Subject: Re: "Kick Ass" treadle hammer

From: [email-masked] (Phill Jackson)
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 21:26:49 -0800

>I saw in the Anvil's Ring a "Kick Ass" air operated treadle hammer made by
>Off Center Forge.  Is there anybody on the list familiar with this machine,
>it looks very interesting.
>
This weekend the NWBA had it's Spring conference in St Helens, OR.  There
were 2 three hour demonstrations of the KA hammer under the control of its
developer, Grant Sarver.

I don't think that it can in any way be called a "treadle hammer" since it
is entirely powered by air, not human power.  Given that...

The hammer is unique in its small footprint and general size.  The base
plate is approximately 20 inches by 20 inches and the height of the hammer
is less than 5 feet.  The hammer weight is 75 pounds and the force of the
blow is augmented by the pull of the air cylinder.  A foot pedal regulates
the blow.  It's portable if you can rely on a couple of guys and a
handtruck to load it in your pickup.

Grant powered the demo hammer with a common 4hp air compressor of the
$250.00 size. It was not secured to a base; simply rested on the dirt floor
of the demo area
.
The hammer is currently selling at $4,200. (Maybe that's cheap for a power
hammer; what do I know)

Grant used the hammer in a variety of operations, including drawing,
stamping and punching, using dies of his own manufacture.  In one demo he
made a hammer head, a task requiring a lot of power but the KA delivered.

I understand that he also has a lease program, though the lease plus end of
term buyout would increase the total cost almost 50%.

Hope this gives you some useful info.

Phill Jackson
San Juan Ironworks

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From: Clyde Wynia <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 06:35:06 -0500

>it looks very interesting.  

Bob Bergman in the photo can send you literature and a video.8435 Sawmill
Rd, Blanchardville Wi 53516. 608-523-4750