[TheForge] grasshopper hammer appropriate technology for nicaragua?

[Bruce Freeman]

Terry,

The purpose of a treadle hammer is to replace a striker.  I suspect
that in Nicaragua, labor is cheap enough that this would not be an
issue.

On the other hand, I've never met (and wouldn't want to!) a striker
who swings a 55# to 75# hammer, so there IS some advantage to using a
treadle hammer!

I will make no judgment whether a Grasshopper could be made in
Nicaragua, but I don't see why not.  Recommended tools needed to build
the grasshopper:  Angle grinder, torch with rosebud tip and cutting
tip, pedestal grinder or belt sander, drill press (to saw 2"  hole or
drill 1"  hole), chop saw, welder, saber or jig saw (for use on 1/4"
steel), wood saw (power or hand), as well as miscellaneous shop tools.
 A vertical milling machine would be handy but is not essential. One
worker got good use from an engine hoist, but he was working alone.
It's handy to have two people available for this work.


On Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 3:33 AM, terry l. ridder<terrylr at blauedonau.com> wrote:
> hello bruce;
>
> would the grasshopper hammer be suitable for use in the blacksmithing
> trade school in nicaragua? granted the recent thread about the
> difference between a tradle hammer and a power hammer is still fresh in
> our minds.
>
> i would assume that since a blasdesmith posted the request that the
> blacksmithng  neophytesa will be making knives. that would seem to call
> for a power hammer and a treadle hammer both being used at various
> points in the blades forging.
>
> would it be possible to build one or two grasshopper hammers in country
> or would they have to be built in north american and shipped down to
> nicaragua?
>
>
>
> --
> terry l. ridder ><>
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-- 
Bruce
NJ

The total lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is working.