Also I do have problems with my hands, so if there is an easier
tool for forging what would that be.
I would suggest that you consider using Jett Sett to make the hammer
handle fit your hand better, once you figure out which hammer to use.
You can warm up a big glob of Jett Sett, wrap it around the handle,
and grasp it as you would like, then hold still until it cools.
Having fitted grooves for all your fingers should substantially
reduce the strength needed, and you can probably do it so you keep
your wrist straighter as well.
A press might work but it would depend on the area being
forged. Unless the press was very large she should use either a
ball or drawing die and the same goes with a hand hammer.
My suggestion would be to find a blacksmith with a 25 or 50
lb. little giant with drawing dies and forge it warm, starting
at a dull red heat in a dark room.
So, there you have it. BIll
Thank you, Bill, Deborah, Michele & Sarah
Reactive Metals Studio, Inc.
I use a 30 lb power hammer in my studio and have mixed results on
trying to rework Mokume. Sometimes you can cause seperation between
the metal even during the same sessions with the hammer and the
heating process being regulated by pyrometer and digital
thermometers.
Perhaps another aid would be a strap tennis players often wear on
their forearm to prevent or help with tendonitis.
I’ve been told that if one wears one of these straps it will prevent
tendonitis. (I’m not a chiropracter, doctor, or whatever and am not
offering this as medical advice).