michiganhammer

Ric, the 11gpm pump is mounted to a 4 bolt angle type mount with a lovejoy in between and a 5hp 3450 mtr running it, The thought of a 1750 rpm never entered my plans. I will look into getting a slower motor and trying that. It will have to wait a few days.W here I live here in Michigan just outside of Kalamazoo, over 100,000 are with out power until maybe this Sat evening. I will go to your web page and let you know how the motor works. Dave

Goodmorning, I am in the process of building a Batson Press and I would like some thoughts on the best place to mount the mtr/pump combo. I tried to mount it on the frame and the noise was incredible. I have worked with other press assy and they were loud but not this loud. Would it be better to mount the mtr/pump assy on top of the oil tank on a plate or somehow away from the metal that magnifys the vibration noise? I tried to put some rubber mat under both the motor and the pump and it was still very annoying. I had ear protection on feel that it was excessive noise.

Good Morning, Thank you to all who have replied to my post. The original motor that was included with the purchase is a 7 1/2 hp. 3 phase. It is in rough shape, but, I'll have it tested and if ok will try the converter before looking for a single phase. Your replies are much appreciated. DR

I need to get my 150# Bradley Strap Hammer running before the snow falls here in Michigan. I only have single phase capability where I live out in the country. Any Bradley owners that could point me to the right HP and rpm and the best way to set it up would make my day. I always turn to IFI for good advice and the fellowship of like minded individuals. Thanks in advance. Dave Randolph

First: Thank you for your patience during all of these exchanges! Next: Which procedure do you recommend? I've used helve hammers, steam converted to air, Little Giants and a 10lb sledge. What is the best material to get the best results from the Bradley? I will be making Damascus and knives in general, flattening a lot of 1/2 inchby2"down to sizeable stock and so on. I would prefer the leather. Purchased from you, is this something you would be willing to undertake? There is money involved, is it sufficient for the job done? I don't have the skill (or the leather) to undertake this, so it would be you. Is it possible to get canvas strap from you for the pulley assemblies? Lastly, the installation of the belt on the machine. I am assuming that on one end of the belt there is a loop that the spool will be fitted through so that the belt can be fed through the ram over the other spool and back again finally the end threaded into the bracket and bolted down. That is how it was when I removed the broken belt. Was it correct? Thanks again Dave

Thank You to whoever put the picture in the right place!!!!

Here is a picture of the 150# Bradley helve and assembly Dave

If I could get the pictures over here all questions would be answered.

The strap when I took it off was 17 feet in length. I have pictures of the helve assembly but, do not know how to get them here. The manual calls it an upright strap hammer. There is a helve that looks like an odd can opener. There are two spools one at each end of the helve to hold the wrapped strap that is finally slid under a bracket and the end is tightened down. the serial # on the machine is 1498 and the number 81 is also on many of the parts(could be 61). There is a rubber cushion on the back of the belt tightening bracket. The manual identifies the helve as steel and is noted as being on the strap hammer. I wish I could tell you more that would help. Let me know if this clarifies things. Dave

Peacock-would be interested in some of the leather from you. The belting that was on the hammer, though in bad shape, was about 17' long and 3.75 wide. I don't know if that was standard or not, or even if it was done because of the composition of the belting. What is you're thoughts on that?

Patrick-Thanks for the info. I had seen so many different sized idler pulleys I just needed some type of verification. The belting for the head has been hard to get information on. I've seen leather, canvas, car tow straps etc. used all with pretty good results. Old timers have told me about straps getting so hot that they almost burned from heavy rapid hammering. I have used a hammer like mine and a 600lb steam to air converted. I really appreciate the good information that is available here on Iforgeiron. Dave

Anyone have knowledge of supplier for material to replace the strap on my Bradley? I've looked at McMaster Carr but, the material didn't seem heavy enough. I was thinking 1/8-3/16. I looked at hit and miss, but the width I need is 3&3/4" wide so most material would have to be cut to size. The Bradley was used in a factory and rigged for lineshaft use. The idler pulley is missing. Any idea of the diameter? I can fabricate one if I know the measurements. Thanks for any ideas you relate to me. Dave Randolph