As was the case with the previous post Tapered Keys and Their Use In Vulcan Hammers, the topic of interference fits between machined parts doesn't get that much coverage these days. In spite of that it's an important part of machine design in general and Vulcan in particular, especially with the ram points. Before we get … Continue reading Interference Fits and Vulcan Ram Points
Vulcan's hammers have been successful because they are simple and reliable, using very basic technology to do the job. One of those elements has been the use of tapered keys. Although keys have their problems--and both Vulcan and others have laboured to replace them--it's an interesting fastening method that doesn't get much coverage these days. … Continue reading Tapered Keys and Their Use In Vulcan Hammers
Any piece of construction equipment has to be picked up to be used, and picked up on a repeated basis. To do this requires lifting eyes, which in turn mate to either shackles or cable fittings. A good example of this from Vulcan's product line can be seen above. You can see the two cables … Continue reading Lifting Eye Design and Contact Stresses
We've featured ads that Vulcan put in Engineering News-Record, but this one was a flyer that Vulcan put out about a successful application of a Vulcan #2 in Memphis, Tennessee. The hammer was run using a Littleford Tank Heater to generate the steam. Vulcan flyer for a #2 driving piles in Memphis, Tennessee, in the … Continue reading Vulcan Pile Hammers: Adaptability, Portability, Flexibility, Sensibility and the Ability to Get the Job Done on Time
In many ways, the world we live in is a different place from when Vulcan went offshore fifty to sixty years ago. Some of the issues remain, such as energy independence and security. But others, in the U.S. at least, have been banished from the public square. One of those issues is smoking. I duly … Continue reading The Smelliest Cigars of Them All
It's belated, but I didn't get the word about this until another Vulcan employee let me know. Sylvia Williams, Vulcan's office manager and confidant to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Vernell S. Warrington, passed away 11 February 2022. From her obituary: It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sylvia … Continue reading Tribute to Sylvia Williams
Another ad for Vulcan in Engineering News-Record, this in the 5 July 1928 issue. Vulcan touted the "heavy ram/low striking velocity" feature here, had done so in the past, and would do so again for many years. Specifications for these hammers can be found here. Other ads from the same era: Driving Speed That Makes … Continue reading This is the Warrington-Vulcan Pile Hammer
In the summer of 1966 Vulcan acquired the assets of the Stone Drilling Machine Company of Daisy, TN, north of Chattanooga. The principal had passed away. The product was a water well drill which stone had manufactured for many years. It was another attempt on Vulcan's part to diversify its product line; even with the … Continue reading Stonedril Water Well Drills
In some manufacturers' literature, you'll see the "section modulus" of leaders as part of the specifications. (Ironically, Vulcan never put this in their specifications.) So what is this? How is it derived? And how is it useful? Are there any things we need to understand in using it? (The answer to the last is "of … Continue reading Section Modulus of Pile Hammer Leaders
Vulcan always tried to be responsive to the needs of its customers. Sometimes, however, the way they wanted to do things got in the way of progress, and the Key Ball Cushion Ring was a good example of that in action. Vulcan had used the "standard pot" to hold its cushion material from the beginning … Continue reading Key Ball Cushion Ring
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