[TheForge] Mechanical Power Hammer Plans

[Jerry Frost]

What I'm wondering about is the basic ratio between the 
crank length, crank speed, rocker arm length and 
distance traveled by the ram.

I've heard of a couple people putting speed controls on 
mechanical hammers, then never using them. Part of the 
problem is getting the hammer spun up. With a straight 
up clutch, the hammer goes when you hit the treadle. If 
the motor has to spin up you'll have serious lag 
between the control and the work.

The variable speed device I've toyed with is a conical 
torque converter type transmission. You put a cone on 
the drive shaft so either it can slide back and forth 
or set the motor and all on a slide. To engage it, the 
pointed end of the cone slides into contact with the 
"tire". The farther you slide the cone, the larger the 
diameter in contact and the faster the hammer goes. 
Higher BPM, longer throw distance on the ram and harder 
hits.

A snow machine torque converter would probably work 
too, maybe better.

Frosty
-------------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.

http://www.artmetalradio.com/

From: "Jonathan Barnhart" <blakkpawss at yahoo.com>

> >From what I've seen they adjust the throw on this
> style of hammer by using threaded rod and turnbuckle
> on the throw arm.  That way you can adjust for longer
> or shorter distance.  I hadn't tried to buy plans,
> but, I don't plan on that for sure now.  Has anyone
> tried some sort of foot pedal Rheostat to control the
> motor speed instead of the various treadle and clutch
> designs?  I was thinking of something like the kind
> they use for trolling motors.  I figure that would be
> a bit heavier and last longer than one from something
> like a sewing machine.
>
>
>