Dillon Sculpture

Send it to SId... :)

Matt, I have a Chambersburg steam hammer manual. Thats a crazy looking adjustment on the Nasmyth.

If your headed to Westville for the convention this weekend stop in if you get the chance! http://craftcouncil.org/post/michael-dillon-graceful-metal-sculptures#

Lets see those bronze wings! Maybe a bit of process... Drawings?

Thanks for your kind words, I too think these hammers have a great interest to anyone who has run one. It's interesting to me the different traits throughout the different hammers and personalities within the same models. I have run a few different type and size hammers but have never been drawn to the switch type air hammers, I think it was due to the rhythm (well maybe the size as well) Anyone who has ever been around a Nazel, Chambersburg or Massey will contest there is nothing like it, well maybe an old Harley, hit miss engine or steam locomotive. To me it's about the rhythm & vibration, their function BAM BAM BAM!

I'm glad you guys have it all worked out, if I knew what you were talking about it would be great, maybe we should do more R&D at my place :D You know I've never built a hammer but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

NIce! I love those unexpected moments B) Get it hot already!

To switch back and forth would be ideal. I still think Grant's hammer is as close you can get to doing both and as bout simple as you can make it happen. The smaller hammers are just going to be difficult to mellow out, especially under high pressure. A really great vid Ken, I like the high pressure testing! You going to get something hot :huh:

It does when I supply full air at the throttle.

Yes, my video on page 6 at 1:20 shows the set up. I now have a stop on the motion valve to keep it form banging the top and I just adjust the throttle manually (it is tight enough to just set and forget or bump for more/less air)

Hey John, My Chambersburg is now set with treadle to motion valve which does provide very precise tup follows treadle control (if the throttle isn't open to much) With to much air it will then start to cycle. If I want a fully open throttle I can keep step on the treadle just a bit to stop the movement, the ram will position about 3/4 from the top then I can give a hard thump. I think Grant was speaking of "small" steam hammers don't idle. He overcame that with a loose chain from the treadle to motion valve, which he could also access by hand (the handle on the side) Basically he could drive from the front! His hammer was hooked up with treadle to throttle with a auxiliary air line to the motion valve chest, this just raised the ram. My Niles is set up with treadle to throttle and will cycle if you start close to the bottom of stroke. If I just give it just enough air to raise the ram I have to let the ram fall to get it to start again thats where the (chain) link between the throttle and motion valve would be handy. You may be able to experiment with this idea, keep up the great work, U DA MAN :D

Looking good John, nice control. It behaves just as my Chambersburg with treadle linked to the motion valve, I too am curious about the reciprocation mode? Thanks for the videos Sam.

There is a lot in the show that I don't grasp, but how you keep your beard from burning is the biggest mystery! :D

I guess I really shouldn't call it a job, more like getting paid to breath. I live about 20 min. from the site even though most of the work will be done in my shop. I am giving a presentation at city hall and hope to demo at their fall festival, not sure which hammer to take though, the 200 is mobile B) I would like to share some of the work I did for the presentation, but I will have to wait until after the presentation to post anything. I built a model from stainless and iron, again I photographed the model onsite to gain the perspective that it was the large sculpture. I really like this approach better than a digital mockup, it just has more life.

Nice rig, beautiful work. Is the rolling mill hydraulic as well?

Why you messing with those little hammers Ken :P :ph34r:

About 14" of 1-1/4" square. Finishing up the set soon, I hope.

Kinda spooky, flying monkeys, I like it :D The real trick would be to drop the change in the bowl and have it disappear down into the body? Again beautiful work Karl, the expression in the face and hands is amazing.

Not sure how you kept that thing straight, you sure did good. Commission work will take you all kinds of places, hopefully to the bank as well.

Hey, Your not monkeying around! That is killer sculpture, from idea to execution you nailed it. I would assume you'll have to empty that little bowl often though B)

Grab another piece and give it a go, keep the good times rolling!

Even my poker looks like a bird... What the quack!

200-700 pound, occasionally I'll pick up a hand hammer :blink:

Nice work, very well deserved. Imagination, skill, work ethic and passion serve you well.

Thanks guys, I have been working on this for over six months. It was announced as a request for proposal which means you go in with an idea instead of just your qualifications for the job. I am very excited to be able to build work so close to home, allowing me to really get involved with the community through education and demos. Its funny yesterday morning I was welding up a 20 year old wood chipper, the guy was so pleased I was paid $100 for less than 20 min. of my time. That afternoon they released that I was picked to build this $100,000 dollar sculpture. From busting a beautiful bead with an arc welder to a full on power point presentation in front of a city council, mayor and a company like AGCO. Its good to know that it doesn't matter what I'm doing if I show my passion and work hard I will be rewarded. I do love my work!