Getting serious about a pneumatic press
Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 12:14 pm
I’m going to build a pneumatic press this summer to replace my current vacuum molding setup. I’m going with a design very similar to the one the guys at GrafSnowboards.com built (see http://www.grafsnowboards.com/ for pictures.) It will be wide enough to press a single snowboard or a pair of skis.
I’d like to hear from anyone who has built a similar press about things you would do differently, specific materials used in the press, etc. I.e., what size I-beams did you use, and would you go with larger or smaller ones if you could do it again? What size hoses? Did you use multiple hoses? How has the press been holding up for you over time, etc. Do you feel like you have enough room in your press cavity? How do you ensure that the surface that supports the base mold is actually flat?
I’m also going to heat the press with silicon heat blankets. I’ve seen good recommendations for MEI, so I figure I’ll go with them. I’m wondering how many people heat the top vs. the bottom of the board, or both?
Thanks,
Mike
I’d like to hear from anyone who has built a similar press about things you would do differently, specific materials used in the press, etc. I.e., what size I-beams did you use, and would you go with larger or smaller ones if you could do it again? What size hoses? Did you use multiple hoses? How has the press been holding up for you over time, etc. Do you feel like you have enough room in your press cavity? How do you ensure that the surface that supports the base mold is actually flat?
I’m also going to heat the press with silicon heat blankets. I’ve seen good recommendations for MEI, so I figure I’ll go with them. I’m wondering how many people heat the top vs. the bottom of the board, or both?
Thanks,
Mike