What's the largest die you've used on your clicker?

[Cumberland Highpower]

I am curious what the largest die anyone has used on a clicker?  Most specifically on an Atom Se25?  This is a standard 25 ton swing beam die cutting machine.

I have a new project that requires panels of leather cut aprox 18"x10", from strap or English Bridle. Approx 10oz  Maybe 10-12oz.

I haven't ordered any dies,  starting to think maybe these panels may be too large to cut on this machine in this heavy (and dry if strap/skirting) leather?  I've never cut anything quite that large with a die on these machines.

Any thoughts?

[nstarleather]

Is it just a rectangle?  Total blade length is more important that size.  Obviously your head should cover all of most of the die but an 18x10 rectangle could have the same cutting edge as a much smaller did with lots of internal details and punches.  I have a huge double headed clicker that cuts huge pieces like 3’+

[Cumberland Highpower]

45 minutes ago, nstarleather said:

Is it just a rectangle?  Total blade length is more important that size.  Obviously your head should cover all of most of the die but an 18x10 rectangle could have the same cutting edge as a much smaller did with lots of internal details and punches.  I have a huge double headed clicker that cuts huge pieces like 3’+

pretty much a rectangle yes.  One die will be a slight trapezoid.   If i had space I'd like a double head or a traveling beam clicker. I've seen some good prices on a couple,  I'm just maxed out with nowhere left to put one.

Deep down I feel like it may take more pressure than 25 tons?

Edited September 11, 2022 by Cumberland Highpower

[RockyAussie]

Pretty sure a 25 tonne press will handle that alright but the 18" may be getting a bit long hanging out. I try to avoid more than a couple of inches hanging out on the sides of the top plate as it can bow your knives if you are not careful. If needed I cut left and right and only half depth then take it down and repeat the same. Not for the press so much just for the knives. The knives I mostly use are 2mm thick steel. One thing that makes a big difference is giving the outer edge of the blades a polish with a rag wheel and tripoly wax. That can give a cleaner and a way less pressure cut.

[Cumberland Highpower]

Thanks for the reply RockyAussie.  I'll probably take your advice and polish the dies to make a little slicker on the cut as you mentioned.

[Cumberland Highpower]

So much silence? I guess I'll have to order some dies and find out if it's capable.

[RockyAussie]

4 hours ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

So much silence? I guess I'll have to order some dies and find out if it's capable.

I am sure it will work alright but I think as a general rule about 500 pounds per inch would be about right so on your measurements 16 ton would do it. Have a look here first https://www.keydies.com/faq.htm

This post on page 2 has some calculations that may help 

 

Edited September 14, 2022 by RockyAussie

[Cumberland Highpower]

58 minutes ago, RockyAussie said:

I am sure it will work alright but I think as a general rule about 500 pounds per inch would be about right so on your measurements 16 ton would do it. Have a look here first https://www.keydies.com/faq.htm

This post on page 2 has some calculations that may help 

 

That's some good information.  So far you're the only one that's really come up with any useful data.  500lbs/in on Key Dies page may or may not be for leather.  I looked over the site and I get the impression they make dies for cutting paper/cardboard, foam, rubber sheeting, etc?   I used to  die cut Rubber conveyor belting that had 2 sheets of nylon cloth inserted and a third on the surface and it cut like butter compared to Herman Oak Skirting.

I'm feeling pretty confident now though, will probably order dies this week.

Edited September 14, 2022 by Cumberland Highpower