Ski Builders Forum

I am about to start building my own ski press and before I start I just wanted to know whether there is anything I can change or add in addition to the instructions to build a press on this site?

Cheers,
Dylan

I would actually recommend building a side loading press rather than the end loading type in the "how to" section.
Either an I beam style side loader without any supports or an RHS steel spaceframe type press with supports along the length to prevent deflection.

Head Monkeys I beam style press
http://www.happymonkeysnowboards.com/HM ... key-press/
http://www.happymonkeysnowboards.com/HM ... struction/

Spaceframe type RHS press ("mongo style")
http://www.skibuilders.com/phpBB2/viewt ... 67&start=0

ON3P I beam style

Is the spaceframe with the supports or the I beam style of press better.
I only want to do this once so I want to make sure its as good as I can get it.

Cheers
Dylan

Depends what your long term approach is.
Spaceframe will be lighter and easier to move around if need be. probably will be cheaper to build too, but generally requires welding.
I beam press will weigh a ton, literally. It needs to be built correctly to avoid any deflection without the vertical supports.
Generally the bigger companies and production boutique ski makers use I beam style presses because they are bigger, sturdier and easiest to load.
If you have the money and aren't going anywhere in a hurry I would suggest the I beam style.
If you could be moving house next week I would suggest the spaceframe design that can be more easily disassembled.
I have built a spaceframe type press like the kingswood skis press because I will move around a bit in the next little while and don't want to lug an i beam setup around. You can make an ibeam style press that can be disassembled, but even the component pieces are pretty heavy. You prob need some type of lifting equip to make an ibeam press well.

You will need some sort of hoist to make an I-beam style press. An engine crane might do it, I used a block and tackle on mine anchored to the shed support beams. It worked, but wasn't ideal.

Either that or a fair few big sturdy blokes to help you lift it. The end result is over 600kg, but I'd be very careful doing it this way.

If you're unsure of your ability to design a sturdy press, and you have money and space to spare, I beam is the safer way to go. Spaceframe is better for the smaller builder with some idea of engineering and the ability to weld well.

Either way you go, make sure you do your research. If you don't copy a proven design, do the math on flex if you can, you'd be surprised at how much these enormous pieces of steel can bend. Even if you do copy a proven design, do the math anyway.

Im going with the spaceframe styled one, helps when the old man is a mechanical engineering draughtsman so last night the plans were drawn and tested in cad getting the quotes for the steel on monday and then I just have to find suppliers of the base material, edges, sidewall and top sheet. But I will post that question in another category.

Cheers Guys

CAD image of ski press just awaiting on a bit of funds so i can order the steel

I've seen a few other presses here similar to yours. Nice start!

Hey NZ
Have a quick read through this thread http://www.skibuilders.com/phpBB2/viewt ... 8&start=45
ben had some flex problems with his press.
I think the original mongo press had a stand that had cross members that were right under the cross members in the lower press frame. These really helped to prevent flexion and convex bases.
this is the thread for the original mongo press http://www.skibuilders.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ongo+press

sorry I have been away so long been working on some big plans for the future. Do you think I will have a problem if its 25mmx25mmx4mm RHS?
It looks pretty heavy....

Have you thought about getting the steel from a local scrap yard - off cuts perhaps.

EDIT: For the base supports.

Hi, I'm in CHCH currently finishing my press. Its a 2.5m long 350mm wide I-beam style side loader, very meaty approx 700KG finished made out of 360UB50 beams and 32 x 24mm 8.8 bolts holding it together. This style is way stronger and I believe a lot easier to use, however it is more heavy materials to manage and machine/cut/drill so you need access to some good workshop and gear. In my very inexperienced opinion, gut feel tells me 25x25x4mm sounds light for spaceframe style, I'm not that familiar with them but I know the pressure generated by air presses is massive and you really want to overbuild rather than underbuild it. Since you're in Wgtn I would like to work with you to procure materials like base/edge/topsheet so we can get some economies into the shipping. my email is rich@clear.net.nz keep in touch ok. Cheers, Richard

It depends heavily on how you build it, but I can almost guarantee you that 25x25x4 SHS steel will not hold 50psi with the design above.

You want more like 100x50x4 sections (with the 100mm side orientated vertically). I'd also look at at least 2 more bars running the length of the press on the top and bottom.

Everyone who has built one like that has used at least 50mm by 50mm with 3-4mm wall thickness. Even with the 50x50 they ended up bracing it to prevent flexion side to side.