Compressors and utility hammers

B

billf

Joined
Oct 9, 2003
Messages
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OK, I need some help from the gurus here:D

I have been gradually getting more into forging - all by hand!

Made some Damascus, but as I am 50, pounding this out by hand is a real pain
Plus, I have some BIG W2 I got from Don Hanson, and there is no way I am working this by hand !

Anyway, I was at Ashokan, and I was very impressed with the Iron Kiss hammer that was there - I played with it a little, and talked with John, and he has been nice enough to give me alot of info

SO...my questions are : Since I am a "1 man" shop, I think for what I need I can use a 50 lb hammer, or 75 at the biggest. I would need a compressor, so what would the gurus recommend?

It seems a 3HP would be minimum, with a 60 gal tank - single stage or 2 stage? Bigger tank? 5 HP?

I do have 220 single phase power, so that would not be an issue

whadya think?

Thanks in advance

Bill
 
You need a 5HP minimum and 10HP is even better for the Iron Kiss 75. Call john and discuss it with him. He is a great guy.
 
Stacy

thanks, I have talked to him to some extent
What is the advantage/disadvantage of 2 stage vs single stage compressors?
 
For the 50lb you need a 2HP 2 stage minimum, and a 5HP 2 stage for the 75. IIRC, that's to do continuous forging too.

2 stage compressors are more efficient and can generate higher pressures. The pressure isn't a big issue with the Iron Kiss, but the volume and efficiency is. I've been seeing a lot of compressors on craigslist going for dirt. I mean, 80gal 5HP units from Speedaire, etc are going for $300 around here. So, if you keep an eye out you can get a really good deal.

I second the suggestion to give John a call to chat some more. He won't steer you wrong, and he's one of the most honest, up front guys you'll ever meet.

-d
 
thanks for the advice thus far !

I'll check craigslist and talk to john as well

anyone else with some good ideas, please let me know!
 
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