simmonds

I second that. Please post a picture of the side view. I would like to build a tool like that. Thanks

DonS, Thanks once again for the great info. I think I am convinced now to try the spare tire drive system for my hammer. As far as the die distance, couldn't you set the gap at about 1/8 inch less and does the flex of the springs cause the dies to hit when the hammer is in use and there is no material stock placed between them? I am going to start scrounging around today to try and find some springs for my hammer. As far as the motor is concerned, I took apart and cleaned the little 1 horse craftsman motor that I dug out of the blackberries and after cleaning out a couple wasp nests and drying the motor out real well with a hair dryer, I plugged it in and it spun to life and works perfect. Thanks for all the help everyone. Chris

jj2k - Well said. I will build the hammer and go from there. Thanks for all the help. Chris

Also, where did you get your springs?? What would be a good source for these?

JerryCarroll, I also really like the way that design eliminates the need for a v or flat belt. The only advantage I can see in having a belt is it can be made to slip with lighter pressure to adjust the speed of the hammer.

JerryCarroll, Thanks for the pictures. That helps alot and gives me another option for the construction of my hammer. I wish I could see some video or something of one of these hammers in use. I will have to fix my profile and add my email address.

I picked up about 500 shoes from a local scrap yard and have been wondering what things to make from them. I make items to sell at my local General Store/Feed Store and those hoof picks will be great to make for the store. Thanks for the idea and for sharing.

Jerry, I love that idea and the way your hammer looks but I am not sure I understand the mechanics of it. Do you have any other photos from other angles? Where is the shop made oak drive wheel. Thanks, Chris.

DonS - Thanks so MUCH for the great pics and the drawings. That hammer looks really well made. When you say it works 'OK but not great' what do you mean? does it not hit hard enough or ??? Thanks again for the reply and the great info. jj2k - I found a 1750 rpm motor but it is 1 hp. That should be a great motor if I can clean it up and make it usable. From what I have read the one horse motor is better than the 1/2 unless you are building a 25 pound hammer or less where the 1/2 horse will be plenty efficient. I will play around with the motor in the morning and see if she is going to work.

Johnny99 - Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. Hmm, not sure if I want to go that route or not. I just found another motor I have - a one horse craftsman motor that turns 1750. It is half a horse less but that seems to be what most use anyway. The problem is the motor has been outside hiding in the blackberries for the last year through rain and all. I just dug it out and I can even see a wasp nest inside the motor. Do you think this motor can be saved and used? Guess I should take it apart and clean it up before trying it out. Chris

Thanks for the formula Jr. That will be sure to come in handy. jj2k - How would I construct a 'jack shaft'???? DonS - Thanks for all the great information. I am sure I will have alot more questions as I start this project. Do you have any pictures of your hammer? How did you construct your flywheel? Ha Ha. See I am asking more questions already! I do have another 1 1/2 horse motor that turns 1760 but it is currently on a compressor that works even though it is very old and I never use it. I am thinking about scrounging that motor. It also has a double belt 14 inch cast iron pulley. I was just hoping I could use the faster rpm motor so I wouldnt have to disect my old compressor.

Hello everyone. First post here on this forum. The last time I visited IForgeIron was back when the site was new. WOW! It has came a long way. Great site. Anyway, my name is Chris Simmonds and I am from Fall Creek, Oregon and have been blacksmithing for about 5 years. I recently have been acquiring quite a few commissions and some are pretty big jobs. I have decided to build a power hammer for my shop and have decided on the Appalachian style hammer. I hope this is the right place to post questions about this but if anyone knows of a forum specific to these hammers please let me know. My question is regarding the motor to power the hammer. I have an old air compressor that seized up and it has a 1 1/2 horse Dayton motor that runs great. My only concern is that it turns at an RPM of 3400. This seems fast compared to other motors I have seen posted on the net used on these hammers. Also, any ideas on pulley size for this RPM would be great. If someone who has built one of these hammers has any pointers to help me out that would be great also. Thanks so much. Chris