tilt-hammer

A blacksmith operates a tilt-hammer to shape a piece of hot metal.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A heavy hammer used in forging, typically mounted on a pivot and lifted by mechanical means (such as a cam or water wheel), then allowed to fall under its own weight onto the workpiece. Also known as a "tilt hammer" or "trip hammer."

Usage Examples

• (A heavy forging hammer used in metalworking.)
• (A mechanical hammer used in industrial forging.)

Advanced Usage

• "tilt-hammer action": the repeated lifting and dropping motion of such a hammer.
  • The rhythmic tilt-hammer action of the forge created a steady rhythm in the workshop. (The mechanical motion of the hammer.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tilt hammer (n): an alternative spelling of the same term.

  • The tilt hammer was essential for shaping wrought iron. (A heavy forging hammer.)

• Trip hammer (n): a synonym for "tilt-hammer," referring to a hammer lifted by a tripping mechanism.

  • The trip hammer in the blacksmith's shop was powered by a steam engine. (A mechanical forging hammer.)

Synonyms

• Trip hammer: a hammer lifted by a cam or trip mechanism.
• Power hammer: any mechanically powered hammer used in forging.

Related Idioms

• (No specific idioms for this technical term; it is primarily used in historical or engineering contexts.)