Broaching press

I am interested in buying a set of keyway broaches size 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8".

Can anyone suggest what type of press would be suitable?

I have seen hydraulic workshop presses where the ram seems to be suspended on 2 springs and I'm assuming that there would be too much uncertainty using one of those but the are other types where the ram is bolted down.

Any ideas what might be suitable and how the tools are held?

Brian

1/16" and 3/32" can be done with a bench drill, that's how I do mine. larger than that puts a bit too much strain on the rack though I have got the 1/8" through by doing the smaller size first Now for 1/8" and above I borrow a friends hydraulic press which is this type

BDH,

The usual kind of mechanical broaching press [Marlco for example] has a geared head and a big capstan like operating boss to wind down a spindle with a toothed rack cut into it.

They seem to command premium prices at machine auction sales and you will do well to secure one under £500 once all the VAT, buyers premium and VAT on that is included. Those additional costs to the hammer price account for about 38% of the sum

Home and Workshop supplies have one on sale at £525 plus VAT plus delivery, this is a 2 speed version used more for pushing 3/8 inch broaches or larger.

For the sizes you are taking about I would extend Jason's experience to include a broach of 1/8 inch, I have pushed those through steel gears for Myford wheels successfully. The job is eased if you have included a suitable size of pilot drill to hog out some of the material beforehand where you can

I am planning to modify a damaged and therefore dirt cheap Chinese hydraulic crane to take me into the larger sizes

Regards

Brian

Or one of these, throat size to suit your broaches **LINK**

Regards

Lofty

Many thanks for the answers, does anyone have any idea how many tons would be required to a 1/8" keyway? I'm assuming less than 1 ton if the hand press can cope.

Brian

I have information for a 3mm (almost 1/8" broach giving 300kg force for ST50 which is a moderate carbon steel.

**LINK**

If you click on Percussive broaching tool for each size it gives the details.

Force will also depend on what you are pushing the broach through. A relatively slim gear will only have 2 or 3 teeth cutting at any one time but if it is the hub of a reasonable size flywheel you may have 10 teeth engaged so 3-4 times the force needed.

The thickness of the component being broached will also have an influence on whether you can fit the whole shebang, component plus the broach sticking out the top, in to an arbour press.

There is currently a 6 ton hydraulic press available from a seller on the Bay of EEs for £64.95 all in (Item 351730934471) if you have the funds, the workshop space and the ongoing need for such a tool.

Jim

Like Toggle Presses and Fly Presses, Arbour Presses are available in a wide range of sizes :D

Page 7 **LINK**

Many thanks for the link John, that is VERY useful.

Brian