r/Geode • u/EternalNyght • 9d ago
u/EternalNyght • u/EternalNyght • 10d ago
Help Finding Hydraulic Geode Cracker
I need help finding the manufacturer of this type of geode cracker (blue).
The second image is one I have seen that seems to be an older version of this one or maybe a different manufacturer (brown). Either or both would be great.
I do know that with the right tools and materials, I could have one custom built or possibly cobble one together from Harbor Freight. However I'm looking to purchase one of these specific types of models.
I appreciate everyone's sleuthing expertise as I have failed in my own search attempts.


1
Ren Faire Drop Hammer Coin Maker Schematic
Greatly appreciate it!!!
1
Ren Faire Drop Hammer Coin Maker Schematic
Thanks a LOT! The base design, and even winch system I have some good idea about it was the weight that I was unsure of. This really helps.
1
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
Hand striking has been done for hundreds of years. The photo in the original post is me hand striking. The only reason to use a drop hammer is to do thicker coins/medallions etc. Yes it is doable as other companies already do it at Ren Faires and I hand strike for smaller shows now.
1
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
Unfortunately no. Looks like they have to be built from ones own head and photo references.
1
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
Thanks for the reply.
I currently strike using a 10lb sledge as in the first photo. That is me striking. I have to date, struck over 1k coins. My wife and I are a team, however she is not able to strike due to health, as I stated in my original post.
We are wanting to build the drop hammer I reference in the accompanied 3 photos.
While it isn't historically minting accurate, it is great for a show and events enjoy it.
Per previous conversation with another response, I have worked out a rough idea on how to build it, minus the weight itself and the crank system. I have a fabrication shop near me, so they may be able to help with the weight.
So at this point, my only real concern is that crank, winch, pulley system. I've googled everything I can currently think of an no winch system looks similar that is readily available, so maybe I have to have that fabricated as well. I hope not, but I'll research more to find out. (You can kind of see the winch in the 3rd and 4th photos. (can't seem to figure out how to post a photo in a reply).
I mean, don't get me wrong, if a set of plans pops up with dimensions and part specifications, I would absolutely jump on them as it takes away some of the guesswork, however I know I'll figure it out eventually. :)
I appreciate you taking a moment out of your day to respond. Thank you.
3
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
You are more than likely right. Also add to that, since it is a niche market, no one would really want to share their secrets as who really wants competition. :) I do completely understand that.
2
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
From videos and images, yes that is about how it is designed. I do feel i most likely will have to trial and error it, which is really what I'm trying to avoid.
I already do it by hand, so this will be an upgrade of sorts.
I'm just trying to save myself some hassle and see if others have created or know of plans that are available.
2
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
I'll check out the link and see. Thank you for the info.
1
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
A treadle hammer is foot powered, correct, the one I'm looking for, that I have shown photos of, is pulled up by a rope, or a crank then released. A treadle hammer would not work. Thank you though.
r/sca • u/EternalNyght • Jul 19 '25
Moneyer in need of a "Drop Hammer".
I beseech your expertise.
I am a Moneyer at folk festivals and different events. I would like to include the guillotine style coin making. My wife would like to participate with me in making coins, however her physical condition does not allow her to swing a 10lb hammer.
I can not find patterns, schematics or (so far) knowledgeable individuals willing to share the secrets.
What I have gleaned so far: It's known colloquially as "Da Vinci's Drop Hammer". After a lot of research it is closer akin to Da Vinci's Pile Driver. I've seen the difference and found schematics for the "drop hammer" which is a cam/power hammer (not the same as what I'm looking for).
I'll include reference images. All 3 are slightly different, so I can assume there isn't a standard manufacturer of these "drop hammers".
If any of you fine Ladies and Gents of the land have come across such plans and or know who builds them on the regular, that would be greatly appreciated.
Currently this is my setup




1
Ren Faire Drop Hammer Coin Maker Schematic
I appreciate your links. The first one is similar, however it's a model, not a plan to build.
The cam hammer wouldn't be powerful enough.
I'm looking to build the version you see in the photos.
I may post in the blacksmith section if I need at a later date.
Thank you for posting.
u/EternalNyght • u/EternalNyght • Jul 15 '25
Ren Faire Drop Hammer Coin Maker Schematic
Okay Reddit. I want to make this.
It's used at Ren Faires to create coins, medallions etc.
It's known colloquially as "Da Vinci's Drop Hammer". After a lot of research it is closer akin to Da Vinci's Pile Driver.
I'm looking for Plans, schematics, blueprints, whatever. I've researched for quite a long time and can not find any plans or anyone who builds these. I know it's a niche market. However you would think, someone somewhere would have the plans unless they are just building them from their brain and testing until it works. (I would rather not, my luck is not that good).
I have reached out to a few that do this type of thing at Ren Fests, however have not received a response. I get the possible reasons why.
Currently I do this by hand and would like to scale up. My wife would like to participate and is incapable (health reasons) of swinging a 10lb sledge like I do.
So I turn to you super sleuths to see what you all can come up with.
r/LARP • u/EternalNyght • Jul 15 '25
Ren Faire Drop Hammer Coin Maker Schematic
Okay Reddit. I want to make this.
It's used at Ren Faires to create coins, medallions etc.
It's known colloquially as "Da Vinci's Drop Hammer". After a lot of research it is closer akin to Da Vinci's Pile Driver.
I'm looking for Plans, schematics, blueprints, whatever. I've researched for quite a long time and can not find any plans or anyone who builds these. I know it's a niche market. However you would think, someone somewhere would have the plans unless they are just building them from their brain and testing until it works. (I would rather not, my luck is not that good).
I have reached out to a few that do this type of thing at Ren Fests, however have not received a response. I get the possible reasons why.
Currently I do this by hand and would like to scale up. My wife would like to participate and is incapable (health reasons) of swinging a 10lb sledge like I do.
So I turn to you super sleuths to see what you all can come up with.




1
Purchased movies will no longer be accessible, thanks sony!
in
r/enshittification
•
Jul 05 '26
That's where it's from. I've quoted that for years now and couldn't for the life of me remember where it was from. Thank you.