[TheForge] Trip Hammer Advice

[Bob Ehrenberger]

Aubrey,

I have a 25# Mayer, made in Kaukauna, Wis.  I have used it hard for about 10 
years, It's a nice little machine.  Sid carries springs and dies for it, he 
says that several of the parts interchange with the 25# Little Giant.  I use 
a 1HP motor and it seems to handle it just fine.

Mine didn't have holes for a motor mount so I built a platform that attaches 
kind of like the tray at an old A&W mounted on your window.

I think my motor pully is closer to 2" diamiter.

Sid doesn't have the original sales records on the Mayer hammers like he 
does for Little Giant.

Robert Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo.
eforge at centurytel.net

---Original Message----Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:02:53 -0600
From: "Washington, Aubrey O." <awashington at ou.edu>
Subject: [TheForge] Trip Hammer Advice
To: Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID:
<650DB0CBB8E8E3418E627BD179329677BFDC944A51 at XMAIL2.sooner.net.ou.edu>
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I just bought my very first ever trip hammer.  It is a 25# Mayer Brothers, 
sometimes referred to as a "Wisconsin" hammer.  My hammer was made in 
Antigo, Wis. rather than Kaukauna, Wis.  It is similar to the "new style" 
Little Giants that the Mayer brothers were making in Minnesota.  One 
difference is that the ram guides are machined into the frame rather than 
being separate parts.

I think Sid Suedmeier supports these in a very limited sort of way.  The 
hammer seems to be pretty complete and in reasonably good condition, but 
with no motor or motor mount.  My first two tasks will be tightening up a 
little slop in the ram and buying and installing a motor.

So, here are a few questions:
1.  Does anyone have any experience with these hammers?
2.  Any specific advice on tightening the ram guides?
3.  I am planning on getting a 1725 rpm motor in 1 or 1 1/2 HP.  Would there 
be any reason to go up to 2 HP?
4.  Any advice on designing the motor mount?  There are already 2 bolt holes 
drilled in the upper area of the frame.
5.  I think it has a 10" clutch pulley.  Would a 3" motor pulley be right?
6.  Cast into both sides of the frame is "No. A23."  I think the "A" refers 
to the fact that it is a 25# hammer (B for 50#, etc.).  Does anyone know 
what the "23" signifies?  Is it a serial number?
7.  Any other advice, warnings, or useful information?

I know it is impossible to predict someone else's stupid mistakes.  So, 
assume I am of average intelligence, but have very little experience with 
power hammers.

Thanks,
Aubrey