Pallet Rack Press

[Jekul]

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 structural stress analysis.

For my first press I'd like to design something modular, cost effective, and strong. Using this as my basis I'm considering using a heavy-duty pallet rack for my ski press frame. With a small amount of modification the rack and beams can be strengthened enough to accept the loading provided by the pneumatics, all for an estimated cost of around $200 usd.

I'm wondering if anyone else has taken this route and would care to point me in the correct direction so as to avoid any mishaps along the way. If not I'll try to keep everyone updated on how it works and the required modifications.

[skidesmond]

Is a pallet rack the hd racks that are used in big box strores like Home Depot? That sounds interesting. There's many styles of presses here in the forum. I don't think I've seen a press built from pallet rack material but I have seen one here built using steel/aluminum trussess. Check 'em out by doing searches.

There's always a certain amount of trial and error. But if you know the forces you're working with you have a good head start already. The press is only part of the journey. Once that is done there's the ski forms to design/make, cores to design/make, ski design/make, choice of materials, .....

Remember to keep us updated.