Blacksmith Rounding Hammer

[@christiancorbitt5309]

I think my favorite part of watching blacksmiths work is seeing them make tools in order to make tools.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Yes... blacksmithing is one those rare, rewarding crafts where you have to spend a total of about ten years making stuff to get to a point where you can just go ahead and make the stuff you wanted to make in the first place without having to make more stuff just to get started on it. :D Orrrr you could simply re-mortgage the ranch and spend thirty grand on all those tools right away. But where's the fun in that? You don't learn as much just buying everything off the shelf.

[@stanervin6108]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 Truer words have seldom been spoken. ⛏⚔

[@garethbaus5471]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 that is pretty accurate.

[@doeverything7997]

You can never please all the people all the time, but I do enjoy your commentary while watching the process. Having the two in conjunction - explanation and example - helps some people cement the "what" with the "why" (myself included). Whatever the case, I've been a fan of your videos for years and love the work you put out - thank you, sir!

[@maddash9070]

I agree. I would never want to offend John or make him feel like he made a mistake but the commentary on why he is doing these steps is so invaluable to a person like me. I’ve learned so much from these videos. If this is the way he wants to do it then I’m fine with it. John if you read this I’m here for what ever direction you go my friend. Though personally I get more from your words. Still a great video.

[@uknowthat1guy688]

I second this as well

[@ImaLurkin]

I’ve watched this particular episode at least 5 times. Each time I learn something new!

[@codybates2419]

You are by far one of the blacksmiths I learn the most from every video. As someone just starting out with limited access to classes, it's super appreciated

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@3870TheDad]

John, I really like this format of the video. It is almost like being in the forge with you. Thank you for a great video.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it. Its a style I think I would like to explore in future videos

[@wolfparty4234]

Nice work John. This style video is rather pleasing. One, doing all the work in the forge then two, a nice little sit down talk from you. Well done, Sir!!!💪🏼💪🏼🔥🔥🔥👍🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@ArtificialMisery]

This channel continues to be a wealth of knowledge for aspiring blacksmiths, fantastic to have such an experienced person willing to share the information for free, even going the extra mile to include time stamps in the description for future reference. Thank you for continuing to do what you do.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@yup949]

I have to say. I have watched your channel for 3 years now I think. It is by far my favorite channel for many things. I love to relax after work and learn from you. I find your way of teaching to be a perfect balance of entertainment and knowledge. I hope to enjoy your channel for years to come! Cheers from Ontario! Keep up the excellent work.

[@johnjude2685]

Sir you are a motivational speaker and influence of people, Always love your videos and you inspire craftsmanship and super grateful for safety being taught. Thanks for the teaching Sir

[@BillyBOB-sm3rl]

I like how you fitted the handle and wedge.

[@leontorkelson6246]

As always another great video. You are a very good teacher, I have learned a lot from you. This summer I had the great pleasure to instruct several young people about blacksmithing. I told them that I was mostly self taught using a lot of videos. I always recommend your videos

[@MrGiXxEr]

This is next level production! More like this please!!!

[@robertwhitney2232]

Nice to see all the tools being used, even the LG not being left out. Thanks for sharing, hammer on.👍⚒

[@midknightforge7446]

Hey John. Great video but please also continue doing the older style where you really get into detail about each step. Those videos are one of the main reasons I actually started smithing. I just did my first ever forge welds this weekend following your video on the basket twist. After hearing you say so many times that forge welding is an essential skill for any smith I was so happy I pulled it off. The idea of trying it was very daunting to me this last year of forging but I finally gave it a shot after refreshing up on your forge weld videos. Thanks!!

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

I look at something as "simple" as a hammer and think back to all those centuries when powerhammers and presses did not exist. I realize labor was cheap back then, but still... dang, that's a lot of work.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

@@clinkerbreaker9332 indeed, but how common were those? I really don't know... but even in early 20th century America a lot of people were doing a good amount of smithing work by hand. Even for a bit after modern powerhammers had been invented. The point overall is that we're kind of spoiled today. Mere hobbyists being able to afford industrial-strength power tooling is very recent. And in most parts of the world, still quite rare. There may be more people making PW steel now than in any other period ever, and we don't even need it anymore. It's really just for looks nowadays...

[@garethbaus5471]

Trip hammers have been pretty standard in most areas suitable for waterwheels since the 12th century, it was pretty much only the rural blacksmiths with relatively small shops who forged large items by hand in any period of history since then.

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

@@garethbaus5471 yeah I phrased that very poorly. "Did not exist" is simply not accurate.

[@KKDE]

This is one of the best hammer making process videos I've seen to date without a doubt. Amazing

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@mikemcallister757]

Thanks John! your videos are very professional and well done. I liked the fact that you had no dialog while making this hammer and then talked about it after. I do like it when you are explaining what you are doing with other projects also. Thanks again!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you very much!

[@douglasfathers4848]

Nice hammer John , Enjoyed the power hammer work it . It's always good watching a blacksmith making his own tools . :)

[@ryonb2875]

Phenomenal! Ya know a collaboration between you and will stelter and/or Alec steel would be a great thing I think!

[@Swaffles870]

You have come so far so quickly sir. You make me get even more excited to get into this trade

[@JacobPaul123]

I always liked the straight edge you use and I just realized you made it yourself from a rafter square. Very cool

[@brettthompson5919]

Great job John. It is always a pleasure to see you work.

[@stanervin6108]

Excellent, John! Saw the drawer handle collection in this video. The new viewers would need to do some serious research for the story/series on the handles. Have a safe week. 🐾🔥⚒🚒👨‍🚒

[@pnr9730]

Love your work mate with regards from Australia.

[@stevenbell1888]

The quality of your videos took a giant leap. looking good man :)

[@thomaskelly5457]

Brilliant video thanks John I love how you've evolved your filming process, this feels like we're there watching you live like a hammer-in and I love it :) Cheers mate!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kyze6734]

The coal dust tip thank you its these small tips tht keep me coming back will for sure try it with the next hammer

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@jondrud3742]

Aaawww.. I missed hearing; "Welcome back to BBB" and your naration. Now my morning coffee just doesn't taste right 🥺

[@SchysCraftCo.]

John very nice job it turned out very well there. Hopefully you get great use out of it my friend. Forge on. Keep making. God bless.

[@paulorchard7960]

Nice hammer, thanks John!

[@redlionforge9173]

Nice work John. I have one of those from old hickory forge and it’s a very versatile hammer in the shop.

[@CorneliusFudgePop]

I love your style and you remind me so much of my dad. I’d love to put work on that hammer! What a beauty

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

He reminds me of my Dad too... except if it was my Dad there'd a be a *LOT* of cussing in the videos. :p

[@CorneliusFudgePop]

@@dogslobbergardens6606 I’m glad I found this KZbin channel

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

@@CorneliusFudgePop me too. Oddly enough, I stumbled across it looking for info on making charcoal. Now it has rekindled my interest in blacksmithing after many years of stock-removal knifemaking, and my wife is afraid I'm going to spend all our money building a forge. :D

[@MrDukesinner]

Always impressive work John,you are a TRUE craftsman,and great mentor!GOD BLESS!

[@jamesanderson2936]

Haven't tuned in to one of your videos in a while and I was pleasantly surprised to see your video making progression! I really enjoy seeing all the different style of videos on your channel. Excellent job on the hammer and video!

[@mikehodges6598]

Awesome work John. I like the new video format. I generally use my 2.5# rounding hammer the most as it's a good compromise between moving metal and wearing myself out (and keeping the tendonitis down to a minimum!).

[@bernardleighan3218]

Awesome rounding hammer John. Thanks for the video. God Bless.

[@MrJamesjustin]

Nice job John.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Well done a great Hammer and a tool with Charakter that Last a long time . Thank you for the Video an the Look in you working Take care have a good New week Yours Frank Galetzka

[@quinn3334]

you're a legend man

[@christina9alls]

0:01 "Whhhaaaattt?! John isn't going full on shop-teacher mode and discussing every aspect of the lesson plan?!?! Grab your bug out bags quick, the alien invasions already started!!" 17:15 "Woah wait a minute, there it is... False alarm everyone! We can calm down and rest easy...for now"

[@johnjude2685]

The explanation at the end clearly helpful Now if them you tube ladies that helping me make pepper jelly would do as such. Thanks again for the teaching Sir

[@OuroborosArmory]

Wow that power hammer makes short work out if it. Kinda wish you had it when we made mine :)

[@BlackBearForge]

I guess you'll just have to come back sometime

[@OuroborosArmory]

@@BlackBearForge LOL any weekend you want :)

[@SkateSmokeAndDrum]

Wish I had the space for this

[@honthirty_]

Nice hammer

[@jiml9856]

Have you ever done an episode where you talk about this anvil? It's interesting.

[@BlackBearForge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKHZg3ujdrqomMU

[@michaelhayes1678]

Great video, great piece, great discussion, and great scott! :)

[@pressurechangerecord]

Nice

[@mikemeister458]

Great job!

[@buttonvalley]

I really liked the silent format on this video, saving the explanations for the end. More whacking, less yakking! Question-- is there any functional advantage to the fullered style over a more blocky shape, like the classic cross peins? Or is it strictly a matter of aesthetics? That style seems to be all the rage right now, and I personally don't really care for the look.

[@BlackBearForge]

While the fullers do help isolate the mass to make it easier to draw out the cheeks, it really is mostly for looks and a more squarish head with one rounded face would work fine.

[@pezz38]

Lovely rounding hammer sir and a great video as ususal, i was wondering, your hydraulic press, is it shop made?

[@BlackBearForge]

yes it is. It could use some refinement to make it better, but the power is there.

[@pezz38]

@@BlackBearForge Would love to see a video of that project and also learn more about how it is made.

[@Incandescentiron]

I'm curious to know why rounding hammers are fullered at the base of each head. This seems to be a typical design, but I don't know the reason why.

[@davidjohnson7222]

Beautiful work as always. I also have a question that might seem silly. How do you keep the hammer head from sliding off the drift when you're forging the cheeks? I've only made two and that's been a problem both times.

[@BlackBearForge]

You just have to watch it and re set the drift often.

[@АлексейКиселев-е1ц]

Впечатляет. Мастер👍

[@mikepettengill2706]

Nice hammer, and nice format for the video. How was it to make this video compared to the other style?

[@BlackBearForge]

It was certainly easier to concentrate on the forging and change the approach as needed without having to match the work to a narrative. I then edited the video, took notes on what I thought needed to be talked about and then recorder the discussion. Overall I think it was easier to both shoot and edit.

[@bobvines00]

John, nice hammer! I've got a question about the shape of the handle: Why did you use the "sharp" edges where your hand holds the hammer? Do they help prevent the hammer from twisting in a sweaty hand, without causing blisters? Or just because it looks cool? Or both? ;) I always look forward to your videos because I can learn something from every one.

[@BlackBearForge]

better grip and control as well as looks. I have never found the octagonal handles to be uncomfortable or cause blisters.

[@dragonwaterforge]

Awsome again

[@smrettpecca]

Great Job, John! :)

[@billssmithy7352]

You've probably told us before, but what brand/model belt grinder did you use?

[@BlackBearForge]

I have three. A Wilton Square Wheel (now sold by Jet), a new Beaumont Metal Works KMG TX, and a shop built grinder a fiend made.

[@louisaziz1235]

John... I have a simple back yard forge. I have a limited income and have only a few tools. Could I make a rounder and flatter from a small sledge that I already have? I am going to try making what I need, if I can. I know it's going to be a challenge but I'm willing to try. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks. :

[@BlackBearForge]

The first rounding hammer I ever made was from an old 4 pound sledge. Mostly a matter of grinding as I recall.

[@briancurtis466]

At 17:17, I think that you meant to say 3" long, not 5" long.

[@mikeredrugger]

Hey brother been having an issue with one of my hammers, the head keeps separating from the handle, I have tried rewedging it, but at this point I am not sure if that's even doing any good, should I just rehaft it? I guess I probably should it's been rode hard and put up wet so to speak but not sure if maybe the way I'm wedging it is the issue any tips would be killer.

[@robertoswalt319]

You didn't say what style of hammer it is that you are having issues with. Could it be that the hole in the head is tapered and the taper is wide side down instead of up? If all else fails you could make the taper larger and try again installing the handle.

[@BlackBearForge]

Eventually the handles dry out or the fibers compress to the point they just can't hold any more. Replacement handles aren't expensive, so that would be my suggestion

[@Shkutai_Blacksmith]

I really enjoyed this video. Do you sell this specific hammer? And if so . What is the price including delivery to Israel? Thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

Sorry, but I do not sell hammers. I will be keeping this one.

[@Shkutai_Blacksmith]

@@BlackBearForge I totally understand you. Good Day.

[@uncledave8857]

Do some blacksmiths dip their punches in beeswax to keep them from sticking? I thought I heard of that one time. Anyway, cool hammer.

[@BlackBearForge]

Perhaps, but it would smoke a lot

[@danielstellmon5330]

And that children is where baby hammers come from.

[@pranayrathore4988]

👍

[@americanmastiff7138]

Do you sell these hammers?

[@BlackBearForge]

Sorry, but I do not

[@americanmastiff7138]

Thank you

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

2 dislikes wow got to be some kind of miseable to not like this vidio

[@BlackBearForge]

More than that now, but it seems about average

[@forjanatalense]

that turned out beatifull John! I made one of those not too long ago, fully by hand. I am still proud of that!

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

You are either a lot more patient or a lot younger than I am to do all that completely by hand. Perhaps both.

[@sirkai007]

Cool format. It allows you to make an item without the audio issues from your gas forge or your power hammer and then you can go back and caption important parts and do the recap at the end.

[@zanderjeger]

Hello John! Perfect job as always. The hammer has the right weight and will satisfy any blacksmith. Cool! You are the best teacher.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks 👍

[@pjamestx]

Loved this one! Great use of the swage block for the rounding face, I think I've only seen people grind that in, good way to keep a little extra material intact!

[@cliff987]

great video, but I really miss the commentary during the work! It's like having the grandfather I never got to know as well as I would have wished explaining it all to me as it goes. We're losing the little bits of useful info like "cool your drift" and quick little talks about other things. I've watched most of your videos, so I've seen all those, but if someone just picks one or two here and there, they might miss good info.

[@TTBlacksmithing]

Looks great, nice job. I need to make some more hammers on my channel, haha.

[@BeastlyIronworks]

Wow really nice! Love your content sir, I've followed you for a number of years and I've always enjoyed watching your skills and projects every week. Thank you for all you do for us John, your an amazing teacher.

[@alainqueyras372]

John you are too good at the forge. Everything looks easy when you see you doing it. 😀. Thank you for this great achievement. Kiss from France. Alain

[@davidcurtiscrowell5367]

I get so mesmerized watching you work, that I forget to click the thumbs up .

[@RyeDoug]

This video inspired me to make my own hammer! I started it roughly just after this video, and I am super close to finishing it! I took a large 1"dia. By 11" peice of rebar and upset it, forge welded some high carbon steel faces, and drilled then punched the eye! It just needs the eyes widened and have some finishing touches before hardening! 100% by hand might I add. I don't have power tools other than a grinder

[@Zoombinis4life]

I love your videos, thank you John! I've got some 2" 4140 in the mail, hoping to work up to making my own rounding hammer like yours this year. Still need to make heavy tongs, and a guillotine because I can't afford a press but don't trust a spring fuller!

[@ThomasMcRaeCopland]

First class Blacksmithing. I will never get a power hammer or hydraulic press, Just all manual work meantime, I still have not got my shed up and running meantime, .However i did get some new video equipment and I will try and video the build of my workshop....

[@johnwsavageknives6759]

I love excellent job on the hammer. Informative and entertaining.

[@glencrandall7051]

Nice hammer. Presented well. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@len4338]

What a really nice hammer!! Beautiful job on the handle

[@MachinatoVitae]

Square -> octagon -> round. Even when shaping the handle, haha.

[@robscott4723]

Best hammer making video I have ever seen!!! Well done Black Bear !!!

[@aaronbuchholz4184]

I really enjoy this format. When making something I like to go back and watch again, so I like the option of watching the whole processes and/or the synopsis at the end.

[@stevenlisk2468]

Really like and enjoy your work thank you

[@curtisbarkes6271]

Absolutely beautiful work! (As always) Something about hearing you talk us through what you're doing is also satisfying. Love everything about your channel, sir!

[@Smallathe]

Very cool. Lovely video! :)

[@eliprice138]

Thanks John!!’ Awesome hammer !

[@davidwhiren817]

Damn brother , you are good !!!

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Love to see that power hammer in action. Drifting eye was awesome. It was interesting to see complete forging process and then discussion. Hammer look cool👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hughcupples1279]

Stopping to build the bolster was great… fun to see all the large tools getting used and all the hand work at the anvil!!

[@hughcupples1279]

Also would like to thank you for not pinching the eye when fullering … see it way too often .. nice work nice hammer 🍻🍻

[@BlackBearForge]

That is really easy to do

[@tonyurquhart8278]

Nice hammer John,

[@davidgreen6001]

This is truly awesome, informative, and beyond a wealth of knowledge. You, sir, are a man to aspire to be. I learned a lot, and I haven't started my Smith yet

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meFatuations]

When you drove the wedge into the handle, why didn't you use your anvil instead of a block of steel jumping around on your wooden bench?

[@meFatuations]

Swinging a hammer can cause issues with hands and arms. I am surprised you left sharp edges on the handle of the hammer. I would think that you would want it as easy on the hands as possible.

[@Brian-ky9yy]

Thank you

[@charleszimmermann7784]

I like the tool you made there, to protect the relief on the hammer, so simple so effective. Where you trying to achieve an hourglass eye? I noticed the way you were coming from both sides but never too aggressively. Thanks for the video!

[@charleszimmermann7784]

Sorry I guess I should have waited till the end.

[@fluxbe2737]

I've been needing a rounding hammer. I will be utilizing this information. Thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@garygraham2974]

Hi john sweet job you always knock it of the park