Iron Worker Punch Press

[Stick895]

I believe Edwards makes one that is designed to power attachments such as a tubing bender.

 

[Stimw]

I have another question for anyone, how possible would it be to tap into an iron workers hydraulic system to power other hydraulic machines such as my tubing bender?

Hydraulics are hydraulics. You need enough pressure and enough flow for what you are doing.
So as long as you use the proper fittings, hoses and valves you should be able to run other items if plumbed properly.
Could even do a log splitter!

I can't think of a comparison to the Edwards pump noise. It is a high pitched pump whine sound that just goes right through me and is annoying.
I couldn't work in a shop all day around one!

 

[blueriver]

I don't own one .. Would like one .. Wasn't thinking much about one .. UNTIL THIS THREAD!!

 

[OutbackL130]

Ok guys I need help finding an ironworker. My budget for a hydraulic ironworker is 5k max delivered and setup, I have decided the brand does not matter as long as it has all the features I need with a dedicated punching station, angle shear, flat bar shear and an open station. It also should be single phase and at least 50 tons.

Alternatively I would be interested in a 30 ton hydraulic ironworker with less features for the $1500 range.

Most the ironworkers I see with the features I need are no where near 5K.

What does everyone think a fair price is for an excellent working 10 year old edwards 55 ton, single phase, with roller stand, optional notcher and several punches delivered to my shop? I offered $4500 but the least he negotiated down to was $5000. I feel its too close to the original price of a new edwards even though this machine is everything I need.

I can't think of a comparison to the Edwards pump noise. It is a high pitched pump whine sound that just goes right through me and is annoying.
I couldn't work in a shop all day around one!

Even with earplugs? Honestly there must have been something wrong with that guys ironworker because the one I looked at really didnt seem that loud and I am the most eccentric person you will ever meet when it comes to being around loud noises.

 

[blueriver]

Ok guys I need help finding an ironworker. My budget for a hydraulic ironworker is 5k max delivered and setup, I have decided the brand does not matter as long as it has all the features I need with a dedicated punching station, angle shear, flat bar shear and an open station. It also should be single phase and at least 50 tons. Alternatively I would be interested in a 30 ton hydraulic ironworker with less features for the $1500 range. Most the ironworkers I see with the features I need are no where near 5K. What does everyone think a fair price is for an excellent working 10 year old edwards 55 ton, single phase, with roller stand, optional notcher and several punches delivered to my shop? I offered $4500 but the least he negotiated down to was $5000. I feel its too close to the original price of a new edwards even though this machine is everything I need. Even with earplugs? Honestly there must have been something wrong with that guys ironworker because the one I looked at really didnt seem that loud and I am the most eccentric person you will ever meet when it comes to being around loud noises.

My only question ... If it's what u want why let $500 stand in your way? Ask him to split that.

 

[Stimw]

Don't know if you have seen these- ironworker from Northern Tool + Equipment

I have never used one but they have been selling them for a while. It seems like an entry level machine that could be used for light manufacturing.

My 35 ton machine is a 1979 model and the 50 ton is a 1980. Considering their age, they both still work perfectly. They don't have all the features like the new ones but they still save a lot of time.
Finding used machines it tough, usually if someone decides to sell one (WHY WOULD THEY???) they have a waiting list of people wanting it.

 

[Arc weld]

To use for the tubing bender, you'd have to see what pressure the tubing bender required. I have a Pro Tool tubing bender that uses a porta-power type ram at 10,000 PSI. I used it with an air over hyd. pump. I don't think hyd. ironworkers are anywhere near 10,000 PSI but I could be wrong? The guy with the Edwards might think you're really, really interested and has you all sewn up. DON'T let him think that. There are other machines out there. Why not look for a good machine about 40 tons with a $5000 budget? I don't think it should be that hard to find a good Scotchman, or even a Piranha for that price. Check with used machinery dealers and the internet. If someone has one they want to sell, they might arrange pretty reasonable shipping, especially if they're a big dealer with multiple locations.

 

[jwmorris]

This is a video of how my $500 Craigslist ironworker functions. I can post some more of how hydraulic workers function in a few weeks when I make it back to my friends shop.


You have to click the photo to play the video.

 

[jwmorris]

The photo is pretty bad but it also lets you shear to any depth not just a width of a set of blades.

 

[AlanB]

Back to the original question of spotting when you use the punch.

On my Piranha my dad set up a couple of pieces of all thread, and then cut the laser end off of a pair of those cheap levels with a laser in the end. Then he drilled the remaining part of the level so it bolted onto the all thread. Reading what I am writing, I am not sure that I am explaining it well.

Anyway, you end up with a laser on each side of the punch shooting across where the punch hits, and the lasers make an X or cross where the punch will hit.

He also added a timer because we never remember to turn it off.

I really need to take a picture and it will be obvious if you see it.

It does make it a lot easier to line up what you are punching. even if it is really crude looking.