Here's the quick run numbers. A 14"x14" x 1/2" wall tube will reduce the deflection to 0.025" per side (.05" total). That number is much more manageable. Max stress is 14.39ksi, well below yield strength for most carbon steels. I worked the numbers for a 12" tube with 1...

I just ran a quick stress analysis for a 12"x12" x 1/4" wall thickness steel tube. At 40 psi the maximum deflection was 0.103" per side (total of .206"). Also, the maximum stress is 38.62ksi...which exceeds the yield strength of most carbon steels. In short, the tube has a h...

I would recommend not using 2x2 steel tubing, it would require a fair amount of reinforcement. I did some stress analysis for ben_mtl on his 2x2 frame press, and he is choosing to add reinforcements to abate the deflection he's experiencing. As for the 12x12, I would advise not making the mold wider...

Thanks for the help guys. I'll be sure to use a water-based stain once I get my cores profiled. I'm planning to start work on the next pair this weekend. I'll post the pictures when I'm done.

Has anyone stained the core prior to doing layup? I'd like to do a layup with a semi-transparent base and a clear topsheet, and I'd really like to have the core show through all of the layers. My primary concern is that the stain will fill in the wood pores, leaving less area for the epxoy to bond. ...

If you send me a simple sketch of your press, including dimensions, tube sizes and wall thickness I could run it on my CAD program and determine the approximate deflection. THe Finite element analysis software is pretty accurate, and it would help you figure out what you need for reinforcements. PM ...

Do you have any sort of a sketch to acompany this? I know you will be dealing with ~100,000 lbs of force. With my steel press I've calculated (using finite element analysis) that I have approximately 0.010" of deflection and the stresses exerted on the steel give me a lowly safety factor of 1.3...

What about using a gear lube pump? Most automotive parts stores have those. You could also order one from AMSoil

I was also doing some research one the subject, and came upon this article from Reuters.
triple w dot reuters.com/article/idUSTRE51O01S20090225

I hope this helps. If I can ask, what's the project for?

One last bump before I send in the order today. I've got the best pricing from Hi-heat (under 400), so that's who I'm going with.

I've been checking into making my own heating blanket too. I called around and found a company out of Texas that makes and sells heating elements: HTS/Amtek ( heatingtapes DuT com) I spoke with a guy named Harry Hamilton. He was more than willing to talk about my application and help me figure out a...

Hi all, I would like to order a heated blanket for my ski press within a month (by early/mid December). I know most of you will be out testing your new planks, but if anyone would like to join my order please let me know. From what everyone has recommended I will be ordering my blanket from MEI. I w...

Hello all, Two weeks ago I was introduced to ski building, and this website has been incredible. I've decided that I would like to attempt building my own, and I'm in the process of designing a press. I'm a mechanical engineering graduate with access to 3D Cad tools, including solid modeling with st...