Power hammer vs press | The Tools of the Trade | Forum

I'm not the expert, so please listen to what other folks have to say on the matter, but I have used both types of machines and pay attention to what I hear from the pros, so here's my input:

In a nutshell, power hammers are faster for drawing out material (a guess at speed of the hammers I've used would be 2-3 blows per second), whereas the presses I've used seem to have a 2-3 second cycle for each blow.  Which means that presses, while slower, gives one a bit more control.   Presses are also A LOT quieter and don't need isolated foundations which can be a significant concern if you are in a residential area and planning on using shop space with an already poured slab (ie: garage)

Over the past few years, I've seen some custom made presses that folks have built using automatic cycling and limit switches to limit how far the dies open to speed this up and they look really effective. 

From what you're describing what you want to do, I'd say you'd be better off with a press, because speed should be a non-issue.  If you were planning on doing gates and railings where you would need to draw out multiple pieces for each project, then I'd go with a hammer.

PS - Is the Blue House still operating in Vernonia?  And if so, do they still close in February?

gosolo said
yep the blue cafe is going strong, best place in town, in mho. Closed every year for a break.

if you ever make it over here, I’d love to show you the shop and treat you to a great home brew.  

I agree with your opinion.  When Vernonia was part of my territory, I'd plan my days so that I was in town during lunch or dinner time.  

Thanks for the offer!  I hope to be able to take you up on it someday, but I had to give up driving because of seizures, so not sure how I'd get out there anymore.  Otherwise I'd be there a couple of times a week.  For work, not necessarily the beer...

Have a great new year and be sure to post pics of whatever tool you decide!