For $104, they can deburr the casting flash on the handle of that hammer for me. Making such a high end tool, at a high end price, I don't like that they didn't "finish" the A surfaces.
I came here to make the same comment. The exterior finish is worse than my deadblow from HD. If it's a "no compromise" tool, they sure compromised on the flashing removal
Your honesty is always refreshing. 1.) The dead blow hammer is way too expensive for me. 14 hour coating is great, but your 20+ year old DBH is still coated well. 2.) Non-marring rubber covers would be great on the jacks. As someone that works alone 99% of the time, I can see a use for these to level stringers or something like that. 3.) For the plane, does it come with more than one blade for that price? I'd love to see you do a video comparing bench grinders. Testing their load (i.e., the wheel stopping as I push the blade on to it) and other features, like the Tormek vs Jet vs Wen, etc.
There's certainly a paradox on the dead blow. Generally, woodworkers aren't using huge amounts of force. If they are, then something isn't fitting to begin with, as many beginner woodworkers might find. But beginners don't want to spend a lot for very pricey tools. And experienced woodworkers, who will shell out for the best tools, have better fitting joints that don't need massive persuasion. Totally agree with your take. I don't think we're the right market.
The 34oz Wood Worker Hammer is able to be used lightly or with great force and still not damage wood surfaces or profiles. Until you use one you simply won't know what it can do for you as a Wood Craftsman. My neighbour was the owner of a large mill works compny doing cabinets for univercities and libraries. He tried a few and came back for a pile more and told me they were amazing! A large mill works shop ( run by a Hutterite colony here in Alberta Canada) has more than 20 spread thoughout their facility and I was told by the Boss that his 34oz. IPH Wood Worker Hammer rides on his hip all day as he manages his shop. We also have several large cabinet shops in the area that have 8 on up to 30 of these specialty Wood Worker Hammers at their assembly stations. Years ago i once stopped in at a small furnature mfgr who was skeptical when i told him he could assemble his furnature without dents or marks. He said he was assembling some Alder curved back chair pieces onto the spindles and asked if he could try one? We went back into his shop and he assemvled the chair backs onto the spindles by tapping the rounded edges and to his surprise no marks were to be seen! He purchased 4 of the 34oz. Wood Worker Hammers for his shop on the spot! Try one and you will see!
I build quite a few cabinets with 8mm dowels. So I use dead blow hammers at the assembly area. Both are Estwing hammers. One 16oz for the love taps and one 45oz for driving things home. Have had them for years and they are still in great condition. Last I checked you can get both of them for less than the one.
Thanks for sharing! Regarding Irwin “lifting tool”, I’ve seen a similar tool on another platform that is used for installing cabinets. It allows the installer to raise a cabinet to a predetermined line and then screw it into place. Just a thought. Thank you Marc! ❤😊
The KM router plane is actually a Hongdui product and that company produces some primo China made wood working products … so it’s probably worth a few extra bucks . In all honesty the Hongdui is often on sale on Banggood
Its so nice to see MTC make a nice tool that doesnt cost an arm and a leg. Im mostly equiped now with Veritas stuff, but they look like a very nice offering.
The Irwin lift looks pretty good, for $100. I have a pair of Viking Arms that are quite similar, except they were twice the price. I also have a cheap pair off Amazon that were something like $60 for the pair. Both pairs are useful but there is a huge difference. The Irwin looks more like the Viking. These things are indispensable. In addition to lifting stationary tools, leveling benches, and such (at the edge of their lift capability), I've been using them to replace rotting PT decking with composite. I'm doing it one board at a time (so I don't end up 10' lower than the last step I took). I use these to press the board into the hidden fasteners by leveraging off the next board to be removed. I don't have to worry about bunging up the groove with a hammer. I use the four of these so that I can press the board into the fastener, evenly across the length of the board. I don't use them every day, but they are invaluable when there is a need.
Machinists have used toe-jacks for ages. Good to see the Irwin equivalent. I could see getting a couple of these for the shop - except for the price. Gravity means that lifting gets more difficult as we accumulate birthdays.
Agreed Mark, I own tools I have no business owning, fortunately in America you’re not required to take an aptitude test before purchasing! I will say I like quality tools, and if I ever cut dovetails tight enough to require a dead blow hammer this will be the one …
Saw the Irwin clamps and immediately purchased. Can confirm they are night and day compared to other options on Amazon (though definitely more expensive). Two of them lifted one side of my cabinet saw with sliding table and router table with ease.
Yea the hammer belongs in a "Festool Systainer". I like the lifts. Maybe good for holding objects up on the bench while you do something under the object. I do like the plane. I have been looking to get one. This might be the one. HaHa.. Freedom Units.
I bought one of the Irwin Quick Lift. I paid $99.00 at Lowes and almost did not buy it for the $99.00. So I have lifted my Jet 1642 lathe to get some wheels under it to move it. Before I was using an automotive jack that was quite clumsy due to placement restrictions. I am sure I will find other uses for it but for now it can lift my heavy lathe so I can move it to clean and take it outside whenever possible so the mess is outside. Maybe I can get another one but for now one will work for me.
It's a bit much, although obviously well-intentioned and better than going full American on it! It ends up sounding like he's trying to do an Australian accent, but only for one word 😂. I think the main issue with Americans pronouncing the word is that they say "mel-born", where both syllables are emphasized equally and the 'o' is the wrong sound, instead of emphasizing the first syllable and shortening the second with an unstressed vowel. The big problem, for me, with this "melb'n" pronunciation is that it drops the r, or makes it non-rhotic. While non-rhoticity is a standard of the Australian dialect, it is very much not standard in American English (although there are exceptions). So it ends up sounding weird to drop it in this context. If he kept the unstressed vowel sound and just added a light, rhotic 'r' it would sound correct and appropriate for his accent. You might disagree with my position here, but imagine if you visited New York and people were annoyed with you for dropping the 'r' in the name! It's essentially the same situation.
@@woodwhisperer 🤣 Sorry, I'm a linguistics nerd! The short version is that I think you should pronounce it as you did, but with the 'r' added in. But that's just, like, my opinion, man.
I could have used a set of the Irwin Quick-Lift jacks when I was installing a lot of cabinets. They would be a lot of help in leveling base cabinets and in holding upper cabinets in place so they could be attached to the wall. (The 10" lift height is too short for raising upper cabinets as is, but that could easily be handled by building a couple of plywood boxes of the right size for the clamps to mount to.)
Great reviews! Your deadblow hammer review was fine in it's original form. My Stanley dead blow is about as old as yours and I believe I paid about $10 for it back in the 90's. It still works fine and it does the exact same thing that the Impact hammer does. No thanks. If I didn't already have the Veritas router plane I'd definitely be interested in the Melbourne. The Irwin lift clamp looks interesting but it's $100 for one and I figure you'd need 2 to get the most use out of it. I'll have to think about that one.
Those Irwin clamps are nice and very clever, but for $100 a pop I'll look elsewhere for alternatives. Depending on how high you need to lift something or the weight, you could just use those door pillow things that lift it up for much less.
@@Erik_The_Viking or in his example case just use a regular floor jack in the center. I am curious if they work in both directions though, if I were able to use them as a large surface area clamp it would make them more appealing. Regarding their primary purpose it's just not the kind of thing most people need often.
@@DracoOmnia You're right that a normal floor jack for the center would be better. They seem to be more of a "spreader clamp than one that could be used in both directions as you mentioned.
Hammer price is crazy, though I do love a no compromise tool. Those Irwin jacks are cool! I bought some amazon ones that can do more weight for $40, but they don't have the controlled descent which is a great feature. The Dewalt and Stanley versions of these are a little more expensive than the IRWIN but allow you to use your foot to push the lever which is nice too. The blade of that router plane seems like a much better way to do things than those with the foot.
I've been using cheap deadblows forever....no failures at all. And whilst I would always prefer to purchase quality american-made products, it's just way too expensive for me.
Excellent reviews. You certainly told it like it is. That is appreciated. I would go for the router plane but I already have three. The jacks look good but I have an industrial version. Will have to pass on the hammer due to price. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂
I have the dewalt version of that Irwin lift. I’m constantly using it in different situations. I only have one, but will definitely be getting another. Very handy
I have a one pound husky deadblow. I live the coating. It's not super hard, but its was not 100 bucks either! It was actually in the close out bin for under 10 bucks! I also have a harder 3 pound one from Harbor freight. It's hard to beat. Its was likely 20 years old, but I'm sure the he has is way better. The face cracked on it. I'm typically pretty abusive to that hammer. Just last year I took it back to harbor freight and they just gave me a new one. It was so old that it was not even in there system when I purchased it (in a different city). Took them a minute to write it up, but no big deal. It would be pretty hard to convince me to spend a 100 bones on a hammer when there is so many other things that require my money. I don't make a living from the majority of my tools, but my work kit does have a HF dead blow that I don't use a ton (it's like to get left on site or grow legs). I do get it.... I love nice things!
I'm pretty sure I would use those irwin things if I had them. Exspecially like for hanging cabinets (when I redo the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen it's a likely purchase) I know they would come in handy at some point.
Have you considered the Paul Sellers DIY router plane? Sure, you have to fabricate the sole itself and complete the assembly, but the price is far lower and you can customize it as desired.
I don't care of nasa made the dead blow hammer to work on the international space station. I bought one at a garage sale seventeen years ago for a dollar and it still works fine. I use it everyday on my ranch, whether it's automotive or fabrication or woodworking, and sometimes it even makes it into the bedroom, but that's for a different channel.
take a piece of spruce 2x4 and run it through a table saw so it has a sharp edge along the length and then use a chop saw to make a sharp corner at one end. Mount it in a vice and take the 34oz Wood Worker Hammer and pound the face onto the sharp corner you will be in utter shock that this hammers striking face didn't damage the sharp corner. Do it several times if you wish and you will be in disbelief. Then try a conventional dead blow hammer and see what happens. If you slowely press the 34oz IPH Wood Worker Hammers face onto that corner or any profile you will be able to see how this unique polyurethane face will actually contour to the profile so as to wrap and protect it from damage even when hitting surprisingly hard! These Wood Worker hammers are not meant for use on steel shafts but are meant to allow Wood Craftsmen to not worry about leaving marks or damage on their projects that would otherwise occur if a traditional 90 - 98a durometer dead blow hammer were used. Try one and you will soon be amazed at what this hammer can do for you!
Great review as always Mark, however I am in fear that you will move to Arkansas, shave your head and grow Bug-Eyes for the next review :~) Funny, I am currently looking at new router planes, I use a Stanley #71 from the early 1950's and while it works great there are some issues like the open throat on it. I know that this can be addressed by a piece of wood, but maybe it's time for a new one. And it's missing the fence. However, I really would like a new plane that does not need to be modified like that. I just looked at the Melbourn tools router plane and found out that it is made overseas from Australia. Also, the cost of additional irons is a bit high. I am leaning towards the JKM even though it is a mainland China product, I feel the package from Mr. Katz is offering is very well thought out. I have been using the same Harbor Freight dead blow hammer since sometime in the 1990's. It has been used for metal working, general carpentry, wood working and just about everything that needs a good whack. Hmmm the hammer you have reviewed is "sexy" and maybe my orange beast may need to be replaced. The Irwin lifts... meh I use a mix of bottle jacks, floor jacks, automotive jacks of various types when I need to move heavy stuff around or tension heavy motors in my machinery. Plus, on my main heavy workbench I use the removable casters that you shilled for a few years ago. They still work great, and I have put them on other pieces of equipment like my router table. Keep up the good work, and when will new episodes of Wood Talk come out? That was part of my Saturday morning TH-cam woodworking porn rotation. Best Regards Dave Couch
Hey Marc, just a heads up if you’re interested, over in The Concord Carpenter/Tool Box Buzz, the host Rob talks about the Viking Arm vs the Dewalt & Irwin jacks. He had some interesting thoughts on them. Thanks!
While I understand what you're saying about the Impact Poly dead blow (price, specifically), I also recognize the irony that you had a $150 blue spruce wooden mallet swinging from your bench when you were showing the Irwin construction jacks 🤣
The hammer will stay looking new for years because of the outer material. If the hammer can take surface damage better over years of use I think 104 is a deal. So many bright orange dead lies with mangled plastic shells. 100 dollars is not the most expensive hammer by a long shot. SnapOn hammer comparison is difficult because you’re gonna be a SnapOn fan and own many more. 104 is kinda in the middle for someone shopping for a tool that can endure and be enjoyed because it is premium.
During the discussion of the price of the hammer I kept getting distracted by the Woodpecker's gear in the background. :p We've all got those items we like to be extra nice, I'm sure there's a hammer contingent out there. (For me, it's hand planes.)
Huh I've been hearing more about MTC with Vic "Road Apples" Tesolin on the Shop Talk Live podcast. I'm intrigued. Two questions for you Marc. 1. Any comment on the MTC vertical handles vs the Veritas splay design? I have the Veritas as well and generally like using it a lot...but hate sharpening those L shaped irons. 2. Any opinion on their spokeshaves? I'm in the market for new, and the MTC price is right. Thank you, sir!
1. This is the first time I've given that any thought, which is saying something. Your comment prompted me to go out into the shop and directly compare them. The Veritas does feel slightly more comfortable in that regard, but again, not so much that I had noticed it previously. Perhaps it would be something that would reveal itself after extensive use? 2. Their spokeshaves are perfectly serviceable. And since you brought up ergonomics, I think the flat handle design is a little more comfortable than the Veritas round handles. But same as above....not a big enough difference to sway me one way or the other. My only complaint on the Melbourne is the cork material on the handles. I really don't like the way it looks as it kind of "cheapens" the appearance. My other concern is durability of the cork material over time. But I haven't had enough time with the tool to result in any durability issues so I'm only speculating.
@@VicTesolinWoodworks those of us from WNY are familiar with just how Tragically Hip the Great White North is. I just went with a favorite of mine, hope you don't mind!
For dead blow hammer, I'm much happier with Harbor Freight options which have a lifetime warranty. I see nothing here worth over $20. The company that makes the Viking Arm is currently suing Black and Decker (owner of Irwin, DeWalt, etc) for ripping them off. Be interesting to see what happens.
Looks like there is some patent drama brewing. I didn't know about the Viking Arm before reading these comments, and when I googled it, the first thing I see is the discussion of patent infringement. The suggestions I saw were either folks see blood in the water (i.e. Viking Arm's patent shouldn't have been granted because of prior art such as FastCap), or the Viking Arm patent had to be so narrow to not be invalidated by FastCap's prior existence that it was feasible to implement a device that performs the same utility but without using the particular list of items in the patent.
That dead blow hammer makes Festool feel like a Harbor Freight brand. I tend to spend too much on tools and have been known to excuse Festool and Woodpeckers high prices because I usually love their tools and the quality they bring. Paying $100 for at best a $25 hammer is a bridge too far.
While the hammer is certainly very nice it is far nicer than virtually any woodworker will need. I don't see anything that it will do for me that my old, I don't even know where it came from, hammer will. This, to me, like taking your Ferrari to the 7-11. It will get you there in style but who really cares.
8:46 The Viking has a more refined lift/lower control when positioning items (like a cabinet for mounting) and the Dewalt grip allows you to step on it to free up your hands You can’t review a tool in a bubble… they need to be compared to its competition
I absolutely CAN review a tool in a bubble and will continue to do so. You have very unrealistic expectations if you think I need to compare every tool to every other tool of it's kind on the market. Now if I'm doing a shootout in a particular product category, sure. But this Tools Unleashed series is advertised as "first impressions and mini-reviews" with limited commentary and depth and that's exactly what I'm delivering. And if you have something to add, as you clearly do, that's what the comment section is for. Or better yet, make your own video. 👍
That hammer coating wont last in the Southwest. In AZ outside temps far exceed the 104° temps for weeks on end. Stored inside a vehicle, or non-air conditioned shop, temps frequently exceed 104°. Also, the company response is pure marketing BS. Any business that cares about quality would remove the flashing on the coating. Especially for 10 times the cost of competitors
The $104.00 deadblow hammer is like spending $104.00 for wheel chocks to change your tire when a block of wood would work perfectly fine. It still stops the wheel from rolling and you save $104.00. WAY too overpriced for what it is. Company greed is out of control.
Come on, Marc.... You can't be serious about that dead blow hammer. It may have some great features that make it a bit better than a regular injection molded one, the fit and finish, especially the amount of flashing on the coating is RIDICULOUS! You cannot present something as a premium product and have it look like it was made in a chinese factory at the lowest budget possible. I do see quite a few good uses for the irwin lifters but they also seem a bit limited in range of motion. If there were some way to increase the range of motion by attaching an extra length bar, or an extension, they would be far more useable and worth the money.
Just curious; what is a "freedom unit". Is that, perhaps a euphemism for those archaic measurement units referred to sometimes as "Imperial"? There, I went and started it all over again. Go ahead; try to defend inches, feet, pounds, miles and the rest.
It's what Americans grew up with... Which means that our brains have been trained to be able to estimate distances, weights, and volume in imperial units. Like any foreign language, the more you use it, the more you start thinking in those units. I actually prefer the metric system but I'm not retarded and fractions don't bother me so I'm okay with both. Are you from a country that weighs themselves in stones perchance? 😂😂😂
@@ssl3546 thats odd. I always have installed my builds and if its a job I out source they always install the cabinets. Only done work in DFW so maybe different in other states.
Have you considered the Paul Sellers DIY router plane? Sure, you have to fabricate the sole itself and complete the assembly, but the price is far lower and you can customize it as desired.
As the founder, former owner and person who designed the Impact Poly Hammers 34oz. Wood Worker Hammer, and after watching your review of it I feel you have missed mentioning some critical things especially by comparing it to conventional dead blow hammers! The 34oz Wood Worker hammer is made of a special high grade low durometer material that allows it to be struck surprisingly hard onto wood surfaces, corners and contours without damaging those contours, corners or surfaces! No conventional dead blow hammer can (get away with) what the 34oz. IPH can. The rectangular faces and head design is so that there is more surface area coming into contact with the wood especially when assembling tounge in groove, biscuit or mortise and tenon joints during bench assembly. Many glasiers use these hammers as they can be sruck on thin anodized aluminum extrusions when installing store fronts or even when locating glass panels. Many users have personaly told me they don't know what they did previously before they had these forgiving Wood Worker Hammers in their shops some of which are large furnature manufacturing mill works managers. I read a comment about the flashing which is sometimes seen on these hammers which has and likely always will be a thorn in the side of who has to trim them. The reason for this is because of the unbelievable cut resistance of the material and durometer they are made from. This material can barely be cut even with use of a brand new exacto blade! No joke! The thin web/flashing often just stretches and doesn't cut and sometimes dragging the blade at an angle workes better than trying to cut it as you hold the web. I would encourage the maker of this video to cut some spruce, fir, oak, maple pieces and mount them and do a comparison of different dead blow hammers against the profiles or edges against the 34oz wood worker hammer. It is only then that he and all of you will understand the amazing quality and ability these hammers have over (All Other) dead blow hammers currently on the market. It is a unique hammer and does what no other hammer does.. and that is to allow wood craftsmen to to strike wood surfaces and contours surprisingly hard without damaging them! They are also perfect for installing plastic T trims and plugs in furnature assembly plants. I would also like to mention that these are hand batched and poured and because of the special material they are made of are required to sit on a hot table for almost 1 hr before demoulding can occur. This is followed by 14 hrs of post curring in an oven and then the difficult job of hand trimming this cut resistant Polyurethane. Think about this when saying they are too expensive when stiletto hammers are 3 times as much. I would strongly encourage you try one if you are assembling wood projects and are tired of using a protector block or having marks in or on surfaces you need to sand out. All the best
Too bad you cannot say “Canada” when saying where the dead blow hammer is made. Seems to me that 100$ spent in Canada is better than 50 bucks going to China…..
@@woodwhisperer , sad response. The biggest trading partner with the US, longest border in the world…. Allies , neighbours … and you won’t say Canada. Wow
@@woodwhisperer I have an awesome sense of humour, but your line was not funny. But , on another note, keep these videos coming, you sharing your skills is great. As a new to woodworking guy, thank you
For $104, they can deburr the casting flash on the handle of that hammer for me. Making such a high end tool, at a high end price, I don't like that they didn't "finish" the A surfaces.
First thing I noticed too - for that price the finish could be better.
I came here to make the same comment. The exterior finish is worse than my deadblow from HD. If it's a "no compromise" tool, they sure compromised on the flashing removal
I was thinking the same thing mate. 😅
Square handle doesn't make sense either
Agreed
Thank you introducing our product! We appreciate the support and hope you enjoy using it.
Thanks for the review and the pronunciation 😆 It's great having your support and be a part of our affiliate program!
Thanks for the kind words pal! I'm glad you're digging the tools. 🙌
Actually that router plane looks like the next tool I have no business owning that I will purchase;)
Thanks for the proper pronunciation of the city where I live.
IKR... it is so rare for an American (or even a pommie) to pronounce it correctly!
I have one of those Irwin tools, I found that it works great when removing epoxy tables from forms.
Your honesty is always refreshing.
1.) The dead blow hammer is way too expensive for me. 14 hour coating is great, but your 20+ year old DBH is still coated well.
2.) Non-marring rubber covers would be great on the jacks. As someone that works alone 99% of the time, I can see a use for these to level stringers or something like that.
3.) For the plane, does it come with more than one blade for that price?
I'd love to see you do a video comparing bench grinders. Testing their load (i.e., the wheel stopping as I push the blade on to it) and other features, like the Tormek vs Jet vs Wen, etc.
The plane comes with a single 1/2" blade and a fence.
There's certainly a paradox on the dead blow. Generally, woodworkers aren't using huge amounts of force. If they are, then something isn't fitting to begin with, as many beginner woodworkers might find. But beginners don't want to spend a lot for very pricey tools. And experienced woodworkers, who will shell out for the best tools, have better fitting joints that don't need massive persuasion.
Totally agree with your take. I don't think we're the right market.
The 34oz Wood Worker Hammer is able to be used lightly or with great force and still not damage wood surfaces or profiles. Until you use one you simply won't know what it can do for you as a Wood Craftsman. My neighbour was the owner of a large mill works compny doing cabinets for univercities and libraries. He tried a few and came back for a pile more and told me they were amazing! A large mill works shop ( run by a Hutterite colony here in Alberta Canada) has more than 20 spread thoughout their facility and I was told by the Boss that his 34oz. IPH Wood Worker Hammer rides on his hip all day as he manages his shop. We also have several large cabinet shops in the area that have 8 on up to 30 of these specialty Wood Worker Hammers at their assembly stations. Years ago i once stopped in at a small furnature mfgr who was skeptical when i told him he could assemble his furnature without dents or marks. He said he was assembling some Alder curved back chair pieces onto the spindles and asked if he could try one? We went back into his shop and he assemvled the chair backs onto the spindles by tapping the rounded edges and to his surprise no marks were to be seen! He purchased 4 of the 34oz. Wood Worker Hammers for his shop on the spot! Try one and you will see!
I build quite a few cabinets with 8mm dowels. So I use dead blow hammers at the assembly area. Both are Estwing hammers. One 16oz for the love taps and one 45oz for driving things home. Have had them for years and they are still in great condition. Last I checked you can get both of them for less than the one.
Thanks for sharing! Regarding Irwin “lifting tool”, I’ve seen a similar tool on another platform that is used for installing cabinets. It allows the installer to raise a cabinet to a predetermined line and then screw it into place. Just a thought. Thank you Marc! ❤😊
The KM router plane is actually a Hongdui product and that company produces some primo China made wood working products … so it’s probably worth a few extra bucks . In all honesty the Hongdui is often on sale on Banggood
Its so nice to see MTC make a nice tool that doesnt cost an arm and a leg. Im mostly equiped now with Veritas stuff, but they look like a very nice offering.
Thank you :)
The Irwin lift looks pretty good, for $100. I have a pair of Viking Arms that are quite similar, except they were twice the price. I also have a cheap pair off Amazon that were something like $60 for the pair. Both pairs are useful but there is a huge difference. The Irwin looks more like the Viking.
These things are indispensable. In addition to lifting stationary tools, leveling benches, and such (at the edge of their lift capability), I've been using them to replace rotting PT decking with composite. I'm doing it one board at a time (so I don't end up 10' lower than the last step I took). I use these to press the board into the hidden fasteners by leveraging off the next board to be removed. I don't have to worry about bunging up the groove with a hammer. I use the four of these so that I can press the board into the fastener, evenly across the length of the board.
I don't use them every day, but they are invaluable when there is a need.
Machinists have used toe-jacks for ages. Good to see the Irwin equivalent. I could see getting a couple of these for the shop - except for the price. Gravity means that lifting gets more difficult as we accumulate birthdays.
I like simple workhorse tools at a good price 😁
I ordered the ImpactPoly hammer and will let you know what I think
Awesome tools indeed, Marc! Thanks for the review! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Agreed Mark, I own tools I have no business owning, fortunately in America you’re not required to take an aptitude test before purchasing! I will say I like quality tools, and if I ever cut dovetails tight enough to require a dead blow hammer this will be the one …
Saw the Irwin clamps and immediately purchased. Can confirm they are night and day compared to other options on Amazon (though definitely more expensive). Two of them lifted one side of my cabinet saw with sliding table and router table with ease.
Love these videos!!
THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO
Yea the hammer belongs in a "Festool Systainer". I like the lifts. Maybe good for holding objects up on the bench while you do something under the object. I do like the plane. I have been looking to get one. This might be the one. HaHa.. Freedom Units.
I bought one of the Irwin Quick Lift. I paid $99.00 at Lowes and almost did not buy it for the $99.00. So I have lifted my Jet 1642 lathe to get some wheels under it to move it. Before I was using an automotive jack that was quite clumsy due to placement restrictions. I am sure I will find other uses for it but for now it can lift my heavy lathe so I can move it to clean and take it outside whenever possible so the mess is outside. Maybe I can get another one but for now one will work for me.
Love it!
I appreciated the correct pronunciation of Melbourne. (Melbourne Resident) ☺
It's a bit much, although obviously well-intentioned and better than going full American on it! It ends up sounding like he's trying to do an Australian accent, but only for one word 😂.
I think the main issue with Americans pronouncing the word is that they say "mel-born", where both syllables are emphasized equally and the 'o' is the wrong sound, instead of emphasizing the first syllable and shortening the second with an unstressed vowel.
The big problem, for me, with this "melb'n" pronunciation is that it drops the r, or makes it non-rhotic. While non-rhoticity is a standard of the Australian dialect, it is very much not standard in American English (although there are exceptions). So it ends up sounding weird to drop it in this context. If he kept the unstressed vowel sound and just added a light, rhotic 'r' it would sound correct and appropriate for his accent.
You might disagree with my position here, but imagine if you visited New York and people were annoyed with you for dropping the 'r' in the name! It's essentially the same situation.
holy crap that was exhausting.
@@woodwhisperer 🤣 Sorry, I'm a linguistics nerd! The short version is that I think you should pronounce it as you did, but with the 'r' added in. But that's just, like, my opinion, man.
@@woodwhisperer i know! i had to read it twice...
@@donallmc Mate, it is pronounced Melbin. Your r's can take a long walk off a short pier :p
I could have used a set of the Irwin Quick-Lift jacks when I was installing a lot of cabinets. They would be a lot of help in leveling base cabinets and in holding upper cabinets in place so they could be attached to the wall. (The 10" lift height is too short for raising upper cabinets as is, but that could easily be handled by building a couple of plywood boxes of the right size for the clamps to mount to.)
Great reviews! Your deadblow hammer review was fine in it's original form. My Stanley dead blow is about as old as yours and I believe I paid about $10 for it back in the 90's. It still works fine and it does the exact same thing that the Impact hammer does. No thanks. If I didn't already have the Veritas router plane I'd definitely be interested in the Melbourne. The Irwin lift clamp looks interesting but it's $100 for one and I figure you'd need 2 to get the most use out of it. I'll have to think about that one.
Those Irwin clamps are nice and very clever, but for $100 a pop I'll look elsewhere for alternatives. Depending on how high you need to lift something or the weight, you could just use those door pillow things that lift it up for much less.
@@Erik_The_Viking or in his example case just use a regular floor jack in the center. I am curious if they work in both directions though, if I were able to use them as a large surface area clamp it would make them more appealing. Regarding their primary purpose it's just not the kind of thing most people need often.
@@DracoOmnia You're right that a normal floor jack for the center would be better. They seem to be more of a "spreader clamp than one that could be used in both directions as you mentioned.
Hammer price is crazy, though I do love a no compromise tool. Those Irwin jacks are cool! I bought some amazon ones that can do more weight for $40, but they don't have the controlled descent which is a great feature. The Dewalt and Stanley versions of these are a little more expensive than the IRWIN but allow you to use your foot to push the lever which is nice too. The blade of that router plane seems like a much better way to do things than those with the foot.
I've been using cheap deadblows forever....no failures at all. And whilst I would always prefer to purchase quality american-made products, it's just way too expensive for me.
Lovely done. Ty
Excellent reviews. You certainly told it like it is. That is appreciated. I would go for the router plane but I already have three. The jacks look good but I have an industrial version. Will have to pass on the hammer due to price. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂
I have the dewalt version of that Irwin lift. I’m constantly using it in different situations. I only have one, but will definitely be getting another. Very handy
I have a one pound husky deadblow. I live the coating. It's not super hard, but its was not 100 bucks either! It was actually in the close out bin for under 10 bucks! I also have a harder 3 pound one from Harbor freight. It's hard to beat. Its was likely 20 years old, but I'm sure the he has is way better. The face cracked on it. I'm typically pretty abusive to that hammer. Just last year I took it back to harbor freight and they just gave me a new one. It was so old that it was not even in there system when I purchased it (in a different city). Took them a minute to write it up, but no big deal. It would be pretty hard to convince me to spend a 100 bones on a hammer when there is so many other things that require my money. I don't make a living from the majority of my tools, but my work kit does have a HF dead blow that I don't use a ton (it's like to get left on site or grow legs). I do get it.... I love nice things!
I'm pretty sure I would use those irwin things if I had them. Exspecially like for hanging cabinets (when I redo the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen it's a likely purchase) I know they would come in handy at some point.
No good hammer great Irwin lift!
came here for the hammer, stayed for the cat!
😂
Have you considered the Paul Sellers DIY router plane? Sure, you have to fabricate the sole itself and complete the assembly, but the price is far lower and you can customize it as desired.
This reminded me that I have not put together mine yet 😅
I don't care of nasa made the dead blow hammer to work on the international space station. I bought one at a garage sale seventeen years ago for a dollar and it still works fine. I use it everyday on my ranch, whether it's automotive or fabrication or woodworking, and sometimes it even makes it into the bedroom, but that's for a different channel.
take a piece of spruce 2x4 and run it through a table saw so it has a sharp edge along the length and then use a chop saw to make a sharp corner at one end. Mount it in a vice and take the 34oz Wood Worker Hammer and pound the face onto the sharp corner you will be in utter shock that this hammers striking face didn't damage the sharp corner. Do it several times if you wish and you will be in disbelief. Then try a conventional dead blow hammer and see what happens. If you slowely press the 34oz IPH Wood Worker Hammers face onto that corner or any profile you will be able to see how this unique polyurethane face will actually contour to the profile so as to wrap and protect it from damage even when hitting surprisingly hard! These Wood Worker hammers are not meant for use on steel shafts but are meant to allow Wood Craftsmen to not worry about leaving marks or damage on their projects that would otherwise occur if a traditional 90 - 98a durometer dead blow hammer were used. Try one and you will soon be amazed at what this hammer can do for you!
Great review as always Mark, however I am in fear that you will move to Arkansas, shave your head and grow Bug-Eyes for the next review :~)
Funny, I am currently looking at new router planes, I use a Stanley #71 from the early 1950's and while it works great there are some issues like the open throat on it. I know that this can be addressed by a piece of wood, but maybe it's time for a new one. And it's missing the fence.
However, I really would like a new plane that does not need to be modified like that. I just looked at the Melbourn tools router plane and found out that it is made overseas from Australia. Also, the cost of additional irons is a bit high. I am leaning towards the JKM even though it is a mainland China product, I feel the package from Mr. Katz is offering is very well thought out.
I have been using the same Harbor Freight dead blow hammer since sometime in the 1990's. It has been used for metal working, general carpentry, wood working and just about everything that needs a good whack. Hmmm the hammer you have reviewed is "sexy" and maybe my orange beast may need to be replaced.
The Irwin lifts... meh I use a mix of bottle jacks, floor jacks, automotive jacks of various types when I need to move heavy stuff around or tension heavy motors in my machinery. Plus, on my main heavy workbench I use the removable casters that you shilled for a few years ago. They still work great, and I have put them on other pieces of equipment like my router table.
Keep up the good work, and when will new episodes of Wood Talk come out? That was part of my Saturday morning TH-cam woodworking porn rotation.
Best Regards
Dave Couch
Hey Marc, just a heads up if you’re interested, over in The Concord Carpenter/Tool Box Buzz, the host Rob talks about the Viking Arm vs the Dewalt & Irwin jacks. He had some interesting thoughts on them. Thanks!
While I understand what you're saying about the Impact Poly dead blow (price, specifically), I also recognize the irony that you had a $150 blue spruce wooden mallet swinging from your bench when you were showing the Irwin construction jacks 🤣
The hammer will stay looking new for years because of the outer material. If the hammer can take surface damage better over years of use I think 104 is a deal. So many bright orange dead lies with mangled plastic shells. 100 dollars is not the most expensive hammer by a long shot. SnapOn hammer comparison is difficult because you’re gonna be a SnapOn fan and own many more. 104 is kinda in the middle for someone shopping for a tool that can endure and be enjoyed because it is premium.
When a Snap-On deadblow is cheaper, you know something is off
That's not a knife, that's a Melbourne Tool Company router plane!
During the discussion of the price of the hammer I kept getting distracted by the Woodpecker's gear in the background. :p We've all got those items we like to be extra nice, I'm sure there's a hammer contingent out there. (For me, it's hand planes.)
Huh I've been hearing more about MTC with Vic "Road Apples" Tesolin on the Shop Talk Live podcast. I'm intrigued.
Two questions for you Marc.
1. Any comment on the MTC vertical handles vs the Veritas splay design? I have the Veritas as well and generally like using it a lot...but hate sharpening those L shaped irons.
2. Any opinion on their spokeshaves? I'm in the market for new, and the MTC price is right.
Thank you, sir!
1. This is the first time I've given that any thought, which is saying something. Your comment prompted me to go out into the shop and directly compare them. The Veritas does feel slightly more comfortable in that regard, but again, not so much that I had noticed it previously. Perhaps it would be something that would reveal itself after extensive use?
2. Their spokeshaves are perfectly serviceable. And since you brought up ergonomics, I think the flat handle design is a little more comfortable than the Veritas round handles. But same as above....not a big enough difference to sway me one way or the other. My only complaint on the Melbourne is the cork material on the handles. I really don't like the way it looks as it kind of "cheapens" the appearance. My other concern is durability of the cork material over time. But I haven't had enough time with the tool to result in any durability issues so I'm only speculating.
Road Apples eh? 🧐😆
@@VicTesolinWoodworks those of us from WNY are familiar with just how Tragically Hip the Great White North is. I just went with a favorite of mine, hope you don't mind!
@@michaelthompson5875 that’s their best album!
I'm surprised Bridge City isn't the vendor for the megabuck dead blows
thank you for not trying to sell me a $100 deadblow hammer. I'm sure it's good, but too much for me.
Those Quick-lift clamps provide a pretty good exercise for the wrists. Better than what I do and legal in public.
The chickens sequence was peak TH-cam, someone makes a 10h version pretty please
For dead blow hammer, I'm much happier with Harbor Freight options which have a lifetime warranty. I see nothing here worth over $20.
The company that makes the Viking Arm is currently suing Black and Decker (owner of Irwin, DeWalt, etc) for ripping them off. Be interesting to see what happens.
Id go km router plane just to support him as well as it being a great tool
Q: How do you create a dad joke?
A: Take any normal joke (or pun) and add 'Get it?!' to the end.
have you tried.... Halder hammer? its very close to the price point its looks wayyyyyyyy better
Never heard of them, but those do look nice!
Freedom units😂😂😂🇺🇸
VikingArm patents expire?
Looks like there is some patent drama brewing. I didn't know about the Viking Arm before reading these comments, and when I googled it, the first thing I see is the discussion of patent infringement. The suggestions I saw were either folks see blood in the water (i.e. Viking Arm's patent shouldn't have been granted because of prior art such as FastCap), or the Viking Arm patent had to be so narrow to not be invalidated by FastCap's prior existence that it was feasible to implement a device that performs the same utility but without using the particular list of items in the patent.
No, and they're taking legal action
That dead blow hammer makes Festool feel like a Harbor Freight brand. I tend to spend too much on tools and have been known to excuse Festool and Woodpeckers high prices because I usually love their tools and the quality they bring. Paying $100 for at best a $25 hammer is a bridge too far.
While the hammer is certainly very nice it is far nicer than virtually any woodworker will need. I don't see anything that it will do for me that my old, I don't even know where it came from, hammer will. This, to me, like taking your Ferrari to the 7-11. It will get you there in style but who really cares.
8:46 The Viking has a more refined lift/lower control when positioning items (like a cabinet for mounting) and the Dewalt grip allows you to step on it to free up your hands
You can’t review a tool in a bubble… they need to be compared to its competition
I absolutely CAN review a tool in a bubble and will continue to do so. You have very unrealistic expectations if you think I need to compare every tool to every other tool of it's kind on the market. Now if I'm doing a shootout in a particular product category, sure. But this Tools Unleashed series is advertised as "first impressions and mini-reviews" with limited commentary and depth and that's exactly what I'm delivering. And if you have something to add, as you clearly do, that's what the comment section is for. Or better yet, make your own video. 👍
Chinese radioactive plastic, huh. Is that why my wife has been telling me that I have a natural glow about me? 🤔
That hammer coating wont last in the Southwest. In AZ outside temps far exceed the 104° temps for weeks on end. Stored inside a vehicle, or non-air conditioned shop, temps frequently exceed 104°. Also, the company response is pure marketing BS. Any business that cares about quality would remove the flashing on the coating. Especially for 10 times the cost of competitors
The $104.00 deadblow hammer is like spending $104.00 for wheel chocks to change your tire when a block of wood would work perfectly fine. It still stops the wheel from rolling and you save $104.00. WAY too overpriced for what it is. Company greed is out of control.
Come on, Marc.... You can't be serious about that dead blow hammer. It may have some great features that make it a bit better than a regular injection molded one, the fit and finish, especially the amount of flashing on the coating is RIDICULOUS! You cannot present something as a premium product and have it look like it was made in a chinese factory at the lowest budget possible.
I do see quite a few good uses for the irwin lifters but they also seem a bit limited in range of motion. If there were some way to increase the range of motion by attaching an extra length bar, or an extension, they would be far more useable and worth the money.
I see Deadpool, where's Wolverine?
in australia you're wrong unless you pronounce it "melBURN"
Take that up with your fellow countrymen. 😂
@@Aussie_Jesus_Christ only if you're from Jutland Pde in Perth
@@woodwhisperer I'm having an identity crisis cause I realised I actually do say it "melbin" 😭
You do have all those woodpecker's tools on your wall.
Take off you hoser!
Just curious; what is a "freedom unit". Is that, perhaps a euphemism for those archaic measurement units referred to sometimes as "Imperial"?
There, I went and started it all over again. Go ahead; try to defend inches, feet, pounds, miles and the rest.
It's what Americans grew up with... Which means that our brains have been trained to be able to estimate distances, weights, and volume in imperial units. Like any foreign language, the more you use it, the more you start thinking in those units.
I actually prefer the metric system but I'm not retarded and fractions don't bother me so I'm okay with both.
Are you from a country that weighs themselves in stones perchance? 😂😂😂
totally stealing Canerdia
The "quick lift" is a cheap knock off of the Viking Arm. Used for construction (installing doors and cabinets) not woodworking.
Do woodworkers not install the cabinets and doors they make?
@@RobyWanKenobi normally millwork shops don't install what they make, no.
@@ssl3546 thats odd. I always have installed my builds and if its a job I out source they always install the cabinets. Only done work in DFW so maybe different in other states.
Have you considered the Paul Sellers DIY router plane? Sure, you have to fabricate the sole itself and complete the assembly, but the price is far lower and you can customize it as desired.
As the founder, former owner and person who designed the Impact Poly Hammers 34oz. Wood Worker Hammer, and after watching your review of it I feel you have missed mentioning some critical things especially by comparing it to conventional dead blow hammers! The 34oz Wood Worker hammer is made of a special high grade low durometer material that allows it to be struck surprisingly hard onto wood surfaces, corners and contours without damaging those contours, corners or surfaces! No conventional dead blow hammer can (get away with) what the 34oz. IPH can. The rectangular faces and head design is so that there is more surface area coming into contact with the wood especially when assembling tounge in groove, biscuit or mortise and tenon joints during bench assembly. Many glasiers use these hammers as they can be sruck on thin anodized aluminum extrusions when installing store fronts or even when locating glass panels. Many users have personaly told me they don't know what they did previously before they had these forgiving Wood Worker Hammers in their shops some of which are large furnature manufacturing mill works managers. I read a comment about the flashing which is sometimes seen on these hammers which has and likely always will be a thorn in the side of who has to trim them. The reason for this is because of the unbelievable cut resistance of the material and durometer they are made from. This material can barely be cut even with use of a brand new exacto blade! No joke! The thin web/flashing often just stretches and doesn't cut and sometimes dragging the blade at an angle workes better than trying to cut it as you hold the web. I would encourage the maker of this video to cut some spruce, fir, oak, maple pieces and mount them and do a comparison of different dead blow hammers against the profiles or edges against the 34oz wood worker hammer. It is only then that he and all of you will understand the amazing quality and ability these hammers have over (All Other) dead blow hammers currently on the market. It is a unique hammer and does what no other hammer does.. and that is to allow wood craftsmen to to strike wood surfaces and contours surprisingly hard without damaging them! They are also perfect for installing plastic T trims and plugs in furnature assembly plants. I would also like to mention that these are hand batched and poured and because of the special material they are made of are required to sit on a hot table for almost 1 hr before demoulding can occur. This is followed by 14 hrs of post curring in an oven and then the difficult job of hand trimming this cut resistant Polyurethane. Think about this when saying they are too expensive when stiletto hammers are 3 times as much. I would strongly encourage you try one if you are assembling wood projects and are tired of using a protector block or having marks in or on surfaces you need to sand out. All the best
Too bad you cannot say “Canada” when saying where the dead blow hammer is made.
Seems to me that 100$ spent in Canada is better than 50 bucks going to China…..
I can say "Canada." I choose not to.
@@woodwhisperer , sad response. The biggest trading partner with the US, longest border in the world…. Allies , neighbours … and you won’t say Canada. Wow
@@SCP75-6I thought Canadians had a good sense of humor. Mike Myers is a lie!!
@@woodwhisperer I have an awesome sense of humour, but your line was not funny.
But , on another note, keep these videos coming, you sharing your skills is great. As a new to woodworking guy, thank you