Forging Mokume Gane

I have some 1/4" thick Mokume Gane billets (copper/brass and
copper/sterling) from Reactive Metals.

I want to forge them down about halfway. What is the best hammer to
use and where is a good place to get one?

Also I do have problems with my hands, so if there is an easier tool
for forging what would that be.

Thanks for any help!
Margaret

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.

Good luck!
Noel

Here are the thoughts from RMS & SW:

  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.

800/876-3434 - 928/634-3434 - F928/634-6734

Margaret,

When I am working with Mokume Gane, I squeeze the billet down with a
press and after heating the “billet” up.

Otherwise I use a saw and cut the “billet” in to size.

Jerry

I forge mine with a small (2lb)sledgehammer. I am sure that they
have these at hardware shops.

Debby

I want to forge them down about halfway. What is the best hammer to
use and where is a good place to get one? 

This is the hammer I use

Peddiman 57 Grooving Hammer 300 Gram #6020

for the activity you describe. You could try Allcraft, Rio Grande or
Perrin if you’re up here in Canada like me.

K. David Woolley
david.woolley@unb.ca

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.

Just my experience.
Jerry

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).

Kevin Kelly