Anyang Power Hammers Explained
Why “Anyang Power Hammer” Causes Confusion
If you’ve spent any time around blacksmithing, you’ve probably come across the term “Anyang power hammer.” It’s used constantly, whether you’re researching machines, watching forging videos, or speaking to other smiths.
The difficulty is that it no longer means one specific thing. What started as a manufacturer name has gradually become shorthand for a type of machine, and that’s where most of the confusion begins.
The Origin
The term Anyang Hammer was once associated with Anyang Forging Press (AFP). They built a strong reputation and played a major role in getting self-contained air hammers into workshops around the world. Many of those machines are still in use today, which is a testament to the design.
However, the market has moved on. New AFP machines are not so widely available, and the supply structure that once supported them is no longer consistent. That leaves buyers in a slightly unclear position when looking for a new machine under the “Anyang” name.
The Shift to Anyang ST
This is where the Anyang ST range comes in.
Rather than being a completely different concept, Anyang ST represents a continuation of the same core hammer design, developed with direct experience of the original systems. The layout, function, and working characteristics are familiar, but the key difference is that these machines are actively produced, supported, and available to buy today.
That distinction matters more than most people realise.
Why Support and Supply Matter More Than Design
In practice, the biggest challenges people face with these hammers are not about how they perform, but how they are sourced, installed, and supported over time. A machine can be mechanically sound, but without a clear supply route, proper setup guidance, and access to parts, it quickly becomes difficult to live with.
For existing AFP owners, this isn’t necessarily a problem. With the right support, those machines can continue to run well for years, and in many cases it makes more sense to maintain or upgrade what you already have. We continue to support AFP machines with spares and guidance, so if you’re unsure what you need, just get in touch.
For anyone buying new, though, the decision is far more straightforward.
Buying New: What Actually Makes Sense Today
The Anyang ST range is currently the most consistent and accessible option. Machines are in active production, specifications are clear, and support can be structured properly from the outset. That removes a lot of the uncertainty that tends to come with older or less defined supply routes.
The machines themselves cover a wide range of applications, from smaller workshop setups through to full production environments. Most independent shops will sit somewhere in the middle, where a hammer needs to be versatile, practical to run, and suited to the available power.
Power and Setup Considerations
Power is often seen as a barrier, but in reality there are workable solutions for most setups. Smaller machines can typically run on single-phase, while larger models can be adapted where needed. If three-phase is available, it simplifies things further, but it is not always a requirement.
What matters far more is getting the specification right from the beginning. Matching the hammer to your power supply, your material size, and the type of work you’re doing.
Choosing the Right Machine
This is also where the choice of supplier becomes important. Clear communication, correct setup advice, and ongoing support tend to define the ownership experience far more than the machine itself.
When you strip it back, the difference between AFP and Anyang ST is not really about which design is better. It’s about whether you are buying into a legacy system, or a current one that is actively supported.
For most buyers today, that naturally points toward Anyang ST.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand that shift, the decision becomes much simpler. You’re not trying to navigate conflicting opinions or outdated information - you’re choosing a machine that you can actually get, install properly, and rely on long term.
If you’re unsure what makes sense for your setup, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get it right up front. A short conversation around your power, your material, and your intended work usually clears things up quickly and avoids problems later on.