[TheForge] Power hammer preferences Bull vs Say-Mak vs?

[Steve Smith]

Ries Niemi wrote:

> Seems like there are a few decisions here-
> Self contained versus Utility hammer is the first one.
> The Utility hammers are cheaper, but then you need a big compressor. And 
> its gonna be running a lot, so it needs a place to be where it can make 
> all the noise it likes. 

I'll add a bit more to the idea of a self contained hammer that I didn't 
realize until using a couple of them for some hours. I've used a Kuhn, a 
300 pound Erie (really amazing) and a Sayha, but only for a couple of 
hours each.

A self contained hammer has a motor and crank driving an air cylinder, 
which is coupled to the second air cylinder driving the ram. In between 
is proportional valving controlled by the treadle. It works at low 
pressure, and the air both pushes and pulls.

An often cited advantage of the self contained is much better control. 
With a mechanical hammer like an LG, the usual mode of use is to step up 
to it and immediately push firmly down on the treadle. You can get 
lighter blows with a lot of attention to the treadle, but it isn't 
nearly as easy as with a self contained.

As you push down on the treadle of a self contained, it is almost like 
the treadle height controls the strike height of the ram. You tend to 
sneak up on the work. Push the treadle down a little ways and the ram is 
moving six inches up and down, always returning to top, and not reaching 
the work. Push the treadle down a little more, the ram comes down 
further. It is almost like you have a depth stop set by the height of 
the treadle. This allows you to do heavy drawing then immediately refine 
the surface. It makes tapering a real joy. I'm sure I'll have more 
examples after I get my Sayha.

They are more money if you already have a compressor large enough to run 
a utility/Kinyon type hammer. If you don't, they are much closer in price.

Steve Smith