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2 functioning clenching hammers, powered by a water-wheel, 2 anvils, 2 blacksmith’s chimneys, 1 grinding-stone, 1 pair of metal sheet scissors as well as several small tools and devices still survive in the hammer mill today.The upkeep of the mill is taken care of with much patience and love by Mr. Johann Auer.
Since the end of the 16th century, the shovel blade of a clenching hammer was used for forging. All hammer mills had up until the 20th century almost the same internal structure.
The side facing the reservoir contained two hammers each directly powered by a water-wheel, the blacksmith’s chimneys were arranged on the opposite side. Because of the modern methods of steel construction – the Bessemer process – the quality of the steel was improved and the features of the products were also improved. They became harder and more resilient. The work, however, remained the same.
Only with the use of electric motors since the twenties of the 20th century did individual installation of spring hammers, spindle presses (friction presses), grinding machines and other machines become possible. Thus a more efficient and process-orientated work flow became possible.
PRODUCING A HAMMER SMITH SHOVEL OR AXE
The production of a hammer smith shovel or axe was a lengthy and difficult process involving several individual working steps. The iron bars which were taken from the ironworks were bent to the required length using a hammer and later cut to size with a metal circular saw.
After the blank was heated the worker forged the shovel blade with the help of a clenching hammer.
With the axes, a hole was perforated into the glowing iron. Cutting, branding and hardening.
The sides of the shovel were cut smoothly with power metal sheet scissors and the shape of a lightning bolt (the trademark of the hammer mill at Rutzenberg) was stamped into the glowing shovel. The shovel or axe was then hardened inside the blacksmith’s chimney. This means, the steel was heated to a certain temperature once more in order to harden the axe or shovel.
The last step of the process was the grinding using the grinding stone which was powered through a transmission from the water-wheel.
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