20t Press

[elvis]

Sounds good bob. I think it will be stronger than regular c-channel because the "ears" will have more material to them. The angle will have the thick corners to make it stronger there, just like the channel would. 10# 6" channel is only 2" wide on the ears and when you take into account the web thickness you are putting a 1" hole into something that only has a drillable width of aproximately 1.7". .7/2 = .35" on each side of the hole. Then add a downward force of 20 tons and add a whole bunch of holes. Seems like you are asking .35" of steel to do a lot of work. At least once you get down a few table levels and your stretching the very thin material that is around each adjustment hole above the table.

It would be neat to learn how to load calc this type of thing.

[aametalmaster]

If you want 6" between the bed plates just space the angles apart with some flatbar welded on the outside. You can make it wider than the 4"...Bob

[elvis]

Here is what I was thinking. Sorry that the picture is a little fuzzy. Took it with my phone. On the top view there is a seam between the pieces of the angle. The scale for the top view is 1 square = 1 inch. This is primitive but I think it conveys the point better than my words do.

1228121336.jpg

The front view the beam would be 3" wide, due to the width of the angle. The table would have to span a total width of 4" front to back. Does that make sense? I like the adjustment hole design that you have on your press and I would do something similar to that.

Also, I was looking at an inside width of somewhere around 40". Maybe 42". I want to be able to build a brake for this press and work with 36" long material without any issues.

[aametalmaster]

Also, I was looking at an inside width of somewhere around 40". Maybe 42". I want to be able to build a brake for this press and work with 36" long material without any issues.

20T isn't going to go far on thickness and that wide of width. You would be looking at sheetmetal prob 16 ga at that. Just my thoughts...Bob

[elvis]

How much would I need for say, 3/16? I'm looking at offroad related bracketry. Most everything I make is need is out of 3/16" thick stuff.

[aametalmaster]

How much would I need for say, 3/16? I'm looking at offroad related bracketry. Most everything I make is need is out of 3/16" thick stuff.

To do 3' of 3/16 i would say 30T-50T depending on the width of your bottom die. At least 8 times the thickness of metal so 3/16x8 =about 1 1/2" wide die. If your brackets are only a foot wide you will be ok...Bob
http://www.innovativemachinery.net/TONNAGE%20CHARTS.pdf

[MMW]

Make your bottom die wider than needed & drop in smaller pcs. of angle if you need a smaller bottom die.

[elvis]

Make your bottom die wider than needed & drop in smaller pcs. of angle if you need a smaller bottom die.

That is what I was thinking of doing. That way I have an ideal gap in my die for each type of metal I am bending.

[MMW]

I just measured the one I built years ago. The bottom die is 1.5". It will bend a 16" long pc. of 3/16" & an 8" pc. of 1/4". This is on a 20 ton press. I have a pc. of 1x1x.25" angle to drop in for lighter stuff. I wish I made the bottom die opening bigger.

[elvis]

Shop_press_mockup.jpg

I mocked my press up today on the computer. Now I have a good list of material to head down to the steel supply and get what I need.

What do you think the best way to put 44 holes through 3/8" metal is? I was thinking about making a circle jig for my plasma and then lining it up and clamping it down to put all the holes in at one time. 3/8" is a little bit thick for piercing with my cutmaster 42, but I think I'll come up with something.