Sahinler Power Hammer: 10 year review and Demo

Sahinler hammers are back! After several years of being discontinued, the company is producing them again. I was so excited, I figured I would give you all the lowdown on my favorite hammer, things to look out for and a short forging demonstration. To buy a new hammer or for replacement parts, go to: https://powerhammers.com/ Some points not covered in the video: 1. Replacement belts: BX85 Cogged V Belt 21/32x88in. (A719 marking on belt). Make sure you check with the belt supply company to have them physically measure all three belts, so they are the same length. 1/4" deflection when pressed is the goal after installation. I used a steel block to support the flywheel when disassembling etc... 2. There is a 90 degree air line under the top cover that gets covered with air compressor oil and will tear apart in time. Sudden loss of power in the ram and a whooshing sound. Easy fix is going to a Napa auto parts store as they have tubes you can cut to size. I've replaced that part maybe 3-4 times in the 11 years of use. 3. Hammer is sluggish in the cold on startup, but as it warms up, the response gets quicker. If the belts are too loose, the motor needs to be shifted back into position. I use a 1" bar between the motor housing and the adjustment bolts to help push. 4. The plastic oil sight glass mine came with was broken on delivery and leaked oil. It has been replaced with an aluminum/glass version. Works perfectly ever since. 5. The bolts on the slanted back cover will shear off in time. I have since drilled/tapped a larger hole for a larger bolt. No issues since. 6. Die keys have a 1 degree taper. I had to remake mine, forged/ground then used marking fluid and touched with an angle grinder the high spots for a tight fit. Your hand hammer should feel solid/bounce off the key when fully seated. Otherwise, you'll get the dreaded musical pinging sound as one of your dies is loose and about to fly off the machine. If the ram slams full force without the die, it could destroy the machine. 7. My hammer came with 3 shims for the lower die. I forged larger die keys, so I only need one shim(less to clean or get lost). 8. Sahinler recommends adding a bead of oil at the top of the Ram every day before use and to keep the flywheel greased as needed. All the best, John Rigoni www.rigoniironworks.com