[TheForge] Re: stack o' plates vs, slab o' steel

[Thomas A. Troszak]

> From: "Kevin Donahoe" <flyinpig@go-concepts.com>
> Subject: RE: [TheForge] Re:Mass vs. acceleration vs. soil (A Novel)

> Sooooooooo, Tom, I was planning on sticking my 100# hammer on a stack of
> 1/2" plate.  Would a weld on each corner get it to simulate a solid plate,
> or a couple of plug welds under the anvil block?  It's just more feasible to
> handle 8 94x4)plates weighing 325#, than one of 2400#.  I hadn't really
> considered the old clicking balls analogy, I can see how one might pulverize
> their concrete slab in short order.
> 
> Thanks, Kevin


Dear Kevin,

Alas, our personal research indicates not. Our friend Jock Dempsey related
to me of actually trying this with a large steam hammer, I think they used
'bout thirty 1/2" plates, and the thing just kind of bounced all over the
place. Unsatisfactory result.

I would suggest no for two reasons, the clicking ball analogy, and the
personal experience of a man who I think is pretty sharp. I was essentially
having the same debate with Jock a couple of years ago.  Plug welds might
help some, but I think it sounds like more work than just buying a thick
piece of steel.  Since I mostly work alone, and I can only carry about 150
lbs. comfortably, I would rather drag one 3000 lb. slab across the floor
once, than try to wrestle eight nasty, floppy 375 lb. sheets, yuck. Personal
preference  :)

You certainly CAN mount your hammer on a stack of plates, but we both agree
that it won't necessarily give you the desired result.

By the way, moving heavy plates is tedious, but not impossible.  You can
move just about anything on a smooth hard floor with a couple of pipe
rollers and a come-along, or $Hillman$ rollers...

On dirt I use 2x8 boards or pieces of rectangular steel tube or sheets of
plywood (depending on conditions and slope) with vaseline to slide stuff
(like the Egyptians did?)

I have video of me moving a 10 ton boxcar on rollers using a $25.00
come-along and my parked GMC van as an anchor.

Fear not a mere slab o' steel.

Tom Troszak