(03-18-2015, 07:19 PM)f350ca Wrote: Im sure you already though of it, but a single cylinder is going to give you different forward and retract speeds. Almost need to go with two cylinders acting with each other or a double rod cylinder to over come this.
Just throwing out ideas, could you use a chain or cable drive to compound the stroke of the cylinder or cylinders, like whats used in a car hoist. 4 foot stroke 8 foot raise.
A variable displacement pump would let you set your stroke speed.
If you go with the existing drive, I'd keep it mechanical, but I hate the sound of hydraulic pumps and motors.
Yes the two sides of the piston have different areas due to the rod on one side therefore different speeds with the same flow rate & pressure.
Hum, probably end up going with the hydraulic power pack. I have limited height (8' ceiling) and did not plan on a planner of this size when I designed & built my shop. When it became available I just "had" to get it. Besides my wife thought I was crazy, which is most likely true. Cutting oil and iron have that effect on many of us.
I've also thought of raising the ceiling & roof another 4'. Gotten "the look" from my wife when I raise that idea. (pun intended)
Maybe this is the solution.
I could turn it into a planner mill by adding a BP style head, some feed screws, and a DRO. Wonder if I could achieve a high enough table speed to avoid burning the lathe beds. Sounds a bit scarey moving a ton of CI that fast with a screw drive.