114. Presses.—Presses may be either horizontal or vertical and are generally used for bending or pressing the metal into some desired shape or form; they are quite convenient for producing duplicate and accurate shapes. Forming-dies or blocks are also required here, but they are generally made of cast iron, and their construction need not be so accurate. After the presses have been properly adjusted, very little skill is required in their operation,—simply the heating of the material and placing it against a gauge or between the dies. One thrust of the plunger will complete the operation.
115. The Steam Hammer.—The steam hammer was first recorded by Mr. James Nasmyth in his “scheme book” on the 24th of November, 1839. Although this was the exact date of its origin, he first saw it put into practical use by the Creuzot Iron Works of France in 1842. Nasmyth’s invention legally dates from June, 1842, when his patent was procured.
Of the various machines that have been devised for the smith’s use, to relieve him of the laboriousness of pounding metal into shape, there is none that could take the place of this invention. Numerous shapes and forms can be produced more accurately and rapidly by the employment of the steam hammer than by the use of hand methods.
Fig. 101.—A Steam Hammer Equipped with a Foot Lever.
Before proceeding any further, a few words of warning and advice may not be out of place. Although this invention is a great benefactor to the smith, it is not possessed with human intelligence, nor is it a respecter of persons. The power of steam will always exert its utmost force when liberated, so do not let in too much steam at first. Unless the material is held horizontally and flat on the die, the blow will jar the hands badly and will bend the material. All tools such as cutters and fullers should be held firmly but lightly, so that they may adjust themselves to the die and the descending blow.
After the hammer has been put into motion, the blows will fall in a perfectly routine manner. By his careful observation and a thorough understanding of the necessary requirements, and by signals from the smith, the hammer operator should regulate the force of the blows to suit the smith’s convenience.
A caution pertaining to the tongs used for handling the material should be carefully observed. Whenever work is to be forged with the steam hammer, the material should be held with perfect-fitting tongs secured by slipping a link over the handles; a few light blows delivered on the link will tighten their grip.
116. Steam Hammer Tools.—First some necessary tools will be explained, then exercises requiring their use will be given, followed by a few operations where simple appliances are needed.
