[TheForge] Little Giant bottom block shimming problem

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

In a message dated 03/29/2002 6:45:08 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
ayen@springfield.radioactive.org writes:

<< I'm having a problem with my 50lb Little Giant: in use, no matter how I
 try to use the wedges and shims that seemed to work well with the previous
 owner, the bottom block keeps loosening up and falling out.
 
 Can anyone suggest a web site or other documentation that may assist me in
 figuring out what I'm doing wrong?
 
 The current setup, which is how I got it from the previous owner, uses 
 two opposing wedges with some copper shims between them on one side of the
 die, a single thicker wedge on the other side, and a support plate about
 1/3" thick underneath the die. There is what looks like some significant
 wear on the dovetail on the base block portion of the hammer, but the wedges
 and shims seem to make full contact on the bottom die.
 
 Any suggestions? I've tried cleaning everything (it was coated with
 grease and oil) and it stays in place longer, but will still work its
 way out inside of 10 minutes of use.
 
 Thanks.
 
 --doug >>

Doug

If I were to guess without seeing your hammer, the problem could be the taper 
on your wedges is wrong.  The first thing is that most Little Giants I've 
seen do not have two opposing wedges.  Standard rule for wedge tapers are 
1/8" per foot.  Some hammers might be different.  And then again, some 
hammers have a compound taper.  I've never measured the taper on the wedges 
we make for the hammers we use in our shop.  Either they work or they don't.  
If they don't work, we make the appropriate adjustment on a 20" disc sander.  
No telling what changes have been made to dovetails over the years to any 
given hammer.  But, the 1/8" to a foot is a good starting point when making 
wedges.  We use banding steel as shims if needed. Always oil wedges before 
putting them in place and never over tighten.  Always slightly round the 
edges on wedges.  And, the short end corners should be ground back hard on an 
angle to avoid mushrooming when pushing them out.  I've found its easier to 
pull out stuck wedges rather then push them out.          

Bruce R. Wallace
Wallace Metalwork
www.forginghammers.com
www.anvilfire.com/wallace