How much does it cost to build a tire power hammer?

For about $1,000 and 100 hrs. of gathering materials and construction time, you can make your own power hammer with a unique drive mechanism. “This Tire Hammer uses an emergency spare tire and rim mounted on a trailer axle and hub,” says Clay Spencer, who sells plans and leads workshops to build the tire hammers.

How big of a power hammer do I need?

Is productivity important? If you are a production shop and are working 1 to 2″ stock, a 34 will do the job… however a 68 or 106 or larger hammer will do it faster. If you are a hobby shop and your work will not exceed 1 to 2″, then a 33 will do the job.

What is a tire hammer?

This is a mechanical power hammer for forging metal that uses a tire as the main flywheel. The tire hammer is a design that was initially developed by Ray Clontz and then further refined by Clay Spencer, a NASA engineer who is also a pretty amazing blacksmith and tool maker.

How loud are power hammers?

Peak sound pressure levels during hammer strikes reached 148 decibels. NIOSH recommends a ceiling limit of 140 decibels for peak sound pressure levels. Nearly all production employees’ noise exposures were above noise exposure limits.

What is a treadle hammer used for?

The foot pedal, also known as a treadle, uses the stepping action of the foot to create mechanical energy that slams the hammer into the iron. This mechanical striker allows the blacksmith to eliminate the blacksmith’s helper in the forging of metal.

Where are Ken tools made?

Akron
Throughout its history, Ken-Tool remained an Akron-based company. The company’s current headquarters and manufacturing facility on Akron’s East North Street, produces 95 percent of the company’s product line, and boasts an impressive array of production press, drop, and upsetter forging equipment.

What is the best power hammer for metalworking?

Tire Hammer. Ray Clontz Tire Hammer, designed by Clay Spencer. This is a power hammer for blacksmiths, bladesmiths, metal workers, fabrication shops, schools, copper smiths, hobby blacksmiths or anyone who needs a reasonable priced or build it yourself hammer with outstanding control to forge or shape hot metals.

How does a wheel hammer work?

As the motor is pivoted by the treadle, the flat pulley on the motor rubs against the rubber tire and drives the hammer. The low friction roller bearings of the axle and the slick UHMW plastic guide bearings guiding the hammer head allow this hammer to have exceptional control. A brake stops the hammer very quickly.

How many RPM does a power hammer run?

The hammer runs about 250 to 300 rpm (depending on tire diameter) and uses flat dies made from heat treated 4140 tool steel. This is a basic, reliable, durable, simple power hammer design using the time proven Little Giant spring mechanism.

What are the spring adjustments on a tire Hammer for?

The spring adjustments on this tire hammer use structural steel taper washers to compensate for the angle of the arms. LEFT: This quick and dirty guide assembly needs adjustments. The plastic guides are quite sloppy which reduces the hammer efficiency AND tends to kick work out of the dies if not perfectly square to the die surfaces.