Luke March Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Hello, I've recently started blacksmithing, and I have a question about tool making. Specifically, is there a general rule to follow in determining the proper proportion of a handle to the head of a hammer/fuller/punch/etc? Right now I'm making a normal cross-peen hammer out of 1 1/4" square stock (I don't know quite how heavy it will be; it's still attached to the bar so I can forge without tongs.) I got a large number of hammer handles pretty cheaply in a number of different sizes, plus a handle I got from Lowe's before I realized what an exorbitant rate they charge for them. I have handles in these lengths: 15 7/8" (That's the one from Lowe's listed as a blacksmith hammer handle) 14" 13 1/8" 12 1/4" 11 7/8" So is there a general rule for weight/ handle length ratio? I've searched all over and haven't found much. I'd love to hear your opinion. Thanks, Luke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Yes there is a specific rule on weight/length: it's---What works best for *you*! I have hammers with a wide range of handle lengths and the only thing I can think of is that as they get heavier the handles get shorter---until they suddenly jump to half length and then full length sledge hammer handles. When you find an optimal length for a handle on your "favorites" Mark it down so you can replace it with a similar one when necessary! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Put the longest on it it you have,,,than use it if it seems long cut a half inch off...do that until it feels short then replace with one the size you liked the best...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 If you read the old books there is a recommendation for holding the head and laying it upon that forearm. Handle length is somewhere between the inside and outside of your elbow. Heavier hammers have shorter handles. Hofi uses a 12 inch blank on his handles, so the handle is about 10 inches.I Forge Iron - BP1012 Making Hammer Handles I use a spoke shave on commercial hammer handles to make them more comfortable to me. I like slab side handles, about 10-12 inches long. You may have a different preference. Your fingertips should just barely touch your palm when you squeeze. Do not be afraid of adjusting handles to fit. Striking hammers are a separate discussion, and I think there is a thread on it already. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 like what's been said... what you like...but long handles give you more bang for the buck...but use a long handle and see where you hold it most....jimmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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