AndrewOC

Hi Youngster, i cast my lot with Finnr, most forges i've seen don't have clay. Fireclay is expensive and then you are stuck with the shape. I do wonder what is the benefit? I've heard insulation (is it necessary?) but packed ash and/or coal fines has worked for me, with the added benefit of being able to shape the 'ducks nest' to your job. have fun. Andrew

Hi Frosty an' Rob, yeah i definately do often stop and tread water even! The hammer fixing job is a long one involving welding a chunk back in the frame, reassembly etc etc. Please suggest which forum to start the story in, powerhammers? welding? projects?miscellaneous? i can post intimate pics of the hammer there. c ya Andrew

Oh woooow! i thought these were only a myth! can i have one? A.

Hi everyone, great potential for a chart/ graph of hammer efficiency comparison; is one's hammer running as good as it could? I include home and factory made. In my copy of 'Machinery's Handbook' (14th ed, 1950, p.1596-7) they explain "Heim's method for determining the efficiency of forging hammers". Basically you squish an accurately made lead cylinder (height=1.5x dia) and do a wonderous calculation that gives a foot-pounds result. The system allows for test slugs proportional to hammer size; i wouldn't be game to smack 1" bar under say a 3cwt! I won't add anymore yet cos i'm not sure about copyright situation and it is rather long! Like i say a chart of peoples records would be neat for comparison of machines. I wonder (out loud) if some program wizard could develop the formula like Jock Dempsey's /anvilfire Mass 3j calculator! bye for now Andrew

Ok i think i've worked out how to link thumbnails... A.

Hi guys, interesting discussion. I have yet seen two Champion hammers here in Oz. I didn't see them run but am sure they are able. i'll try attaching photos; is there a power hammer section in the Gallery? i'm so new - haven't had time to look... Andrew

i have seen the same as John N writes about, tight very well fitted wedges. If one leaves say an inch above the hammer frame 'ring' (the octagonal hole the anvil pokes up thru) u can tighten the wedges down with the angle iron ring above them, the ring fills with scale, tending to seal off going underneath. another method i've seen is on Ultimo tech's 3cwt Massey; a heavy sheetmetal shroud/ apron around the anvil down over the hammer frame opning. Good luck. Probably best to research your anvil mat material well, the above machine suffered from a lopsided anvil a few years (c1999) after installation on substandard stuff... sorry i've forgotten what it was, rubber or more likely cork?? Maybe another forum member will know the proper answer! Andrew

G'day fellows aussies, Andrew here, currently a resident of Sydney. Am a tradie blackie, now a uni student. I'm interested in heritage machines, old Bedfords/ Vauxhalls and historical re-enacting. I get my forging fix at sydney heritage fleets workshop at Rozelle, come visit some time! I'm very keen to know how ABA vic and the WA guys run their group workshops, with the hope that such wonderous thing can be done in the syd, somewhere... (we have ridiculous lack of space for charitable interests). Hope to see ya at Ironfest or maybe the museum shipyard (Sat best, but also volunteered on Tue & Thurs.). ps Hi to Moony, Phil, Wayne and anyone else i know in the flesh. Andrew.

G'day metal crafters! My name is Andrew, i'm a balcksmith residing in sydney australia. i did my trade 1996-2002, attending sydney institute of T.A.F.E for 3 of these under Col Pentecost (of famous shiny shoes), the late Ron Larkin and Lindsay Cole, much respected current teacher. I worked in three businesses, ornamental, heavy forging and general industrial, gaining (to me) some interesting experiance. Since then i've become a student at Macquarie Uni, the end goal being a museum career! Now i get my forging fix at Sydney Heritage Fleet's shipyard, on Sydney Harbour. We have a scrap built coke forge and a few old tools for hot work; i'm hoping to add some blacksmithing tricks to an otherwise metal fab oriented workshop. I was originally lured there 12 odd years ago by my mate who had restored a Davies and Primrose steam hammer (still not finished); the next size smaller than Phil forgemaster's at Kurri/ Richmond Vale. Myself, i'm slowly restoring a Aussie made spring hammer of c.1920 and making odd bits of tooling. Last week we finished a pair of deck caulking removers; basically a slide hammer with a curved hook on the end. Next i hope to knock up tongs and tooling for the anvil (3cwt Peter Wright, from memory, needs face build up) etc etc. Does anyone near Syd know where we can get some cheap 1 inch round 1010 or 1020 for rivets?? Also i dabble in old Vauxhall cars and Bedford light commercials, with a bit of 'living history' craft making. I'm keen to try some iron joinery, make a 'set' of varied tongs, build a JYH & nice portable gas furnace... ahh dreams! I'm sure i already know face-to-face Moony, forgemaster Phil and Wauchope Wayne, and i'm sure i'll re-meet others. Feel free to drop into the shipyard James Craig rd, Rozelle Bay and meet some of the grumpy old coots, Sat is best but also Tues and Thurs. Otherwise i may c ya at Ironfest. An idea i have is to have blacksmithing group meet there... many details to figure out. well i feel thats way too much rambling, so i'll sign off for now. yours in metal work, A.