Baileigh PH-36A Pneumatic Planishing Hammer - 36"
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Baileigh PH-36A Reciprocating Hammer
The Baileigh PH-36A is a professional grade pneumatic planishing hammer designed to give you flawless, smooth finishes on metal panels up to 36 inches deep. This USA-built machine delivers 3,200 precise beats per minute, making quick work of smoothing welds, removing imperfections, and creating beautiful compound curves in both steel and aluminum.
When you're working on automotive restoration, custom fabrication, or any metal shaping project that demands professional results, the PH-36A stands ready to transform your workflow. This isn't just another tool. It is your solution to hours of tedious hand finishing work.
What makes the PH-36A special? Everything about this machine is adjustable. The throat depth gives you an impressive 36 inches of working space, meaning you can tackle larger panels and complex shapes that other hammers simply can't reach. Whether you're smoothing a freshly welded seam on a classic car body panel, removing hammer marks from custom motorcycle parts, or creating smooth compound curves for aircraft components, this machine handles it all with precision and speed.
Built in the USA with premium components, the PH-36A features a completely rebuildable air motor that lets you customize the impact characteristics for your specific application. The foot pedal operation keeps your hands free to guide your workpiece, while the adjustable top and bottom supports allow for offset planishing. Giving you flexibility that rigid machines can't match. It arrives fully assembled and ready to work, complete with seven different radius dies to get you started on virtually any project. This is the kind of tool that professional fabricators rely on daily, and now you can bring that same capability to your shop.
Applications
- Automotive Restoration & Customization: Smooth body panels, remove welding marks, and create perfectly contoured surfaces on classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds
- Motorcycle Fabrication: Shape and finish gas tanks, fenders, and custom body panels with professional-quality results
- Aircraft Panel Work: Achieve the precise, smooth finishes required for aviation-grade aluminum components and repairs
- Custom Metal Fabrication: Create architectural metalwork, sculptures, and decorative pieces with complex curves and flawless finishes
- Race Car Construction: Build and finish body panels for race cars where aerodynamics and weight reduction are critical
- Marine Applications: Shape and smooth stainless steel and aluminum components for boats and marine equipment
- Sheet Metal Prototyping: Quickly refine prototypes and one-off designs without the need for extensive hand finishing
Key Features & Benefits
- Massive 36" Throat Depth: You can work on larger panels and reach deeper into complex shapes than with smaller hammers - no more struggling with tight spaces or rotating your workpiece constantly
- 3,200 Variable Beats Per Minute: The rapid, controlled strikes smooth metal quickly and evenly, saving you hours compared to manual finishing methods while delivering superior results
- Efficient Pneumatic Operation (80-120 PSI): Runs on standard shop air pressure, so you don't need special electrical setups - just connect to your existing compressor and start working
- Fully Adjustable Everything: The adjustable material opening and support positions mean you can tackle offset work and unusual angles that would be impossible with rigid machines
- Hands-Free Operation: The included foot pedal lets you control the hammer while both hands guide your workpiece - giving you better control and more precise results
- Rebuildable Air Motor: Unlike disposable motors, you can rebuild and customize this one to adjust the impact characteristics - it's an investment that keeps on giving
- Complete Die Set Included: Seven radius dies (flat, 2", 3", 6", 12", and 24") cover most applications right out of the box - you can start working immediately without buying additional tooling
- Built to Last: USA-made with premium components and backed by professional-grade construction that can handle daily shop use for years
What's in the Box
- Baileigh PH-36A Planishing Hammer (fully assembled)
- Foot Pedal for hands-free operation
- Air Filter to protect your motor from contamination
- Automatic Oiler to keep everything running smoothly
- 7 Radius Dies: Flat die, 2" radius die, 3" radius die, 6" radius die, 12" radius die, 24" radius die
- Owner's Manual with operating instructions
- 1-Year Parts Warranty documentation
Baileigh PH-36A Specifications
| Model Number | PH-36A |
|---|---|
| Throat Depth | 36" (915mm) |
| Speed (Variable) | 3,200 beats per minute |
| Mild Steel Capacity | 16 gauge (1.6mm) |
| Aluminum Capacity | 14 gauge (2.0mm) |
Baileigh PH-36A Manuals & Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What size air compressor do I need to run the PH36A?
You'll need a compressor that can deliver 80-120 PSI consistently. Most professional shop compressors with a 60-gallon tank or larger will handle this machine comfortably. The PH-36A is actually quite efficient with air consumption compared to its power output, so you won't need to upgrade to an industrial-sized compressor unless you're already running multiple air tools simultaneously.
Can I use this for aluminum aircraft panels?
Absolutely! The PH-36A handles aluminum up to 14 gauge (2.0mm) with ease. Many aircraft restorers and fabricators use planishing hammers specifically for aluminum work because the controlled, rapid strikes prevent the warping and work hardening you might get with manual methods. Just adjust your air pressure lower (around 60-80 PSI) for thinner aluminum to maintain control.
How difficult is it to learn to use a planishing hammer?
Most users find the learning curve surprisingly gentle. Because the foot pedal gives you control and both hands remain free to guide the metal, you develop muscle memory quickly. Start with scrap pieces to get a feel for how different pressures and speeds affect different metals. Many fabricators report feeling comfortable with basic operations within a few hours of practice.
What maintenance does this machine require?
The PH-36A includes an automatic oiler that handles most of the lubrication for you. Simply ensure your air supply is clean (the included filter helps here) and check the oiler reservoir regularly. Many owners also fill the frame with sand through the two convenient access plates - this reduces vibration, lowers noise, and actually extends the machine's life by dampening impacts. Beyond that, it's remarkably low-maintenance.
Will this work for heavy shrinking and stretching operations?
While the PH-36A excels at planishing (smoothing), it can handle light to moderate stretching work when you increase the air pressure and make multiple passes. However, if heavy shrinking and stretching are your primary applications, you might want to consider Baileigh's MH-19 Multi-Hammer or specialized shrinker/stretcher equipment. The PH-36A's sweet spot is delivering beautiful, smooth finishes on formed metal - that's where it truly shines.