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> Champion blower and forge company no. 40 blower
Champion blower and forge company no. 40 blower
The CHAMPION BLOWER AND FORGE COMPANY, Lancaster, Pennsylvania began in the late 1870's's manufacturing rotary gear blowers for use by blacksmiths in producing the heat needed in their forge fires to do their job. [This well-known maker of blacksmithing machinery was founded 1875 by 17 year old Henry Keiper to manufacture the rotary forge blower he had invented.] The company became the Champion Fan Company in a 1986 reformation. The flyer image is from a web source and shows a Model 400, similar to mine, but tripod rather than quadrapod, and appearing to be of a much earlier period in metal industries practices.
This item has been in my personal possession since abut 1961 or 1962. I used it to forge pitons for my mountaineering needs. It has been stored all this time while I have been doing other things, and have not used it in a long time.
The blower was probably made prior to WWII. I have not succeeded in identifying specific information about its age, but it was old when I got it used and idle. The only information provided by the unit itself is the "Number 40" cast into the blower housing.
The unit needs to be serviced: Cleaned, oiled and lubed, and perhaps a bit of cleaning inside and out. Painting will probably be on the list. I have learned through harsh outcomes to not pressure wash for cosmetics as it destroys the item unless you are following up immediately. Steam cleaning is only slightly less damaging. The fan gear handle turns the mechanism, but it tells me it needs TLC.
The package includes the forge and supply pipe which I had made for my needs at the time. I used coal and coke to fire the forge and the system worked well enough for my hobbie. I am including then with the blower, and will add a bucket of coal and a bucket of coke if I can find them. [I have seen them recently, but wasn't paying attention, and will have to look for them]. I still have some of the forge tools I used then and if I can locate them, they can join the package. You might as well have then same fun I did.
