steam hammer

plural steam hammers

1. An industrial machine designed to produce a hammer action through steam power.

   2 more examples

   Lewis Kirk, the inventor of the steam hammer, and John Dodsworth, of Reading, Penn. have invented a new compound which they say "experience has proved to be a superior compound for preventing friction. The invention is the union, under a high degree of heat, of oil with asphaltum, or with coal tar, or with both together.

   1847, editorial staff, “New Lubricating Compound”, in Scientific American, series 1, Volume 3, Issue 9, page 68

   The steel works, with their Siemens furnaces, the rail-rolling mill with its enormous single-cylinder engine fitted with Corliss valve gear, and the forge in which were installed the great steam hammers and hydraulic presses—these were teeming with interest, and the best way to pick up information was to work with the millwrights.

   1944 November and December, A Former Pupil, “Some Memories of Crewe Works—II”, in Railway Magazine, page 341

   Synonyms: drop hammer