Noise comparison between Clay Spencer Tire hammers.

Noise comparison between sand-filled and non sand-filled 70lb Clay Spencer hammers.
The Decibel Meter Pro app on the iPhone only showed a 2db difference which I don’t think is really accurate but who knows. The sand filled hit a max of 116db and the non sand filled hit 114db. The “clanging” sound of the non sand filled is VERY noticeable on video and even more so in person. The sound of the sand filled hammer doesn’t seem to “carry” as much as the other and it’s much more pleasant to forge under. I much prefer the sand filled “thud” as opposed to the non sand filled “clang.” I drilled a 1 inch hole in the top of the back tube and used a funnel to pour in about 1.5 bags of dry “play sand” and poured about a quart of 30wt oil to prevent internal rusting.

[@davidryder3374]

Keep in mind that 3dB equals double (or half, depending on which way you're going) the sound level, so 2dB is pretty significant. The scale is logarithmic.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very cool little video

[@BrandonDickenson35]

I haven't constructed my Hammer yet, (still gathering resources while researching design). I and my wife's concern for the neighbors a 1/4 mile away, appreciate the noise comparison here. I beam material comes very cheaply to me vs tubing but this makes me think I should avoid it for structural or impact related vibrational parts.
Can I ask what kinda foundation or slab your hammer has beneath it?

[@derekmelton]

My hammers are on a standard 4 inch reinforced slab. At 1/4 mile away, you should be ok but if you can get pipe over i-beam, it can be filled with sand and it sure helps.

[@SelfMadeProject]

Nice! Do the hammers feel or hit different in your opinion? Or, just noise and vibration issue?

[@derekmelton]

They both feel slightly different right now, however these tire hammers do need a bit of a 'break in' after being built. The red hammer is running PERFECT now, I've had it about a year and have gotten it adjusted the way I like. The new, unpainted one feels like the red one used to, tight. There is a VERY slight difference in tire size between them so I need to adjust the brake for it accordingly. They both have the same 70lb ram weight but they have different spring tension right now. The unpainted one has a spring that is slightly tighter so it does not hit quite as hard as the red. That is a simple adjustment though, I tend to like mechanical hammers to have a bit of 'whip' in them by having the springs a tad loose.

[@SelfMadeProject]

@@derekmelton I've got all the parts to build mine stacked on a pallet. I'm doing Curtis' mods and just need to find the time to build it. I had been thinking all along I'd probably put sand in the tubes. Do you put a rubber mat under your base or bolt right on the concrete?

[@derekmelton]

@@SelfMadeProject I’ve used rubber stall mats before, treated 3/4 inch plywood works better in my opinion. The rubber gives a bit, the hammer feels better on plywood.