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wnstwolf

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Nov 7, 2007
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837
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New York and PA
Between E-tek getting one and now this you both get a Big YOU ****. another tool I don't need but want. This place *****!
 
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Amitygravel

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Mar 26, 2010
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1,188
Location
Claremont Illinois
Well I can't see the video so I'm assuming you're talking about blacksmithing type power hammers. They are mesmerizing to run. Nothing like pounding hell out of a big chunk of red hot steel. When things go wrong they don't hurt you , they **** you up. Get a piece of steel in off kilter and it can throw the thing right at you.
Here's a buddies 100lb Little Giant.
 

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luvit

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Jul 11, 2011
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i see people building them.. i may build my own if i can get to that point..
 
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LutzTD

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Dec 31, 2011
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Lutz, Florida
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bobadame

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Dec 26, 2007
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I spent a couple of days with Fay Butler a couple of years ago up at WyoTech in Laramie Wy. Those hammers are capable of doing some amazing work in the right hands.
 
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tolken4

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Nov 5, 2007
Messages
330
"Smoothing on the Power Hammer"

Is that what you kids call it these days?:lol_hitti
 
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MoonRise

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Nov 5, 2010
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NJ
The man knows his stuff there.

Wow.

Kind of wonder why he didn't/doesn't use an English wheel. But then again, it looks like he could probably just use two rocks and get good results. :D
 
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LutzTD

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Dec 31, 2011
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I like the way he did all of the smoothing then "unfolded" it into the final shape. how would you ever know that without being taught or doing it a hundred times........
 
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rsanter

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Dec 22, 2007
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18,492
Location
visalia ca
I have used several different sizes and types of power hammer than a friend of mine has. They are an amazing tool to use as long as you keep your fingers out from between the anvils.
Someone asked if these will really smooth the metal....yes it will and that is partly what they are for as use in the configuration you saw setup in the video. Typically to give the metal some shape you will use a hammer and bag to beat on the metal to give it the general shape or contour you want. This is the part where you are streching the metal so you can create the bowl shape you are looking for. Once the fast hammer work has been done you will have a piece of metal that has what is called 'walnuts' for all the walnuts sized and shaped dents you just put into the piece. When you put the piece in the power hammer you will smooth the lumps out because the lumps will get trapped between the anvils of the hammer so you will cause added stretch in area that were not yet streched and you may even see some shrinkage in other areas to compensate.
In short a power hammer can leave a surface that is so smooth that it can even make it look like it was polished

Bob
 
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StRacerDuke

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Oct 7, 2009
Messages
104
For the guys who have used power hammers before. How hard is it to get right? Is it one of those things that after a dozen or so attempts you can get it very close each time or does it take years to master and get it smooth. It's so hard to tell when an old master is doing a demo... They always make it look easy.
 
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bobadame

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Dec 26, 2007
Messages
1,124
It's very easy to put too much shape in a panel. Then you have to change dies and shrink it back. It doesn't take years to learn the basics but I suppose you never stop learning. Some people pick it up quicker than others. It's a matter of paying attention to how the metal is reacting to the process whether it be a power hammer, a wheeling machine or a hammer and dolly.
 
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