Fuller

[Silverker]

I would like to know which one y'all think is better when fullering just one side, top or bottom? I'm not sure if it is just a matter of personal preference, or if there is actually a "rule" to go by. I'm sure that there are arguments for both, I would like to hear them. Thank you in advance for your input.

[monty]

if you are on your own then i would say bottom would be easier and safer to work with because it is one less thing to hold

[Frank Turley]

I often have the help of a striker and if so, I use a top fuller, because I can see better what is happening to the metal. Also, there will be no hammer marks on the metal.

Working by yourself, you can use a hold-down, perhaps a chain & weight or a helper stand with a weight on the workpiece.

http://www.turleyforge.com Granddaddy of Blacksmith Schools

[Francis Trez Cole]

silverker there applications where you need top and bottom swedged at the same time that is when i make a spring tool so when I am working alone or can put it on my power hammer. Here are some good videos on making 1a bottom fuller 2 a top and bottom fuller 3 rounding out tong reins they can be made into any shape you need.
http://www.youtube.c...feature=related
http://www.youtube.c...o&feature=feedu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeM4jy3QBhY&feature=related

[ThomasPowers]

Well I like to fuller using the anvil's horn and a straightpeen hammer with about a 1" dia to the peen; so both sides at once---flipping the material over each heat so as to even it up a bit.