"Bob Roberts" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:44:12 -0800, "John Kunkel"
wrote:

I've watched blacksmith shops re-arch leafs cold with a sledge hammer on
an
anvil. One guy steadies the leaf on the anvil and the other smacks it
skillfully so as not to cause the leaf end to jolt the one holding it. The
leaf is repositioned after a few wacks.


This is exactly how we used to do it on dirt track stock cars, works
well.

Build a cage around your press. A huge amount of stored energy if the
spring lets go. Be safe out there!