Tooling for Power Hammers: Dies, Fullers, Tongs & Saddle Tools Explained
Power Hammer Tooling
When thinking about getting a power hammer you are no doubt thinking about how it’s going to improve your workflow and productivity.
What often gets overlooked is the tooling.
The hammer does the work, but the tooling determines what you can actually do with it.
The Core Dies
The four main types of dies we see requested are flat, fuller, drawing and convex.
All of our hammers come fitted with flat dies, and many forging tasks are achievable with them. That said, this often comes down to experience and finesse.
If you really want to get the most out of your hammer, having a range of dies for different tasks makes a big difference. It’s the same old adage. The right tool for the right job.
Understanding Rounded Dies
The fuller, drawing and convex dies are all examples of rounded dies.
Rounded dies change how force is concentrated into the material.
A small-radius drawing die concentrates force into a narrow contact area, moving material quickly. A larger-radius convex die spreads that force over a wider area, producing slower, more controlled movement.
Custom and Specialist Dies
We are regularly asked to produce Japanese style knife dies, combination dies, and custom designs.
A lot of this comes down to what you are making and how you like to work.
Tongs
Just like when using a hand hammer, if you do not have proper control of the workpiece, you are fighting a losing battle.
Good power hammer tongs give you control, grip and confidence in the strike. They need to suit the size and the shape of the material and the work you are doing.
Saddle Tools
Saddle tools really open up the versatility of a power hammer without needing to swap out dies.
There are different approaches, from simple bolt on versions through to more advanced flip style units. Below you can see a great examples made and used by John Rigoni on his Sahinler Power Hammer.
Used properly, they can significantly improve both the speed and flow of certain types of work.
Top Tools and Fullers
Top tools and fullers are another way to allow you to get more out of your fixed dies.
They let you work from above using the strike of the hammer, which opens up a lot more flexibility in how material is shaped.
Final Thoughts
A power hammer on its own is a powerful tool.
With the right tooling, it becomes far more capable.
Get in Touch
If you are unsure what tooling makes sense for your work, feel free to get in touch.
We can usually point you in the right direction based on what you are making and how you like to work.