TM Technologies

From aircraft to artwork, and hotrods to harleys, the TM Technologies Air Power Hammer has proven itself to be the machine of choice for professionals and hobbyist around the world. TM Technologies was the first company to introduce the concept of an Air Power Hammer in 1994. As our machine grew in popularity, so did the demand for heavier hitting air units and a wider selection of dies. Now, 15 years later, we have gone from one Air Hammer model to five, and our machines have developed into some of the fastest, safest, hardest hitting, most controllable, and by far the most versatile machines on the market today.

This Air Power Hammer has an extremely strong frame, measuring four times as stiff as the Model 1, with the rectangular frame. The side plates are one-quarter inch thick and are heavily reinforced to take very heavy abuse and pressures. We have designed a new air unit just for this frame, the "Super Heavy," which is capable of working 8 gauge mild steel. The lower die post is 14.5 inches tall, from the upper surface of the die to the base. The throat is 24 inches, measured from the center of the lower die rearward to the vertical frame. The lower tooling arrangements interchangeable between the various configurations: Straight Post, Angled Post, and Straight Arm.

Multi-Post - Specifications:

Frame Dimensions
	Construction:	1/4 Mild Steel Plate
	Throat Depth:	24 inches, horizontally*
	Base Height:	10.5 inches vertically**

* This measurement is from the center of the die to the rear vertical frame
**This measurement is from the top of the lower die to the lower mount.

Max Capacities*		Stretching	Shrinking
	Aluminum		1/8" 3003
	Mild Steel	10 Gauge	12 Gauge
	Stainless	11 Gauge	13 Gauge

*These capacities are based on using our Extra Very Heavy Air Unit mounted on this frame.

Optional Upgrades

Zoom	Angle Post Lower Assembly The angle post lower assembly gives you the ability to easily work the edge of hollow shapes. From the large nose bowls of airplanes, to small headlight buckets on automobiles this upgrade allows the bottom of the part to wrap under the dies so that more complex shapes can be fabricated. This upgrade includes the fully welded Angle-Post assembly and a bolt-on die socket.

Zoom	Planishing Arm For a long time there has been a need to planish or straighten deep inside the narrow openings, for parts such as airplane wingtips, motorcycle tanks, and various art forms. To meet this need we have developed this Planishing Arm. The lower die-holder is integral with the extension arm, which is hardened, high-strength steel. This upgrade includes the planishing arms as well as all modifications to the frame for mounting.

Multi-Frame Package Descriptions:

Basic Multi-Post Air Power Hammer
• Air Hammer Operation Booklet
• Frame
• Upper Clamping Mechanism
• Lower Straight Post assembly
• Air Pressure regulator, gauge and mounting bracket
• Pre-mounted air filter and oiler
• Shorty air hose/quick connect fittings
• Pre-installed internal airlines
• Heavy-duty Foot Switch
• 2 hr. Air Hammer Operations DVD

Please Note: The Basic Package above does not include any dies or air units. This package is for those who want select dies and air units based on their own specific needs or application.

Complete Package includes the Multi-Post Air Power Hammer Plus
• Medium Air Unit with fittings
• Heavy Air Unit with fittings
• Very Heavy Air Unit with fittings
• Extra Very Heavy Air Unit with fittings
• Angle Post Lower Assembly
• Planishing Arm
• Complete Die Set

When it comes to Power Hammers, many people instinctively refer to all "Air Hammers" as "Planishing" hammers. Our machines have the capability to shape 3/16” mild steel, so this machine is, by definition, a "POWER HAMMER" that also has the capability to "Planish.”

When you are looking into a power hammer for your shop, usually, for most people, space is limited, the budget is tight, and work is piling up. You need a performance-orientated machine that does more than just beat on metal. You need to make real shapes, not just compound curves, but complex parts -- and you need to make them fast. This is where the TM Air Power Hammer comes in, and this is where it shines.

How it Works

We have four main air units, each of which is designed for a specific range of materials. For example, if you were shaping a motorcycle fender out of 16-gauge steel, you would be using our Heavy Air Unit to rapidly move the metal into the rough shape you want to achieve. Once there, you are then going to switch to our Medium Air Unit to finish the job and planish the part to a smooth finish. Our air units are designed to planish out the material that the next heavier unit will shape. So to clarify this, the Medium Air Unit will planish the material the Heavy Air Unit will shape. The Heavy Air Unit will planish what the Very Heavy Air Unit will shape and so on. This combination of air units, paired with our quick-clamping upper assembly, allows you to quickly adjust between varying metals, metal thickness and either shaping or planishing operations. This clamping assembly also allows you to quickly change dies, so if you accidentally over-stretched a section of the part you can quickly change over to shrinking dies, shrink that section down, ultimately losing little or no time at all. If time is money, then minutes spent changing dies, aligning wood shims, and/or adjusting throws, going from one operation to the next, is just money down the drain.

Versatility

It is one thing to have a machine that hits fast and hard, but ask any one of our customers and they will tell you that it is our dies that really set this machine apart from the rest. We designed these dies based on 20 years of experience with this Air Hammer. We make these dies ourselves from high quality steel which is precision machined, hardened properly, tempered, and in some cases precision ground, for a perfect face or contact area. Every die we sell is U.S. industry-standard quality, tested in our own shop, and is tried-and-true � guaranteed. Most machines on the market today have a wide assortment of dies, but when you really look at what you are getting they are all just steel hammering dies -- with one slightly more radiused than the next. Although that is sometimes needed, most of those dies sit unused. With our system we have developed specific dies and die combinations that allow to you quickly achieve the shapes you desire. No more wearing out your arm and shoulder beating metal into a forming bag. No more fighting that curved flange around the wheel well. Best of all, no more swell in the middle of a panel that you don�t know what to do with. The possibilities are almost endless. Please click on the �Video Demo� tab above to see examples of these dies in action.

Safety

Safety is something most of us tend to overlook when in a shop environment. In the back of your head you know you really don�t want to lose a finger by getting it smashed in a power hammer any time soon. With our Power Hammers you do not have to worry about the large opening between the upper and lower dies. The dies remain in almost constant contact with the panel at all times. This not only makes it a safer machine to operate, but it also allows you to work smaller, more intricate parts; you are able to bring your hands and fingers closer into the firing zone without the risk of injury.

Control

Almost all the Power Hammers on the market today are variable speed. Some can even slow down very slowly, but this is where you start to separate the real hammers from the toys. Most of the electric reciprocating machines that claim to be power hammers are simply not up to the task of shaping thicker metals. These machines rely on the speed or velocity of their impact to do the shaping. So ask yourself, "Can the electric machine I am thinking of offer me one powerful hit with the hammer, with only one tap of the pedal?" The answer of course is "NO." This really limits you when trying to do that final finish on a part. You want to hold the panel in one hand, feel it with the other, and nitpick the panel -- one blow at a time, all while leaving the panel in the machine. You want to be able to isolate your work on that one area and not worry about affecting the surrounding areas with misguided hammer blows. A good machine should enable a craftsman to finish working on a part to a high level of detail. If you need to hit one blow at a time, then you need a machine designed to handle this task. Our air units have been engineered to cycle internally without even hitting the metal! This allows you to work as fast, or as slowly, as you want, and gives you the control you need, while allowing you to work at your own comfort level.

Longevity and Durability

Our Air Power Hammers are designed to last for thousands of hours. They have a simple design with few moving parts which are completely re-buildable if necessary. From our 20 years' experience, we know this machine and its dies will give you excellent service for years to come.

------------ General Questions ------------

Are your Power Hammers made in America?
We manufacture 98% of the components for our Power Hammers right here in the U.S.A. (A couple of small parts used in our air regulators are not available in the U.S. and consequently are imported). 100% of the assembly on our Power Hammers is done in our own shop in Northern California by people who use these machines every day.

What size air compressor do I need to run the machine?
On average the air consumption is around 3-5 CFM at 90 PSI. (If your air compressor is rated at or higher than this you will be fine.) Kent and several customers have been known to take our power hammers out to a grassy landing strip to fix an airplane with nothing more than a small portable Craftsman air compressor to power it.

What type of learning curve is there to using this machine?
If you have a basic understanding of metalworking you will pick up the techniques very quickly. Keep in mind that the craftsman is still the one making the parts and the machine is the aid to making these parts faster and better. Most people tell us that it takes one to three months (on average) of trial and error before full confidence sets in and they feel as though there is nothing they cannot do with the machine.

What holds the dies in the air unit?
The upper dies free-float in the air unit and rest against the top of the panel you have in the machine. If you pull the panel out from in between the dies, the upper die will drop down slightly and rest against the lower die. The clearance between the upper and lower die is infinitely adjustable, depending on the material you are working with. Ideally, you will want a minimal amount of clearance between the upper and lower dies, giving you just enough space to freely move the panel around between them. Having the dies remain in contact with the panel allows for safer working conditions and smoother work. If the material you’re working with slips out of the dies while you are hammering, just slide it back in -- it is that easy. For a better understanding of this, view any one of the videos of our dies under the “Video Demos” tab above.

How many Blows-Per-Minute will your Power Hammers produce?
The rate of fire for our air units is completely adjustable from both the air regulator and the foot pedal. Each air unit has a different rate of fire when it is at max pressure of 90 PSI. The smaller air units will hit on average about 1500 BPM while the larger air units will average around 800 BPM. For a better description of how this works, please read the section about control under the “Facts” tab above.

Can I call TM Technologies for help or advice on making a part if I run into difficulties with using this machine?
We are here to help. Not only do we manufacture and sell these power hammers, but we use them in our own shop every day. If you run into an area of trouble, many times it is something obvious and a short phone call can save you hours of wasted time.

Do I need an English Wheel, a Power Hammer -- or Both?
We have designed our Air Hammers with a complete range of dies to take you from start to finish, but this does not make the English Wheel and other forming machines completely obsolete. Sometimes, depending the shape or finish you are trying to achieve, getting it close with the power hammer and then finishing the part on the wheel can give you the same beautiful results as a completely wheeled part in a fraction of the time. Although the power hammer is capable of planishing parts to a polish (as you will see in the Air Hammer Operations DVD) sometimes “finishing” on the wheel can be faster. At TM Technologies we believe in a concept we call “practical application,” which means using the right tool for the job at the right time.

Do you sell a floor model version or a base for this machine?
All of our Power Hammers are bench-top models for practical reasons. First and foremost, this gives the end-user more flexibility to set up the machine almost anywhere, in any way, inside their shop. The second reason is that a bench-top machine can also be set up as a mobile unit and travel with you to the job site. The third reason is to keep shipping costs down.

What is the best way to go about building a base?
You want to set the machine up at a height that is comfortable for you to work at. It may take a few days of using the machine to find out which height works best for you, so set up something temporary at first. After you find the height you like, you can use either a steel or wood base. Either way you are going to want to build a wide and stable base that will allow you to push against the machine as you are working on it. Rubber pads under the frame will help reduce vibration and noise.

Can I build my own frame and adapt your hardware to it?
Yes. Please see the “Build Your Own” section.

Can I get custom dies made for my Air Power Hammer for my specific application?
We have a complete set of over 20 dies which will handle almost every job imaginable. If you are unsure of how to make a particular shape, chances are it is possible with one of the dies you already have, but you are just unaware of how to use the die in that way. Give us a call and let us know how we can help you. If we do not have a die that works for you, making one-off dies can be very expensive, but it is not out of the question. Chances are, however, if you need a specific die then others might also and we should look into manufacturing it, which would reduce the cost. We are always looking to improve.

If I make my own dies for a specific application will you harden them for me?
Yes, this can be done but we cannot be responsible for the die if it breaks. Please contact us for more information on this.

Can I grind on your dies to make a specific shape?
You can slightly reshape our dies, but keep in mind they are made of hardened steel. This makes them very hard to grind and almost impossible to machine. If you do grind on them, you will want to make sure that you do not get the die so hot that you ruin the heat treat.

Do you offer workshops or trainings on how to use the Power Hammer?
Our Power Hammers are used in almost every workshop we host at our facility. If you want more of a “one-on-one” workshop (or training for small group of students either at our facility or yours) please contact us at 530-292-3506. Please see the links to the left under Workshops for more information.

Is it hard to hold onto the panel when shaping?
Not at all. Because the dies stay so close to the panel and the dies hit several times a second, the panel never gets out of hand and the shaping operation is very smooth. When you start working thicker materials, the vibration in your hand can increase but this is about the same feeling as using a D/A sander at full speed. Gloves are recommended when using this machine, not only to help you hold onto the panel and reduce hand fatigue, but also help prevent getting cut by the sharp edges of the metal you are working with.

What is the largest panel I can work on this machine?
Our machines have a 24” throat from the center of the die to the rear vertical of the frame. This allows you to work a panel with a maximum width of 48”.

------------------ Shipping ------------------

How do you ship your power hammers?
We know that shipping a heavy machine can be expensive, which is why our Power Hammers are shipped in the most cost-effective way possible via UPS Ground. The frame is padded and tightly wrapped on a plywood skid. The rest of the components are shipped in several small packages, all of which are under 25 lbs. International orders are shipped on a pallet via UPS Freight.

I live a long way from where you are located; is it expensive to ship a machine?
Not at all. Because of how we pack our machines for shipping, most of the times a machine can be shipped across the country for under $200.00. Please contact us for an exact shipping quote.

Can I come to your shop and use it for myself before I buy?
Absolutely! Guests are always welcome at our shop, but it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure someone is here who can go over the power hammer with you.

How long does it take to receive a machine once I place my order?
Machines are almost always in stock and ready to ship. Most Air Hammers will ship the same day or within 24 hours of placing your order. Shipping time with in the United States is 1-5 days.

1. Fairings for a Grumman Duck
2. Work it does, Planishing
3. Gear Leg Fairings for a Waco Standard Cabin
4. How to Make a Copper Bowl
5. Wing root fairings done on Roscoe Turner's Thunderbird
6. A copper flower done in LESS THAN ONE HOUR
7. Building an Ash Pan for a Doble Steam Car
8. Steel Lobster Built with the Little Power Hammer

Below you will find several videos demonstrating a few of the operations our Power Hammer can perform, as well as an introduction from Kent, and an overview of how to assemble our Air Power Hammer when it arrives. Please allow the videos to fully download before attempting to watch them as some of the files are very large.
Please note: These videos are not for educational purposes.

Introduction

Kent talks about what motivated him to create the TM Air Power Hammer and how it came to be what it is today.

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Assembly

We offer several ways to get started with one of our Power Hammers. Whether you are building your own frame or using one of ours, this demo will show you how quickly one of our power hammers can be assembled, as well as how to align the dies in our machine.

Part One:
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Part Two:
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Control

The low speed characteristics of our Air Units are shown here. There are several ways to vary the rate of fire with our Power Hammers, one of which is to set the air regulator at the top of the machine to a desired pressure. This will set the max rate of fire, allowing you to run the foot-pedal wide open (never surpassing your comfort level on the machine). The rate of fire can also be adjusted by using the foot-pedal to regulate the air flow to the air units.

With two points of control on the machine you can fine-tune every aspect of the operation, from single powerful blows, to light taps, or a steady rhythm for consistent shaping. Keep in mind that in this video, no adjustments to the air regulator are made, and all adjustments to the rate of fire are done by the foot-pedal on the floor.

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Roughing

"Roughing" means to generate a lot of shape in the metal rapidly. You are not trying to do finesse work or keep the panel nice and smooth while doing this. In fact, we describe the process of shaping metal as "taking it through a controlled wreck." This means you start out with a beautiful factory-rolled sheet of flat metal that you just bought at the store, and you work it, sometimes severely, by stretching and shrinking operations to get the rough shape that you are looking for. Our roughing dies generate a stretch rapidly and forcefully in the sheet of metal, so you don't wear out your wrist and arm doing it by the "arm and hammer" method of bashing the metal into a shot bag with a big mallet. These dies will help you stretch faster and easier than you could imagine (and you can still lift your fork at the end of the day after using them). The first video will show how our Standard Roughing Die works. The second video demonstrates how the Rubber Die can be used to smooth over the roughed in shape from the roughing die or how it can be used to stretch the panel with less aggression than the standard roughing die.

Roughing Die:
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Rubber Die:
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Reverse Curves

When you need to make a "saddle," "ducktail," or a "fairing" shape you will need our reverse dies. These shapes are called "reverse" shapes because they are the reverse of a bowl or hollow shape. Reverse shapes can be difficult to master, or to make properly. The hand-method requires that you use a round-faced mallet and a shot bag or a sand bag to whack away at the metal until it is roughed into sort of what you need, and then you have to smooth it out, either with a slapper and dolly, or with a Wheel. If you are careful with these dies, you won't have to do much smoothing. Your hammer does have to be set up carefully so the faces of these dies line up right on the button. The two videos below show the Small and Large Reverse Dies in action.

Large Reverse Die Set:
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Small Reverse Die Set:
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Speciality Operations

Flange Curving Die Set:

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Lower Flanger Die:

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Shrinking

Yes, our Air Power Hammers really do shrink with these dies. And they do a fine job... even shrinking in the middle of a panel, once you master the technique (learn how on our Air Hammer Operations DVD). Many shops are using our dies. There are two Shrinking Die sets: one for Softer Metals (aluminum and copper), and one for Harder Metals (steel and stainless).

This video shows how our Shrinking Dies work.

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These videos demonstrate how quickly you can remove a flared and/or flanged edge. The panels shown have a reverse curve that was created with the Large Reverse Die Set (see video above), that then had a flange created on its edge of the flare with the Flanger Die (see video above). Both demonstrations below use the medium air unit.

20 Gauge Steel using the Shrinking Set for Hard Metals:

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1100, .050, Aluminum using the Shrinking Set for Soft Metals:

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Continuing with the sheet of 20 gauge steel and Medium Air Unit, here a high crown in the center of the panel is shrunk down flat.

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Here 1/8 inch, 3003, aluminum is worked using the Shrinking Die Set for Soft Metals and the Extra Very Heavy Air Unit. Notice how smoothly the metal moves as it is worked and how the shrink that is made is worked back into the panel. This gives you full control to work anywhere on the panel which is just not possible when you are using �Thumbnail� style dies.

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The videos below show 18, 16, and then 14 gauge steel all of which are worked with the Shrinking Die Sets for Hard Metals. The 18 gauge steel is shrunk using the Heavy Air Unit while the 16 and 14 Gauge are shrunk using the Very Heavy Air Unit. Please note that the air units chosen for each operation work the metal very controllable, if faster results are desired then upgrading to next heavier air unit to perform the same shrinking operation is an option. So for example, on the 14 gauge steel, the user could use the Extra Very Heavy Air Unit in place of the Very Heavy Air Unit that is shown here.

18 Gauge Steel:

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16 Gauge Steel:

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14 Gauge Steel:

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Art & Sculpture

"Kent,
I purchased one of your air hammers and a set of dies last year. I thought you might like to see one of my projects. I'm really happy with your tools. The horse is 20ga steel.
Thanks,"
Dave Claussen

Click Images to Enlarge

Aluminum Cowling

A metalworking student of Kent's, Ron Englund, made this beautiful polished aluminum cowling.

The first step in building is to construct the "buck," which provides a 3-D shape for holding and test-fitting the cowling pieces... Click here for the full story.

Ferrari Dino Hood

"Dear Kent,
Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with my new power hammer. I made my first large panel, a hood for a Ferrari Dino, on it and used stretching only to form it. I'm still learning to use all the dies. I sent a picture to show you the hood. Thanks again." - A.C.

Fantasy of Flight

Kermit Weeks (Weeks Aircraft, Fantasy of Flight ) really likes his TM Air Hammer, and after trying it out for some time, so does his wife.

Kent used this Hammer to make the top cowl for the Spirit of St Louis at Fantasy of Flight, October 2002.

Bow Plates

"Hi Kent,
I have attached 2 pictures of bow plates that we made using your Power Hammer we purchased a while back. 3mm - 316 stainless.

The hammer doesn't do it all but it helps a lot in certain areas. A third bow plate is just starting production. Thanks for your help."
Regards,
–Steve Rawlins, Fluid Fabrications Ltd. England

More Letters

"I do metal art. I got an air hammer from you about a year ago. Last night I finished the DVD on the air hammer and was very impressed with how many other things I could be doing. I'll be ordering additional dies and air units soon. I want to thank you for making affordable machines, providing metalworking knowledge to us average folks and putting up with all of our questions. In addition, your website is excellent!" –Phil L.

"I just finished building the "Little Power Air Hammer" from your plans and received the small reverse set of dies just in time for me to start the fairings on my Waco project. I have been building airplanes for over 20 years and I am blown away by the capabilities of this power hammer. It is the best addition to my metal working tools I have ever made. I will be buying more die sets as I become more accustomed to it. Thanks for everything."
–Dave Allen of Allen Antique Aero

"I got those new shrinking dies for steel and fooled with them for a minute, and suddenly realized how easy they were to work! They shrink so easily. I cannot miss. Boy is this fun. Thank you very much."
–B.D. (Metalman of 35 years)

"The wheel pant halves came out great. I used the rubber head in the Air Hammer to raise the two rounded corners and to blend into the curved straight section. I then used the plastic head over plastic (Aluminum Shrinking Set) to shrink the outside and put the right shape in the part and then to planish it out. Finally, I used the Wheel to blend the stretch out into the flat section and to relieve the tension in the piece. It really is magic. There wasn't even one mark on the second pant."
–H.B. (good student of the metal and fine musician)

"We built the Little Power Hammer from plans. While we are novice metalshapers, for what it's worth, we really like the hammer. We use it for "shaping" rather than planishing. I have a way to go, (practice, practice!) but even now the shrinking dies work for me. Although I'm still putting the tuck in by hand and then running them in the hammer. I think everyone is looking for "too much" mechanically -- simplicity works too! Rather than elaborately shaped dies, its the material that these dies are made of that does most of the "magic", giving the right amount of grip and absorption. Combine this with proper placement of blows, and you compress the tuck in on itself without stretching. Tom Hanna has one of these hammers (which he modified!!) maybe he can comment on how he uses it. Its great to get concrete answers to every question, but I think it's also important to leave the "door open" and not be afraid to experiment and experience. Kent White seems to teach this way -- mixing what you need to know while leading to areas you have to go to on your own."
–Don & Lisa in CT

TM Technologies takes pride in knowing we offer the best products on the market for metal working. In an effort to continue this tradition we are constantly improving our products and our product line. If you have any comments or suggestions about this, or any of our other products, we want to hear from you.

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