coin striker Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Hi all, I'm new to the forum and have been searching the various posts for information on building a treadle hammer to meet my particular needs and I hope some of you who have built one already may be able to help me. I do not need it for working hot metal, but to strike coins. Presently, I use a #3 screw press to strike pewter tokens from the dies I cut, but want to strike larger pieces in other metals, hence the need for a bigger, more powerful press. I don't need multiple strike capabilities, so a design that may require more foot power and yield greater hammer power is fine. I have two pieces of 4 inch I-beam 8 feet long that I can use for the frame, two 100mm Thompson rods about 4 feet long for the hammer and anvil, along with bronze bushings and sleeves to attach the hammer to the frame for an inline design. Any help in finding the right plans will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Paonessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Ra Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 The coin presses I have seen were powered by a BIG flywheel (200Lb)and a fine thread 1 1/2 X 20 TPI screw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Wow my #2 flypress stands 7' tall on the original factory base with a 42" diameter toroid; your #3 must be quite a bit larger! Or to put it differently there is no standardization in fly press numbering so my #2 Hoskins may be larger or smaller than your nameless #3. We've coined in brass restriking mexican coins without re-surfacing them with my screwpress with no problem. I would look into a board drop hammer for coin striking as single high impact blows are what you need and that's the description of a board drop hammer. I've seen them in use in Germany to take 2" stock down for hoe blades---1 blow per side and then refine the blade with a lufthammer (and in a water powered smithy too!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coin striker Posted October 9, 2009 Author Share Posted October 9, 2009 Thanks for your responses. Thomas, yes, my #3 screw press is quite a bit smaller than the description of your #2. Is a board drop hammer where a large guided weight is taken up by pulley and cable and allowed to free fall towards the anvil? I've given that some thought, but passed on it. I know that someone had used a treadle hammer about 10-15 years ago to strike coins, which is why I am leaning towards the treadle hammer idea. No, I can't find the individual who did it, that's why I'm here. Now, as I am leaning towards an inline model, can someone recommend plans for a treadle hammer that might fit my needs? Thanks, Joe Paonessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 The board drop hammers are raised by a wheel pressing against the board that then falls away allowing freefall. They usually use quite heavy top dies 500+ pounds is not unknown make for substantial strikes. Most inline systems seem to lose a lot of the snap of the blow and it's the snap that helps "squirt" metal in the die cavity. I would definitely experiment with some before deciding to go that route---get in touch with the local ABANA affiliate and I am sure you can find folks willing and even excited to let you try out their version of a treadle hammer. I have a friend who coins semi-professionally and his main tools are a large motorized flypress and a knuckle press he bought on the used market much cheaper than the new imported stuff. Check out his work at Shire Post Mint Coinage Page Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coin striker Posted October 9, 2009 Author Share Posted October 9, 2009 As soon as I saw your link I knew you were talking about Tom. I have quite a few of his pieces, as well as coins done by the Gallery Mint which was in his area of Arkansas. Oh yea, I made some punches for Tom a few years back. So the standard design treadle has more umph than the inline? I'm not totally stuck on the inline design, its just that the pieces I've scrounged would work well for one. I will look into the ABANA and see who is local to me. Thanks Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobinbama Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Try contacting Bob Alexander in MO. He took over the treadle hammer plans from Clay Spencer. Check your PM'sIn-Line Treadle Hammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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