I read many threads where someone is considering saving a few bucks on a knife grinder and the message from those that have been around the block is consistent.....buy from one of the top 3 or 4. It’ll last a lifetime and you’ll never regret it. I’m grateful for those that have mentored me and happy that I listened to their advice.
All that said, It’s time for me to get serious about a forge press and I want to spend my money right. Although I feel that I could build my own, I have little interest as it seems to cost a lot for the right components making savings minimal and seems time consuming. Am I correct? I have a demanding job and am busy with a teenage daughter, so shop time and money are both very valuable to me.
I’m intrigued by three presses. The Coal Iron Works 16+ and 25T, Big Blu 50T, Anyang 25 or 50. There is very little info on the Anyang out there so I have no idea on cost comparisons. One press is a C frame while the other two are H frame. How do these two stack up? How do they perform? Expected life and service of machine with all maintenance performed? Other companies I’m overlooking?
Please share your experience, knowledge, and opinions. I want to buy once and cry once rather than waste my time and money trying to save a few hundred bucks.
Let’s discuss the top forge presses out there that I will never regret buying.
I saw that Pieh Tool company has 3 different ones. They have a 16 ton $4700, 16 ton plus $5800 and 25 ton $7000. I don't own a press yet so can't give any info on how good they are.
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Gilbert McCann is currently building one. You might reach out to him about the cost vs. effort.
Joshua States
www.dosgatosforge.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg
https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71
Also on Instagram and Facebook as J.States Bladesmith
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.â€
I have run the coal iron , absolutely a great press. i have heard good things about the Anyang , I am personally and not a huge fan of the die set up ,it seem like it is a little bit confined. however it seems like a very well designed unit . (though pricey)
MP
Hi Matt I saw on another forum you were leaning towards a 50 ton press. I'll give some of my thoughts of my build. I used the Batson book and researched the Coal 16 ton and others. My goal was something above the 16 ton. So my reasoning to build my own is that I like to have the hobby pay for itself and at the rate I make knives it could be a while to save up.
As for effort quite a bit I've been working on it for a couple months along with life work and orders, but I'm hours away now. Materials I went 5 inch cylinder, 3 hp 220v tefc,11 gal 2 stage pump and 4000 psi flame resistant hoses with covers that's a basic overview. I tried to choose the best option whenever I made a purchase. It should easily run 20 ton with foot pedal,Cframe and easy change dies. All in will be under $1500.
I have a friend who is a great maker running the Coal 16 ton on 110v and he is very happy with its performance. I would be happy to help if you decide to build it yourself.
https://www.riversidemachine.net/ecommerce/riverside-50-ton-press.html
Dang good machine.
Dale Huckabee
Journeyman Smith
dalehuckabeeknives.weebly.com
Thanks for the replies and feedback based on your experience with various presses. I've learned of a few options out there I was unaware of.
One question weighing on my mind was the cost difference when considering build vs. buy. I appreciate the information and your offer to help out if I decided to build Gilbert. That is a significant price difference vs. buying a press of similar size.
I'll keep the group posted on which route I end up going. I placed an order today for the James Batson book and have a feeling I have many more hours of thinking and reading to keep me occupied in the evenings. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
I have come around to smaller presses . 25 ton is a good happy medium but there certainly need speed. Faster the press the more efficient. I have run the coal iron 17 and it is a great press . I have run a bunch of riverside machine and I am not fan. They lock up if you get to much side load thare loud and to slow. I have a 25 ton shop built and one of my shop mates has a riverside machine 25 the shop built is quiter and more powerful though the guides kind of suck.
When Mareko Mamausi was working in our shop he had a 25 ton single stage press built by larry langdon before he died.. that thing was insane. So much more power than anybothe repress of the same rating I have used. It was so fast it would easily move 4" stock if I ever heat around to rebuilding our press I will build it closer to that unit ..
