hydraulic/actuator conversions on progressive press?

[Jay Christopherson]

Has anyone done any conversions on their progressive (or single stage) presses using a hydraulic cylinder or an actuator to do the ram stroke?

I was just daydreaming and thinking about how it might be done. I don't know how useful it would be, but it would be an interesting project. If anyone *has* done it, I'd be curious to know what materials you used, pictures you might have of your setup, or just any general thoughts you might have.

Thanks!

 

[jonbearman]

Awhile ago I saw a hydraulic operated dillon and a hornady on you tube.

 

[memilanuk]

Are you thinking something along the lines of a Ponsness/Warren Auto-drive setup? Granted, it looks more like an electric gear motor setup...

http://www.reloaders.com/

 

[Dans40X]

A rack & pinion set up w/micro switches would be much simpler compared to pneumatic/hydraulic systems.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Are you thinking something along the lines of a Ponsness/Warren Auto-drive setup? Granted, it looks more like an electric gear motor setup...

http://www.reloaders.com/

I wasn't, but that's a pretty interesting setup. I was thinking more along the lines of a foot actuated hydraulic ram/piston setup, but that auto-drive is pretty slick. And much more compact that what I was imagining.

 

[Duster_360]

Wow...add a bullet feeder and just stand back!