Abstract: Flywheel driven, ram compressed briquette forming apparatus having a density determining split die and pneumatically actuable die clamp. The improvement comprises an improved ram housing having a plurality of access covers opening to the ram bearings, oil seals, scraper rings, split die and other wear susceptible components. Further features include provision for water cooling the die, maintaining a constant oil pressure at the bearings, separating the oil seals from primary and secondary segmented ram scraper rings, increasing the crosshead sliding surface area, to oil cooling the ram, and all of which taken together facilitate briquette production and prolong the maintenance cycle.