What sort of foundation does the hammer require?
Nearly two decades of experience with these machines have shown that the best base system is the fabricated steel base with rubber interface pads. This 10″ (SM50/60) or 14″(SM34) high base raises the hammer to the proper working height, adds 600-950 lbs of additional weight, and the 30″ wide footprint provides extra stability. The hammer bolts directly to the steel base. The base then sits on five 4″x 30″ neoprene rubber strips that provide an interface between the steel and concrete. It has been found that in most instances the only restraint needed for the machine is a 24″ length of 3×3 angle iron bolted to the floor at the front edge of the base. The hammer wants to walk forward, and this angle iron resists that push. By not bolting the machine down hard to the floor it allows the hammer to float, reducing the jarring, loosening vibrations caused by the constant impact of the hammering. An inertia block, or separate deep foundation is not required so long as the shop floor is at lea
