I'm recently returned to smithing after a gap of well over 50 years. I'm a physical wreck - my back and knees are destroyed, I have regular bouts of tendonitis in both arms, and my hammer hand has arthritis, carpal tunnel, trigger finger and white finger, all collected during a life spent coal mining. I have longish handles, but I hold the hammer at about 2/3rds from the head which seems to be the sweet spot for me. I have found two other things that help me avoid the white knuckle grip. Firstly, I thin my handles way more than most folks would be used to and secondly I use octagonal section handles with broader flat sides. These things afford me greater control and accuracy while allowing a safe but loose grip. Patience comes with age and experience, I use a smaller hammers and more heats. I can still use hammers up to 4 pound, but I rarely do so, and then only for a very short time. I have sledges in the shop up to 28 pound, but they are only there for show, and to remind me why my body is knackered. ;
Dude, RU-vid algorithm is robbing you. This is fantastic info, well, presented, good pacing. Just really helpful all around. Why haven't I found you sooner?
I’m just learning to forge. Thank you. Out of all the information I have been soaking up. This hammer lesson has been the most valuable for me. Your explanation of the fundamentals of hammer mechanism was so clear.
Very very useful tips, I'll remember this when I start my Blacksmithing journey! You're the first one I see talking about carpal tunnel prevention and I really like that, most people won't talk about it surprisingly. And your video should have a whole lot more views in my opinion!
One of your best videos Sam! You mention sledgehammer technique and being open to discussing it if there was interest. Not sure if you were open to revisiting the topic after 2 years but I'd LOVE to watch such a video and don't believe there are really any others out there, but I concede bias after possibly injuring myself after slamming on some honestly too cold 1.5" rebar with an 8 pound sledge. Love your work, as someone with a litany of hand issues starting, ironically only ONE from forging, content like this is indispensable! Forge on, -LHF Matt
So glad I've found you, I'm setting up my first forge, still buying some equipment. And I've forged at my friend's place a few times and my thumb tendon used to hurt a lot because I go full power and really tight grip.
Regarding the “energy” transferred to the work piece with a heavier or lighter hammer, a heavier hammer always transfers more energy. The reason is due to inertia and impulse. A heavier hammer is harder to stop, so it stays in contact with the workpiece longer (more impulse) and transfers more energy. Even if you swing a hammer weighing half as much as a heavier hammer 4 times faster, it still won’t do as much as the heavier hammer.
The mechanics of how you use a hammer are the same principles underlying using a katana to cut. Having already learned this idea, I'm much more confident I'll be okay at hammering
Very true. Keep things close, and tight. If you could make a grinding video that would be great. Loads of people have terrible grinding technique. Keeping the upper body ridged, and the arms also. It's the midsection, and hips make all the difference.. Sorry if I went off the rails there, but just wanted to say it. The video was great, and very helpful. I just wanted to make a suggestion on another video for basic "tool control" kinda stuff. Also.. "thumbing the hammer is how my master does. He has done it for 35 years, and has no issues. He also stops his acceleration just before the actual impact, so he doesn't have the shock in hit thumb, but just uses it for his aim. Not to say that works for everyone. Also you talked about sledge hammer usage, I use one more in a horizontal swing than a vertical one.. Seems odd for most people, but I work on a LOT of repair jobs.. Trailer gates, frames, backhoe buckets, etc. So my swings are mostly driven by hip movements not baseball swing kind of things. I figured I'd put that out there for a take on those sort of swings if people needed to do much of that. Awesome video as always 👍 Keep the cool stuff coming!
Thanks mate, yeah I can certainly do a video on grinding! Thumbing the hammer can be done, but it's not a good practise, especially for new smiths. I may do a video on sledge swinging too!
Unfortunately not, one of my future investments for the channel is a wireless lavaleir mic, but I've had to prioritise other things. The quality will eventually improve, but that doesn't happen in a vacuum. Thanks for the feedback
