Treadle Hammer?

[A.McPherson]

Hey folks, I’ve got a question for ya.

A little background first.

I like to make Damascus/pattern welded steel, but ice only been doing it by hand, so the process, and progress has been slow. I want to speed it up with mechanical help, but I don’t have the power or space inside the shop to make a power hammer or a hydraulic press.

I’ve been reading Jim Hrisolas’ book about pattern welded steel and he mentions using treadle hammers as a viable option. I’ve also been thinking of going this route because I can conceivably keep one outside, where as the power hammer and press can’t be kept outside because of the electrical components...

Anyone out there using one? Did you build your own? Know where to get plans? Etc...

Thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

A treadle hammer is only slightly better than hand hammering for damascus. They are more useful to a blacksmith who makes ornamental work.

Take a look at the Cold Iron Press. It takes up about 5 sq.ft of floor space, rolls around, and plugs into a normal 120VAC 15 amp outlet. My friend uses it for all his damascus and integrals and it is way more press than I thought it would be.

 

[lanternnate]

I went down a similar search path as yourself for similar reasons. What I learned was the treadle hammer is really more about having an extra hand rather than more oomph. It allows for holding the work piece in one hand, a top tool in the other, then having the treadle to strike by foot power. It seems to be more an invention to turn a two man blacksmith shop into a one man blacksmith shop.

What I’m currently looking at that you might also consider is a fly press. They seem to have been very common and readily available across the pond, but not as much state side. I found old world anvils sells brand new fly presses though. It’s not going to equal a hydraulic press or a power hammer in what it can move for metal, but it is considerably more than can be done by hand hammer. There is all sorts of cool other options they can open up as well once you get into making your own tooling.

 

[weo]

I had similar thoughts a few years ago. I've used one and in my experience, I'll agree with Stacy and lanternnate. It's only slightly better than hand hammering. After a while, the leg muscles start to fatigue, and balance starts to become difficult.
IMO, the best use of a treadle hammer is for when you need to use tooling and don't have a striker handy (as noted above).
You said power (I'm assuming electrical) and space are an issue, but a tire hammer would be the same sq footage and only needs 120V. (Not sure why having an outdoor outlet or long extension cord won't work for you.) A good tarp would protect it from the elements when not in use.

 

[12345678910]

If you do that you will burn out your knee, then get a power hammer.


Why not skip the bad knees and use electricity right away.

treadle vs power hammer or preess = same floor space

1hp motor = one 110v 15 amp circuit

 

[Lieblad]

They are great to sit down on the job. Doing sculpture or repossé work. Perhaps peening scytheblades...
As mentioned, not great toward forging.

 

[Aidenag]

yeah just get a press. will take up same floor space as a treadle will. and you can get presses that run on 110. Same goes for smaller power hammers. I almost went with the 16 ton coal iron that runs on standard outlets, but opted for the 25 ton as i was rewiring my shop anyway at the time. Great product, good people making it.