At a recent Ontario Artist
Blacksmith
Association event I was asked to put some more information about the
air hammer I have for sale on my web site. The following gives a
general overview but I also welcome specific questions as well.
This air hammer has become an essential tool in my shop. I use it
almost everyday for everything from hot punching to drawing out to
texturing raw steel.
In my opinion any shop that is trying to make a living from
blacksmithing needs an air hammer. It certainly increases the stock
size that you can work with but it also has the control to work the
smaller sizes without destroying them.
I regularly will draw out 1/4 round bar on my hammer. Your first
response is probably "Lazy!" Well yes and no. If in a day I have 100
pieces of 1/4 round to point I can do this in half the time with no
fatigue!
Suddenly I can work longer, produce more and maintain the same control.
Who wouldn't use it? What is the old saying?
Work
Smarter not Harder!
I invite you to carefully
examine the
information below and check other competitors. We all offer different
features. Please keep in mind that my price compares to a near
wholesale price of the hammer of other producers.
Price is not everything but you are welcome to arrange a visit to my
shop and try it out to see the possibilities of this fundamental tool.
New! Fundamentals
of Blacksmithing Ebook
I have Just Released this new book!
If you would like more information about this book,
which you can download in pdf format. Click Here
This is a side view of the air hammer, and
gives you an overview of the machine.
This is a Kinyon style of hammer. This air hammer requires a separate
compressor that can provide 10 cfm at 90 or 100 psi. I have run it on a
smaller compressor but any serious work will have the compressor
running beyond its duty cycle.
The basic principle of the Kinyon air hammer is that there is a
constant air source supplied. By depressing the foot valve air pressure
is exhausted and creates an imbalance in the air pressure on the two
sides of the piston.
The more the foot valve is opened the greater the imbalance and the
farther and faster the air cylinder moves. Once the air cylinder has
moved a specified distance it trips a pilot switch which in turn causes
the control valve to shift. Once the control valve shifts position it
tells the air cylinder to change its direction of travel.
Eventually the cylinder again trips the pilot
switch starting the whole process over again. Attached to the air
cylinder is the hammer head weight (75 lb block of steel). The rest of
the machine is basically framework to hold everything together.
I have chosen to use air cylinders with 1" piston rod instead of the
usual 3/4 in for the extra durability. The dies are S7 and are 2 inches
high and 2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches long. The top die bolts into the
head weight, where as the bottom die bolts on the anvil post.
The actual plumbing is a little different from what
Ron Kinyon designed. I have found this works well allowing an easily
adjustable striking force.
The total weight of the machine is about 1200 lbs. and is designed with
flanges at the base for easy pick up with a fork lift. This machine is
suitable in a shop that wants to take the next step above hand smithing
with a minimal cost.
This is not a Kuhn hammer and shouldn't
be expected to perform as one.
The following video shows a few of the techniques
that I use on this air hammer. There are many more ways to use this
tool but the video will get you thinking of some possibilities. the
video is about 9.5 minutes long and is 75 Mb in size so it will take
awhile to download. If you are on dial up it may take a couple of hours.
This is
a
light hammer but can do a remarkable amount of work especially with the
addition of specialty dies and tools.
The one I have in my shop was a 75 lb early model and it is my right
hand. I use it for all the heavy draw outs as well as for pointing
small hooks made from 1/4 inch rod.
The 75 lb will work 1 1/2 square stock fairly comfortably. I have
worked 2 inch square (almost twice the recommended material) although
it moved it it was slow going.
In my shop I am typically using 1 inch square and down. I do keep
tinkering with the design and may change slightly from the photographs
as I make improvements. I welcome people to make an appointment to
come to my shop and test the hammer out. It is very easy to get the
hang of and often working with it answers many questions.
I make these hammers as they are ordered so there is some possibility
of slight custom design changes.
My January 2008 newsletter is devoted to use of this air hammer. If you
wish to read more information about the air hammer just click onJanuary 2008.
If you wish to read my
other
articles and newsletters please join my free membership by filling out
the form at the top right. Please call 519-366-2334 and
ask for David or email me.
Specifications:
Head
Weight 75 lbs
Overall Weight 1200 lbs
Height 7 ft
Foot Print 24 in x 30 in
Recommended Air Source 10 cfm at 90 psi
Strokes Per minute (max) 180
Max recommended bar size 1.5 in x 1.5 in
Recommended Air Pressure 90 to 120 Psi
Die size 2" high x 2" wide x 3.5" long
Die Material S7
(All specifications are approximate and depend some what on
availability.)
Price $4400.00 Cnd at my shop plus appropriate taxes. ( price depends
on availability and
current component prices. I will supply you with a current quote.)
