Very nice design on both units! I have been thinking about building a treadle hammer for awhile as I am 71 years old and not as strong as I once was. Thanks!
Not bad, for a '' floor ' design ! Cody !. That pot, controlling the speed. Idea : Maybe consider mounting it, on the floor, with a home made ' lever' attached to the speed control pot. Have this lever, connected to a foot treadle, ( or even a hand held-wired speed control ), near your On/Off mechanism, on the floor. (foot controlled). Kinda like old-fashioned REAL sewing machines. I would agree, on removing one more short leaf, on the top spring; give it more ' whip ' as you stated.
Try to find, some rail road track ; it is 1084 steel. Very good for making 'tools' and frames, for inventions like this. Maybe make another anvil, customized for your ' creative interests'....
Types and design are really matter. In starting industrial revolution types of machines.. Chang after 50years the results and effect also increase. In thinking of single person it's not in notice. For that always think about Mass production. The superiority of working with body strength always need power saver to long work. Less steps mean less afford
Isn't your spring upside down? In this configuration I think the only spring action is from the longest leaf in the spring pack, so if I am right taking all other leafs out will have only a minimal effect on the whip you are trying to optimize. Best regards.