You can get by with two presses, but three is better - I think your figuring is pretty good. The main thing I like about the pneumatic press is that the hose conforms perfectly to the shape of the rib and delivers consistent known pressure to every area of the rib. I don't know how one could come even close to duplicating that kind of performance with a screw system. If you have a compressor with any kind of tank on it, you needent worry about compressor noise. The volume at pressure of the hose is very small compared to the volume of most any tank of average size. I'm not sure what size my tank is - maybe 30 gallons - it is portable (on wheels) - its not a real big one - but after charging the tank with air, I can rib a board without the compressor ever going on - I don't think the tank looses any more than ten or so pounds of pressure during the entire process - so run the thing once, unplug it, and no more worries about noise. In fact, the quiet is kinda nice - you can listen to the cracking, popping, and groaning of the presses as you charge the hoses - sounds like it's going to explode, but they never do (or at least never have!). I usuall rib during the day, but those noises would be way cool at 3:00 AM! Maybe not the info you are looking for, but maybe something to think about...... Terry Farrell ----- Original Message ----- >I want something simple, lightweight and portable. Another reason is that >I > often work at night and the compressor noise bothers me. I'd like to > build > one out of aluminum if possible. Actually, I figure I need three. > > David Love
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