A bit OT: From Torvaldr about a new punch press

Torvaldr · Post by **Torvaldr** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 4:40 pm

This is a bit odd but I thought the armor community might be interested in this opportunity. I have a chance to pick up an 18 ton punch press. This size press would allow me to start making metal scales, but the price tag is out of my means. I wondered if anyone, or groups of anyones, might be interested in investing in the purchase of this machine, and the dies? Please contact me privately and I can give details.

Torvaldr · Post by **Torvaldr** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:29 pm

Just to make things a little clearer. Yes 18 tons is far more than is needed to punch scales. But, this is a used machine for only $2000.00. Brand new machines of even less than half that tonnage are 2 to 5 times more expensive.

To compare, I use a 4 ton punch press for my leather scales. Brand new that machine is $5310.00, I got mine used for far far less than that. So given the chance to pick up an 18 ton press that sells new for more than $5000.00 is something I would like explore.

Just an idea.

polarbearforge · Post by **polarbearforge** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 10:50 pm

I wouldn't say far more that what is needed to punch scales, but it will do most depending on setup. For example, a lamellar plate that is 3.825 long and .875 wide, with radiused corners and 12 holes that are 0.150 in diameter in 0.040 stainless steel requires 22 tons. Now if you do the same with aluminum, you can almost go to 16g with the 18 tons(it needs 19). Now if you do the holes and outline separate (or a few other die tricks) then you can easily do it.

Where was this when I was looking for one? Oh well, life goes on. It is a good price.

If you need help calculating tonnage or working on die designs, I'd be happy to help.

Jamie

Ansell · Post by **Ansell** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 12:19 am

Sounds like you have an opportunity; however, I cannot help at this time except to wish you luck on your purchase.

For those who might be wondering about some of those tricks, which I'm sure Thorvald and Jamie already know.

Stagger the punches height, allowing the piercing (punching of the holes / profile) operation to strike and shear the material at different times, thus reducing the tonage required.

If using a progressive die (one that performs a series of punching / shearing stages), size the pre-slit coil or strip to utilize the outside edges of the scale. This however depends on its shape, so those edges would not have to be sheared to size by the press.

If not concerned with creating a progressive die, perform the blanking (creating the profile of the scale) and piercing at different times. This however requires multiple dies and more time, thus adding expense.

Ansel, with his fingers crossed.

Trevor · Post by **Trevor** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:47 am

Sounds to me what you need Torvaldr is a detailed business plan and a small business loan.

Torvaldr · Post by **Torvaldr** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:22 am

I have one and have been turned down by 7 banks, 5 credit unions, the SBA, and 4 private investors. I am currently working with the Department of Rehabilitation, but they move at the speed of government. So by the time I get any money, if I do, the machine will probably be gone.

In the mean time I keep working as hard as I can, hope that I have a very good Estrella, and that it will still be there when I get back.

Ceawlin Alreding · Post by **Ceawlin Alreding** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:48 pm

Let's look at it this way.
I could use a scale suit. If we got 9 other guys to each pitch in $200 bucks (about all the spare cash I have hanging around for instance) and we were not in a hurry, well, we could finance Thorvaldr's purchase together and when he is up, running and ready, we could get us some scales.
Not the MOST direct way to buy a kit, but what's wrong with a little enlightened self interest?
So which one of you folks are the other 9 people?
Ceawlin

Kaliban · Post by **Kaliban** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:50 pm

if i had the does for it i could use my screw press ..

Sinister_Theo · Post by **Sinister_Theo** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:55 pm

Contact me at

robert_blanzy at hotmail dot com

Torvaldr · Post by **Torvaldr** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:05 pm

I would just like to clarify that I already have a machine for making hardened leather scales and sell those suits. This new machine would let me make metal scales. $2000.00 plus tax will buy the machine. I would still need to buy the dies at around $200 to $400 each.

But we'll see what happens at Estrella. That has to be my focus for now.

Thanks

A bit OT: From Torvaldr about a new punch press

A bit OT: From Torvaldr about a new punch press

business op