Upgrading My Hammer Collection

Sigeric · Post by **Sigeric** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 12:30 pm

Greetings All,

Well I think my subject line says it all... I'm looking to improve some of the quality of my work by upgrading and adding to my hammer collection. Currently most of my hammers are inexpensive converted Harbor Freight specials. This works fine for most of the basic things, but I want to start getting into more complex curves. One of my next projects will be the DIY Gauntlet Kit that Erick D. is selling.

http://www.armourarchive.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011515.html

So with that in mind... I am looking to purchase a couple of good quality hammers, but would like a few suggestions first as to type, weight, and place to buy.

I've been looking on eBay, Centaur Forge (wish they had pictures) and Kayne & Sons web sites, so I kind of have an idea of costs. Is there other good companies I should consider?

Which type hammer will I find the most useful in my shop, Doming Hammers, Rasing Hammers, something else?

Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.

Sigeric

Raibeart Lok De la Haye · Thu Aug 21, 2003 2:18 pm

I know. I hate Centuar's new web site. Get the catolog. I've bought, and buy alot from Kayne and Son's.

I have striaght and cross peen's in every weight. Sledge & Ball Peen's in every weight, swedish, and a few specialty: planishing, gold smith's, ten smith's. It's all by feel, practice, and need.

Brian W. Rainey · Post by **Brian W. Rainey** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 2:31 pm

I, more often than not, buy by feel when it comes time to pick new hammers.

I live about 30 minutes from Centaur so I go and play with their new offerings and see what best works. If they do not have the correct weight in stock I ask them to order it.

Cross peins, doming, planishing hammers of all sizes are useful. Also, consider converting something that is roughly what you are looking for into a custom hammer. A good deal of we need is not available, at least readily, therefore we often have to improvise.