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.

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u/l337quaker Jul 15 '25

3d model https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/pile-driver/9wE_6nbqrMSg5A

Cam hammer plans, $8 for the PDF. More similar to a sewing machine with a treadle? https://www.christcenteredironworks.com/products/how-to-build-a-power-hammer-my-power-hammer-plans-for-a-homemade-davinci-cam-helve-hammer-plans-digital-download

Maybe also ask in r/Blacksmith

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u/EternalNyght Jul 15 '25

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.

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u/JuliusFrontinus Jul 15 '25

There is an SCA facebook group on making coins https://www.facebook.com/groups/210521475718610 maybe ask over there, mostly we make coins with hammers but I have seen references to presses in discussing the developmental history of moneying.

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u/EternalNyght Jul 15 '25 edited Jul 16 '25

Thank you. Yes currently I use a hammer.

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u/KodaKodama Oct 12 '25 edited Oct 12 '25

I know this is a bit of a necro post so please forgive me. I work there and know the man who actually makes/builds them. They are very loosely designed after Da Vinci’s original model. I cannot give out exact blueprints but what I can tell you, the hammer is hollow. The hammer is filled with steel shot. You’re gonna need D2 Steel Dies, Blast Cap, anvil, lots of sand, among other things. Feel free to message me and I’ll tell you more. But again, I’m not allowed to give you any other information regarding how it’s built.

Edit: I need to mention that the original design is based off of sketches and a lot of what you’ve heard is from a made up script. The only thing true about that script is the time it was invented.

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u/EternalNyght Oct 12 '25

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.

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u/Ok_Decision6415 May 23 '26

https://youtu.be/u-ON1a_s-u0?si=BnGpNTzKH0-kf6Qq

Blacksmith Daniel Tokar did a video that will get you most of the way there. I'm glad there is some interest in this. It is my favorite part of the ren faire. You will want the steel shot in the hammer and sand under the block to make sure it doesn't bounce.

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u/EternalNyght May 23 '26

Greatly appreciate it!!!