[TheForge] Making power hammers

[Steve Smith]

I'm starting on building a Krause/Nazel type air hammer, and want to 
start some discussion of various issues, most of which will be common to 
all power hammers.

Die holding
I'd like to avoid using a tapered wedge. I've seen several places people 
using cap screws. Does anyone have firsthand experience with this 
approach? I'm wondering if spring washers will be sufficient to keep the 
screws from loosening, or if the situation is hopeless.

Another possibility for the bottom die would be a tapered socket. I've 
never heard of someone using this, but it seems like it would work if 
the die is heavy enough to avoid bouncing.

Ram slide lubrication
Are people pleased with their results using UHMW plastic on the ram ways?

I guess that will do for starters.

Steve Smith