[TheForge] Hammer on clay soil (Was: make shift anvil) YAK

[Peter Fels And Phoebe Palmer]

Chuck;.
I'll get the McPhee book..it is marine clay that we're setting on where 
the hammer goes. Being the biggest gopher on the mountain side..I've 
done a lot of digging here. There is no mesquite growing here now that I 
know of, but much of the  soil that might have once formed here, is in 
the ocean now
Thanks!...PF

Chuck Robinson wrote:

>Hey Pete,
>Have you read "THE CONTROL OF NATURE" by John McPhee?
>The Chapters about the geology of your area, will scare the heck out of you.
>I suspect the Clay in your area is the same Marine Clay.
>You might want to dig a couple of test holes to check for the mesquite
>creosote layer he talks about.
>
>For what it's worth, you might consider replacing your power hammer with an
>"H" frame hydraulic press for heavy forging, and a small air hammer for
>drawing, etc.
>The HP will do an amazing amount of heavy stock reduction with no impact on
>your soil except for the weight of the press.
>You might also research the possibility of using a high durometer Sorbothane
>Elastomer matt under the steel base plate to absorbe the impact vibrations
>of the air hammer.
>Chuck
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>theforge mail list group photo site is
>http://www.photoaccess.com
>Login:  blacksmithblacksmith@hotmail.com
>password:  anvil
>___________
>
>
>
>  
>