[TheForge] Small power hammer question

[Roger R Degner]

I have not watched the "rusty" Appalachian power hammer work but I have
watched the North Carolina tire hammer and it was the nicest 50#
mechanical hammer I have seen.  Clay Spencer is having build workshops
for groups.  The one I watched was at the Alabama Conference in Dec
2005.  It seamed to hit hard and it stopped the instant he let off the
treadle usually at the top of the stroke were it belonged. Clay had all
his spring tooling from his treadle hammer adapted to be used with this
hammer.
Basically it is a 1 hp motor, the rear axel, hub and throw away spare
tire from a front wheel drive vehicle.  Everything else was steel welded
up to make the hammer.
The electric motor pivoted to make contact via a flat pulley to the
spare tire making the clutch.  
The drive mechanism was similar to a Little Giant but made of flat stock
welded up along with a pillow block bearing, one coil spring and some
bronze bearing stock.

Again a very nice hammer.
Clay was working on a couple more dates for builds but I don't know when
or were but I believe they were in the S.E. .

Roger R Degner



Hi Folks,
     I am looking at the "rusty" appalachian power hammer.  I am
considering building something close.  I am thinking of building the
step down mechanism (turning 3450 rpm into 144 rpm)  out of a bicycle
rear wheel and the pedal mechanism.  It seems like it would be too
flimsy, but looking at the "rusty", it appears that their pulley is not
any more formidable than a mountain bike rim.
    Any thoughts?  And, please google the rusty appalachian power hammer
before replying.

Thanks,

Chris K.