CGomer33

Thanks for the warm welcome. I have actually been here for years, just living in the shadows ( so to speak ) without an account since I typically found all I needed. But just had to finally make an account and make a new topic for my question. Perhaps I will be more active now as well. This website is an invaluable resource for anything blacksmith related, really glad I found it. Well isn't that interesting. I suppose if it works, why not! Cameron

Thanks for the advice George and Frosty. Appreciate it. I will use a lighter oil like you suggested and I have a propane nipco I could use to heat the hammer if needed. If I decide to not use the hammer on the extreme cold days I guess I could do some production runs of some items that I will need the hammer for on the warmer days. I guess I will see how it all is after I receive it. To answer your question George. I live in the SE of MN about an hour from Mankato but will be moving up north sometime next year where I will have a heated shop as well so I will not have to worry about the cold at all then! Been to Dubois and Jackson Hole many times over the last years, have family there. I always said if I had to live elsewhere besides MN, it would be in WY. Thanks kindly, Cameron

Hey there, I am probably spending too much time thinking about this... would anyone happen to know from experience (or other sources that I have yet to find) whats the lowest temperature one shall be using a self contained power hammer? I have looked at several articles and read many things from "If it's too cold it could crack the frame or dies" to, "It won't get cold enough to matter". In January the temperatures can easily be around -20F or lower for the lows, I start working at 6am when the low temps are still present. I bought a new self contained power hammer that is due to arrive in January 2023. I work full time as a blacksmith in a dirt floor shop with no heat/insulation. I just want to make sure I can use the power hammer. I have a self built leaf spring power hammer that seems to work okay in the extreme cold but I have no experience with self contained power hammers. I have asked the manufacturer if there was a point where it's too cold to use but they only said to change to a lighter oil. So, should I worry about the frame or dies cracking? I could preheat it if need be though I hope letting it run for 15 minutes before use would be enough. I would greatly appreciate any advice! Cameron