Thread: A method for pressing horn

This is so damn cool! But i couldnt even begin to do this. My stick figures look bad. No way could i figure out how to do it on a computer program. Some things were just not made for me to do. But i love the design on that last set.

Yeah, a while back I wanted to redesign some elements of a SAT life support chamber for commercial divers. Nothing serious, it's just that the original designers seemed to have the "brass tax" in mind and were not as worried about ergonomics or even accessibility of certain parts. Boss said give me something an engineer won't laugh at and we will see what we see.

Anyway I bought a CAD program. AND then I realized unless you're just smart with that kind of thing then you're gonna need to take a class. OR spend more time than you have learning it, when not gathering nuts and berries and taking down small prey in your 9-5.

Thank you for the reply! Much appreciated. I'm gonna make another go at this CAD program. The info you have presented and the others have added is enough for me to digest for a while now!

This is just a hobby for me as I have two jobs and working on building a business on the side that I want to launch in the winter... ADD that to a wife and two kids and my time is quite limited. One of the suggestions that a marriage counselor suggested was that I get time for my hobby... hehehe I don't think she knew how deep THAT rabbit hole of a hobby could go!

A couple more questions for now
I assume there are people with CAD experience that can help put together designs for simple octopi like myself whose arms are preoccupied...
How much is the standard expense for such help? I assume it would not be commercially viable unless one does it themselves, but for a hobby... outsourcing particular elements could make it possible...

Thanks again!
You guys rock!

Actually, all you need to have is the ability to convert a scan to vectors, it doesn't have to be drawn in vectors to start with. There are online conversion sites, and someone with Photoshop can also do it. A full CAD system is not necessary, and yes, 3D CAD can be intimidating and difficult to wrap your head around if just starting out.

Originally Posted by Geezer

Here is a link to some presses with internal heating elements:

heated+mold+vulcanizing

https:Arbe-Machine-Vulcanizer

Arbe-Machine-Vulcanizer-Jewelry-Casting
I recently found a similar but larger press as surplus at a university surplus sale for about $70, did not buy it as I don't have a shop anymore. They should be available in most areas new or used. Darn heavy beasties though so watch shipping costs!
YMMV.
~Richard

Howdy Richard,
Do you know what the compression that 2nd press achieves?
I was looking online and could not find the info.

I assume it will not achieve the 12tons and am wondering what any of you guys think is the minimum compression needed at the appropriate temps for horn... ???

I wonder if the jig can be modified with heating elements to achieve the right temp while using a standard shop press...?

Also. If it is at critical temperature for plasticity, and then is compressed... will the temp rise and possibly burn the horn a bit? ... making it brittle?

I do not know the tonnage of the press. being a screw press it could be a lot or little. I think a extended bar would help Larger force radius.
The original usage for vulcanizing rubber mold did not require a great pressure to be applied.
I would suggest contacting the sellers to find out more.
Good Luck!
~Richard