Introduction to the treadle hammer for blacksmithing

A few viewers have asked about the inline treadle hammer. So today I will discus the hammer I built using the plans by Clay Spencer. Plans available at
abana.org/stor...
Thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in Southern Colorado.
If you would like to provide financial support to my KZbin channel visit
www.paypal.me/...
Find my shop on line at:
www.blackbearfo...
www.blackbearfo...
/ blackbearforge
/ black-bear-forge-20986...
The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.
www.piehtoolco....
www.centaurforg...
www.blacksmith...
www.blacksmithb...
www.oldworldan...
www.abana.org/
www.mcmaster.com
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[@K3Flyguy]

My father and built the Gad-Marx treadle hammer from plans 10 years ago. Shortly afterwards he was diagnosed with acute Parkinson's disease. We didn't get to finish all the tools we planned to build for it. I use the treadle regularly but I really need to put together a few more tools for it. Everytime I use it (I nicknamed it " THE BEAST") , I think of dad and our many accomplished asks and as many failures in the shop! We learned things every time we heated steel! Did you know a 4 inch piece of 3/8 round stock heated to red will instantly reheat a cup of coffee that has gone cold?? !! Lolol Didn't learn that in school!!! The things dad and I learned!!!

[@BernardSandler]

That looks brilliant. Seems so accessible and build-able! I love the lack of power requirement.

[@edanthony4131]

I learned more here in 15 minutes than several hours on other channels...Thanks great presentation...

[@BlackBearForge]

You are quite welcome

[@jordanhartmann1745]

thats kinda what I like about his videos. Lots of bang for your buck.

[@jonas2431]

Hes the best

[@jonas2431]

@@jordanhartmann1745 literally banging

[@ConstructIcon]

Best treadle hammer video yet! I own one & you have definitely opened up some new possibilities! Thanks! Subbed!

[@dougstamler1754]

Hi John. Just watched your evolution into blacksmithing. I've been watching your utube videos for close to 3yrs now. Enjoy them , learned lots. Done more projects because of them. Take Care from Canada.👍

[@paulcorbeil4364]

Hi mister, you are a great ''forgeron'' My uncle was also a good forgeron at Rigaud , i ask him several time when i was young, to show me, but i do not know why, he did not want! Now i am 66 years old and i build this winter a forge in my garage. 2019 11 14 Saint-Joseph de Mékinac, Trois- Rives, Québec et Labrador

[@colinrobertson843]

so love to build 1 for my self and my son we are just getting in to blacksmithing and doing some knife making

[@greenbeen_079]

I have 60 plus crane pin would that work

[@bjornronaldson6017]

That's brilliant! Going to have to make one.

[@Adagamante]

This was exactly what I needed! I just learned about the existence of treadle hammers, and needed a comprehensive look at their function. I'm sure building such a tool is no easy task, but I'll start to look into it because, as I run a single-man backyard workshop, I often feel like I need more arms to handle the holding and hammering, and the treadle hammer seems to solve just that. Down the line I might be able to get my hands on a power hammer, but I think this would be a great first step.

[@NC_Fisher_Guy]

I used a treadle hammer the other day, I was making tomahawk out of a hammerhead at an open forge. It moved the metal so much faster.

[@paulorchard7960]

Been collecting bit and pieces for almost a year to build one, finally got springs today so now am ready to go! Opps, forgot roller blades, shouldn’t be too hard to find, back to gumtree!

[@zettle2345]

If you need a rubber stopper? Just stop some time when you see a thrown semi truck recap on the highway or other roadside. It's easy to cut the belts and a 1/4-20 bolt with a washer will give you a way to attach it. And there is plenty of extra if you want to play with the design... lol cool tools, it's a free helper. doesn't complain and won't need fed

[@bamsebrumbamsebrumen5403]

Great machine, 🙂 can't help but wonder if the springs cannot be replaced by a counter-weight, still the springs will give you a good workout😊

[@stephenpeuramaki8883]

That pipe clamp safety feature is a great idea, I'll be adding that to my inline treadle hammer before I use it again. Still trying to figure out how to hook up a chain to use as an arrester in case the leaf spring breaks.

[@BlackBearForge]

I have seen an extra arm above the head for a chain. Not enough ceiling room in my shop though.

[@speura1]

@@BlackBearForge Figured out how to hook up the chain to use as an arrester without adding an extra arm. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGeVnqqod66gfNU

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

I found you when you made that video for Chandler, I have been watching ever since then. I really enjoy watching you and am learning so much! Just wanted to say thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

You are welcome

[@nathandunning7150]

I just did a search this can be bought for $1700! This is exactly what I would like instead of a power hammer.

[@dimitri1786]

Excelente máquina broder 😊👍👍👍👍

[@obfuscated3090]

Fine idea for users with bad shoulders. Mine's been replaced so no hammering for me, but legs are far more powerful than arms anyway.

[@francielsonf7]

eu aqui do Brasil, achei o seu trabalho o melhor. Parabéns e obrigado por compartilhar o seu conhecimento.

[@motoputz3201]

nice! and no electricity

[@gonecoastal4]

Good exercise too! Remember never skip leg day, fellas.

[@gathotkaca6911]

Love your videos

[@billsiegel1783]

Thank you for showing that video I’ve always wanted know how that machine worked.

[@kenrawlings3722]

John you are an inspiration as a teacher. I've watched my shop grow and your treddle hammer intrigues me. If you can find the time could you please tell me the full length of stroke of your treadmill hammer. Thank you again.

[@richardstewart1955]

George Dixon demonstrated on a treadle hammer and used short punches and chisels. He wrapped them in a piece of soft leather and held them in a vise grip. It gave him very good control and kept hands and fingers out from under the hammer.

[@BlackBearForge]

Interesting idea, I may give it a try

[@georgebecker1191]

Great video! I just purchased the modified plans from ABANA. I'm looking forward to building it.

[@mikekeltner4291]

How much are the plans?

[@SuperJaXXas]

Loved this video, I know I'm late to the game but I just recently bought an inline treadle hammer from Bob Alexander. I must say I think Bob builds an awesome treadle hammer! A couple of questions if you don't mind. I'm getting ready to bolt the hammer down, would it be good or bad to use some type of isolation mounting, or just bolt it straight the concrete floor? I'm thinking straight to the concrete floor but it shouldn't hurt to ask! Also when making dies for the treadle hammer, is mild steel OK? Something more exotic? Is there an 'anvil' effect if you use properly heat treated dies? Thanks John, esp for all your great videos, I've learned so much and so much more to go! BTW I'm sending you a package tomorrow!

[@BlackBearForge]

I prefer to put a rubber mat under before bolting down. As for the dies, it depends on what they are and how much they will be used. Mild steel works, but will deform more over time

[@benjaminzedrine]

Pipe clamp...yeah uh...you're brave. I don't think I'd ever do it. Not quite as quick as a power hammer but it's best I keep the mindset of "hands away from the blocks".

[@АренАкобян-ю6в]

Very good tool... I watch you have and Hydro press 👍If it is not difficult to make a video about the press.. Thank you in advance.. Good luck

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very nice. Very well explained video. Forge On. God bless.

[@patrickkelly9721]

Thank you

[@FeatherForge]

Thanks for the link John. Looks like a great hammer. I've got a very old Oliver hammer in my shop but it takes up an awful lot of space. I'm half considering selling it and building something like yours. All the best Andy

[@Gouel69]

I love it.

[@buynsell365]

Great Video !!! I have never really but much stock into one of these however after this video I really think I could use one. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work.

[@bunyanforgings7849]

What is the distance of travel on the hammer? and how many pounds pressure (average) do you have to step down with? Curious if this is a direction I want to go since I enjoy periodic sciatic issues.

[@BlackBearForge]

The travel is about 12" but it gains momentum as it goes so the further toward the bottom it strikes the harder it strikes. I can't really guess at the force to work the hammer as it can change based on the treadle height and travel distance. But it would be much less than squatting down and standing back up.

[@superdave54811]

My admiration for such genius. Well made! I will be relegated to manually pounding things with hand held tools.

[@JaimeBrass]

I was wondering what a good height for the anvil is on it ? It appears yours is about waist-high and seems to work well is that correct?

[@glennfelpel9785]

What more can I say this was excellent! Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad you enjoyed it. I also received your donation, thank you so very much that was incredibly generous of you.

[@glennfelpel9785]

You are certainly welcome and thank you for the valuable content and all the work it takes to put on the videos.

[@cathalshannon5853]

Glenn Felpel Ii

[@DavidKirwanirl]

I can't think of what you can do under a treadle hammer that you can't under a power hammer 😵‍💫

[@lonnywalsh]

Wow, great overview. I've been thinking about making a treadle hammer for my outdoor hobby shop. The benefits are undeniable!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertkoontz7865]

When the S.H.T.F. tool for sure. I enjoy your vidz and thanks for sharing Bailey's he's really skilled on that power hammer. I used to try and be ambidextrous while swinging the hammer and now I see the advantage of working both sides. Thanks

[@donleondevillafana7615]

Y' know what other trade is useful for SHTF? Wood Patternmaking for making machines like in the early Industrial Revolution

[@mattwyeth3156]

Thank you for your reply I have purchased the plans already and am looking forward to receiving them as they are arriving from the U.S. thanks for recommending them

[@mrkiky]

seems like it hits harder than a hand hammer with a fraction of the effort

[@BlackBearForge]

The head is about 60 pounds, so it can be pretty aggressive.

[@kenrawlings3722]

Good morning John, How far apart are the rollers for the inline slide?

[@jerrettfeatherston3517]

The treadle hammer has a washer and nut missing on the right side, at the bottom of the in line skates harness.

[@stokermeister3]

A very nice machine and the noise is a bit discerning

[@mustafasaid5857]

Very simple and very easy.....very power.

[@nnrmetalwerks889]

When I click the link to purchase the plans, it says page not found. Is there another place I could acquire these plans? I'm excited to build one!

[@BlackBearForge]

They are still available from ABANA. Here is a new link abana.org/store/#!form/Shop

[@beechamblades23]

Brilliant. Just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing this.😀

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brokenstarforge4276]

I buy coal from the guy that makes those in desoto Mo

[@KF0QLH-Doug]

great info as usual John. Thank you.

[@abrahamanthony7106]

Subscribed!

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome to the family

[@gateway8833]

I bet you were an awesome instructor in the Fire Service. I always discarded the practicalities of a Treadle Hammer, yet another paradigm shift care of Black Bear Forge.

[@BlackBearForge]

I would have hated being an instructor. That would mean being off the engine and working days. Blacksmithing on the other hand lets you teach and still forge.

[@danil8379]

The website for the hammer plans is not available perhaps you know where else I can buy the plans for it? Thanks for the video.

[@BlackBearForge]

The plans belong to ABANA and I believe can only be purchased there. Here is a link to their store page, scroll down to find the treadle hammer plans. old.abana.org/store/ABANAStore.shtml

[@deankay4434]

Great information on a non-power tool that get you far enough away from the wife or neighbors who might complain about the sound. Not to be confused about the noise coming from the neighbors at 2AM on Wednesday night, the Friday and so on! Theirs nothing like 3 AM Karaoke from drunk neighbors! Thanks, I love machines that work!

[@imortaldeadead]

Fantastic tool, I can see how the thread hand would be so vary helpful, not to over look how you can get delicate things done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kodos9000]

Love your channel. I am going to make one of those for my knife making. Unrelated I have those same Keen shoes haha SignyRoseSteel.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks. I do like the Keens, although that pair finally had to be replaced.

[@cogpastorc]

John, this is something I really want to build once I get into my shop. I have looked at several and I think the "in line" would work a little better just as you have mentioned.

[@BlackBearForge]

The plans for this hammer are available from ABANA. I have been very happy with it

[@daleringland1312]

I am wondering what is the overall height of the hammer ? I have purchesed a set of plans but it is not listed in the specks. want to know if it is going to fit in my shop before i start construction.

[@BlackBearForge]

There would be some possibility to make things shorter, up to a point. Mine is just over 7' with the ram up and that means it must sit between 2 rafters for a little more clearance.

[@shadetreeforge]

John, Meyer Machine tool Company in Columbus Ohio makes almost the same treadle hammer and you can get an optional air cylinder with a 5 way solenoid valve where you can go from treadle to power hammer and back again with the flick of a switch and no having to add or remove anything to switch back and forth

[@coryjohnson2314]

The link to the plans leads to a "404" page. Does anyone have an updated link or know a place to get these plans?

[@BlackBearForge]

They're available through the ABANA web site.

[@kirkruiz12]

It's better then beating by hand

[@jois6499]

Hi John can you say me, how much zentimeters is the Pedal to the Floor. And from the Anvil to the Hammer?

[@coreymerrill3257]

A pivot point on that foot level, connected to one side ,connected to an acentric cam , connected to a pivot point on the edge of a fly wheel ,connected to a central drive shaft ,connected to a 1/2 HP AC engine ...connected to a foot pedal... I wise crack but I actually learn alot and am encouraged to think alot about what could be done ,when i watch these amazing videos.

[@ginojaco]

The only change I'd make to John's treadle hammer is the Hardy hole's shape. On mine I have a an eight-pointed star (i.e. two squares centred on one another but one rotated by 45 degrees), this allows for a bit more flexibility of position for bottom tools. Certainly that's not always necessary, but sometimes as well as needing the 'third hand' that a treadle hammer allows, you can find yourself having to work at an awkward angle; and on such occasions having the extra rotational options for the bottom tools really can help.

[@BlackBearForge]

Good idea, did you have that water jet cut or did you do lots of filing?

[@ginojaco]

@@BlackBearForge I used a tri-square file; no access to a cutter back then and, anyway, filing allows for a perfect fit for the bottom tool's shank. Get it so it 'just' fits, then a little extra dressing and you'll have it. Probably more important for me to have a close fit because my treadle isn't in-line.

[@joecrosby1272]

I have a picture of I think was you and that hammer . I used it as a model to build mine after. I changed a couple things but same overall deaign... works awesome

[@MrMakto]

How far do these vibrate the ground if I have it on dirt? I live in suburbia and while I have no noise ordinance, I am worried about vibration exceeding 50 ft. to another home foundation. How would these work for punching hammer eye's?

[@BlackBearForge]

The vibration isn't that bad, no where near what a power hammer has. You can use a treadle hammer for punching hammer eyes. But i don't use it that way often. I do use it for chisel work quite often.

[@MrMakto]

@@BlackBearForge Thank you! I cannot do a power hammer at my current residence. I was between a Treadle and a Coal Iron 12 ton Press. The not needing power appeals greatly to me, its a limited resource and I have to prioritize what gets it. I primarily want to get into axes however.

[@cheapshotmike1091]

the best part is that you can make a crude treadle hammer out of a couple big sledgehammer's for almost free, and don't have to be a machinist. to do it. as someone who can not afford a power hammer or propper smithing press, I am so thankful that videos like this exist.

[@jonas2431]

The flatter is flattered

[@trevorhoward3121]

I really enjoyed this video. I Recently purchased the plans and am in the process of collecting the materials to build this. I have a question for you since you have experience using it. Do you think this tool has enough “umph” to make top tools, I.e. hammer eye punch, fullers, swages, etc? I work by myself and don’t have the space/money for power hammer. Thanks again for the content.

[@ВладимирШмидт-ф7и]

👍👍👍👍👍😉⚒️

[@SivaKumar-bx3fn]

Thank you for sharing this information. I decided that YOU COULD. my favourite INSTRUCTOR.TO MY CAREER IN BLACK SMITHY WORKS. 🙏🌹

[@katyuuki2261]

I just got the plans for this hammer. Are there any modifications to the original plans that you'd suggest? Or would you say the design is good as is?

[@BlackBearForge]

Mine uses a heavier anvil, just because it's what I could find at the time. But in general I think The plans are good as written.

[@katyuuki2261]

@@BlackBearForge thanks John, appreciate it!

[@TheOldaz1]

Thanks John, good intro to the treadle.

[@justinwilson4090]

Thanks for the great info. what's the weight on that fine piece of equipment? I've been interested in Clay Spencer's machines for quite some time now. I started A tire hammer based on his design about a year ago but had to abandon it do to a move with work. hopeful I'll soon be able to complete it. I appreciate you taking the time to record and edit the videos you post on you channel, well done on your content as well.

[@BlackBearForge]

The head weight is about 60 pounds. the whole machine probably close to 500

[@justinwilson4090]

Thank you sir.

[@lukecope4212]

Any chance you can direct me where to get ahold of these plans for this version of the treadle hammer you have? I'm not having any luck finding where to purchase them

[@BlackBearForge]

abana.org/marketplace/abana_shop/#!form/Shop

[@lukecope4212]

@@BlackBearForge much appreciated!! When I looked there it said error 404 not found. And this is the same version you have? I thought I saw somewhere that said there is 2 different versions of the design

[@JustinTopp]

I love treadle hammers. I’m building a small one for punching hammer eyes easier. I use a handle punch and it’s hard to hold the hammer, punch and hit at the same time

[@danielkeene-lopez3527]

So amazing!!!!

[@williamponce5907]

Please if at all possible can you please do a more in depth video to this hammer plans

[@BlackBearForge]

The plans belong to ABANA and can be purchased through ABANA.org

[@sonblacksmiths4437]

Super!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@srl413]

i just built a tridle hammer out of wood and 2 old hammers I'm still trying to get used to it but it helps with projects i need an extra hand with

[@halloichbinhieraufyoutube8995]

Best System.

[@Joe-dw8sh]

I wish I had the space for one of these

[@BlackBearForge]

Space is always an issue

[@jonas2431]

I want one

[@charlesmay8251]

thanks for the great video!

[@AFGaskillJr]

Threadle Hammers have their place in Blacksmithing , you just have to learn their limits.

[@PaulFontaniniArtist]

Great video John. It has inspired me to make one of my own. I have purchased the plans from ABANA. Two quick questions. What diameter is your main anvil steel bar? It looks huge. I was thinking 5” diameter would be heaps big enough for mine. Also the plans say to make the anvil is late with a 1” hardy hole for swapping out tooling. If both my anvils in the shop have 1 1/4 hardy holes should I modify the plans and put a matching bigger hole or would it be better to make dedicated tooling to suit just the treadle hammer?

[@BlackBearForge]

I think it is 6" round, but thats just because it was available, the sizes in the plans work just fine.

[@RickWeberSR]

You could attach a linear actuator to that thing that would basically make it a power hammer, easily and cheaply.

[@5x535]

Hi John. I am checking back in to get some more on the details of your treadle hammer. I only have two more components to get together before I begin to assemble the one I am putting together. This has been quite a challenging experience to build. Drilling 3/4" holes in 1/2" steel is more than my little drill press could handle and moving a couple of 300lb pieces of steel around in my shop came with another set of problems. But what a lot of fun! I am incorporating your safety stop in my hammer somehow, and now have a better idea of how my dies should fit/function. Thank you yet again for all of the inspiration that you have so generously shared with all of us. You have singlehandedly changed my retirement days sir. Thank you for all your efforts.

[@BlackBearForge]

Its a big job, but well worth the effort

[@williambarnhartblacksmith414]

I would love to build one, but I was worried it might be pretty difficult to drive a hammer down with my legs instead of gravity (as much). Is it relatively easy to get a lot of work done with it?

[@BlackBearForge]

It is less work that most exercise machines. But it does take a bit of effort. I have seen them set up with an air cylinder to deliver single blows.

[@donstephenson9474]

A very cool tool! :)

[@Adamu98]

Does a treadle hammer needs the same foundation slab as a power hammer or you don't have to worry about it?

[@BlackBearForge]

It doesn't need anything so massive, but it does help to have it anchored in place.

[@Adamu98]

@@BlackBearForge thanks

[@markburgess3512]

Could you please let us know the web site or a way of getting plans so can make one for my workshop in Herefordshire England .cheers.

[@BlackBearForge]

The plans are available through ABANA

[@mattwyeth3156]

Could you make the hammer head heavier in weight or is sixty pounds heavy enough to do most jobs ies can you punch or drift hammer eyes and forge axes under it as well as forging hardy tools

[@BlackBearForge]

You would probably need to upscale the frame and add heavier springs. I'm not sure at what point it becomes difficult to operate though.

[@Blacksmith.from.Lorien]

Скажите пожалуйста, для чего нужна на тяге винтовая стяжка??

[@BlackBearForge]

It allows for adjustment of the treadle height while also making small adjustments in spring tension

[@Blacksmith.from.Lorien]

1 секунду назад Благодарю Вас за ответ, Коллега! С удовольствием смотрю ваши видеоуроки. Очень интересно и познавательно, есть чему поучиться. К сожалению, не говорю по английски. Но Вы так доходчиво показываете, что понятно и без слов. Желаю Вам и вашим родным крепкого здоровья! С уважением , кузнец-художник Дмитрий Троицкий, Россия,Звенигород

[@GhoulishMink]

Great option for someone who doesn’t

[@wyoblacksmithtools3097]

How would you compare the amount of energy delivered by this versus a person using a 3 or 4 pound hammer? Thanks for posting! Jerry

[@BlackBearForge]

Its 60 pound, so it should be 15 times more than a 4 pound hammer. However it is also spread over a larger area in most cases since the dies are 4 x 4

[@patrickquinn6402]

How much would a solid piece of steel for the anvil stand cost? Holy cow.

[@BlackBearForge]

Mine was scrap and scrap prices were much lower back then. You'll have to check around in your area, if you're lucky you find something someone just wants hauled off.

[@patrickquinn6402]

@@BlackBearForge What diameter is the anvil?

[@BlackBearForge]

@@patrickquinn6402 I think mine is a chunk of 6" round. But thats overkill. Just hat I found. I think Clays plans were for 4" square

[@jdlives8992]

Should I build this first or a power hammer ?

[@BlackBearForge]

It all depends on what kind of work you are doing

[@jdlives8992]

Mostly small stuff. I think I gonna make the t hammer. Thanks for the upload