Ski Builders Forum

i was wondering what the best way to install the pneumatic rams that on3p uses to increase psi on the tip and tail section. rght now i have shimmed my cat track with bamboo but i dont think that it is thebest way to do it. i am super interested in the rams

I have some. Best way is to run a rod through your cat track where you need the pressure and use the threaded connecters you can get for the rams

However: you shouldn't need to use the rams. Means your doing something wrong and can better your process elsewhere. I thought I needed them. Payed $200 in rams then made some process and mold changes and no longer need em. Now they want a 30% restock fee so i said screw it and kept em. Going to make a pneumatic can crusher

how do you get the ends properly pressed if you have a tip to tail core, without using rams?

I just redid my top mold to be better and the problem went away before I even had to use the rams.

** edit**

I'm also pressing at 78-80 psi now.

should I just make my top mold as tightly fitting as possible?

Yes, your molds should be as accurate as possible and match your bottom mold. I'm shimming my top mold a little bit and it's working fine. Annoys me that I have to do that but, that's a different story.

Also, as has been mentioned, part of the issue comes from the hose trying to straighten out. If you make your tip and tail molds in such a way that the hose doesn't have the ability to straighten out at the ends, that will help.

And 80PSI helps a lot.

I have done what DBS points out by stacking 2x4's behind the tip/tail molds to force the hose to continue the curve. This will alow you to not have to cut new molds.