After many months of construction (and a few setbacks) we welcome a new addition to the workshop - the hydraulic press. This machine puts about 25 tons of pressure on hot steel - forge welding with ease.

Initial tests in making damascus billets have come in about 16 times faster than by hand, without rushing! We didn't even break a sweat in making the first 180 layer billet. This should get faster as we get some practice. 

It is the strong silent type and complains much less than a striker, and will dramtically lift productivity levels in the shop.

This press makes damascus courses accessable to students of the Tharwa Valley Forge.

Now we are looking at making a rolling mill to quickly draw out billets.

Many thanks to Myles and the guys at M and G Industrial for their help, support and advice