[TheForge] power hammer

[Andy Vida]

Hotanvilforge@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Anyone seen any mechanical style hammers that are home built that work well
> enough they would build one

	Other than some of the junkyard hammers, no.  My question 
	would be why build one that is complex and difficult when compared
	to an air hammer?  With well designed valving, you have better
	and more flexible control, and the construction is simple to
	the point of absurdity, the most crucial aspect being the
	precision with which the guideways and the cylinder are aligned
	for the sake of cylinder life and perhaps safety to some extent.

	I love mechanical hammers, but they really are a lot of work
	to design correctly and build, compared to air hammers.  When
	I say "design correctly and build" I mean for long-term
	industrial strength use.