INTERLOCKING-BRICK MAKING MACHINE FROM A SHOP PRESS

**TOBIAS** · Jul 16, 2018, 05:30 AM

I need to make an Interlocking brick Making Machine using a 20 ton Shop Press that will apply pressure from Below.
First, I need to change the working mechanism of the Press to be driven by any other energy that wont be ME (THAT UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT TO MAKE THE PRESS GO UP).
Let us start from there. Clue- Lets try use a small Single Phase (220V) Electric Motor. How do I change the piston action to AVOID me doing the work so that it works like an electric driven Hydraulic pump?
Diagrams are welcome.

**WyoGreen** · Jul 17, 2018, 05:19 PM

You can go to Harbor Freight and buy an air driven hydraulic jack to replace the hydraulic jack you have on your 20 ton shop press. That will do what you want and you won't have to invent something.

**myavid76** · Jul 17, 2018, 07:10 PM

You could try using the pump and valve setup from a log splitter.

**ranald** · Jul 18, 2018, 12:07 AM

WyoGreen idea sounds like a good way to go. Also you could look at the hydraulic water units used in "shoring" but that may be too expensive. For hands free you might use an old sewing machine foot pedal to start & stop power.
I have an old concrete block making machine (cast iron) that needs repair: its design allows textured or smooth sides. It is filled from the top and compression is, as you said, hard work by hand.
good luck.

**Elizabeth Greene** · Jul 18, 2018, 08:35 AM

The open source ecology folks have released several iterations of their design for the liberator, a compressed earth brick making machine.
https://www.opensourceecology.org/th...sign-complete/

That might help. As the others have said, a hydraulic unit is the way to go. I wouldn't suggest one of the air powered jacks though It's an easy solution because it's a drop-in fit for their 20 ton press. Unfortunately they are slow compared to an electrical hydraulic pump. The cycle time of the machine will make a huge difference in how much work you can get done.