Press Construction Order

[WhitePine]

I searched around and couldn't find anything related so I'll ask.

What is the proper order of press building? I don't have any materials yet but will acquire them piece by piece as funds come in. Would I be out of line to build my press in this order?

1. Frame
2. Cat track
3. Pressurization Bladder
4. Adjustable Mold ribs

Or would you say I should know which fire hose, and know my diameter and length first? The reason I ask is because I'm hoping to get hose for free and I have no idea what they'll give me.

[twizzstyle]

I'd say figure out your mold first. That will dictate how much clearance you need, both horizontally and vertically, and how much hose you need, etc. Last fall I moved to a longer hose and added a cattrack to my press, and had to cut out a LOT of steel and do some new welding to make it work right again.

[WhitePine]

Ok. Good to know. If I told you I was planning to start with a fabric press and then eventually build a steel one that I can slip my existing mold into, would it change your answer?

[doughboyshredder]

in that case it would be even more important to build your mold first.

[WhitePine]

Cool. Thanks guys.