Hello All.
I have been using the US Patent office database as a very interesting blacksmith resource and thought I would share this for those who have not.
There is a wealth of very detailed information on all aspects of forging and forging machinery.
Here are a couple of patents I have found.
The "Oliver" treadle hammer, I have seen a similar hammer on the web somewhere. patent number x8167, x8344
The famous "Mayer Bros Little Giant": patent number 122046
A helve type hammer wich looks like a Bradley or a Blacker: patent number
368384I found my nibbling machine: Patent number 2182544. This has been infinately usefull to help me fabricate some of the missing parts.
There is an amazing number of trip hammers, steam hammers, drop hammers, forging dies, forging techniques, and forging presses.
I hope very one enjoys browsing this site as much as I do.
brad