AAAAND... now it's back to being a hammer someone would want to steal. That's not a rehab - that's a major upgrade. Great work. I'll add "From broke to bespoke" (for points with the hipster crowd)
"Not going to impress the nails I'm driving in". lol. True, but I think you'll enjoy it just a little more knowing you revitalized it to your comfort and taste. Beautifully restored hammer regardless.
I’d say it’s a bang up job you’ve done. Quite a lovely object in the end. You’ve really hammered home the value of sometimes doing a project just to do it. Really nailed the concept.
I made a new hammer handle this summer too, just a regular old-fashioned one, and it took a long time, all hand work, chopped out of a piece of ash firewood, but I loved doing it, and now I love using it, as I'm sure you'll love yours.
John's plans are worth the cost of admission and then some. I can do all the cut lists and layouts, but _why_ when he already has done the heavy lifting and actually made something. Now... off to finish the miter saw station I started on Friday that is almost complete.
John, I get it! For whatever the reason, you wanted to do this project! And you did it because you have the skill and knowledge, but just as important - you enjoy being creative. Over 50 years ago, my father-in-law gave me a similar hammer for Christmas! This has always been my favorite, go-to, hammer! Especially because it always reminds me of our good times together! Sadly, with all these years of use it looks pretty sad! After watching your video I am inspired to restore my special hammer. Thank you!
I have my grand father's and dad's hammers. It's always fun to take them to help work on projects with my sons and grand sons. I'm 66 so I've been doing this for a while. Putting a handle on a hammer with a grandson is a big deal. This video has more value than you know.
I'm glad you don't regret doing this. And I don't regret watching. It's like a palate cleanser project - something that's fast and easy with a pleasing payoff while we recharge for the bigger stuff.
That's a nice product placement. I really appreciate it because other people are too afriad to sponsor their own work. When it genuinely can help others, and it supports the channel.
Nice looking hammer. I once found a very nice cold chisel laying in the street. I took it home and spent over an hour cleaning it up and sharpening it, only to toss it into the pile of cold chisels I have on the top shelf of a cart. I see it every time I walk by and I am pleased at how it looks. I might even use it someday.
Never a waste of time to give new life to an old tool. I'm a big believer in using tools that I've restored to their former appearance and level of performance. And good looking tools seem to make me take a bit of extra effort in making the final product worthy of the tools.
I have unusually large hands and have always struggled with the handles on most hammers. I’ve gone so far as to wrap them with bicycle handlebar tape. Never thought about doing this.... now it’s something I will absolutely do. Thanks John!
Anyone wondering about the plans....I bought the box joint jig ones last year. Super easy to follow. Jig works excellent and parts needed were readily available with alternatives provided. If I can do it, so can you. Trust me. I’m thinking I’m going to be picking up that belt grinder plan.
I buy a lot of John's plans because they are so well done - even if I don't build it. I did build his advanced box joint jig (sorry Matthias) and have used quite a few times. Just an unsolicited testimony because I want to keep seeing him do stuff (table saw on IG looks amazing - can't wait for the vids).
Aesthetics have real value. You've transformed a piece of sh*t into a work of art. Very nice! The world is a much better place because of people like you who teach and make beautiful things.
That was a satisfying watch. The best things in life are excellent in both form AND function. And who wouldn't prefer pretty tools (as long as they don't attract thieves)?
Wow beautiful Hammer. Its still nice to come out to the shop and see a nice tool like that regardless of the waste of time. Its adds to the pleasure of using it. Nice video John.
Loved the video, but I really loved the riser block on the band saw :) My brain would’ve never thought of it, and that tip will come in useful for me. Thanks John!!!
Let's do the math: Honing your shaping and problem solving skills + creating something beautiful + salvaging something useful + advertising your plans = time well spent!
Everyone needs a "what the hell" video now and then.I've a hammer just like that in my tool box with a crappy handle on it too. You just gave an idea !!
This could be a winning formula - an eye catching project, enjoyable video, and feature one of your plans for sale. Perhaps you already plan to make more videos like this, but if you don't, please consider it!
Great video John. I am inspired to do the same thing to one of my old hammers. I have some spalted ash wood. It might look nice as well. Thank you for the idea!
That was definitely time well spent. My next project if I was you would be to build a display case as it looks wayyyyyy to good (and sexy), to beat the hell out of a nail. Love it.
Nicely done, John. I’d still be monkeying about trying to carve out the middle to match the metal handle. Your glue and contrasting wood method is very elegant.
This is my kind of project. Even though the hammer was otherwise perfectly functional, now it's really yours. Sort of a 'there are many like it, but this one is mine' thing.
maximum effort sweet result no matter what i bought an old craftsman tablesaw worked fine but took it appart to overhaul restore polish paint and make it look amazing again nobody will care a tablesaw is a tablesaw but to me eye candy!!! and this sir is eye candy
That's great! Also a great idea for the middle. Linseed oil makes a great looking and easy to maintain finish but not durable. Tung oil builds up so is slightly more durable but not much.
- from shitty to pretty
- from broken to smokin
- from wrecked to decked
- from crumby to money
can you think up some more?
From hammered to glamored!
From smacked to jacked
From gritty to tidy
From rusty to shiny
From tears to beers!
From dubious to precious
AAAAND... now it's back to being a hammer someone would want to steal.
That's not a rehab - that's a major upgrade. Great work.
I'll add "From broke to bespoke" (for points with the hipster crowd)
Nice work, using the contrasting pics of wood to accommodate the metal was a good idea, saved time and looked better.
I think it's great to see one guy I enjoy watching comment on the video of another guy I enjoy watching.
"Not going to impress the nails I'm driving in". lol. True, but I think you'll enjoy it just a little more knowing you revitalized it to your comfort and taste. Beautifully restored hammer regardless.
I’d say it’s a bang up job you’ve done. Quite a lovely object in the end. You’ve really hammered home the value of sometimes doing a project just to do it. Really nailed the concept.
Sunday morning coffee plus John hammering on! Heck yeah!
ha ha ha Coffee with hammer is good?
Hammer is Estwing one of my favorite over 50+years ago. Arthur Moore here. I love your work from day one....
30+ years on my Estwing as well. It is one of MY favorite too. Great hammer.
I made a new hammer handle this summer too, just a regular old-fashioned one, and it took a long time, all hand work, chopped out of a piece of ash firewood, but I loved doing it, and now I love using it, as I'm sure you'll love yours.
Nailed it! I think I even saw my reflection in it, now THAT'S impressive.
John's plans are worth the cost of admission and then some.
I can do all the cut lists and layouts, but _why_ when he already has done the heavy lifting and actually made something.
Now... off to finish the miter saw station I started on Friday that is almost complete.
John, I get it! For whatever the reason, you wanted to do this project! And you did it because you have the skill and knowledge, but just as important - you enjoy being creative. Over 50 years ago, my father-in-law gave me a similar hammer for Christmas! This has always been my favorite, go-to, hammer! Especially because it always reminds me of our good times together! Sadly, with all these years of use it looks pretty sad! After watching your video I am inspired to restore my special hammer. Thank you!
I've used the plans for the belt grinder and I'm so very happy with the final machine, works fine and it is a joy to use! Thanks John!
I have my grand father's and dad's hammers. It's always fun to take them to help work on projects with my sons and grand sons. I'm 66 so I've been doing this for a while. Putting a handle on a hammer with a grandson is a big deal. This video has more value than you know.
I don't always care for the the projects, but I always support and enjoy John Heisz. Thumbs up!
I'm glad you don't regret doing this. And I don't regret watching. It's like a palate cleanser project - something that's fast and easy with a pleasing payoff while we recharge for the bigger stuff.
Sometimes just doing something for “you” is a good thing. That turned out beautiful with the spalting. EXCELLENT job. Keep up the great work, John!
Any time spent having fun is not waisted, a great end product. Keep them coming John.
That's a nice product placement. I really appreciate it because other people are too afriad to sponsor their own work. When it genuinely can help others, and it supports the channel.
That was a nice finish. Thank you for taking the time. It wasn’t a waste
I think having good looking tools is what every woodworker wants! Nice job on this one!!
looking so good
I think it's a beauty! I'd be proud to swing it on the job. It certainly would be a conversation starter. Thanks for the video.
Restoration of a tool to functional thing of beauty and having fun doing it is never a waste of time in my book.
Nice looking hammer. I once found a very nice cold chisel laying in the street. I took it home and spent over an hour cleaning it up and sharpening it, only to toss it into the pile of cold chisels I have on the top shelf of a cart. I see it every time I walk by and I am pleased at how it looks. I might even use it someday.
Never a waste of time to give new life to an old tool. I'm a big believer in using tools that I've restored to their former appearance and level of performance. And good looking tools seem to make me take a bit of extra effort in making the final product worthy of the tools.
You made it look better than it originally did. Nice work John. Tool improvement is never wasted time.
In the majority everything can be improved to our own taste! Is not true?
Well spent time, our tools deserve good care and respect. And for the looks, a major upgrade.
She is stunning, I love to see something restored and ready to go again. Thanks for sharing John
Maybe it wasn't needed but the fun is in the project. I think it was worth it. Looks good!
Taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary!!! Awesome outcome and time well spent!!! Now back to the table saw build!!!!
I love all of your spalted maple projects,it's my favorite looking wood. Ty John
It's beautiful and a thing of beauty is rarely a waste of time.
Time well spent. Each time you use that hammer you will appreciate it a little bit more.
I have unusually large hands and have always struggled with the handles on most hammers. I’ve gone so far as to wrap them with bicycle handlebar tape. Never thought about doing this.... now it’s something I will absolutely do. Thanks John!
Anyone wondering about the plans....I bought the box joint jig ones last year. Super easy to follow. Jig works excellent and parts needed were readily available with alternatives provided. If I can do it, so can you. Trust me. I’m thinking I’m going to be picking up that belt grinder plan.
Big Picture Thinking i always figure i don’t have the skills for John’s projects. Maybe i need to try
I buy a lot of John's plans because they are so well done - even if I don't build it. I did build his advanced box joint jig (sorry Matthias) and have used quite a few times. Just an unsolicited testimony because I want to keep seeing him do stuff (table saw on IG looks amazing - can't wait for the vids).
looks awesome, looks like its chrome plated, cant get over the finish you got on the steel
Aesthetics have real value. You've transformed a piece of sh*t into a work of art. Very nice! The world is a much better place because of people like you who teach and make beautiful things.
That was a satisfying watch. The best things in life are excellent in both form AND function. And who wouldn't prefer pretty tools (as long as they don't attract thieves)?
This video had a good pace. Interesting, and a good result, too! Nice work John.
That hammer turned out amazing John. Sometimes it is just the little things a person does. Thanks for sharing.
Wow beautiful Hammer. Its still nice to come out to the shop and see a nice tool like that regardless of the waste of time. Its adds to the pleasure of using it. Nice video John.
I like the way the spalted Maple looks. Now it is a designer hammer by John!!!
Loved the video, but I really loved the riser block on the band saw :) My brain would’ve never thought of it, and that tip will come in useful for me. Thanks John!!!
Wow! It seemed much more difficult at the beginning. It turned out excellent!
Let's do the math: Honing your shaping and problem solving skills + creating something beautiful + salvaging something useful + advertising your plans = time well spent!
Everyone needs a "what the hell" video now and then.I've a hammer just like that in my tool box with a crappy handle on it too. You just gave an idea !!
John you can make ice cream from crap. Beautiful restoration. You are one of the most creative u tubers I have watched through the years. Thank You
Great work John. That turned out beautiful. I think it’s great to take an old tool and give it new life.
Having nice looking tools does make their use so much more enjoyable though😊
I love revived tools. Wonderful video.
It came out a beauty
These kinda videos are absolutely my favorite. Love the video work John!
From rusty to lusty!
Winner :)
That is gorgeous! I don’t care if no one ever sees it. It is gorgeous, and you have mad creative skills. Excellent job, sir! That was fun to watch. 👍🏼
Definitely not a waste of time. I am going to do the same ,I never thought of doing it before . Thanks for the idea and the great video.
I really enjoy the pieces you've made with the spalted maple. Keep it up :)
And "time enjoyed is not time wasted" :)
You are a heck of a salesman John!
Great tip with the use of riser block
Not a waste of time at all Mr. Heisz. A nice looking tool makes you want to pick it up and use it.
Nice job! You’ve created a tool too beautiful to use!
it adds to the tool brother. it looks cool. it makes you happy. and it looks damn good! good content my man
John, you nailed it!
ok that goes into the favorite file, cause I've got several hammers that NEED this treatment, bloody feckin' brilliant
If it's worth doing it's worth doing well. Awesome project.
Gorgeous hammer! And I enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing, John!
Nice job John. Thanks for sharing.
This could be a winning formula - an eye catching project, enjoyable video, and feature one of your plans for sale. Perhaps you already plan to make more videos like this, but if you don't, please consider it!
It adds awesomeness!!! Good work John!
Great video John. I am inspired to do the same thing to one of my old hammers. I have some spalted ash wood. It might look nice as well. Thank you for the idea!
Great job, love the polish you put on it
That belt grinder looks great and really useful! I'm tempted! Thanks for sharing
Absolutly beautiful! Nice work.
It’s Never a waste of time to restore a tool like this. It’s not a piece of jewelry but a well made tool that will probably outlast you!!!
Now that's a nice looking hammer. I would say your time was well spent. Thumbs up!
Something like that would make a cool gift
Best hammer I have seen since I made my plane hammer ,,,, mirror polish on the head and it will be the perfect wallhanger , great job.
Looks nice & the knowledge that I did that Priceless
That was definitely time well spent. My next project if I was you would be to build a display case as it looks wayyyyyy to good (and sexy), to beat the hell out of a nail. Love it.
Real nice rehab, John. Hope nobody steals that, its a beaut!
Hammer was a fine tool as it was...but now it can be mounted on a wall and kept behind glass...good job...fun to watch
John, that's one good looking hammer, beautiful build, thanks for posting from Garry in the UK.
Sometimes doing it for fun is a nice break from the ordinary and it looks good.
Nicely done, John. I’d still be monkeying about trying to carve out the middle to match the metal handle. Your glue and contrasting wood method is very elegant.
From used tool to looks cool
Looks awesome John! 😍🔨
This is my kind of project. Even though the hammer was otherwise perfectly functional, now it's really yours. Sort of a 'there are many like it, but this one is mine' thing.
I have the same hammer. ! Looks like a good winter project !
that wood for the handle is beautiful!
Great end result thanks for posting this. Great idea to layer/laminate to handle. Maybe from “shot to hot”
maximum effort sweet result no matter what i bought an old craftsman tablesaw worked fine but took it appart to overhaul restore polish paint and make it look amazing again nobody will care a tablesaw is a tablesaw but to me eye candy!!! and this sir is eye candy
"Fun" is a perfectly legitimate reason to do something:-). "Efficiency" has its place, but it's not the only value in life.
It really looks fantastic.
Its so so good. Hell of a job sir !
Awesome job. I do believe I shall give this a go with an old hammer of mine, if nothing else it will brighten up the workbench.
It looks 100% better than it did before you started and it might only be a hammer but others can see that you keep your tools nice.
Sweet. I like to use nice looking tools. Good job.
Beautiful work.
That's great! Also a great idea for the middle. Linseed oil makes a great looking and easy to maintain finish but not durable. Tung oil builds up so is slightly more durable but not much.
Nice job 👍 turned out amazing. Great work. You inspire me.