Shop Tour
Courtesy of Tom Hanna

The Pullmax has been a frequent subject of late and above is a picture of a P9
that I am modifying to be used primarily for shrinking and heavier planishing.
The biggest drawback with the pullmax is it's shallow throat. Here we have cut about 7" out of the bottom
of the throat and welded back in. This material is about 30mm thick so it is largely a torch and stick weld operation.
The lower toolholder mount was machined away to be able to handle as much
dome as is practical. The stands were elevated about 20" to get the working
height near eye level. This particular Pullmax model has 8 stroke lengths and 2 motor speeds.

Doing this kills it for some of its original uses, principally circle cutting, but I have yet to cut my first circle.
(I still have an unmolested P3/3 which I will hide from the torch).

One could practically argue that mechanical planishing hammer
might be a more controllable tool which it is, but I have a Yoder (if I ever get it back in operation)
and the time consuming die changing is no trip to Paris.
Having the Pullmax dedicated to heavy shrinking and planishing and the Yoder for finish work appeals to me.

Then, this all could end up another beautiful theory beaten to death by a gang of ruthless facts.........

I couldn't resist a close-up -- this is art! -- Terry

Having never owned much less used a wheel, several years ago we decided to build one.

Now keep in mind that at the time I had been out of the trade for 20+ years
and was gathering up a few tools more out of nostalgia than any intent to use the stuff
for any meaningful intent. So I wasn't "up to speed"
as to what a wheel ought to be, or what was important.
I bought a kit from a supply company. They were nice to deal with, but now having
( some 5 years later) a chance to actually use the wheel, I find at least the upper wheel to be
far too soft and too easily dinged, so I am replacing it.
To do so, I have ordered a kit from Hammerhead and will retro fit my wheel with their parts.
I do, however intend to seriously consider one of their medium wheeling machines
not only for it's quality, but also for it's ability to do beading and other functions.

More to come