Air cylinder

[tree grower]

This isn't exactly a tractor question, but it deals with build-it-yourself, so here goes. At Christmas time I make wreaths using a clamp machine accuated with a foot pedal. The pedal travels about six inches and requires maybe 30 lbs of effort. All of this can be modified with levers and different pivot points. The drawback to this machine is that the operator must be standing to accuate it. I would sure like to re-engineer it so I could sit down, and actuate the pedal with an air cylinder. I have a 60-gallon CH single stage air compressor that operates up to 120 psi. What sort of specifications should I look for in air cylinders and foot pedal valves to make this conversion?

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Why not use an electric solenoid? If you look in old washing machines and things like that they use a solenoid for engaging the drum. 110volts and a simple pushbutton switch and the solenoid would pull or push your actuator. I think they should have enough power to do that. Or change the leverage a bit to help gain the advantage. Plumbing an air cylinder sounds like fun but more things to maintain.
Another thought is what does that pedal actuate? A solenoid? If the pedal is wired why not add some wire and move the pedal to where you want? Or is it connected with plumbing of some sort?

 

[Harry c]

30 pounds is not much force. I would suggest a 1 inch bore, single action, spring return cylinder with the appropriate stroke length. Bimba and Clippard are 2 of the major manufacturers of small, relatively inexpensive cylinders. A 1" cylinder will supply approx 75 lbs of force at 100 psi air pressure. Youll need a "3 way" valve designed for the single action cylinder. Since the cyl spring returns, you won't need to apply air in the return direction. Valves are made in lots of configurations: lever operated, foot operated, momentary push button, electric solenoid.... You can look at MSC Industrial Supply Co. Home Page and get an idea of what's available. Regulate the air pressure to the lowest pressure that will do the job. You'll use far less air than with full pressure.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Another reason to carefully control pressure is safety. Also reconsider safety and study the work flow as you automate.

I have some surplus air cylinders, valves, etc. Some foot valves and some 120vac solenoids. Send me a PM if interested.

 

[ray66v]

This Company sells a lot of great stuff cheap, including pneumatic cylinders. MPJA - Power Supply, Power Supplies, Security Cameras, LCD, Fans, Etc.

 

[srjones]

Another company (referenced often on TBN) is Surplus Center which has a whole section on pneumatics.

Surplus Center - Air Compressors Cylinders Valves Tanks Pumps