how to shorten welded hydraulic cylinder

[3RRL]

accordionman,

It is important to see what kind of cylinders you have. Constuction varies including the kind that where the ends and body are bolted together and the kind that has one end welded on to the body.

In my plastic injection mold making, I use the bolted body construction because I frequently need to limit the stroke to exacting dimensions using the "bottomed out" feature. I can't rely on the stroke NOT being exceeded so I cut them off to limit the stroke to avoid damage to the plastic injection molds.

This is a picture of the type of cylinder I used in my hydraulic boxblade modification. I got this one on eBay for $40.

You can saw off the ends and make them whatever you want.

 

[3RRL]

accordionman,

It is important to see what kind of cylinders you have. Constuction varies including the kind that where the ends and body are bolted together and the kind that has one end welded on to the body.

In my plastic injection mold making, I use the bolted body construction because I frequently need to limit the stroke to exacting dimensions using the "bottomed out" feature. I can't rely on the stroke NOT being exceeded so I cut them off to limit the stroke to avoid damage to the plastic injection molds.

This is a picture of the type of cylinder I used in my hydraulic boxblade modification. I got this one on eBay for $40.

You can saw off the ends and make them whatever you want.

 

[3RRL]

On this type of hydraulic cylinder....
If you want to limit the stroke, disassemble the body and turn it on a lathe to to shorten it and re-fit the end cap. Check and measure what the body fitting dimensions are first. Also check the original stroke of the cylinder first and then you can shorten the stroke by whatever you cut off on the lathe. Then you can re-assemble the cylinder and check the new, shorter stroke. Then cut off the rod to the desired AOL in the closed poition.

I ended up modifyfiying my cylinder several times until I got what I wanted.

 

[3RRL]

On this type of hydraulic cylinder....
If you want to limit the stroke, disassemble the body and turn it on a lathe to to shorten it and re-fit the end cap. Check and measure what the body fitting dimensions are first. Also check the original stroke of the cylinder first and then you can shorten the stroke by whatever you cut off on the lathe. Then you can re-assemble the cylinder and check the new, shorter stroke. Then cut off the rod to the desired AOL in the closed poition.

I ended up modifyfiying my cylinder several times until I got what I wanted.

 

[accordionman]

3RRL
seriously considering buying these, rather than
trying to rework them. the top link has to be 20in
retracted, and 28 extended. pretty sure i can find
one in that length. i hope to find this one with the
ball ends on it, so i will not have to do any welding.
i did learn some things talking to this hydraulics
person. he says the fluid has to circulate through
the spool valve, and is called an open center.
thanks to all who replied.
accordionman
wlbrown
wright city, mo.

 

[accordionman]

3RRL
seriously considering buying these, rather than
trying to rework them. the top link has to be 20in
retracted, and 28 extended. pretty sure i can find
one in that length. i hope to find this one with the
ball ends on it, so i will not have to do any welding.
i did learn some things talking to this hydraulics
person. he says the fluid has to circulate through
the spool valve, and is called an open center.
thanks to all who replied.
accordionman
wlbrown
wright city, mo.