I have always used a Wetzler screw frame press for veneer work, 25 screws over a 4' by 8', preferring it over a vacuum system for its superior developed pressure and flatness. But was intrigued when I saw an older hydraulic cold press at auction, picked it up, and sold my old screw press. Now I am having bad misgivings because of the following message sent by a helpful fellow at Italpresse, the mfg.:
"Based on 45 mm diameter rams, you have a total ram area of 9.855 square
inches. Given the range of the gauge, I will speculate that the relief is
set at 120 kg/cm2.
1 kg/cm2 = 14.2 psi hydraulic pressure
Ram area x hydraulic pressure = thrust
9.855 in2 x 120 kg/cm2 x 14.2 = 16,793 lbs of thrust = 7.6 metric tons
Thrust divided by the square inches of panel you are pressing = laminating
pressure
For instance: two panels 24" x 30" = 1440 in2
16,793 lbs / 1440 in2 = 11.66 psi laminating pressure (not much pressure,
but better than a stack of bricks)
This is an extremely light duty - low tonnage press by today's standards."
Can anyone verify those figures, or comment on this press? It is 39" by 87", four hydraulic rams 45 mm in diameter. Previous owner used it for veneering, but said the cutoff is 70kg/ square cm, not the 120 used in the example, making my pressure even less... If it is so light, why the heck does it exist? What could it have been used for? I fear I have learned a lesson the hard way, but have not powered it up yet or tried a sample press run.