ferretman Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 i have a small sledge hammer head weighs around 8 pounds was wondering can i heat this up and turn one end into a crosspein or will i just have to do the unthinkable and buy one ! and also will i have issues with it already being hardened cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 You'll just have to heat treat it afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 Actually that is a mid-sized sledge, a bit heavy even for most striker aided work. I think a 6 pounder would be ideal for my shop... even when I have a striker, which is rare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 BGN, no wander every one end when I break out the 14# cross pein ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 *IF* you have the anvil for it; 8# is about right for good strikers. I've seen many a hammer head of various sizes redone this way; as mentioned you just need to re-heat treat afterwards. The slickest transformation I've seen was at a SWABA meeting when a smith borrowed the forge and hydraulic press to rework a 4# sledge head, one heat and the press made a nice curved peen end from the squish reducing grinding time immensely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretman Posted September 21, 2013 Author Share Posted September 21, 2013 Cheers guys might have a blast tomorrow will let you know how i get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neg Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 Wait... are you wanting to use this for striking or for general forging by yourself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretman Posted September 22, 2013 Author Share Posted September 22, 2013 not sure if i will ever use a hammer of this weight but just thought it would be fun to see if it could it be done by myself and a friend without the use of a power hammer it looks like quite a challenge ,but all advice will be taken on board cheers to you all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 If you have a striker swinging a 8# hammer you can use tongs in one hand and a top tool in the other and get more control. If you have an experienced striker you would not want him moving around to use the peen to accomplish the same thing, I bought a 6.6# straight and cross peen sledge I can not recall ever using the peen side. Just don't over think it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 I have a massive anvil and like using it's broad horn and a straight peen sledge to draw larger pieces. It depends a lot on what you got and what you are trying to do. No power to my shop so all by hand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Actually that is a mid-sized sledge, a bit heavy even for most striker aided work. I think a 6 pounder would be ideal for my shop... even when I have a striker, which is rare. Lol, I use a 10lb sledge. And I'm on the look out for something bigger. :o Really, I don't have any power equipment either. I welded a pair of old vice grips making a hardy tool to hold my billets down while I smash the steel. Of course that means welding a handle on. B) Rules of life #3: Don't force it, get a bigger hammer. ^_^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 #3 updated: Call in a son in law or grandson and have *them* force it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LastRonin Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 #3 Updated Rev2: Call in a son-in-law, grandson, friend or neighbor and have *them* force it... with a bigger hammer :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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