Frame - Part 2:

Heavy Frame Reinforcements:

I waited until working with the frame moved to the floor to add the top plate and the top corner straps as well as the vertical side flange bolsters, reservoir support bracket, reservoir bolting tabs, control valve mounting flange and Square D switch box. If I had a heavy duty overhead hoist I could have done all that comfortably on the table.

http://www.persimmonforge.com/

Frame - Part 1:

The Web Cutout:

On the table I cut out the web window for the operational area using a torch guide jig then cleaned both side edges with grinding discs.

A torch cutting guide can be made by tacking together some scrap such as 1” square tube. The opening measured about 8.25” x 40” and was started 5” below the top and ended 10” above the bottom of the beam. This leaves a web remnant a bit over 3" on each side in the ram operating area. I cleaned the faces of the web remnants with 120 grit abrasive flap discs for a smooth slide of the greased brass guides which would be fitted later. Tis arrangement has worked very smoothly without any chatter.

Lesser Frame Reinforcements:

While still on the welding table I added the top front and back web bolsters and the bottom front and back web bolsters with the appropriate clevis cutouts. Also I did the final fitting of the cylinder base end clevis yoke, drilled the clevis pin hole and welded shims as needed.

http://www.persimmonforge.com/