Is there too much powerhammer

[Broad River Forge]

Hi all, im not new to hammers and had many over the years. im looking at a couple of self contained hammers, one is a beche 220 pound hammer and the other is a 350 pound hammer. 

im forging 7 pound blocks and want to do it efficiently, i have a great press and it does some stuff excellent but for sizing a block of tool steel up i want to get it done in the least heats possible and get the most done. I also dont want a one trick pony thats mainly good for doing larger stuff and no good for smaller stuff. the 220 pound hammer i can power as it is in my shop but the 350 hammer is going to cost probably 12K more in electrical and foundation setup than the 220. i have no problem spending the extra money and i know more power is always nice to have but im wondering if people out there with experience running these size hammers have an opinion on them. I think the 220 pound beche will do what i need it to and i can use for most anything but is a 350 pound hammer worth spending the extra cash on and can it do smaller work as readily as a 220. 

I should mention i know the BPM will make a difference in the two machines and both are running very well and can close matchboxes

 

[Frosty]

It's been my experience with self contained hammers in good condition that the level of delicacy they can exhibit depends on the operator. I got a chance to operate a 250 lb. Chambersburg at Bob Bergman's shop and the control was exquisite, in a couple minutes I was able to brush the scale off a piece of steel and not leave an impression. 

I have a lot more time on a Kuhn 40 and it's a sweet hammer. but I don't have a lot of time on any self contained hammers.

Frosty The Lucky.

[Broad River Forge]

i agree the operator can do alot for controllability. ive had a few sahinlers and many different mechanicals over the years and all served very well and im spoiled in having had the pleasure of running so many. just not personally operated a larger self contained. I know the 350 will have plenty of capability to forge out the tool steel in short order over the 220. I just wonder if the larger hammer running at 160 hits per minute likely would make it harder to work smaller stock before it cools. I can work 1/2 stock under my 250 giant but based on speed and power its not as easy going to the 110 pound sahinler.  I like he idea of running a BIG hammer to get stuff done in less heats just wondered at what size stock is it simply easier and more efficient to go to a smaller hammer again.