KTB

Sweeet....enjoy.

Money can be a complex issue. I would have loved to have bought just about any new or used manufactured hammer but I just couldn't swing it financially. I chose the tire hammer route because an air hammer seemed a bit too complex and expensive for my first home built hammer project. While the Appalachian hammer is less expensive and complex to build, I just didn't care for the design as much. So although strapped for cash I orderd a orderd a set of plans from Clay Spencer and didn't look back. If you ultimately want a tire hammer I would suggest that you begin scrounging materials. Anoher indivdual on this forum just finished his tire hammer on a budget without any plans. I probably like the idea of an air hammer as much as you but I just spent nine weeks of spare time building my tire hammer on a shoestring and it works like a champ. Now I am going to concentrate on learning to use my hammer effectively. If there is an air hammer sometime in my future, so be it. Keith

Yeah...no video. I'm behind in the times. Don't have a video camera. I will post some pictures after it's painted.

I got my tire hammer running this morning. I still need to take it apart and paint it up nice but it's running really well. Whew...what a project. I think it's taken me about 8 or 9 weeks of spare time.

My hammer is finally beginning to look like something. I tacked the upright, anvil, and ram guide in place over the weekend and this week I'll set the tire and axle in place. Then I'll make sure everything is aligned properly prior to finish welding. Maybe another week or two ? I think I have been at it in my spare time for just about 2 months now.

Check out the tire hammers at www.dogwoodforge.com

Is your hammer all painted up and looking pretty yet ?

I agree, your hammer looks great and I am glad your brake worked out. I'm just bit envious that are so far along and I am lagging way behind in my build. I will be finished with all of the sub-assemblies by the end of this week and can get started on actual assembly next week. A camping trip ( not my idea ) took over the weekend and now I am trying get back to the build.

Wow, you are looking good and really moving along there. Something you may not know. Most hammers have an height adjustable metal plate pad connected to the motor arm that scrubs against the bottom of the tire to work as a brake when the foot treadle is released. Once you become accustomed to the operation of your machine it is easy to allow it to stop at the top of the up stroke.

The tire hammer dies I see are fairly clean. Don't they build a good bit of scale when treated ? Or are they then polished afterward ?

I am probably going to grind off the welds and perform a re-do. I like your idea of an adjustable anvil height. A tip that was given to me...when hammering thin stock some folks add a 1/2 in. spacer plate under their die to raise the height. I was told it allows a lighter hammer touch and therefore better control.

Great progress. I pulled a good one on my hammer over the weekend. In my haste to weld the crank plate to the wheel I forgot to weld the spec'd stiffener bars on the back side of the plate. Now I either put them on the front, or grind the welds off the wheel and re-do. My fault but I sure hate it.

I purchased a spring from Clay and it was 20.00 plus 11.00 freight.

I sent you a private message with my email address. Drop me a note if you like. Great looking build. I know what you mean by using existing materials to keep the cost down. My build is probably 30% over my original budget. Keep those pictures and updates coming. Keith

You can buy a spring from Clay Spencer but it is spec'd to work with his design. Arm size, length, hammer weight, stroke, etc, all are determining factors. I purchased a set of his tire hammer plans and have my hammer just a bit less than 50% completed. Keith

John Wayne Taylor turned me on to: Automation Direct 3505 Hutchinson Rd Cumming, GA 800-633-0405 Model number MTR-001-1AB18 1 HP / 1 PH / Reversable / 1,800 RPM / TEFC / bolt on base / 56C frame. One year warranty. 110.00 Plus freight and tax. They also have a good selection of push button and rotary switches.

Used your suggestion regarding the smaller auto salvage dealers and found a tire and wheel. Thanks again Ted.

That helps, thanks guys.

Is schedule 80 1" pipe the same as the black iron pipe you would find at the big box store ?

Good idea, I'll do that. Thanks Ted

Thanks for the well wishes Ted. I'm going to need it. I too went the Northern Tool route for the axle and hub but I am still looking for a tire and wheel.

Thanks Celtic.

"Worked fine. I have had the tire off and on a few times. I haven't run it a lot because of cold weather has kept me out of the shop. It also could be done other ways such as using a thicker plate like 3/8" or 7/16" instead of going with the spokes and a 1/4" plate and my backup plate. That would eliminate some of the welding." Just starting my tire hammer but since I don't care for assembling something that can't be removed easily I really like your idea of access holes for the lug nuts. Having used your hammer for a while now, would you add any modifications to your original drawing as I am about to fab that part. I am also mounting the foot treadle on an axle with cotter keys and making the crossbar removable in case I ever want to alter the configuration. Thanks Ted, Keith

I scored a 3/4 in. thick plate for the base and a 6 1/4 in. round for the anvil for free. Yippee !

I received my plans today. Thanks guys.