Ski Builders Forum

Has anyone tried using Microlam for a ski press. I know some people who are making bow presses out of it and not having problems. They are pressing at 60- 80 psi.

Thanks

You might want to speak to SD

Microlams will work but you still need to re-enforce it w/ steel. Believe it or not they will still bend. I used 3/4 OSB cut to 8in x 96in. Then bolted them together to make a 16in wide beam. It still flexed at 25psi. I re-enforced it with a steel in the center and that fixed the problem. I can now press at 50psi w/ no deflection.

I have plenty of pics of my press in the forum. Using microlams is a better alternative to what I used. Microlams are already cut to size, probably stronger than what I used. Go for it. Just make sure it's re-enforced so it doesn't blow apart.

I was writing plans for 7 2x8" Micro lam boards bolted together. I figure that would make it a solid block of wood, but I can't figure out a good way to attach to the vertical support micro lam. Does that make sense? Any advice would be great help. I also suck at CAD and have no money so it's hard to draw out my plan on here.


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Stack my top layer and bottom layer of microlam like this to create a super block, any may not even need steel support.

If you're going to use V-Lam as your vertical support you'll have to bolt it on. Buy steel threaded rod 1/2in or 5/8in diameter. They come in 4 and 6 foot lengths at TSC (Tractor Supply Co.) or Home Depot, etc. Cut the rod to length, buy large washers and nuts for the threaded rod. Also buy a long auger drill bit so you can drill out the holes in 1 shot, it's worth the money. You'll probably need a center support. Take a look at my press to give you an idea. At the end of the thread you'll see how I supported the center.

http://www.skibuilders.com/phpBB2/viewt ... hlight=osb

When you test your press go in small increments, start at 20psi and increase at 5psi at a time. Measure the flex in the middle as you go.

Thanks SD, I overlooked any idea like that. Did you have to put any steel across the press lengthwise to reduce deflection?

Well, it seemed the best way to contain the beams. Remember there is a tremendous amount of force being applied. I would support the middle with a metal going across. You could use 4 pieces of angle iron bolted to the top and bottom beams for center support. Use 5/8 threaded rod in the middle See lame drawing below for an idea:

That also is a very great idea. Looks like all I need to do now is get some money for materials!

money and time, it always seem to be one or the other, sometimes both.