Forging the claw hammer

Рет қаралды 49,061

3 жыл бұрын

Todays video on forging the claw hammer was originally a zoom demo for the Rocky Mountain Smiths. I have slightly re edited that video to include not just the forging of the hammer, but also finishing steps.
Black Bear Forge is sponsored by Combat Abrasives
bit.ly/3r73P8d
Use code "Blackbear10" for a discount on your next order
My name is John Switzer, I operate Black Bear Forge, a small one person blacksmith shop located in southern Colorado. My current focus is shifting away from commissions and customer orders and towards education through these videos on KZfaq. Thank you for watching
To provide financial support use one of the two links below.
www.paypal.me/BlackBearForge
Or you may set up a monthly contribution through Patreon
/ blackbearforge
Mailing address:
Black Bear Forge
P.O. Box 4
Beulah, CO 81023
If you are curious about some of my other interests, you may like my second channel
John Switzer
/ @johnswitzer
Find my online at:
www.blackbearforge.com
www.blackbearforge.etsy.com
/ blackbearforge
/ black-bear-forge-20986...
Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
My blacksmiths apron
www.Forge-Aprons.com use code BBF
RZmask 99.5% dust mask
rzmask.com?afmc=ay
To find more information in blacksmithing in the US or to search for your local ABANA affiliate group visit.
www.abana.org/
Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Most of my videos are shot on the Canon M50
adorama.evyy.net/NEnJV
Audio is recorded using the RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Microphone Kit
adorama.evyy.net/g5vXA
I have set up a Facebook group just for you, the viewers of this KZfaq channel.
If you would like to share your work that was inspired by my videos
This is the place to do that
/ 101400907400310
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

Пікірлер: 135

@marclofgren5130 3 жыл бұрын

Hi John, just wanted to say thanks for doing these videos. I rarely comment but been watching and learning for years now. How to and how not to. Very informative and you're a great teacher. To the point that I'm setting up a separate space for forging in my machine shop and recently purchased a big 8 tonne fly press 🙂 Here in Sweden a claw hammer would have a smaller radius to the curvature of the claw much like the one you used fitting the handle and wedge. Came out grand anyway! Well I'm rambling.. so keep them coming, I'll be watching 🙂 one of my favourite, down to earth channels 👍 Thank you

@swingarmer1288 3 жыл бұрын

It was BBF in the library with the claw hammer! LOL Nice job!

@nathanfryar3773 3 жыл бұрын

I tried to blow some of the metal shavings off the work piece through my screen!!😂😂

@paulorchard7960 3 жыл бұрын

Yeh,I catch myself sometimes reaching out to brush scale off the anvil !

@gurvinderkau1e5w18 3 жыл бұрын

Claw hammer came out awesome. I always enjoy projects where so many tools are used power hammer treadle , tongs, huge hammer. Knife making video is a great idea👍👍👍👍🔪🔪🔪🔪

@timmaynor8699 3 жыл бұрын

I just like watching the metal glow against all of the dark background

@adroaldoribeiro4529 3 жыл бұрын

Finally a great youtuber making such an underrated yet so widely used tool! Great video!

@Funknwanker 3 жыл бұрын

You’re like the Norm Abrams of forging.

@jamesbarisitz4794 3 жыл бұрын

Old school design that made me smile. A way to keep the top of the handle from shrinking and the head from loosening - soak the hammer in a container of antifreeze just over the bottom of the collar overnight. Interested in forging a Japanese garden trowel as a video? I think it's a Shori. Handy for the greenhouse, and multi purpose. ✌

@josephnorton1996 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome job man. There is something special about working with tools you made. And also, perfecting them after you've worked with them a while.

@Forgehammer 3 жыл бұрын

Just wanted to say how mych I enjoy your videos! You are a very skilled and knowledgeable Smith! I've just recently developed an interest in blade making and Blacksmithing. Your great personality and practical teaching methods have really inspired me. Can't wait to get out to my shop and practice the things ive learned here. Thank you so much!

@HomeImProveMentHow 3 жыл бұрын

Showing these basics of how to set that Hammerhead on a handle is good information and not enough people know this thank you for Sharing. I'll be leaving another comment.

@alangriffin8146 3 жыл бұрын

That homemade grinder is awesome!

@Coal.Thompson 3 жыл бұрын

Hey John, Great video, the hammer looks excellent. I just got my first anvil and forge, and I wanted to thank you, your videos have been a tremendous help! I'd enjoy a knife video from you.

@andrewhutchinson5490 3 жыл бұрын

It's always cool to watch you work big guy.

@bkjustice9390 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work!

@thewirerabbit 3 жыл бұрын

Love it, Smith.

@kevind7617 2 жыл бұрын

Late comment but yes on the knife project.. if you've already made a video.. I'm haven't seen it yet but I'm sure I will because I usually binge watch on the weekends

@rogerslone6742 3 жыл бұрын

BEEN ON QUARANTINE , SO IVE BEEN BINGE WATCHING , I LOVE WHAT YOU DO &YOU ARE VERY GOOD AT IT. AND ITS EASY TO SEE THAT YOU LOVE WHAT YOUR DOING , YOUR STYLE ITS INFORMATIVE , ENTERTAINING AND A GREAT SKILL YOU HAVE MASTERED .YOU HAVE A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU PASS ALONG UNSELFISHLY , AND AS GOOD AS YOU ARE AT BLACKSMITHING YOU ARE AN EVEN BETTER INSTRUCTOR THANKS AND STAY SAFE 🙏🏻👍🏻

@thomasarussellsr 3 жыл бұрын

I agree. The way he was striking that drift, I would likely have shattered my wrist with a missed blow. The true sign of a master of his craft, hard hitting fast blows, with accuracy.

@jeffgrier8488 3 жыл бұрын

The hammer looks great John, it would be a great addition to anybody's tool kit!

@canlite Ай бұрын

If you are ever in Ligonier pa go to the pie shop. Best baked goods ever.

@multicoloredwiz 3 жыл бұрын

that knife you whittled the handle with was awesome!!

@TBizzell68 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful!

@Smallathe 3 жыл бұрын

A very cool project and a lovely and useful hammer!!!

@ghill1010 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome stuff like usual. And congratulations on the combat abrasive sponsorship. Awesome products for awesome people. Thanks again for the knowledge and teaching!!!!

@Thegreenpig22 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing work! Fun to watch how you make things

@dartvader9939 3 жыл бұрын

Nice thumb smasher! Very nice John 👍

@dannygill8519 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video.... awesome hammer. 👍👏👏👏

@beni2094 3 жыл бұрын

John and all his followers have a Merry Christmas! That is one nice nail coaxer!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas

@RRINTHESHOP 3 жыл бұрын

Really nice hammer. Works and looks perfect. MC to you John and family.

@alwaysbearded1 3 жыл бұрын

Such a good teaching video. Octagonal handles are my fav too. Put one on my grandfathers hammer head and it just looks right on an older pattern hammer.

@Silvoflorestal 2 жыл бұрын

Muito bom...você é um profissional de alta qualidade....parabéns

@lenblacksmith8559 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely John would be proud to have a hammer like that.

@Joe___R 3 жыл бұрын

Octagonal hammer handles are the best, they are fairly common on body hammer but unfortunately not on other types of hammers.

@deanmacka4975 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff mate 👍

@SchysCraftCo. 3 жыл бұрын

John great video. Project turned out very well there. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on can't wait to see what you decide to throw in the forge next. God bless

@rayflowers9097 3 жыл бұрын

That is an awesome hammer john. I really like the length of the claw. Thanks again.

@michaelhayes1678 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic claw hammer! I'll bet the die grinder disc was easier than trying to get a file in the groove. Always love your videos.

@wiktor9684 3 жыл бұрын

PL Zajebisty film i młotek ENG Nice video and blacksmithing skills

@none4174 3 жыл бұрын

It was posted 2 minutes ago, you didn't even saw this already, but Im sure he's good too

@wiktor9684 3 жыл бұрын

@@none4174 i live in the matrix and see all video

@none4174 3 жыл бұрын

@@wiktor9684 it makes sense

@armandhammer7642 3 жыл бұрын

Good job. I'm a new subscriber also a carpenter. The only thing extra I would do is cut the handle flush at the top so you don't dent the wood if you pull a nail. ✌

@hannemannironworks1651 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice hammer John!

@robertcutburth3745 3 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas John and family, I've enjoyed and learned a lot from your videos.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Merry christmas

@louislarose6613 3 жыл бұрын

Cool Hammer !

@thesay5663 Жыл бұрын

I love it

@ericseegers5950 3 жыл бұрын

Wooo thats a sweet hammer. I would almost hate to use it but would love to. Great work.

@moreybandel5560 3 жыл бұрын

That turned out REALLY nice! Thanks for the great video, John! Have a Merry Christmas! And a Healthy New Year!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas

@marcerivest6204 3 жыл бұрын

Great video John, l think it turned out pretty darn good .l love watching you make tools which is l enjoy doing.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@MrStonepoints 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the enjoyable morning and useful information. Nice job

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@jasontanner5886 3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge I enjoy your videos I love hearing the hammer hit the hot metal it is like music to ears.

@michaelhayes1678 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see how you approach doing the small, practical knife.

@M.Grigor 3 жыл бұрын

Прекрасно . Спасибо !

@honthirty_ 3 жыл бұрын

Oil & bears, good point.

@shortfuse43 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice hammer! "You done good" as we say here in the sticks. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas

@martinfalcon2182 2 жыл бұрын

Saludos desde Argentina!

@olddawgdreaming5715 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing with us John. Great job with the hammer building. Really liked the way it turned out, you did a great job. Merry Christmas to you and your families. Fred.👍👍👍👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Merry Christmas

@Zogg1281 3 жыл бұрын

That ended up looking really nice. Hope you have a Happy Christmas 👍

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Merry Christmas

@jeffreydustin5303 3 жыл бұрын

Damn fine hammerhead!

@rightwinggunslinger1 3 жыл бұрын

Love your vids. Can you make a video crafting barn door hangars?

@Vic1943_ 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing very nice looking hammer 🔨 hope you have a wonderful Christmas 🎄 blessings to you and yours 🙏

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Merry Christmas

@thecreativecraftingtable8658 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video! Its a pleasure to watch them!😀

@douglasfathers4848 3 жыл бұрын

Grate little hammer John I just wish it was as easy as you make it look to make . May be in time it will be just have to keep trying . (:

@HomeImProveMentHow 3 жыл бұрын

I just watched your video on how to weld metal together for the beginner. I just built a forge I've been watching your channel off and on for a few years now. I find your channel and sprinkle donut Forge Channel very helpful!. I used a plasma cutter when I built my pipe that my air goes through should I turn the air down into the coals? I don't know much about this I just have the desire to learn look forward to hear from you by 4 now Ken

@jeanpomerleau8416 3 жыл бұрын

nice

@frankgaletzka8477 3 жыл бұрын

Hello John A little late but not to late The Hammer looks great We call this Typ in German Latthammer and it is very common I saw your Video with my wife and we have a discusion how old you are I have my birthday in December and i got 60 years old You see your Videos are very publik in our Family I dont know if say something to the you in your other channel about christmas so. We wish you and you love ones a merry christmas and a healthy and blessed year 2021 Yours Ulrike and Frank Galetzka

@markmcmeen287 3 жыл бұрын

As always, a very educational video! Thank you for the direction and encouragement. (BTW, the sparks from the die grinder were probably not good for the camera but were a really cool effect coming right "out of the screen.") Thanks, John.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Thats why there is always a clear lens filter on the camer

@josephmaschari1073 3 жыл бұрын

Good looking claw hammer. What kind of steel is your drift?

@thomasarussellsr 3 жыл бұрын

The balance should be good weight wise, but with the weight thrown out different lengths, how does it feel? How does the claw feel pulling nails? It looks like it should have good leverage with that length. Is the temper on the head tempered back to a bit of a springy bit for the claw not to be to brittle pulling nails, and still not so brittle as to break or have the head chip during normal intended use for such a hammer? (Do you test the hardness of the finished temper of your made tools?). Just wondering. Of course, by OSHA standards, one should wear saftey glasses when utilising any striking tool anyway, but I was just wondering if you did any hardness testing. Thanks, John, and Merry Christmas to you and your spinning bride, and a Happy New Year to the both of you as well. 😀

@williamwoehl3672 3 жыл бұрын

Have a claw design for nails close to a barrier? Like a nail in the floor, 1/4" from the wall, for example.

@scottsammons7747 Жыл бұрын

My efforts to make an antiquated design claw hammer was my toughest project to date. Perhaps I put too much pressure on myself to make it as ideal as possible. I was making these hammers for my brother to use as a log home restorer where demonstration and theater was part of the job. My requirements were for the center of the hammer face to be hard enough that it wouldn't dish out from heavy usage, the inside of the claws to cut a nail. But not be brittle enough to break off. It took many tries to achieve my goals by indirect heat for drawing temper. I was quite pleased to see you using much the same technique in the cross pene hammer video. It was validating to learn that my struggles came to a similar solution as a much more experienced craftsman.. Do you have any further advise on making these products for heavy use?

@josephmartinez9276 3 жыл бұрын

Just curious, is that a Brian Brazil inspired hammer that you forged the billet with? Great hammer and love your work.

@pvtimberfaller 3 жыл бұрын

Something an old blacksmith taught me about claw hammers. You can always tell a hand forged one because the claw is never perfectly centered.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

So true

@billwoehl3051 2 жыл бұрын

Curious about the profile of the claws, steep bevel? Or shallow? My opinion is that the steeper, the more likely to just bend the heads up on the nails and then they break off and no head left on the nails.

@scarface-39 3 жыл бұрын

Nice👍🇺🇸

@bradywolf492 3 жыл бұрын

Have you ever been to Kilroy workshop in Colorado Springs?

@jeffcummins1302 3 жыл бұрын

Ok now I must ask about the mark/spot on the hammer you're using with the slit punch. What might that be?

@NeilGraham.I.M.F 3 жыл бұрын

Nice looking hammer, i really like the octagonal handle. I know Janet is not big on being on camera. Though if she does warm up to the idea someday I think it would be neat to watch her work the spinning wheel

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

I think we are getting close to doing a beginning to end video for her next weaving project

@NeilGraham.I.M.F 3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge that would be great. It seems like such an interesting process

@jimtalbot3989 3 жыл бұрын

Great demonstration on the claw hammer. I often like a tang on my hammer, tend to get a bit rough on them during some demolition projects, and the handle often breaks off. What would your thoughts be on forge welding a tang on, then adding a wooden handle?

@scottsammons7747 Жыл бұрын

Did you see his video of the shepherd's axe? Those keepers could be a cool addition.

@markmoreno7295 3 жыл бұрын

You said S7 for the punch, 4140 for the hammer, but did I miss the mandrel/drift metal comp? Anyway sure looked tough to get it pounded out yet as usual, in the end pure beauty.

@gilauth6791 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Question . Why din't you drill a third hole in the initial piece ?¿? Thanks for your attention

@paulcoppinger3780 3 жыл бұрын

What temperature did you temper at?

@markgoggin2014 3 жыл бұрын

The steel bench block you were using in the wood shop, how effective would a block that side be as an anvil? I have a 4x8x2 block of steel coming to use as my first anvil.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

As long as it is solidly mounted it would work quite we;;

@markgoggin2014 3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge thanks! Do you think tight oiled leather straps over the far sides would be sufficient or is there a better way to mount a block?

@davewallace.8303 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome hammer!! Any chance you’ll do a giveaway on one in the future, or have them available for purchase?

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

I really don't think so.

@markspc1 3 жыл бұрын

The Fennec Fox claw hammer.

@mattmoore1311 3 жыл бұрын

28:05 A claw hammer is handled a lot by the bare hand, going in and out of it's loop hundreds of times a day. I'd give the head a full smoothing for that reason. Upsetting the face wider would make it more consistent with that style of hammer, giving a broader face, bigger sweet spot. Overall nice work though!! As a guy old enough to remember when carpenters didn't use nail guns to frame, I'd give what you've made a workout. :)

@mattmoore1311 3 жыл бұрын

I generally used a 20 oz for framing, and frequently threatened to put a long handle on a rip claw 16 oz. That 17.5 would make a very snappy framing hammer!

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Personally I have always framed with a rigging axe. This hammer will live in the wood shop and probably won't ever see a tool pouch

@Glaswalker1001 3 жыл бұрын

Are you turning your forge on for every heat? It's eerily quiet in your shop.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, but I only do that for improved audio while filming

@tkjazzer 3 жыл бұрын

I think it's just the angle of the camera but have you ever burned yourself reaching for the water to cool the punch . it looks like you reach right over the hot metal

@alvindueck8227 3 жыл бұрын

Does spent engine oil work for quenching oil?

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

No. it has impurities that can alter the performance of the material when quenched. Plus it is really nasty stuff

@CSmothersForge 3 жыл бұрын

Where do you get your handles from?

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

House Handle

@mikeredrugger 3 жыл бұрын

Do you sell punch/chisel sets by chance? I don't have much tool steel laying around and have been wanting a set for hammer making

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

I don't but many blacksmith suppliers and tool makers do

@mikeredrugger 3 жыл бұрын

@@BlackBearForge Thanks much for the quick reply and as always wonderful video! I am going to be doing a ball peen and this video helped me with some of the questions I had regarding the face of the hammer! Thanks again and hope you have a great holiday season!

@deathsromath 3 жыл бұрын

I custom forge tooling, check my website coleaurichio.com for images of my work.

@thomasarussellsr 3 жыл бұрын

@@deathsromath well, that is a fortuitous piece of information. Thanks for sharing it. You just might be a busy person after this gets out there. Merry Christmas. Edit: P.S. interesting sculptures, and quite beautiful. I love the lobster, especially, and that's from a Kentucky USA boy.

@kuriakos 3 жыл бұрын

How do you warm the oil?

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

Just a heavy bar heated in the forge

@tazman8271 3 жыл бұрын

Another OUTSTANDING video John. I have a question. I've watched hundreds of blacksmiths videos. I have never seen you use or mention a "Dog Head" hammer. What are the supposed advantages of a dog head? Obviously you don't share the opinion that they are somehow better.....

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

They seem to be favored by blade smiths. I have never tried one

@robertcutburth3745 3 жыл бұрын

Did you ever use an axel to make anything, like the hammer.

@BlackBearForge 3 жыл бұрын

They tend to be good steel. but they aren't all the same so test harden some before committing yourself