power hammer ideas

chknifemaker

chknifemaker

Joined
Jun 30, 2013
Messages
207
I have been wanting to make my own power hammer for forging larger stock(the stock size I want to be able to forge is: 5/8" 1 1/2" ) so I have some questions.

-what size hammer head weight should it be for the size stock I want to forge?(I'm think 35lb-55lb)

-I want a mechanical power hammer(not air) and I want to here what you think the best design is?

-I really like how the Japanese hammers use the strapping for holding the hammer but does this work better than the little giant style?

-I'm not completely closed to a air hammer but I only have 120 VAC to work with so what size compressor could I run and how much would that cost?

Thanks Guys!
 
I recommend you build a leaf spring helve hammer, with a spare tire clutch. An easy build and a solid design. You can see vids of them on youtube and plans can be found easily enough.

50 lbs. should easily be enough ram weight for the sizes you want to forge.

120V power is very likely not gonna be enough juice for your hammer motor. My LG 50 runs a 3 hp 220v three phase motor. Even a 2hp single phase motor is likely going to be 220V if you find one.
 
I agree, I have seen the tire hammer at Haywood college run and it is very simple and effective. My guess is that if you are someone who feels good about taking on a project like building a power hammer, running a 220V line shouldn't be much of a problem.
 
The first hammer I built was a "Rusty" style spring helve. It worked, but not real well. One of the issues was the slack belt, a tire for a clutch would have been a lot better. I personally think the toggle link style like LG and others hits harder.

I've been running a Clay Spencer tire hammer for a couple of years now and absolutely love it. It's basically a clone of the Little Giant with a spare tire as the clutch. It hits hard and fast, or soft and light, and runs just fine on a 1 horse 120 VAC motor. Although I did have to run a quick bead on the motor/base junction because 4 little spot welds were cracking loose from the side stress. Over all a very nice addition to my shop. Of course a press really compliments it as well.
 
Has anyone tryed the Japanese style hammers with the strap holding the hammer weight?
Thanks for the ideas
Still haven't decided what I should do yet but putting In a 220v line mite end up being needed
 
Even if you don't have to have a 220 for a power hammer, it comes in handy for things like welding machines and such so I'd recommend putting one in.
 
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