Different types of hammers?

[StoneToes]

Hey all, the blacksmithing sub-forum has been a bit quiet lately. I have been slowly preparing for my own blacksmithing adventures, and thought maybe I could get things going a bit. For my last few projects, I have been using an 8lb sledge hammer as a forging hammer - lol seriously, I’m a beefy guy, but this is hard on my elbows and doesn’t allow detail work! I don’t really have any other hammers lying around...

Do any of you have any experience with more size-appropriate hammerheads? I’m tempted to try a  rounding hammer. I have seen a number of youtubers use them and they seem super flexible when drawing out material. I’m also curious about the french and swedish style heads, but I’m honestly not convinced they are radically different, and I’m worried they might be weighted funny.

Or maybe I should  quit trying to be fancy and just use a cross peen like everyone else.

I honestly don't think the hammer matters THAT much, just about anything I choose will be a step up from what I'm currently using, but I would love to hear your thoughts!

[Clifford B.]

IMHO; You will fer starters need a ball peen and a cross peen hammer in the weight of yer choice
as you progress you will find that there are many types for different applications, start with the basics and
add specialty ones as you learn............ My $.02

[Dr Stan]

I recommend you check out the site https://www.anvilfire.com/index.php.  Before I decided to give up black smithing I visited it on a regular basis.  I had planned on building my own power hammer using the design available called Rusty as I was already having multiple hand and wrist problems.  The links at anvilfire to the Rusty seem to be broken, so you may need to contact the administrator.

[StoneToes]

Ooooh that site is a goldmine, thank you Dr Stan. And I think you are right Clifford, I should just focus on the fundamentals...I just suffer from shiny object syndrome!

[Clifford B.]

(01-27-2020, 02:53 PM)StoneToes Wrote: Ooooh that site is a goldmine, thank you Dr Stan. And I think you are right Clifford, I should just focus on the fundamentals...I just suffer from shiny object syndrome!

There area few Blacksmithing sites out there as well as Bladesmithing
two that I frequent are                                                                    
                                        1. Iforgeiron,com           
                                            A wealth of info from beginer to advanced                                                                                                                           unfortunately it can be cliquey and some members are downright rude
                                            but all in all a very good source of info
                                            my handle there is Norseman C.B.

                                             2. Bladesmiths forum. com

                                                      Another wealth of information where members are friendly
                                                      and rudeness is forbidden, my personal favorite
                                                      my handle there is Clifford Brewer.  Check "em out..............