[TheForge] Fw: Fw: Blacksmithing, treadle hammer

[Marc Godbout]

Cost all depends on what you can scrounge and how much you don't mind
diverting away from the plans. I built mine using CLay's inline plans.
They're great plans, but I used them mostly for the basic
measurements. I was able to build it for under $50 because I had just
about every piece of metal I needed, or was able to get them for free.
The upright member is an I-beam, which someone gave me. It was meant
to be for a power hammer. Overkill for a TH, but free.

I went with UHMW plastic for the bearings. Mine are plugs cut from a
1" rod, and I welded some pipe nipples over holes in the ram guide to
hold the plugs. Some silicone spray lubricates nicely. I also got a
tip from Bruce about a short "kickback" spring. It kicks in at the
bottom of the stroke to quickly return the hammer. The main springs
are just strong enough to hold the hammer up.

Some pictures are in
http://www.farwestforge.com/Forum/bsgview.php?by=%27Marc%20Godbout%27

--Marc



On Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 8:39 AM, Paul N <crosspein at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> You guys are haunted. I had just been thinking about building one myself.
>
> Bob,
> Maybe we can organize a treadle hammer build with UMBA.
> Assuming that I could afford it, I'd be interested.
> How much does it cost to build one if these things anyway?
>
> **paul
>