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HAMMERS FOR FORGEWORK

V.Ryan © 2020

 

The Smith’s hammer is often used when forging, when there is no need for an assistant. These are heavy compared to hammers used in carpentry / joinery, but ideal when forging metal. Two Smith’s hammers are shown below. One has a hickory (natural wood) handle, which absorbs the ‘shock’ of each strike with the hammer. Modern Smith’s hammers tend to have a glass fibre handle, which also flexes on each strike. The hammer head is cast steel, which has been hardened and tempered at each end. The eye, into which the handle fits is left ‘soft’. These hammers are typically 900g to 140g in weight.

The third hammer shown below, is a Double Faced Smith’s hammer, a favourite of Blacksmiths.

 
 
 
 
The large ball pein smith’s hammer is also a favourite of blacksmiths. This is a lerger and heavier version of the usual ball pein hammer found in engineers tool boxes and school workshops.
 
 
The two ‘sledge’ Smith’s hammers shown below, are typical of those used when forging, when the Blacksmith needs the help of another person, called a ‘Striker’.
The Blacksmith positions his/her hammer and the Striker ‘strikes’ with a sledge.
 
 
 
 
The straight and cross pein hammers, have a flat striking surface, with the pein being either in line with the handle, or at 90 degrees to the handle. The handles are usually either hickory, ash or fibre glass.
 
 
 
 
The diagram below shows the Blacksmith positioning the ‘Smith’s hammer and the Striker (the Smith’s Assisant) striking the hammer with a sledge. Two people are required when heavy forging is taking place, beyond the capability of a single Blacksmith.
 
 

A Smith’s hammer is used during the forging of metal. It is a general blacksmithing hammer, because it is heavy and well balanced. In trained hands, it is ideal for forming red / yellow hot steel and wrought iron, into numerous shapes and forms. It is often used in conjunction with an anvil.

 
 
 
 
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