If any of you guys need a workout, just try forging a hammer head. This one started out a piece of 1 1/2 X 6 inch round bar of L-6 steel. I had to upset it a lot to get it to this square dimension. It's about 1 7/8 - 2 inches squarish. I had to make two, the first cracked in the quench. My fault. It's about 3 lbs but I have not weighed it yet. Bad cell phone picture.

 

That looks like a lot of work.  I have been thinking about making one of those myself.

thats awesome!!! will it stay that color? lol just joking.  so on mading tools like that lin what are good steels to use?

Good information Lin, Thanks

Thanks. The hammer pattern is from the 1800's so I will be using this one at the museum where I work interpreting that time period sometimes. I will be using it to forge not only blades but other things to do with that time period. I gave the Little Johnny forge a real work out today. At least 6 hours run time. I had to make the drifts too and forged another knife blade.

To upset the round bar, I heated it and set it in the press on it's end and squished it down to thicken it. Then I squared , slit, drifted, etc. It kept me jumpin.

I would prefer some medium carbon steel, but had what I had. 4140 next time. I may not have to draw it back. Fully hard it might be about right.

wow...just wow.<><

Stic said it for me to. WOW

Very nice Lin

Thank you guys.

You might wonder why I like to mess around with this. I just want to know how. I like the idea of making things with tools I make. I'm hoping this hammer will forge lots of sturdy knife blades.

If I had a hammer...  That is an incredible feat you are pulling off.  Looks great, and man, what a workout you must be getting.  Popeye arms after this one is done.

Lin, I'll take two. I know you don't sell them but it sure would be nice to have. Keep hammering
Dana

Cool!

Last week I was out at the forge hammering a big piece of 5160 Kevin gave me some time ago and that about wore me out!  I can only imagine working a hunk like that!  I don't have a power hammer or a press!!!!

Steve
-------
Potomac Forge

I used a power hammer and press and it was tough. The main thing is to figure out your moves, the sequence of heats.

Square up yout block a little short of the finished head length since you'll be drawing the cross pein out making it full length. Slit it about 1/3 in from the end. The short end will be the cross pein. Try not to get the slitter stuck. Go in a little and take it out and cool it. Then drift the eye to 90 percent shape saving the final drifting till the cross pein is drawn and the bevels are hammered in the barrel corners(dont know the name). Take care not to get a fish mouth when hammering the cross pein. Finalize the eye and thermocycle. Harden just the face and pein and draw back as the steel specifies.

Lin I asume you want me to go ahead and send the 4140 your way    you can't be posting stuff that nice,that I need without taking orders??  :p

This is great Lin. I love it and I covet it.

I was just working on a hammer yesterday.. A warhammer. A part of the collaboration I'm doing with Serge. I just have to figure out how to weld on the damascus face!

Hey Lin im still waiting on the Jersey pattern axe you were gonna make me, I need to start cutting fire wood in Feb!      

Yes indeed you may be a Master Bladesmith...but it all originates from being a Great Blacksmith!  Very impressive...tippit

I have had the good fortune to hold this hammer, wow! It feels so perfect in the hand, balance and weight are perfect. I do hope I get the chance to put it to some hot steel.

Great job Lin!

Chris