Unnamed FW crusher build diary

[Al_]

Yay, it works!

I got the hydraulic power pack mounted to the chassis and all the hoses connected back up, filled it with oil and went for it. At first, no movement of the weapon, but it turned out just to be air trapped in the system. After bleeding it, I have the crusher going up and down smoothly. Its turned down to about 1/3 operating pressure and 2/3 operating speed, but it actually worked, I'm well chuffed with this. I didn't have chance to turn it up any higher as I realised the pressure test gauge that I had been supplied with was only 400psi and not 400bar like it was supposed to be, and without knowing actual system pressures I didn't want to risk it. Still it had nice chew on am off-cut of 2 by 4 (closest thing I had to hand to try in it) and its still working and in one piece afterwards! There are a few lesson I have learnt:

1) A couple of minor fluid leaks, one of which needs a new fitting, but easily fixable.

2) Hydraulic oil gets everywhere.

3) Get the pressure test gauge swapped and test it at higher speeds/pressures.

4) I must hurry up and finish the shed so I can finish building the rest of the robot.

[Al_]

Here is a quick clip of the testing, the robot is been held on its back by a not so glamorous assistant: