Glenn (Re-Hofi Glue)
I am very interested in finding more about the particulars of obtaining the Hofi glue. Mostly a price and quantity!
Although I am very satisfied with using the techniques that I have been taught about mounting a hammer head and handle, I am always interested in improving my skills and will always be willing to learn more right up to the time of my earth departure.
My simple secret (secret, just kidding) is to set the handle with the wood being as dry as I can get it.
In fact I will soak a wood handle in hot sand for several hours before I mount it. Then I make sure the shape of the top of the handle is very close to the eye shape, and that it sticks out at least ¼ inch or more past the top of the hammer head.
And that is so I can neatly trim the handle tip off flush with the top of the hammer head.
In order to get a good feel for carving out the exact shape of the handle tip and shoulder for a tight fit, I do the following.
Fitting hammer eye with handle tip: Materials required: 1. Molding Clay 2. Cooking Flour
1. I first dry the inside of the eye of the hammer head.
2. I apply (rub) cooking flour inside of the eye of the hammer head to be used as a releasing agent for the clay.
Note: The clay with flour on it is no good after you mix them.
3. Then I push molding clay into the eye keeping the clay narrow (so it will fit through), and then push it back down from the top until it forms. Then I trim the top off with a knife and push and pull the shaped clay out gently with out disturbing the eye shape while keeping the shoulder impression in tact.
Note: I feel it is very important is to create a good square shoulder journal on the handle.
Saying all of that, I realize this is only “My Way”. But there is so many good ways. I believe there are so many different ways to do the same thing in a different way and still be successful with the outcome. I also believe that is what keeps “I Forge Iron” alive and well.
Over the years, I have found that small subtle details may tip the balance of why some techniques will work for one person and not another. That difference could range from humidity/weather, to how much ambient light is available in there shop, and of course their level of knowledge about the blacksmithing craft.
We as blacksmiths create, repair, and maintain a wide range of products and tools. The degree of knowledge, expense, and amount of complication required may range from the use of simple chemicals (such as Vinegar”) and processes, right up to very expensive and complicated processes of heat treatment and forging techniques. I have also found out the hard way, most of the time we must stay within our financial limits and availability of materials we use.
It has been said that one size doe’s not fit all.
I was taught to use an Elephant Gun to hunt elephants, and Rabbit Gun to hunt rabbits. But, Sometimes a Blacksmith must hunt elephants with a rabbit gun, and rabbits with an elephant gun! So I sit in amazement as I see how everybody has a different approach to solving the same type of situation or problem with a different approach, and they are still very successful in creating a quality end product.
Thank you everybody for all the good ideas and input that you put out here for us to consider.
Ted T
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