[TheForge] press vs power hammer

[Steve Smith]

Lon Humphrey wrote:
> hello, i have a question on wheather to build a power hammer or a 
> hydhaulic press. the hammer in question would be dusty or rusty from one 
> of the abana groups.
> or would my money be better spent in turning the log splitter into a 
> press. i do alot of knife work but i do dink around with ornimental 
> stuff too

Others have said it already; a power hammer is much more generally 
useful. For instance, my new shop is smaller than the old one, I 
couldn't fit it all. The one piece of equipment that isn't currently 
accessible is my 30 ton forging press. Power hammer, flypress, treadle 
hammer are all available.

On the other hand, being a knifemaker you might want to make pattern 
welded steel. At this the press excels. It is really trival to make nice 
2x2x8" billets.

Steve