Hot debate in the shop: power hammer vs hand forging for small work?

I've been hand forging hooks and brackets for years but last month I rented time on a 25lb power hammer at a friend's shop. It cut my time in half but I felt like I lost some control over the steel. Which side do you guys lean for detail pieces?

2 comments

2 Comments

harper_murphy11d ago

I feel you on that "lost some control" part. For really small detail work like a 1/4 inch bracket with a tight scroll, I still grab my hand hammer every time. The power hammer just moves too fast for me to feel where the steel wants to go on those tiny pieces. But for a batch of ten identical hooks, I'll take that speed bump any day. It's a real trade off and I don't think there's a wrong answer, just what fits your hands that day.

the_wyatt10d ago

Man, you nailed it. The power hammer just don't have that same feel for the tiny stuff, but for cranking out a dozen quick hooks it's a lifesaver.