finding the best one depends on your industry and project type - for instance, for compositing materials you may require high pressure over an extended period while medical tablet manufacturing requires rapid compressive force.

No matter the type of hydraulic press you select, it is crucial to understand its operating principles and capabilities. Many variables will influence its performance including frame construction, cylinder capacity, maximum system pressure and speed of operation.

Make a welded steel frame for a hydraulic press is an easy and straightforward task that can be completed using only basic tools and a welding torch. Begin by collecting scrap or junk metal pieces of U channel or "IL" (U and L channels) so as to form enough squares equal in width to the height of your hydraulic press or bottle jack being used.

Your project requires two pieces of threaded stock that match the height of the hydraulic ram when fully extended. Drill four holes in both platens that allow enough clearance for this threaded stock to pass. Screw this piece of stock to each end of your frame before installing your top platen first and then your bottom.

Cylinder

Hydraulic cylinders are tubes used for linear actuation by transforming hydraulic (fluid pressure) pressure into mechanical movement, creating linear movement along a path. Single and double acting hydraulic cylinders exist and they can be used either to push, pull, or both simultaneously.

To function effectively, cylinders require seals to prevent pressurized oil from seeping past the interface between its rod and head of piston. Furthermore, their heads come equipped with rod wipers to reduce metal-on-metal contact and extend cylinder life.

Hydraulic cylinders use wear rings as seals that help minimize metal-on-metal contact between piston and cylinder walls, which could otherwise contribute to friction and wear that decrease service life while increasing maintenance downtime. Wear rings can prevent these problems and are an integral part of their performance.

Hydraulic systems rely on hydraulic fluid that is compatible with their system and has an appropriate viscosity to allow easy movement of the components. Petroleum-based fluids tend to work best, though other fluids may also be suitable.

Once your cylinder has been assembled, the next step should be installing the piston rod. As this piece connects your cylinder to hydraulic fluid, it must be resistant to pitting corrosion and wear; typically cylinder rods made of steel or stainless steel alloy and coated with Hard Chrome Plating offer superior protection and longevity.

As soon as the hydraulic system is activated, its main or barrel sleeve of a cylinder begins extending first, reaching its full stroke at which point another sleeve will start expanding as well - until all sleeves have reached maximum extension and the maximum stroke has been reached by all sleeves being fully extended by extending all their sleeves together to produce force onto metal pieces and allow you to cut them free of their dies using shears or jeweler's saws.

Valve

No matter the shape of your die in the press, a pressure-control valve should always be present to monitor and regulate the pressure that's exerted by it. As soon as the cylinder begins its work, this valve will open and close in response to it and allow the platen to return down when safe to do so.

A valve helps prevent metal from adhering to the platen or forming where it shouldn't, protecting you from stick-off or improper formation of metal parts. You'll find various valve types depending on what kind of work you do in a press, including Z-style (two right angle turns) and Y-style valves which direct fluid 90 degrees; there are also unlubricated plug valves and other varieties specifically made for metal forming applications like pressing.

Hydraulic presses can be an invaluable asset to your metalworking arsenal, but before using one it is essential that you understand its basic operations and use. Here are some key tips for safely using one.

Make sure that all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn when operating the press, including safety glasses, welding mask and gloves. Also remove anything that might get caught in the press like draw strings from hoodies or long hair which could get caught by accident.

Hydraulic presses are great tools for exploring metal forming techniques and designing unique shapes, as well as creating rings, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry pieces. If your pieces don't form properly when using the hydraulic pump pressure increase or decrease accordingly; additionally, be sure to regularly clean out and inspect for leaks or loose fittings within your press.

Pump

Hydraulic presses employ hydraulic cylinders to apply compressive force on workpieces in order to bend, flatten, stamp or form metal; mold plastics into various shapes; or form other materials into various forms. They are widely used across industries like manufacturing, construction and automotive and have three key components - an accumulator pump and piston.

Hydraulic accumulators are reservoirs that store pressure generated during pumping cycles and release it via valve to exert force onto workpieces. Multiple accumulators in one system may increase capacity while providing precise control of pressure; there are three types of pumps: vane, gear and piston pumps with piston pumps being the most widely utilized due to their ability to operate at high pressures while producing large volumestric outputs.

Richard presents everything you need to know about using a hydraulic press as one of the essential tools in any jeweler's toolkit, from basic safety and care requirements, embossing metal, texturing it and using pancake dies with this powerful device to produce stunning effects.

No matter the thickness of metal you are working with, this Bonny Doon Classic Pro hydraulic press can assist you in creating perfect rings and bracelets, creating symmetrical pieces from two joined halves, or bending it into specific shapes. Equipped with an onboard pressure gauge of 10,000psi to allow repeat patterns quickly while shortening formation times significantly.

Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic presses can generate incredible force, making them suitable for an array of uses. Their immense force can be utilized to crush, form and shape metal, plastics, composites and many other materials; in addition they can even create various shapes such as rings or other jewelry pieces.

To operate a hydraulic press safely and responsibly, it is vitally important that all safety guidelines and rules are observed. This means wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes in case of unexpected accidents during its use. Furthermore, it should also be in good working condition with any worn parts being replaced as soon as they show signs of wear and tear; furthermore it's wise to regularly inspect its hydraulic system for potential issues that need addressing.

One of the primary issues associated with hydraulic presses is oil leakage. This may be caused by damage to equipment or loose fittings, using improper oil types, or continuing leaking; which in turn poses a chemical hazard and leads to catastrophic failure of machines and can pose risks to workers.

Hydraulic presses may sometimes fail to build pressure due to various reasons, which can be frustrating and expensive to address.

Overfilling of oil reservoirs, contaminated check balls and piston packing that has worn out are among the many issues that could compromise hydraulic presses' functionality, so to reduce this risk, it is recommended to routinely check them and change out their piston packing regularly. In order to stay safe it's also advised that hydraulic fluid should always remain below 180 degrees Fahrenheit so as to prevent overheating of hydraulic press components as well as protecting seals against damage.