POWER HAMMER BRAKES and SPRINGS

POWER HAMMER BRAKES and SPRINGS (Keith Leavitt continues the lesson)
At the left is Kieth’s guard in
the closed (or operative) position
At the right is the guard open
for maintenance.
Below is the bracket that locks
the guard in place. It is
“hinged” from a similar
bracket on the other side of the
hammer frame.
At right is the minimum guard on
the Editors LG. It covers the spring
only, because Bud Heaton told me that
was the most dangerous part.
Disclaimer: Although this guard/brake design
may provide inspiration for further construction, and may prevent accidents and oil
“slinging” it was not built by a professional
engineer and is not presented as a model to be
copied. The writer disclaims all responsibility
or liability for accidents or damage incurred by
imitation of this design. This is just one man’s
personal solution for a protective power hammer guard and brake. Keith A. Leavitt
BRAKES:
My guard saved my face, but I am convinced it was my brake that
saved my machine. When hammering components fail, a good brake will control and stop everything instantly-“right now.” In an article last issue I told of a near miss while operating my antique power hammer in
which the guard helped me “save face,” You may think I
am a wuss, with an aversion to pain? True- but this morning I checked with my dentist on the going price for a
crown with a root canal… $1040! For just one tooth! My
last pair of glasses… $600! So it is not just a “pretty face”
I am thinking about when I promote machine guards and
brakes.
Thanks to information from the Suedemeiers of Little Giant Hammer and your editor Fred Mikkelsen, Ralph
Sproul, David Court, and Clifton Ralph, the following has
evolved. The Little Giant folks have provided us with
Dave Court’s 50# LG brake
(Continued on page 12)
Spring 2009
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New England Blacksmiths
photos and building instructions for the 25lb. and 50lb. hammer brakes. When asked the cost of these plans,
Sid replied, “No charge- and they come with a double-your-money-back guarantee!” He did ask one small
favor: He has just come out with an excellent, professionally made DVD on rebuilding a Little Giant hammer,
and asked if we could run a notice about this. [See the Tailgate page for the latest info]
I will again credit our own late Bud Oggier- an experienced and revered mentor, not known for mincing
words: “Put a brake on it!” When you have no brake, not only does the ram add unwanted maverick blows
to your work piece, but in the event of a side-arm, pin, or spring-cap set-screw failure, the remaining connecting parts can continue to flail, doing far more damage than needs to occur. Even though some old hammers
were sold with a brake, the shoe lining material disintegrates with use. In 1988, my used machine arrived in a
band-to-drum condition, (no brake shoe lining).
SPRINGS: Before I forget, I should mention that there are springs available for mechanical hammers. The
Little Giant Company provides parts and prompt, friendly service for their brand, and a limited number of
springs for other makes. (I was pleased to find that a K-15 spring intended for a 50Lb. Little Giant was a perfect fit for my 118 year old DuPont.) Years ago, I solved my hammer’s lack of brake dilemma by purchasing
truck automatic transmission lining, which I riveted to the brake band.
Contact Sid or Keri Suedmeier, at lgiant@altel.net. or LittleGiantHammer.com Call 402.873.6603. for parts.
Sid does not sell guards or brakes, but does provide plans for a “build-it-yourself” brake. (See related assembly plans on the next 3 pages). Clifton Ralph and David Court also have plans and good info for brakes at
http://magichammer.freeservers.com/DavidCourt.htm
So… if you are now one of the privileged who are operating or resurrecting a vintage remnant of the late industrial revolution, please “Put a guard and a brake on it!” Not for OSHA’S sake, but because it’s the
right and safe thing to do.
At the left, is the way Sid set up a brake on a 25# LG.
You can see how the linkage is arranged and the operating rod goes down to the treadle and pivot support is
mounted to the frame. In the photo above you can see
the solidly mounted anchor point on the other side of
the hammer.
(Continued on page 13)
Spring 2009
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New England Blacksmiths
(The Editor adds; Since Keith’s DuPont hammer is controlled by an idling belt, and not a clutch as in Little Giant
designs, the brake is activated by the pivot point on the
idler and requires much less hardware.) (picture at right)
Keith continues; Note: I hope others will weigh in on
power hammer operation and safety, as I know I have just
“scratched the surface.” Happy controlled hammering!
Keith A Leavitt
Some pictures from Sid Suedemeir of LG hammer
brakes. Below, on a 50# hammer fixed end on the left and
Operating end on the right. The hammer turns clockwise.
Spring 2009
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New England Blacksmiths
Spring 2009
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New England Blacksmiths