2 piece hammer ?

[brian robertson]

Is handling weight the main reason for a 2 piece hammer? what are ther other advantages? Just trying to wrap my head around the concept.

[macbruce]

I reckon once hammers get over a certian size it makes more sense to do them in two castings rather than one especially when the correct anvil tup ratio can only be accomplished by setting the anvil beloiw grade. Otherwise the anvil would be too tall...........

[dkunkler]

There has been some discussion on that subject here.
http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/29858-1-piece-vs-2-piece/page__hl__%2Bpiece+%2Bhammer

[knots]

Another reason is that power hammers with frames fabricated from steel plate can use cast steel or iron anvils on a common massive foundation. My KO isn't that big a hammer and has a cast anvil loosely affixed to the steel frame both mounted on a common foundation. The combined weight of hammer and anvil is probably around a thousand pounds. Not all that heavy until you add the weight of the common foundation required.

[Dave Hammer]

A single piece hammer generally has a flat base. With a two piece hammer, the bottom of the anvil is generally lower than the base of the hammer frame. The anvil to ram ratio is generally greater (heavier anvil) with a two piece hammer, making the hammer more efficient.

[brian robertson]

thanks for the info