Power hammer - thoughts please.

P. McKinley

P. McKinley

Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
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I have a chance to purchase this for next to nothing. I've seen it run and it works just fine. Does anyone have any input on things like maintenance, availability of spare parts and dies, etc?

I know nothing about these machines.

Thanks,

-Peter



 
If you can get it for next to nothing, I suggest you do. If it runs and moves metal, it's worth it.

Spare parts are doubtful, very few antique hammers have even semi-readily available parts. On the flip side, these old helve hammers, and most old mechanicals are simple, and easy to fab replacement parts for.

If you're not willing to do that though, your only real option is to buy a newer utility type hammer, which often has off-the-shelf replacement parts.

Still, if it's really that cheap, run it till the wheels fall off and it'll pay for itself, then pass it on to someone who's willing and able to repair if you're not.
 
When I say "next to nothing", I mean $500.00. Is that truly next to nothing for this machine?
 
Check out the patten date. 110 years to the day!! It's a sign!! GET IT!
The only reason I noticed is it also my birthday.
 
I don't have any personal experience with these Hawkeye helves, but I'd say any decent working hammer that moves metal faster than hand is worth $500. I've seen people pay more for Little Giants in pieces that have been outside for decades.
 
I think you should try to talk him down another bill just because of that horrible paint job! Other than that, I would snap it up faster than you can spit. The old helve hammers are definitely better than hammering away by hand and I kinda like the looks of them compared to a little giant or the like. They still have a bit of that medieval flair to them that reminds me of old water-powered hammers from back in the day.

If the wooden base is rotting out, it can be a real bear to replace. You will probably want to raise it up on a heavy timber deck just so you're not bending over so much, and that's as good a time as any to repair or replace the existing wood.
 
I've arranged to go over and use this hammer on Wednesday. I'm just going to break down a couple sections of wrought iron chain links into bars, but it will give me the chance to learn the machine first hand before I commit. I've never used one of these beasts.

So, other than a good look at the wood base, are there other parts, pieces, joints, etc, that I should pay particular attention to? What dies(?) do I need?

Thanks for the help folks.

-Peter
 
That looks like quite a shop it's in Peter. :cool:

My thoughts are in line with what Javan posted.

How much head-room does it need with that overhead motor assembly?

I have very little experience with helve hammers like that, but there are a few things that are pretty universal in hammer inspection: cracks in things that are difficult/impossible to fix (like the anvil casting), worn out/damaged spring/springs, and slop/play in the moving parts.

From what I can see in the photo, the most difficult thing to replace in that hammer would probably be the springs. I'm sure the toggle arms aren't available at Wal Mart either, but those could be fabricated if they had to be... just as I'd imagine most of the other parts could as well (one of the nice things about working with old machinery).

If nothing else, that hammer would look cool as hell in your shop... :D

BTW- Does he want to sell that big-azz pedestal grinder in the right hand side of the first photo??? ;) :)
 
I want to be next in line if you don't want it, bud.:eek:

Ps. I have been trying to call you.
 
Nick - This guy, has a big old aluminum Quonset hut filled with tools, machinery, etc scattered everywhere, and pail after pail crammed full with drill rods. He re-grinds, hardens, and tempers them for the highway dept. and a local mine. But, he also has several old, nice anvils and likely two hundred sets of tongs. He has a big wooden box filled with hammer heads....I just picked up and old flatter head in great shape from him the other day.

Oh... and want to see a forge?
I'll show you a forge!




Rick - I may have to store this thing in your shop for a while until I'm set up to, well.... set it up.
I hope that's ok.

And, I've been trying to call you. I'll try again tomorrow.

-Peter
 
It runs well? For $500? I'd buy for sure. Unless it has a big crack in a casting somewhere, definitely.
 
Sounds like a good deal to me. You might ask the fellows in the power hammer subforum over at Iforgeiron to get more information, particularly on parts and maintenance questions.
 
Its a steal of a deal. Dont waste a minute getting it.
 
How often do power hammers come up for sale in your area?

If it's weekly, you can be choosy.

But I've seen very few - if you think it will work, why not ?
 
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