This summer we are looking at putting together a tire hammer workshop! The design is based on Clay Spensor as it has been proven to be the most efficient and reliable tire hammer design. Most of these types of workshops are in the south or the east coast. We have been in contact with Clay, and a few of his fellow tire hammer experts. They have agreed to come out to our area to teach the workshop – if there is enough interest. We need a minimum of 13 people to do the workshop. 15 would be ideal. The form below is to see who is really interested in coming to the workshop to make a tire hammer.
How does it work?
If you would like to participate in the workshop you will spend 3 days working with the group building tire hammers under the expert guidance of Clay Spensor or one of his certified tire hammer instructors. Prior to the workshop we need to have a minimum of 13 people register for the workshop. A few people will help with as much prep and pre assembly as possible before the workshop. Clay sends his jigs to assemble these parts. They need to be welded by people that are skilled at welding. During the workshop everyone will have a part to play in building the tire hammers. Not everyone can weld, but with a little guidance anyone can measure, cut, grind, drill, assemble nuts and bolts, etc. Everyone plays a part in building all the hammers. At the end of the third day the tire hammers are randomly raffled off, and each participant takes one home!
One of the great things this workshop offers is the chance to have an intimate understanding of how these work, and how to make sure they work well. Eventually all machines need some maintence. As part of the workshop you will have all the knowledge you’ll need to keep your tire hammer running well for years to come. The tire hammer we will be building is 70lbs, and is a perfect size for a shop or garage. They will forge up to 2” steel, and have a very small footprint. Unlike most power hammers they do not need a separate footing poured. Firmly securing to the floor is recommended though.
What is required from me?
Fill out the form below if you’d like to attend the workshop. You will need to pay a fully refundable deposit to reserve your spot in the class. Our goal is to have the class in late summer/early fall. It all depends on how long it takes to fill the spots for the workshop. Once we have enough people signed up we will contact you directly to confirm your reservation, and begin the process of buying all the steel, and pre-assembly. At that point your deposit will no longer be refundable, and we will need the rest of payment for the workshop. The price of steel is high at the moment, but we may be able to get a bulk discount. If anyone knows someone that could help us get the best price email David@FireIronForge.com. Generally speaking these workshops cost $2800-$3400 per tire hammer. That will change significantly depending on the price of steel, and number of people attending the workshop. The more people the less expensive it will be. We will also make every effort to get the best possible prices on steel and other materials needed for the build
This is exclusively a community project, and is solely put on by the community. Fire Iron Forge does not make any money from this workshop, nor does anyone else. This is purely to serve the local blacksmiths interested in building and owning one of the best tire hammers available. All costs involved cover materials needed, cost for shipping the jived and Clay’s certified instructor. If you have any questions feel free to email David@FireIronForge.com
Where do I sign up?
Fill out the form below and pay the fully refundable deposit of $1500. You will receive a confirmation email, and regular updates as they come. As of 6/5/2021 we have 7 people that said they are interested in attending the workshop.