Johnny Woolsey

So many options...eh, Frosty. With the metalsmithing the limits are imagination.With blacksmithing it's my lack of ability! Guess we all need something to keep our heads from getting too big. This was done with a rosebud, respirator and LOTS of ventilation.( Ruined a good 1" welding table in the process.)

Thanks Guys. Yes sir, Tech. It is scap. I did a large architectural signage job and ended up with about 1500# of 1/8" and 3/16" drops. Darn it!

These peices are done using a teqnique I'm calling "Puddled Brass" with some simple forged accents. Johnny

I thought about it but figured it would be more weight to get moving. Don't know if I made the right call but hammer seems to work well as is.

I hadn't seen it on an Appalachian style hammer bfore I made my first one. Folks seem to really like the control on the "tire hammer" and I could easily install a brake( abig deal to me ) I have since seen a couple hammers with this drive. Jerry Carrol has a photo in the gallery of his hammer.I wouldn't even begin to compare my ideas to the GIANTS of past generations or the Elders in my own. Even the Idea for the adjustable portion on my hammer is something I saw on a Manenkal Guided Spring Helve I saw on Google under "power hammers". I saw the lever on the front and assumed this is what it was for. It did take some time to figure out how to accomplish this. I only broke one design before this one and I can already see some improvements can be made to the geometry.(The vertical link arm loses vertical lift at the top of the arc. I think the pivot point needs to be in line with the actuator level)

Apprenticeman, Im not sure how I attach a photo to an email through this forum.

I can't seem to get the photos to load. I went to manage attachments and selected the zipped photos but it doesn't get past uploading files...

This is my second home built hammer and I tried to improve some flaws I found when I went to a 100# TUP. 1) Heavier anvil 800#? (8"x12"x32")plus the caps. 2)Pulled the column closer to the anvil to eliminate the flex in the guide.(I decided I would rather have less flex than more throat) 3)Made the height adjustable from the front. ( I saw a picture of an India made hammer and figured the lever was for this adjustment.)1" at rest die clearance with an addtional 1.75" available with lever. 4)Made stroke easily adjustable. I think 100# is about the limit for the spindle off the passenger car. It flexes as is and will probably fail eventually. I think I'll try to replace with a forged crank ASAP. I am running 4" of mechanical stroke and 8" plus of realized stroke and hammer behaves very well. Not sure on BPM but the drive is as follows; 1760RPM motor with 3.125 flat sheave on a 22" dia. tire. Combo dies from Big Blu were only thing I wasn't able to salvage. I welcome all comments and especially ideas for improvement. Hillbilly (Johnny) I will try and attach photos.

Hello Frosty. This is an INCREDIBLE site and I am very thankful for those who obviously spend a huge amount of time maintaining this forum( especially Glen). I am somewhat computer challenged but I will try to post some photos. This is part of my initiative in de-lurking. I just finished my second power hammer (JYH)and wanted to share the design and maybe get some additional ideas. I have a 100# friction drive spring helve with a simple lever actuated stroke height adjuster.(Jerry Allen inspired) Works really well with honest control. I'll try to post a photo and a new thread over in the hammer forum asap. Thanks again for the warm welcome.

Thanks for the welcome Mike. As for Artists... I feel I am sharing a part of myself in each pc. I complete.I always try to make my next "Best " work. Some folks are just trying to sell stuff.

I finally decided I should give up lurking and say hello to all.I am a fulltime artist in Southern Ut., and a 1st year addict to blacksmithing. I wanted to express my appreciation to all on this site and to blacksmiths in general for your generosity and welcome approach to the "Newbies" who stumble into your path in this type of forum. The knowledge (and humor) you folks freely share has been and continues to be "Priceless". Thanks again!