Hammer Hoopla
After 32 years of horseshoeing and having done a number of educational clinics for farriers and blacksmiths I often discuss hammer balance. A number of folks seem to think this is a myth or just don’t understand. In my mind hammer balance is established when you can cut a hammer exactly in half and both parts will weigh the same. That’s right crosspeins, straight pein, diagonal peins, ball peins, and rounding hammers can all be balanced correctly. Why is this important? It is important for a number of reasons. The first and foremost is that if a hammer is “balanced” it will create less wear and tear on the body that is swinging the hammer. Secondly, if you are swinging a hammer that is heavy on one side and light on the other it will twist during the full swing. Now, because the hammer is twisting during the swing the blacksmith will have to compensate for that twist. When the smith compensates for the twist he is putting a lot of unnecessary torque on his arm, hand, shoulder etc. While some of you may be pretty tough, and be able to handle this, I promise it will catch up to you one day in the future.
What is the most important ingredient in the blacksmith shop? Hands down it is “hammer control”. Without it your work looks like crap. How do you develop hammer control, primarily by concentration. Yes, you actually have to use your head when you are swinging a hammer. If you can train yourself to concentrate on each blow made you will develop a fine swing and the all important “hammer control”. Watch veteran blacksmiths or farriers when they are working. Normally they will have a beautiful swing. The beautiful swing also means they are thinking about each blow back their efficiency level will be high. I always thought “speed” competitions bring out the real craftsmen, as hammer efficiency will become a major factor. I do realize that there are some of you out there that like to swing big clunky hammers for one reason or another and that’s just fine with me. If you ever learn to swing a balanced hammer you will throw your clunky hammer away. However, if you want to be the best at what you do, then develop a great hammer swing with concentration and a balanced hammer. Besides, haven’t you noticed the guys with the best hammer swings get the best chicks? Now if you are a “chick” blacksmith guys will never appreciate your hammer swing. The way to get them is by baking the best cookies.