Blacksmithing for Beginners - Simple Forging Hammer

This video describes how to take a standard sledge hammer and convert it to a good cross peen hammer for forging using only basic tools.
Watch the original version:
• A Simple Forging Hamme...
Other related videos:
Hammer Geometry
• Blacksmithing for Begi...
Hammer Handles
• Blacksmithing For Begi...
How to forge your own tools from scrap steel
• Blacksmithing For Begi...
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Thanks for watching - Denis

[@The_Smith]

"Table leg for a handle" Accurate, got a good chuckle from me. Great video Dennis, invaluable info for all smiths, no matter their skill level.

[@joelfishness]

I've modified some hammers for blacksmithing but never knew that about the dampening properties of a thin handle neck. Great tip!
Also love that you called out the weight and balance consideration. Have a few that I made that mistake on.

[@littlepaddy7444]

Thanks Denis.

[@wilcooley]

They're also called "drilling" hammers in the US. From what I gather, that name comes from being used to bore masonry with a star drill (which looks more like a punch with an X-shaped tip).
I seem to be at odds with advice from most more experienced blacksmiths regarding handle shape. I started with a 2# cross peen, which had a long handle with a tapered neck. I have RSIs from decades of computer use and found I couldn't work long before my forearm and wrist hurt; I thought that even the 2# was too heavy. Then I tried a 3# drilling hammer much like the ones you show and found it felt just fine. I also found a video from my local ABANA affiliate where the presenter was talking about the benefit of thicker handles with a rounded square-ish cross-section, which more closely fits the shape when making an "O" (like in American sign language).
I replaced the longer handle in the 2# cross peen with the shorter, thicker handle for a drilling hammer, flattened the sides a bit with a spokeshave and it is my primary hammer.
Maybe I don't notice the vibration or miss the leverage because my anvil is a mere 44# (20kg) and almost everything I do is with 5/8"² or smaller? Or maybe I'm just too new and ignorant to be able to tell the difference?

[@mountainwolf1]

Thanks to you, denis, and the original version of this video, I reface all of my forging hammers this way. I also alter my handles to an oval shape, but keep the narrow neck it is the same kind that is used on japanese swords. Words can not describe the level of gratitude I have to you for sharing your wisdom with us all thank you godbless and good health denis.

[@thomasjmeade]

Great tip about the handles.

[@TalRohan]

excellent video Denis thankyou for sharing

[@briantremblay9157]

I have a weakness for hammers and files... Just this week I went to a yard sale where I bought a box of 16 ball peen hammers, all Grant, forged here in Canada with amazing hickory handles for $5.They were anywhere from 500 grams to 3 lbs, I felt happy at the moment I got them, then, I felt as though I ripped the woman off... She told me they belonged to her grandpa who was a shoe farrier, I new what they were worth when she told me 5 bucks for them all...Should I have gave her a little more? What would you have done?

[@df-intheshop330]

I wouldn't worry about it too much unless she was trying to put food on the table. It sounds to me like she either priced them so she would be sure she wouldn't be stuck with them at the end of the day or (most likely) she saw you drooling over them and she wanted them to go to a good home.

[@jasonscott7803]

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