Bradley Helve Hammer

[gevensen]

I just got asked to put a Bradley Helve back in working shape to be used at the annual "Old Stuff" show and need all the info I can get. IE: size of foundation, size of good wood arm, type of wood perhaps, HP, number of strokes/min, Etc.
Bradley Helve - Blacksmith Photo Gallery

[Glenn]

How to post photos

[djhammerd]

Patrick Nowak is probably the best resource for information on Bradley helves. He reads and posts on most of the blacksmith forums. If he doesn't respond within a few days, you might try posting a question on a couple of the other forums....

[gevensen]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for him.

[djhammerd]

gevensen.... I'm not comfortable publishing Patrick's phone number online, but if you know how to use Yahoo's people search, you can find him. He lives in Beloit, WI. Tell him I gave you his name.... Dave Hammer

[peacock]

what size is this hammer? I have 2 40 lb cushion helve and 1 125 upright have worked a few others I have specs on most cushion helve hammers also foundation plans clear hard maple is the type of wood. I have spes on hp required and blows per minute.

[patrick]

I do have info on Bradley's though not as much on the helve style as on the other types. There is more than one way to replace the beam. A solid piece of wood can be used. That is how my 300 lb guided helve is set up. Another way is to glue up boards into a beam with the glue joints oriented vertically. In either case, hard maple is the recommended wood. The size of the beam is based on the hammer. You can get this by measureing the machine itself to determine the cross section and length of the beam. The foundation is a funtion of the size of the hammer. I am not sure if I have foundation plans for this style of machine. Horse power and speed are also related to hammer size. Let me know the size and I will see what else I can find out for you. Feel free to contact me via email at pnowak@scotforge.com.

Patrick Nowak