I'm a powerlifter, boulderer, and an I.T. Guy. Your anti-carpal-tunnel "test" is one of the best extensor stretches I've ever seen. I was preparing for a "forging workshop" and you improved my quality of life with a "side-note". THANK YOU very much!!!
I'm recently returned to smithing after a gap of well over 50 years. I'm a physical wreck - my back and knees are destroyed, I have regular bouts of tendonitis in both arms, and my hammer hand has arthritis, carpal tunnel, trigger finger and white finger, all collected during a life spent coal mining. I have longish handles, but I hold the hammer at about 2/3rds from the head which seems to be the sweet spot for me. I have found two other things that help me avoid the white knuckle grip. Firstly, I thin my handles way more than most folks would be used to and secondly I use octagonal section handles with broader flat sides. These things afford me greater control and accuracy while allowing a safe but loose grip. Patience comes with age and experience, I use a smaller hammers and more heats. I can still use hammers up to 4 pound, but I rarely do so, and then only for a very short time. I have sledges in the shop up to 28 pound, but they are only there for show, and to remind me why my body is knackered. ;
Dude, TH-cam algorithm is robbing you. This is fantastic info, well, presented, good pacing. Just really helpful all around. Why haven't I found you sooner?
I’m just learning to forge. Thank you. Out of all the information I have been soaking up. This hammer lesson has been the most valuable for me. Your explanation of the fundamentals of hammer mechanism was so clear.
One of your best videos Sam! You mention sledgehammer technique and being open to discussing it if there was interest. Not sure if you were open to revisiting the topic after 2 years but I'd LOVE to watch such a video and don't believe there are really any others out there, but I concede bias after possibly injuring myself after slamming on some honestly too cold 1.5" rebar with an 8 pound sledge. Love your work, as someone with a litany of hand issues starting, ironically only ONE from forging, content like this is indispensable! Forge on, -LHF Matt
Regarding the “energy” transferred to the work piece with a heavier or lighter hammer, a heavier hammer always transfers more energy. The reason is due to inertia and impulse. A heavier hammer is harder to stop, so it stays in contact with the workpiece longer (more impulse) and transfers more energy. Even if you swing a hammer weighing half as much as a heavier hammer 4 times faster, it still won’t do as much as the heavier hammer.
Very very useful tips, I'll remember this when I start my Blacksmithing journey! You're the first one I see talking about carpal tunnel prevention and I really like that, most people won't talk about it surprisingly. And your video should have a whole lot more views in my opinion!
So glad I've found you, I'm setting up my first forge, still buying some equipment. And I've forged at my friend's place a few times and my thumb tendon used to hurt a lot because I go full power and really tight grip.
Very true. Keep things close, and tight. If you could make a grinding video that would be great. Loads of people have terrible grinding technique. Keeping the upper body ridged, and the arms also. It's the midsection, and hips make all the difference.. Sorry if I went off the rails there, but just wanted to say it. The video was great, and very helpful. I just wanted to make a suggestion on another video for basic "tool control" kinda stuff. Also.. "thumbing the hammer is how my master does. He has done it for 35 years, and has no issues. He also stops his acceleration just before the actual impact, so he doesn't have the shock in hit thumb, but just uses it for his aim. Not to say that works for everyone. Also you talked about sledge hammer usage, I use one more in a horizontal swing than a vertical one.. Seems odd for most people, but I work on a LOT of repair jobs.. Trailer gates, frames, backhoe buckets, etc. So my swings are mostly driven by hip movements not baseball swing kind of things. I figured I'd put that out there for a take on those sort of swings if people needed to do much of that. Awesome video as always 👍 Keep the cool stuff coming!
Thanks mate, yeah I can certainly do a video on grinding! Thumbing the hammer can be done, but it's not a good practise, especially for new smiths. I may do a video on sledge swinging too!
The mechanics of how you use a hammer are the same principles underlying using a katana to cut. Having already learned this idea, I'm much more confident I'll be okay at hammering
Unfortunately not, one of my future investments for the channel is a wireless lavaleir mic, but I've had to prioritise other things. The quality will eventually improve, but that doesn't happen in a vacuum. Thanks for the feedback
I'm a powerlifter, boulderer, and an I.T. Guy. Your anti-carpal-tunnel "test" is one of the best extensor stretches I've ever seen. I was preparing for a "forging workshop" and you improved my quality of life with a "side-note". THANK YOU very much!!!
@@TopherVexel glad I could assist!
I'm recently returned to smithing after a gap of well over 50 years. I'm a physical wreck - my back and knees are destroyed, I have regular bouts of tendonitis in both arms, and my hammer hand has arthritis, carpal tunnel, trigger finger and white finger, all collected during a life spent coal mining. I have longish handles, but I hold the hammer at about 2/3rds from the head which seems to be the sweet spot for me. I have found two other things that help me avoid the white knuckle grip. Firstly, I thin my handles way more than most folks would be used to and secondly I use octagonal section handles with broader flat sides. These things afford me greater control and accuracy while allowing a safe but loose grip. Patience comes with age and experience, I use a smaller hammers and more heats. I can still use hammers up to 4 pound, but I rarely do so, and then only for a very short time. I have sledges in the shop up to 28 pound, but they are only there for show, and to remind me why my body is knackered. ;
At 67yrs I concur. Patience and acceptance that I ain't 40yrs young anymore.
Young folks... take heed, health is wealth.
Dude, TH-cam algorithm is robbing you. This is fantastic info, well, presented, good pacing. Just really helpful all around. Why haven't I found you sooner?
Thanks mate, glad you found it useful!
Beautifully explained. I learned a lot. May you have many years of blacksmithing ahead of you.
@@stevandelarosa5397 thankyou!
I’m just learning to forge. Thank you. Out of all the information I have been soaking up. This hammer lesson has been the most valuable for me. Your explanation of the fundamentals of hammer mechanism was so clear.
Glad to know it's a help!
Amazing video! Exactly the info i was looking for. Thank you. Subscribed
In a nut shell, great info! Too often, those, "new to the hammer", think, power power power, is the way to move hot iron. Thanks Sam!
Absolutely, power comes with practise, accuracy should always be the first priority
This is Vital Information ! Thank you for posting !
No worries mate, thanks for watching!
Awesomeness, added this to a playlist I am working on. 🤙🤙🤙
Awesome, cheers Yamez!
Lots of good info, this helps! Now i just need those huge arms and i'll be all set 😆
I’ve got a lot of work to do- thanks for the tips!!
Lots of good info thanks Sam
Cheers Hans!
One of the best all-encompassing videos on the topic I've seen yet. Subscribed!
Thanks mate!
Nice video Sam!
Thanks mate!
Wow, thank you for the great pointers and clarity with such detail!! Fantastic
Wonderful video! Good solid advice, well presented.
One of your best videos Sam! You mention sledgehammer technique and being open to discussing it if there was interest. Not sure if you were open to revisiting the topic after 2 years but I'd LOVE to watch such a video and don't believe there are really any others out there, but I concede bias after possibly injuring myself after slamming on some honestly too cold 1.5" rebar with an 8 pound sledge. Love your work, as someone with a litany of hand issues starting, ironically only ONE from forging, content like this is indispensable!
Forge on,
-LHF Matt
Regarding the “energy” transferred to the work piece with a heavier or lighter hammer, a heavier hammer always transfers more energy. The reason is due to inertia and impulse. A heavier hammer is harder to stop, so it stays in contact with the workpiece longer (more impulse) and transfers more energy. Even if you swing a hammer weighing half as much as a heavier hammer 4 times faster, it still won’t do as much as the heavier hammer.
Very very useful tips, I'll remember this when I start my Blacksmithing journey! You're the first one I see talking about carpal tunnel prevention and I really like that, most people won't talk about it surprisingly. And your video should have a whole lot more views in my opinion!
Thanks for sharing this information
No worries mate
Awesome video! Thank you so much!
Thabks mate, you're welcome!
So glad I've found you, I'm setting up my first forge, still buying some equipment. And I've forged at my friend's place a few times and my thumb tendon used to hurt a lot because I go full power and really tight grip.
glad you've found the channel, and glad you find it useful! there are a couple of playlists on my channel page that may help you in your endeavours!
Helpful video, Thanks!😃
Hey mate great video 👍
Thank you man, really useful information!
Fantastic video.
Nice instructional video, thanks!
I'm digging it Sam. Now I shall try to hammer your way. Thanks for the info!
I'm really enjoying your channel, keep up the great work 👍
Thank you. Great information.
Thanks😊
Awesome Vid!
Great and important information 👍 love it 🔨on!!...now thinking about it I think I grip with my pinky also. I should Pay more attention to myself.lol
Thanks mate, yeah, understanding our own body mechanics is important to improving our techniques
Great vid could you do a vid on drawing out material I'd like to see your technique
I'll put it on the list!
Great info!
Thanks! 62 this year and I decided when I retire I want to be a blacksmith. haha we shall see
Thank you Sam! I shared the bejeezus out of this.
Also, this made me review my videos for any error in my technique!
Haha thanks mate, I appreciate it!
Thanks man :)
Very true. Keep things close, and tight. If you could make a grinding video that would be great. Loads of people have terrible grinding technique. Keeping the upper body ridged, and the arms also. It's the midsection, and hips make all the difference.. Sorry if I went off the rails there, but just wanted to say it. The video was great, and very helpful. I just wanted to make a suggestion on another video for basic "tool control" kinda stuff. Also.. "thumbing the hammer is how my master does. He has done it for 35 years, and has no issues. He also stops his acceleration just before the actual impact, so he doesn't have the shock in hit thumb, but just uses it for his aim. Not to say that works for everyone. Also you talked about sledge hammer usage, I use one more in a horizontal swing than a vertical one.. Seems odd for most people, but I work on a LOT of repair jobs.. Trailer gates, frames, backhoe buckets, etc. So my swings are mostly driven by hip movements not baseball swing kind of things. I figured I'd put that out there for a take on those sort of swings if people needed to do much of that. Awesome video as always 👍 Keep the cool stuff coming!
Thanks mate, yeah I can certainly do a video on grinding! Thumbing the hammer can be done, but it's not a good practise, especially for new smiths. I may do a video on sledge swinging too!
A thinner handle helps as well I think.
It sure does!
What if they have arthritis?
top Man thanks
makes sense to me , but that all means practice , practice , practice .👍
No substitute for it!
I definitely had an advantage starting out blacksmithing after my years of martial arts experience.
Hammer on!
The mechanics of how you use a hammer are the same principles underlying using a katana to cut. Having already learned this idea, I'm much more confident I'll be okay at hammering
Good video. Slowly, good hammer technique is becoming accepted by muscle memory
It's all in the practise!
Now I want to go back and look at my videos to see how bad I am screwing this up
Got any videos about technique without such low quality audio? The echo from you shop is horrible
Unfortunately not, one of my future investments for the channel is a wireless lavaleir mic, but I've had to prioritise other things. The quality will eventually improve, but that doesn't happen in a vacuum. Thanks for the feedback
@@SamTownsBladesmith good to hear. Hope I didn't offend. Wasn't trying to be rude but after reading my comment again I was like way to be a d#ck lol
@@damiondeville all good mate, thanks for watching!
Ehh...I thought you meant a different type of swinging.
pp