Converting Hydraulic shop press to electric. For 40 Dollars.

[bobneumann]

How to add electric power to any manual shop press that is based on a bottle jack, using an airless paint sprayer as the hydraulic pump.

Includes a discussion of bottle jack basics, how to invert a bottle jack, and how to turn a bottle jack into an hydraulic cylinder.

Part 1 of 2:

Part 2 of 2, press frame modifications, hydraulic fitting creation, final assembly and testing.

[DIYer]

Thanks bobneumann! We've added your Manual Press Conversion to our Brakes and Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: bobneumann's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Manual Press Conversion by bobneumann

tags: press, conversion, modification

[Hans Pearson]

Thanks you for your video. I have done very much the same thing, turning jack upside down etc but I operated it from a hand pump hydraulic power pack. One thing I discovered was that the piston at times sucks in air which builds up in the reservoir and has blown out the 'bottom' reservoir seal. This I overcame by replacing the filler plug with a small filter. I have the problem of slow extension on the ram, slower because the power pack pump is smaller than the jack's. Not being lucky enough to find a pump, I am considering using a hydro-pneumatic dash pot for faster but low pressure extension of the ram and then take over with the hand pump. (The power pack pump allows me to pump in the conventional direction, independent of the jack pump).

[bobneumann]

Good point. I didn't make it clear in the video, but my reservoir isn't actually sealed. It has the factory rubber fill plug in place, but that plug easily "weeps". If any pressure is present, the plug just leaks it out.

The rubber plug used to be installed in the hole where I now have the suction tube fitting. I drilled a new hole up near the jack base plate and put the plug there.



Thanks for your input.

Bob

[sossol]

Most of the video I was impressed at the way you addressed each problem one after another. I work in a similar manner. Although I couldn't predict the next task, each made perfect sense. When you showed the press hinged to the aluminum cabinet my jaw hit the floor. That was a bit of surprise genius. Having a similarly microscopic work area, anything that make it easier to work in the slide puzzle that is my garage is very much appreciated.

You have one more subscriber now.

Neil

[tinner]

Excellent video and Idea!

[bobneumann]

Thanks, Neil! Your kind words made my day.

Bob

[Tooler2]

I love you diagrams showing how a jack works. When a jack ceases to function what is the normal cause? I had assumed the pump seal but I see the check balls must seat well. If a jack does not have the hex collar is it still likely screwed together?Thanks, Rob

[bobneumann]

I love you diagrams showing how a jack works. When a jack ceases to function what is the normal cause? I had assumed the pump seal but I see the check balls must seat well. If a jack does not have the hex collar is it still likely screwed together?Thanks, Rob

I'm not sure there is a single normal cause. Could be bad seals in the main cylinder or the pump. Could be debris in either check valve or in the bypass valve. I'm not sure about the hex collar.

Hope it helps.

Bob