hydraulic fluid and press

[jacob7]

Bought a 24 hydraulic press made for forging about 7 years ago used it some then got distracted. Now i'm retired and starting back up with damascus. to the point I don't seem to have the power I had before. It's taking me forever to draw a billet out with numerous heats. do I need to change hydraulic fluid and filter? Would it give me more press power? If not any suggestions? Thanks

[jimmontg]

They changed the oil and filter every 5 years if that helps you.
I will say the oil they used and I used to top off the press was very thin, but at the time I wasn't into knife making, but it would have been a good quench oil.

[Johnpatrick]

I agree with jammontg.

[Ed Caffrey]

Hydraulics is one of those things.... that if not used regularly, things tend to deteriorate. Seals dry and can crack or chip. Pump internals can do the same thing.... causing less flow and/or pressure. If the press has set for a long time, it could be any number of issues. I would start by changing the oil/filter(s)..... but remember that some machines/systems use only a specific type of hydraulic fluid...and mixing them usually is "bad ju-ju".

Having sat for a long time, you want to be VERY observant of hoses....those will also dry out/crack, and a pin hole, depending on pressures, could be deadly.

Not trying to scare you, but far too many simply don't understand the forces being dealt with when it comes to hydraulics. And in this case, ignorance could kill you.

[KenH]

I'm with Ed, first thing I'd do is change oil 'n filter - AND check the pressure on the pressure gauge...... it does have a pressure gauge? If not, I'd put one on first thing.