Homemade power hammer (built for next to nothing!!)

[@stephenmonaghan6030]

"If I knew what I was doing, it wouldn't be so much fun, would it?" I love your attitude. Brilliant and entertaining delivery, and always with excellent results.

[@anthonywest9461]

5 years on and i`ve just rewatched this. Great build. My only complaint is I can`t leave 2 "likes".

[@linctexpilot8337]

"I found it & retrieved it...... after some words" Your videos are Brilliant!

[@houthakker46]

LincTexPilo

[@dwayneburbridge3283]

Great discussion on the axle problem!

[@wiretamer5710]

MASSIVE RESPECT. Why buy stuff when you can use your imagination, and create a true extension of yourself. The more you know, the less you need.

[@geoffmarriott4387]

This just proves that true British engineering spirit and ingenuity is alive and well - good job - we need more people like you teaching the youth of today how real engineering works

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you, that's very kind. I do actually wish someone had shown me something like this when I was a youth - it would have saved me wasting years working in a call centre!

[@Djgarner5005]

“If I knew what I was doing it wouldn’t be much fun would it” best thing I’ve heard in a while. Gonna use this one at work.

[@marlinblack6597]

Excellent tutorial of the trials and tribulations of building a power hammer. You are totally right in that it adds to and builds on the on-line library of information for fellow scrappers and budding engineers who see merit in using materials normally left to decay or melted down and charged again. Thank you for an excellent and informative video.

[@maximusironthumper]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for the kind words!

[@GypsyPaz]

That's the neatest and most organized scrap pile Ive ever seen

[@jamesfranklin5541]

The best power-hammer how-to on KZbin. I've watched it half a dozen times. Huzzah from Texas sir!

[@thereallycoolnameswereallt4587]

I love how happy you look when one of the steps works out well.

[@shaddec55]

So... this video kept showing up in my "recommended for you" list and I successfully ignored it for a few weeks. But it was persistent, so I finally bit the bullet and succumbed to that siren call. Glad I did, because I would say that's hands-down the most brilliant "bits and bobs" piece of junkyard engineering work I've ever seen! Maximus: you're a genius! Thanks!

[@MrJamesjustin]

Mate when you were looking for stuff in your yard, I must confess that I held little hope that I'd be impressed. I have to say though, I am indeed impressed. Well done and thank you for the numerous lessons.

[@wiretamer5710]

You have to see beyond the flaking paint... and the complaints on the state of the property from you-know-who.

[@MrMrWrench]

Excellent video. Great confidence that you have to show us your ideas and modifications as you build. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks very much for your time and sharing.

[@bags4649]

Thnx for putting this out there mate, by far the best learning video on building a power hammer, explaining the problems that you were having along the way as well... That was just what I needed to start planning out my own, I had a rough idea before, but no-one had really shown the linkages involved or the explained the problems with the ram or the length problems with the stroke... you have just saved me a lot of time and cash by showing those issues... Many Thnx

[@maximusironthumper]

That's really good to hear - it's exactly the reason I made the video! A bit more height than mine would increase your options and get as much steel in the anvil as possible (something I still need to increase on mine). Good luck with your build - life is much better with a power hammer!

[@bags4649]

Thnx mate

[@thegeneralstrike6747]

Been at it for 35 + years. A wise man once told me " Boy you must have the courage of 100 Lions. "I would have to disagree for obvious reasons. Why would you say such a thing?" I said He replied "Because the average failure rate of creation from invention is about 99%. Hell I would have offed myself by now and you just keep right on with your failures for only one success. That takes courage sir lots of courage!" Well done lion heart!

[@Georgie_poo]

Glad you bolted the head. Makes for easy changes when worn and possibly make different shapes and sizes. Now it just needs a name, great work!

[@mikelamothesr.8998]

You, sir, get full marks as a teacher. Clear, concise without mumbling. I went from a comparable uninitiated to a person capable of bodging a power hammer of my own. You have indeed empowered me as well as my shop. As to materials, I may have to liberate some stock, would you have any lying about? Mike

[@maximusironthumper]

I need more stock myself! I still need to beef up the anvil weight a bit. Good luck with your build, it's great fun!

[@TheMainlinehobo]

Thanks for your sharing your engineering work! saved me a great deal of time and effort on my own build. I'm starting here in a week or so and have changed the spring linkage and hinge detail to take advantage of your work. This is the kind of detail we need more of on KZbin for sure! Again thanks!.

[@maximusironthumper]

Very happy to have been of some help! Good luck with your build!

[@grimsoul0]

Great job and I liked that you left in the trail and error parts of the video. And it shows that with a little imagination what can be done with what most people would call a bunch of junk. It wasn't a bunch of junk laying out there. It was a power hammer laying out there. :)

[@maximusironthumper]

thanks! I keep telling people it's a pile of useful stuff - it was nice to prove it!

[@electricboogeyman5855]

"Short a couple inches. Same ol' story." Lol. I am starting my build soon. Great video. Thanks

[@christopherkelly6523]

Love hearing your Thought Process! Bravo. Cheers from Arizona USA

[@thetacticalfuturist588]

Wonderful to watch a solid craftsman make something useful from nothing.

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you!

[@TheGuidedSharpeningGuide]

Great work sir!!!! Simple is always better in my opinion. Its not overbuilt so it's not over complicated to build or work!!!!

[@danandreinicoara1872]

Mersi fain munca ta si solutiile tehnice gândite de tine, vor fi valabile multi ani! Multa sanatate tie si familiei tale cu prosperitate si noroc!

[@deadtech]

So so great. I love the long version. It's a masterclass in trouble shooting and problem solving. Thanks!

[@lumberjackoutdoors933]

This was great, I just finished building my first forge, and as I was building it I was dreaming up a power hammer concept something similar to this. Your video has filled in all the gaps, great stuff brother!

[@thedudeamongmengs2051]

This is incredibly helpful. Like you mentioned there aren't a lot of videos that show all the little details and information so to be able to find this is great

[@xXninjaturtleiam1Xx]

Love the video…and I totally relate to your figure it out as you go approach. I believe you said it best in that, “ it wouldn’t be much fun if you knew what you were doing.” Or something to that nature. Thanks for the video and hope you and the hammer are still knocking about! Cheers!

[@dcardelhac]

To Maximus many thanks for taking on your journey to build an Appalachian style helve hammer. I've been salvaging materials for a small power hammer for some time, and for the past several months have been tossing up between a little giant style mechanism or the pivoting helve. Your wonderful clip (including all mistakes, problems and remedies) has finally swayed me towards the helve style. However I have one suggestion for possibly improving the operation of your hammer- use more mass in the anvil base and the support column to deaden vibration. I recall that in the recent past there was a discussion on IForge about the best comparative anvil/ hammer mass ratios for junkyard hammers. I look forward to checking out the rest of your videos. Ps great to see a fellow Landrover enthusiast. Regards from Terra Australis

[@maximusironthumper]

The column is fine - very hefty tube there, but I agree about the anvil, it needs much more mass! Basically stick as much as you can under the hammer. I've been meaning to upgrade mine ever since building it, but massive lumps of steel are in short supply around here. I've managed to get hold of a huge section of 20mm thick plate from a weighbridge. I intend to chop it into sections and bolt them together, just working up the enthusiasm to do all the cutting!

[@martymorgan9977]

You have created a power hammer army! I really enjoyed your explanations. I am going to give it a go.

[@maximusironthumper]

Enjoy! A power hammer is great fun!

[@TheRedhawke]

Thank you Mr. Ironthumper, that is one sweet hammer build and great explanation of why you were doing what you did.

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback!

[@danielcrawford7315]

Maximus Ironthumper , sirSir reckon it's been a while at work. So I was just pondering on how its fit n function is going for you? Any problems or work out spots you've had to address? Thank you for your time and efforts in this build and sharing your vidiography with us, Crawford out.

[@daoudi47]

Thank you very much

[@paulorchard7960]

Max, you are a thinker and innovator, flexible and talented, I expect your background is in the metal working trades and you seem to be a master! Would love to spend some time with you,me in your shop fine tuning details and you in mine doing the same. We are half a world apart but I am subscribing to keep up with your projects!

[@damohart6909]

What a great video showing that whole journey. Well done and thanks for creating this

[@BlueCollarTony]

Gives me so much inspiration to build since I'm just starting out. Your video definitely helps better understand the mechanics than text on paper. Thank you!!

[@maximusironthumper]

Cheers! Very glad to have helped - good luck with your build!

[@NearlyNativeNursery]

Maximus Thank Very Much for filming and posting this video. What a brilliant way to create a power hammer from scrape.

[@davidschwartz5127]

I almost need to wear ear protection to watch this, Great build, I enjoyed watching as you worked thru you're problem-solving.

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you - I enjoyed making it!

[@agoogleuser8212]

Hubby is building same thing and was at point where you fabricated and weighing options including what you have done. This gave him the confidence to continue; thanks! You both have similar instincts it seems. From Arizona USA thanks. ✌️💜🌱😎

[@maximusironthumper]

That's great to hear! Glad he found it useful and good luck with the rest of his build.

[@scopex2749]

OMG thats a fair bit of kit! I remember seeing an old steam driven one up in Ironbridge, it has Three hammers each about a ton each. The operator had to stand in a special sling to keep him off the ground, as it vibrated so much it could cause bodily harm 😮 I can only imagine the working conditions those poor men had to endure! 😕

[@Edgunsuk]

hi blacksmith here and a welder im guessing you know by now but railroad track is about 1040 carbon steel so if you do not pre heat it and keep it warm after welding it acts exactly like cast , all carbon steel is the same when you weld it , snaps either side of the weld as the temperature difference is to great for the carbon structure to bridge the gap.

[@maximusironthumper]

Nicely explained, thank you!

[@shanelee8085]

Thank you for shedding some light on how the machine is built.

[@freshlymade3932]

That's what I was looking for. A way to make your own hammer. That's bad ass man! Great job

[@handyhippie6548]

this is the only build i have seen that shows the process of working out the design on the fly. good job, and nice work! liked and subbed.

[@Tc-hb8vp]

This guys a backyard genius all his projects are amazing

[@kevinklingner3098]

Using railway iron will eventually shatter as it is cast steel and brittle. You should use thick flat rolled steel that is two to three even 4 inches thick. It wont shatter or bend then

[@RickRabjohn]

You did a great job with this video and the hammer looks terrific! Building machinery from scrap is big fun - thanks for sharing!

[@АлександрПерчов-ж9у]

How fortunate that you have such a great selection of scrap at hand, some of us guy's have to really scrounge to find stuff like old I-beams & semi-truck leaf spring packs!

[@maximusironthumper]

I've been collecting scrap for many years - it was great to actually use some of it!

[@stina6762]

Max . Stumbled across your vids a few days back . loving what you get up to and your enthusiasm . felt your pain a few times , Wrong torque settings , leaks after the event , revisiting jobs signed off etc . I don't need a power hammer in my life , but i have kept lots of hedge condition equipment going in the past with some of your methods !!! Anyhoo , Keep at it Big Man Stina

[@robertmcanany6397]

Nicely done, sir. Lots of good information here for anyone that wants to take the leap and build their own Bash-o-matic 5000.

[@nickmac8078]

Mate! You are fantastic!!! Living the dream for sure. I am inspired and motivated to follow in your foot steps! So the journey begins! Thank you!!!

[@AzMarineGhillie]

Thank you for this video. I enjoyed watching how you were able to do this and make adjustments as needed for the final outcome. Well done sir.

[@scotgordon2138]

Very nice! I built one similar to yours using stuff I had around the place but years ago.... thinking about getting back into it... actually taking a knife making class soon... I would like to build a bigger forge... but it's plenty big and hot to make knives if I find it is my nitch ... It is nice to see people out there still forging... wasn't very many when I got started 20 years ago... but maybe there were and it's the technology that lets me see more now... I Love It! :)

[@neurotoksyn]

Extremely useful learning video. It'll help me plan out and build my own when I can scrounge up the materials. The motor engagement method is simple but for some reason I didn't think of it when I was working through how to build one on my own. I thank you for your insights and for your trial and error so those of us that follow can learn and improve. .

[@maximusironthumper]

The tyre clutch has been a revelation, very intuitive to use and I can feather the power to hit just the way I want it. By sort of tapping my foot, I can even make it run at half speed!

[@christophernewman8741]

Great video and Great build. Not having the rail welded makes it even better for me I can swap out the rail for a wedge and split wood when I'm not hammering.

[@usmcretired2112]

Good job any very useful indeed. I got the link from Helm Forge. The both of you guys have given me new hope in building my machine. As I said on Helm's video, I bought the manual and watched the video on a few builds. Wish I had seen you guys sooner. Very informative, THANK YOU..Hammer on..Hap Smith Jr. Smith Forge, U.S. Marine Corps 2112-8531 (retired)

[@angelaprater2679]

Good job not many can do what you did. Hard work payed off.

[@brucepigeon3671]

Love your blueprint. You think like I do, except I prefer cardboard boxes and magic markers. Great build.

[@00Towers]

honestly, this the least scary leaf spring power hammer i´ve seen on youtube, nice work man. is always those damn couple of inches...

[@paulorchard7960]

Well done Max, you anticipatedd and solved problems before they existed

[@maspuding]

Boy will be boy.. Buy some new toy, or make some. That is an amazing build, on your power hammer sir. Simple and working. Thanks for making this video. Greetings from Indonesia sir.

[@Anino_Makata]

Where most would see junk, this man sees a power hammer. Lovely work, sir!

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you! I saw lots of junk, but also a power hammer!

[@StutleyConstable]

This makes me wish I had documented the building of my own power hammer. Good job and stay safe with that monster.

[@edwilliams5007]

Absolute Awesomeness!!! I got the plan from the internet, I have the idea...but you put everything together in my mind. Kudos for the video mate. I really appreciate all your hard work to put this together. I am now on my way to having my own Power Hammer. Thank You soooo much : ~)

[@maximusironthumper]

That's brilliant to hear! Good luck with your build - have fun!

[@UKNOWNUknown-ii7ti]

Ed Williams where did you find the plans If you wouldn’t mind shareing

[@Zero_thehero]

Some good plans available?

[@richyearle007]

You made that look easy..Very impressive.Thanks for sharing mate.

[@bob-mu7wk]

"So......Bugger" Couldn't have put it better myself! Excellent video and a really neat project, nicely done sir!

[@bobbystanley8580]

I can't believe how resourceful you are!

[@maximusironthumper]

I do have a LOT of junk lying around!

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

half of resourcefulness is being lucky enough to have a huge pile of assorted miscellaneous resources.

[@davelowe1977]

The most important aspect to British engineering is the shed.

[@gordonagent7037]

Mate, I have to take my hat off to you, most clips you watch you know they have had a couple of cracks to get it right but yours worked the problem on air, which I really appreciated as I reckon a first time build needs some nutting out and is a bit hit and miss. Good to see you made those couple of inches work too. End result was a workable project which put some coin in your pocket so bloody top effort and well done. Regards fro AUS

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you - having to put it straight to work certainly sharpened up my resolve to get it right first time!

[@AvaFayIliza]

This thing is really cool! Also incredibly terrifying.

[@georgegavin1208]

Hell yeah!! You got a Power Hammer now! It was a lot of work and I wish I could have been there to help you, but I was watching and pushing for you all the way bud. I hope they liked the table legs, but even if they don't ......"POWER HAMMER!!" I wish I had one . Good job bud.

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you. It was actually a lot of fun to build!

[@charlesneilio6301]

I thought I was the most laid back man of all but after listening to you , you might have me beat.

[@josepaixao5600]

Very good job!!! Beautiful machine. Simple and functional.

[@johnbayer4056]

Tremendous work! In concept and execution... and thrift!!! I'm weighing the merits of building one myself my concept is something of a solid hangman's gaff hanging a spring down to a swing arm that holds the hammer. I don't have a lot of room, you see. Anyway, great work, cheers!

[@FletcherAndEdward]

Adding to the anvil should help a bit. I'll guess anything over 1.5" stock will be a workout with the weight of the ram. Good stuff for tight guide shims is called UHMW plastic, some small engines use cams made of it rated for 5000 hours. It's impact, wear and friction resistant. If it was the bolt that broke on top of the tup/ram grade 8 are more likely to sheer than grade 5, some power hammer plans will say grade 8 shouldn't be used in some spots. Really nice hammer built on the spot, I'd call that a big success.

[@maximusironthumper]

Thanks, you have some good info there too! I will try to remember to mention the plastic as a possible upgrade when I come to do my follow up video. It was actually a join in the box section that encloses the tub weight that broke - it was only part welded and my mate found the weakness! It was soon redone properly!

[@michaelmcclafferty3346]

You are a very clever and skilled man!

[@jvmiller1995]

Nice build. I looking as I am getting ready to build kinda the same concept. Have you thought about putting some brass or even delron plastic for shims on your guides. I have been putting a lot of thought in on how to make mine. I am going to use 2 pieces of heavy angle 3 in to kind box in that 2 in ram but want to put the delron in between the angle and ram. the side of del ron facing ram will be flat the back side going against the angle will have 2 shallow holes. drill holes in angle the same size and to match the delron. weld nuts over them. only on 2 sides. then you will have adjustment to tighten the shims. a good coat of grease. I think it would smooth that hammer out and for sure keep the guides from wearing out. if that makes sense. how ever it is just a thought at this time. I hope to be able to start it next month. That said I did learn a lot watching this. thank you for the up load. hope i dont come off as a know it all. I just can see that failing with any real use. I use to build the big shaker screens like they use to catch gold.So I do have some Idea of things and not just talking shit to tear you down. I totally love the fact that it is a junk yard hammer. Mine will be too.I hope to post the build on my page in the next couple months. hope you get lots of use out of it

[@maximusironthumper]

It does have brass shims with teflon grease. It works well enough for me and has withstood some brutal use! There are always improvements to be made though which is partly why I put so much detail in the video so as to give others a head start (someone in the comments had a great idea using skateboard wheels, might be worth finding their comment). If its been of any use to you then I'm very happy about that. Good luck with your one!

[@victordesanderobledo4522]

That's a nice design and a better construction! Only that if I were to make it, I would have used brass bushings instead of ball bearings at the top pivot.

[@NagelHausForge]

Wow! I love this video, man! I have been pondering building a power hammer myself but I just couldn't piece it all together in my mind. You do a great job of explaining the steps and the trouble points! Great job! Cheers!

[@maximusironthumper]

Thanks! Go for it! I chose this design party because it was the easiest for me to get my head around (and partly because I think it's looks cool!).

[@randallcrawf]

Awesome job, excellent workmanship.

[@TrojanHorse1959]

That's pretty darned ingenious. Thanks for sharing it.

[@CitizenSmith50]

"Can't my power hammer." "Why not?" "It's got a flat tyre!" Seriously though that's brilliant! Your shed looks like mine - a man after my own heart !

[@luciotravaglini4748]

Awesome perspective on physics. Good on you mate 🤟

[@chrisbridges1328]

Nice job man. That looks like you will be able to do some good work with it. Cut up and shape some more replacement track sections in different tool shapes and you will be able to do even more...so bolting it together appears to be a plus not a work around of a problem. Very pleased with it. Scary as it is lol

[@maximusironthumper]

Thanks, and yes, more dies from rail sections are on the to do list!

[@roiferrer07]

man you are one bad ass builder.

[@Baroque_Back_Mountain]

I never thought I'd say this to a guy, but ....you have a beautiful junk pile. =) Great build !!!

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you, I've been growing it for years!

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

@@maximusironthumper ok I've been itching to know. How is the old hammer running now Been a couple of years so I figure you've been able to find all it's bugs

[@maximusironthumper]

@@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740 It's still running well! You can see it hard at work in my latest video.

[@priestleyharker4046]

Mate you're a legend. I'll be using your design. Much respect from Australia

[@DaveAppleton]

Love your videos I've watched nearly all of them. I'm sure the railway track is rolled steel and that it was acting as a massive heat soak, that's why your weld didn't take. Heating it up with the blow torch first would have allowed the weld to penetrate more and hold. Please keep the video's coming 😀

[@petersack5074]

Mr. Maximus: very wonderfull. i am a fan/user of rail road track, and others. Those rectangle, plates which the rail sits on, on top of the wooden ties, MAKE WONDERFULL stands, for pole trouble lamps, as well as a base, for grinders, and other things. Rail, is 1084 steel, very hard. Surprised, in a good manner, for the ' hammer head ' of your build. Leaf springs, good idea !. Take care !

[@jayazelby306]

I am not a thief, but I will steal this idea. Very informative, everyone can understand.

[@maximusironthumper]

You can't steal the idea - it's being given away! I couldn't have built mine without other peoples videos - it's nice to give something back!

[@haroonasmal772]

Great video with a lot of insight into building one of these that most other guys don't touch on. I've seen some guys recommend ultra high molecular weight polyethylene bearings for the the guide but I guess it depends on your budget. Maybe you can fill the centre column up with sand to give it more weight and reduce the vibrations and add some bracing to the guide arm as well to improve its stiffness. All in all a great video 👍

[@maximusironthumper]

Thank you! Yep, the special plastic has been mentioned - but the brass plates had the advantage of being free :-) Thanks for the ideas, they can all go on my upgrade wish-list!

[@Martin-pb7ts]

Great video. Really enjoyed how you made something out from digging things out of a pile of stuff that doesn't look useful.

[@maximusironthumper]

Thanks! It was about time my pile of stuff made itself useful!

[@kjcsomerville]

Great job Max, you should be proud, congrats' from Essex !!!

[@anthonymabrey1084]

Well sir I have to say you are everything that is man ! You sure do inspire me ! Great build !

[@Louisb4634]

Super cool bro. I would have material stored just as you do and my n laws would say "i was a hoarder". Most of the world population are walking zombies and could never fathom or hav the skills to achieve such a feat. Way to go

[@bluecobra6294]

Amazing machine, i thought of making one but my neighbours may very well have me publicly flogged. Really nice job, outstanding video. Many thanks.

[@chadw4969]

I have some pretty amazing neighbors...but I did try to fill my anvil base with sand... and the hammer slider tube.... Estimate I brought my decibels down 20/ 30...i think filling the main pillar with sand before I welded the end caps on , would have helped too.. I used 2" schd 80 pipe for most of my structural frame...that would have made it almost silent...but impossible to move...lol

[@bjcourtney5180]

Great job, truly watching someone who can think on his feet. Very inspirational!!

[@gregdileonardo760]

Thank you for the experience now I have a bit of hope gor building my own one day!

[@trainerlance]

I really like how at 10:15 you can see on your face how you are going to fit those to the machine you create. I do the same.

[@TheGrover1968]

It appears that you could compete in an episode of Junkyard Wars. Very clever, sir.

[@Tom-gh8lz]

i feel like he could be the junkyard wars stig

[@waltlars3687]

Excelant tip about useing the lazor level to set the post strait

[@BrandXsps]

That's pretty terrifying. Good job.

[@mountainviews5025]

So the hammer is a great tool and since you built it it's even better I love it brother I will have one thank you