The Metal Artist Forum

Matt, not only it looks like you are the guy with most tools around here, but also you build them. Can you please illustrate me about the use of the different types of mechanical hammers? Treadle hammer, power hammer, planishing hammer (the one you made with a air hammer) and the helve hammer. I think that I am going to have a little space for a power hammer and I would like to have the one that is more suitable with what I want to achieve

Thank you
Alfredo

Alfredo I have all the tools you mentioned before except the helve hammer. It's about what you want to acheive and how much space you have. I started out with a treadle hammer, great but if your doing production work you better be in shape. Then I obtained a P-6 fly press- awsome control and great for making exactly the same item over and over. Then I finnally bought my air hammer, I love it but I couldn't do without the other Two tool. Each has it's own place in the shop, just like the anvil. Some times I have tooling in each one of the tools to make fabricating a job so much easier. Oh and then theres the planishing hammer- great for working with sheet melal. I love this buisness " I get to do my favorite thing "COLLECT TOOLS" AND PLAY WITH THEM."

That pretty much sums it up Alfredo. Just don't make the mistake of thinking one of these tools will do more than one job. Like, hot forging large pieces of steel with a flypress. Won't happen. That's a power hammers job.

Here is basically what they are and what they do:

Treadle hammer: Foot operated hammer that basically free's up one of your hands so you can hold two tools. Like, tongs to hold your material in one hand and a chisel to chase leaf viens or whatever with the other. Then you are stomping down to bring the hammer head down. This can be a great tool but its limitations (compared to other tools) are speed and power. Also, your leg can get tired pretty quick.

Used for: Detail work
Not good for: Forging hot steel (drawing out, shaping, etc)

Power hammer: Used for moving hot metal very fast. Shaping, texturing, drawing out, etc.

Not good for: Detail work.

Planishing hammer: This is a sheet metal tool. It can be used to stretch, shape, smooth out, sink, and texture sheet metal. Very fast. So fast that you have to be careful not to thin the sheet out and rip it. I use both steel and UHMW plastic dies on mine. Work hardening happens very quickly so frequent annealing is a must.

Not good for: Hot work.

Helve hammer:Haven't built one. (yet)
This is an another sheet metal tool. Its more like a power hammer for sheet metal. I plan to use mine for rapidly raising rough sheet metal forms to be finished by hand.

Grizz explained the Flypress.
I'll add one thing though. As great as this tool is, and as powerful as it is with a gentle stroke, it will give you a workout. I've had to join a gym just to start working out my left arm! When you texture out 30 feet of flat iron prior to rolling it, you'll know you did it when your done.
But, this is without a doubt my favorite tool.

Each tool opens up a closed door. Things you would not have done before because of the labor are now in your arsenal. I look back at project and say, wow, if I had only had this tool back then this could have looked so much nicer. That's why I have so many tools. I don't like things in my way and I hate doing things, "the hard way"

Matt - thanks for a very informative summary.

Thank you guys,
I think that according to your explanation the first step will be a treadle hammer. Because I will not be doing production work any time soon; it is more for detail. however I wonder if one can build a hybrid pwer/treadle hammer. some type of mechanism that would make it change speed. What do you think

Hi There,
I have seen where people have made an air cylinder attatchment for their treadle hammer to make it a sort of power hammer. I don't know if I would trust it though. Lots of force-not too heavy a machine-sound potentially dangerous. I also have power hammer, fly press, treadle hammer etc. There is a specific place for each tool in my work. The only problem is that the more tools you have-the more you need. I have a 110 lb hammer- now it's too small. I usually try to buy the biggest tool I can fit or afford. Then, my work seems tou outgrow it rapidly. Forging hot steel is a terrible disease. I think there is a cure though. They have a ceremony after the cure- it's called a funeral.
Take care,
Mark

Has anyone seen this article on building a helve hammer

http://fergusonsculpture.home.att.net/he...ticle.html

pretty interesting

brad

Do any of you guys have any opinion about the "RUSTY" power hammer that the Appalachian Blacksmith Association offers (the Plans)

http://www.appaltree.net/rusty/index.htm

Again, by now many of you know that I am just beginning and that probably I will be doing this as small studio man for quite some time (working on a piece at a time) So I do not think I should overpower myself right now But I am trying to get something that can at least execute a decent job

amalgam Wrote:Do any of you guys have any opinion about the "RUSTY" power hammer that the Appalachian Blacksmith Association offers (the Plans)

http://www.appaltree.net/rusty/index.htm

Again, by now many of you know that I am just beginning and that probably I will be doing this as small studio man for quite some time (working on a piece at a time) So I do not think I should overpower myself right now But I am trying to get something that can at least execute a decent job

I'm sure its fine but those spring loaded power hammers scare the crap out of me. I guess I'm just a wimp!

Why