Hammer selection

[Barry]

The right hammer is personal and it takes time to figure out yours. I use a 2 lb Swedish cross peen for most of my work, it is good for drawing out, comfortable for extended sessions and light enough that my shoulder doesn't pay for it the next day. I have a 3 lb rounding hammer that comes out for heavier stock and a ball peen for texture work. The cross peen does work that some people use multiple dedicated hammers for once you learn to use the peen properly. Face angle and handle geometry matter more than brand for most smiths. What hammer did you graduate to after your first one?

 

[metal bender]

I started with a basic cross peen too then ended up mostly using a rounding hammer. Once you get used to it, the balance and rhythm just make everything smoother and more consistent.

 

[Billinthedesert]

I haven't forged in a while but when I last did, I used a 1500-gram 3.3-pound Peddinghaus cross pein. I really should pick up something like that hammer you mentioned, Barry. A fella has to look for advantages when on the wrong side of 70.

 

[Billinthedesert]

Have a 1000-gram Swedish cross pein by Picard on the way.