![]() You can see the updated blue version here (mine was black and less flashy, but they work the same). The hammer I’ve used the most is a 15.5 inch Vaughan Cross Peen that weighs 2.5 pounds. Swinging from the end gives you more power.įor what I do in the shop, I prefer a hammer with an overall length of 15 – 16 inches.Choking up on a hammer gives you more control.The longer it is, the more options you have for gripping: Whether it’s a ball peen, cross peen, or mini sledge, you want to consider the length of a hammer’s handle. Handle Length – The Final Hammer Consideration With a cross peen it means that the metal stays intact, but is compressed and pushed out. With an ax this means that the log is split in two. The wedge shape comes down and moves material to each side. The best way I can describe it is that it functions the same way an ax or splitting wedge does. However, they don’t move metal the same way as cross peens.Ī cross peen hammer is made that way to quickly move metal to either side of the peen. This is great if you want a pebbled or distressed texture. It removes material well and holds up better than cheaper options.īall peen hammers leave a distinct divot when they hit metal. My favorite flat file to use is a 10-inch Nicholson Single Cut Bastard File. You can see in the photo above that there are many sharp edges on that hammer’s face.Įach of those edges and corners can leave a mark on your steel. This means taking a flat file and/or a flap disk to: Whenever I get a new hammer, I take some time to “dress the face.” Hard edges will also create dents that mark up your metal. Hitting on the edge of a hammer’s face will create dents. Having the high point of the hammer face in the middle helps you hit with the center first. Domed – with the highest point in the middle.However, it’s important in blacksmithing to understand the function of a hammer’s face. That’s probably not a phrase you come across often. A 2-pound ball peen to give students more control in knife making class.A ball peen that weighs 24 ounces (1.5 pounds) for working thin flat stock.I use three ball peen hammers when I’m forging: (The overall number of hammer swings depends on the project.)Ī hammer that weighs a couple pounds will be easier to use for a longer period.īall peen hammers come in a variety of weights. You can imagine swinging an 8-pound sledge hammer a few times.īut when it comes to moving metal on an anvil, you have to be able to control that weight for hundreds of swings. Low weight is good for a lot of swinging. The exceptions are fine detail work where a smaller hammer works better and larger jobs where a big one is handy. This is true for most blacksmithing jobs. In classes at Brown County Forge and in my own work, I use hammers that weigh 2 – 3 pounds. Let’s go through each of these to get a better idea of what’s necessary in a blacksmith’s hammer. However, there are a few things to consider when using a ball peen for forging: What about claw hammers? Information on the best framing hammer can be found here.Are ball peen hammers good for blacksmithing? Although it is still lightweight and very manageable, the 16-ounce weight gives it an added edge for more heavy-duty work. The Estwing 16-ounce ball-peen hammer is an excellent choice if you want a more powerful tool for demanding jobs. This is easily one of the best ball peen hammers on the market. It is light enough that you won’t mind pulling it out for day-to-day jobs, but it handles most striking punching and peening tasks like a champ. ![]() The Estwing 12-ounce ball-pein hammer is an excellent all-arounder that is capable of surprising power and performance. Picking the best ball-peen hammer #1 Best 16 oz metalworking hammer Just like what you would expect with the range of Estwing claw hammers. ![]() If you opt for a wooden-handled hammer because of its ability to absorb impact and recoil, it would be best to get one with a handle made of hickory. It is reasonably lightweight but strong and durable and can be modeled and shaped easily to conform to your grip. Hickory is the most commonly used type of wood for hammers. I strongly advise going for a wooden or steel-handled hammer instead of one with a fiberglass handle. Fiberglass can become brittle and break up over time, especially with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.įiberglass handles are also more difficult to replace than wooden handles, and can’t be modified to fit your grip. If you’re thinking of getting a ball-peen hammer with a fiberglass handle, just don’t. T his makes steel-handled hammers less than ideal for long hours of work, but better if you want a tool that lasts a lifetime. The downside is that much of the force of impact is transferred to your hand, wrist, and arm. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |