Dillon Sculpture

Michael, I was looking at your pictures on page 5 of your Niles anvil before the concrete pour. It looks like the top of the wide flange on the anvil is level or a few inches below your floor. I'm guessing the height of your bottom die is about 35" to 36" from the floor. If that's correct, doesn't feel a bit high for that size hammer to you? I have my Nazel 2B at 35" but it's less than a quarter of the Niles in size. I am thinking of shooting for 32" to 33" on the Niles, the same as my anvil.

I am also considering pulling the Nazel and mounting it on a steel plate as many have. I like that setup and this would let me set the Niles on the existing Nazel foundation. It can handle it as the Nazel foundation now is 8 ft. By 9 ft, and 7 ft. Deep.

The top of the die is at 35" but the bottom of the anvil was around 8" below the top of the floor, I don't think its to high Grant's Bell looks even higher. I would rather have some cushion under the anvil than directly on the concrete maybe that Fabreeka stuff, you could always build a platform around the hammer if its too high.

Hey Phil, those calculations are good info for sure. Way back on page 6 shows the 200 in the different modes of operation, running off my big compressor. 

Do you have any vids of the GB steam/air hammers in action?

Thanks, 

Michael

Sounds like the same two levers to me, throttle and motion. Not sure why your set up would allow you to set and forget, it would seem the throttle on any hammer would be a great advantage in the control?

As far as the air consumption, your calculations use the dimensions of my hammer which determine I am almost 100 cfm short. I have yet to run out of air running wide open but I do have a large air reserve.

This is most asked question about these types of machines (answered in this thread several times by myself) I believe you have the ability to run them on short air supply depending on the process. I have been running my 200 on 7-1/2 hp. air compressor with the control valve hooked up to a treadle, I have had plenty of air for top tooling.

Thanks Alan, you are a wealth of knowledge it is a pleasure for sure  :)

Thanks again, the videos were very helpful I'm amazed you could bend the 12mm with 12 ton! Wondering what 100 may do with that set up  :ph34r:

Ian not sure where to find the alloy you mentioned but I will look into it. I enjoy working the 655 when forging, welding and machining, I have cussed out the zinc when welding the architectural bronze several times.

So I get the idea it is wise to form first then finish the surface after?

Thanks fellas, I may have to take another look at the impact press I thought it a bit brutish for the material. I did use my hydraulic press with the limit switches to form 1/4" steel plate with good results but it was a bit slow. Control would be key, the high cost of the material is weighing heavy on my decision to pick the process.

Ian, I liked the idea of inflating the forms but they are all a different shape. What is this Gilders metal?

I also would like to see some surface deformation.

I have a project to form 3/16" thick 655 bronze into a flame shape, three pieces approximately  6' tall 10" wide. I have a friend with a 25 LG that I could borrow or use my 100 ton press. I will have to make dies either way, any advice?  Picture is of the model. 

Just for you Woody :)

Sorry for the confusion Beth, Brambly Forge is in Guildford, England. Bex Knott is her name, I don't know her just admired some of her work. 

Yes Woody a boy and girl  :D

Thanks but just an execution of Dex's idea. I was within a couple pounds of the delivery weight Beth, her forge is only a couple hours away from you... 

Inspired by Brambly Forge, I made a couple 6 pound chunks to celebrate my friend having twins. At least he can't break these!

Thanks Matt, I sure would like to have a 800  :blink: maybe I do!

You gonna post up any progress photos in the steam hammers thread?

PM sent Pete, you may take a look at the steam hammer thread as well.

Matt where did you get 800? 5 weeks and counting :D

Now you can say you have run one too, Mac Martin! 

Whatcha want to know about the hammers Pete?

Certainly would increase the pressure you could apply with that bottom adjustment, quite a nice addition to the tool.

Mine was 8" after bore and hone 8-1/4"

Here is a little something for fun... 6" billet

Awww, go ahead North then, there ain't no easy way to go from there to here to there yonder  B)  

Wow! Layered goodness...

Killer work for sure! How far do you forge to shape before grinding?

Thats a very ambitious project for one spike, good job! A little more drawing on the stem and when forging the eye sockets let the side bulge, it will show the check bone. 

Thats a real nice build, my wrist are getting a bit worn to wire brush, I may have to get one of these under way. Is there a vac system on the left side? 

Looks like a nice unit, may have to check them out!

Welcome! I grew up in  Hutch, looks like you got a start, enjoy! 

Beauties!!! Is the small brass rosette a signature of sorts?