49 replies to this topic

[Robert Simmons]

brianbrazealblacksmith, on 18 July 2010 - 08:59 AM, said:

Here's some hammers Lyle, LDW, and I forged yesterday, 2 rounding hammers and 2 fullering hammers. Lyle gets his pick of the fullering hammers and the other will go to rapula in Columbia for 3 mini anvils that we traded while he was in the states working with my brother. The big rounding hammer is mine. The smaller one goes to "Tim the toolman" from Mississippi. Tim traded a 20 pound set hammer in brand new shape while we were at Fire in the Swamp last month for a hammer, and we finally got around to forging it. I still have to grind, heat treat, and handle them.
P7180002.jpg

Wow, looks fantastic. Great job. I have been trying to locate good forging hammers that dont cost an arm and a leg. At the local farrier they want 100 bucks for a 2# hammer! Any suggestions on where to find them, other than your obviously accomplished hands?

[brianbrazealblacksmith]

Robert Simmons, on 27 July 2010 - 09:58 AM, said:

Wow, looks fantastic. Great job. I have been trying to locate good forging hammers that dont cost an arm and a leg. At the local farrier they want 100 bucks for a 2# hammer! Any suggestions on where to find them, other than your obviously accomplished hands?

I do give private classes where you can strike and make your own hammer, but you can buy a 2 1/2 pound rounding hammer for less than $100 from farrier suppliers. Both faces are round, though. Uri Hofi, Brent Bailey, Nathan Robertson make hand made hammers at a very reasonable price.

[jimbob]

Brian can you give any insight as to how to punch the eye with out a helper some one to hold the billet ...I was thinking along the lines of a VEE shaped mule to fit the hardy ...

[brian.pierson]

Brian,

I got my hands on a 3 inch top swage. I am planning on making a fullering hammer to go with the rounding hammer you made in Va last fall. I have some 1045 for the hammer. I was planning on reversing the order and put the flat on the anvil face and the top swage on the fuller end instead of the flatter. Are there any obvious gotcha's that a novice is missing? I have thought through it and can't find any so I am asking while this topic is out here.

Brian

[brianbrazealblacksmith]

jimbob, on 27 July 2010 - 02:47 PM, said:

Brian can you give any insight as to how to punch the eye with out a helper some one to hold the billet ...I was thinking along the lines of a VEE shaped mule to fit the hardy ...

Start with square stock or use a power hammer or press.

[brianbrazealblacksmith]

brian.pierson, on 27 July 2010 - 05:34 PM, said:

Brian,

I got my hands on a 3 inch top swage. I am planning on making a fullering hammer to go with the rounding hammer you made in Va last fall. I have some 1045 for the hammer. I was planning on reversing the order and put the flat on the anvil face and the top swage on the fuller end instead of the flatter. Are there any obvious gotcha's that a novice is missing? I have thought through it and can't find any so I am asking while this topic is out here.

Brian

You've got it figured right, go for it. Just keep it straight,

[brian.pierson]

And don't put it in water when quenching.... I do remember some of the rules.


I still have to make a couple of drifts before I am ready for the hammer.


Your hammer in the picture of your avatar looks like one of the faces is canted at an angle. Is it a trick of the camera or the way you forged it?

Jimbob, wouldn't a round swage hold the blank better than a "V"? I would think you would need a hold down coming from the pritchel also. The blanks will bounce if my memory is serving me right.

Brian

[brianbrazealblacksmith]

Must be a trick of the camera, it's straight.

[jimbob]

brian.pierson, on 27 July 2010 - 08:27 PM, said:

Jimbob, wouldn't a round swage hold the blank better than a "V"? I would think you would need a hold down coming from the pritchel also. The blanks will bounce if my memory is serving me right.

Brian

no doubt, but I have angle iron to make it...I have one of the vice grips for a drill press modtified for for the pritchel hole from what brian said above I was also thinking of making a hammer eye slitting punch to fit my treddle hammer..that might work out pretty good in a one man shop

[ofafeather]

Brian, just want to say THANKS! I find your work very inspiring and appreciate the chance to see it through your videos. Also, your in depth explanations and patience with questions really go a long way in helping this newbie understand the craft better. Thank you! If I were closer I would love to take a workshop with you.