Tools

Tools seperate us from the monkeys (sometimes only just). Tools turn a shed into a workshop. Here we'll showcase some of the tools we use in the forge for your inspiration.

Appalachian Power Hammer

I bought the plans years ago from the Appalachian Blacksmith's Association to make my own power hammer. The parts slowly piled up as I found bits and pieces. Finally in July 2010 I stated construction. It was built over 12 days - a month of Sundays plus other days with lots of learning as I went.

I used a "Super Rusty" style, with inspiration from many other hammers on the web, but tried to keep it as simple as possible. Some statistics

The "anvil" weighs 140kg made from four 75 x 75mm solid bars 800mm long
The ram weighs 18kg with the dies, made from a 40 x 40mm solid bar
The initial dies are made from a cut up 10lbs sledge hammer head
Dies are bolt on and interchangeable
The leaf springs were "straightened" in my Hydraulic press
I use a 1hp motor going 1410 RPM
The pulleys are 2" and 14" which provide just over 200 hits per minute

Mini-Forge

I was recently asked to do a forging demonstration workshop at the local wood guild. Not wanting to drag my forge over, I used it as an excuse to make a mini-forge. I used a bit of 165mm 4mm pipe for the body, kept it simple without a door. Needed a back, some channel for the front leg, a bit of angle pipe and rod for the handle and a ring at the front to hold in the lining. I made it fit my existing venturi burner. It took about 3 hours to make, including lining and painting. Not bad for an afternoon's work. I cut up a bit of fire brick to protect the inside and give something to rest it on, and used another half brick for a door,

It gets very hot on only 20 kPa, enough for forging and heat treating. It looks like it could weld, but I'll save that for the bigger forge so I don't wreck the lining. It's quick, quiet, hot and doesn't use much gas.

Radius Master hollow grinding jig

John Price has come up with a clever addition to his excellent Radius Master linisher - a hollow grinding jig. Hollow grinding was previosly difficult on the due to your left hand hitting the motor when using the big wheel. There wasn't alot of room to move your hand to get the grind right. It is also difficult to get the grinds to match on both sides without a jig. The new jig makes hollow grinding very easy, accurate and with a great finish.

Hydraulic Press

After many months of construction (and a few setbacks) we welcome a new addition to the workshop - the hydraulic press. This machine puts about 25 tons of pressure on hot steel - forge welding with ease. It is the strong silent type and complains much less than a striker, and will dramtically lift productivity levels in the shop.

Initial tests in making damascus billets have come in about 16 times faster than by hand, without rushing! We didn't even break a sweat in making the first 180 layer billet. This should get faster as we get some practice.

This press makes damascus courses accessable to students of the Tharwa Valley Forge.

Many thanks to Myles and the guys at M and G Industrial for their help, support and advice.

McDonald Rolling Mill

Thanks to the amazing work of Adam Fromholtz and Paul Krebs, we welcome a new machine to the forge - a Hugh McDonald Rolling Mill. Hugh's elegant design allows billets to be evenly drawn out with a minimum of fuss or noise.

It is adjustable for different widths and can even draw out tapers. It also forge welds! Combined with the power of the hydraulic press, making damascus steel is much faster. It makes virtually no noise, so is suited for surburban workshops.

To order a CD of the fantastically detailed plans contact

Hugh McDonald
150 Williams Rd.
Gooseberry Hill 6076
Western Australia