The Shed

IF I HAD A HAMMER

It would appear that the number of folk who have a forge in their shed, and are doing blacksmithing at home, is rapidly increasing. One clue is that there is a continuing demand for blacksmithing and knifemaking classes, another is the very high prices that anvils command. A major problem is that only relatively small items can be forged by hand; anything larger requires a hammer powered by electricity or compressed air.

Professional blacksmiths overwhelmingly use pneumatic hammers because they are virtually maintenance free and easily controlled. Mechanical power hammers, such as the Little Giant from America (last made in 1994), are hard to find, often very large, and usually expensive.

The solution is to make your own mechanical power hammer. Plans for different types are available on line and there are numerous Facebook maker’s groups to give advice and encouragement.

Two knife-makers from opposite sides of the South Island who

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