 | Basic Techiques of Blacksmithing: A Manual for Trainers (Peace Corps, 1982, 102 p.) |
 |  | Day 5 |
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Session: 16. Forging a Cross-peen hammer
Total Time: 4 hours
Objectives:
* To discuss types of scrap steel suitable for making
hammers
* To forge a cross-peen hammer
* To identify and discuss the
forging of other types of tools that may be made from a hammer head blank
Resources:
* Attachment 16-A, "Forging a Cross-Peen Hammer"
* Andrews,
pages 78-82
Materials: Examples of scrap steel suitable for hammer-making; e.g., car, truck and rail axles, rail car springs, etc. (see Steps 1 and 2); one section of truck or car axle (half-section between gearbox and wheel) per station; a prototype hammer blank finished to the point of dressing and tempering.
Procedures:
Step 1. (5 minutes)
Briefly explain the objectives and draw
the group's attention to the display of scrap metal for hammer-making.
Step 2. (10 minutes)
Ask participants to explore the
assortment, to identify each item, and to discuss why the scraps are appropriate
for making hammers.
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Trainer Notes * Have the group refer to the scrap pieces' previous uses and describe the steel grades and properties. * Ask participants: - Have they seen these and other scrap pieces used for hammer
making in local forges? |
Step 3. (15 minutes)
Distribute Attachment 16-A, "Hammer
Illustrations" and discuss the procedure of forging a cross-peen hammer. Show an
example of a hammer forged from an axle.
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Trainer Notes * Explain to the group that, using the illustrations in the attachment as a guide, they will cut off one end of an axle and forge their hammers to the point of grinding or dressing. * Stress that, as no step-by-step demonstrations will be given until grinding and tempering, it is essential to carefully study each illustration. * Have the participants study the pictures one-by-one, and describe the process depicted in each. * Mention that each step in the process may take several heats to accomplish. * Briefly demonstrate the striking technique on a piece of scrap axle and have several in the group try it with you. * Point out any important details which they have missed, and ask for questions and clarifications. * Encourage the participants to rely as much as possible on the illustrations, their own experience, and the skills and knowledge of others in the group while working through the activity. |
Step 4. (2 hours)
Have the participants forge the hammers.
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Trainer Notes * Check in with each team periodically but offer assistance only when necessary. * Help the groups identify errors or incorrect techniques by referring them to the illustrations and discussion during Step 3. |
Step 5. (10 minutes)
When the hammers are forged, demonstrate
grinding or dressing techniques using the unfinished prototype.
Trainer Notes
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Emphasize that: * Edges on both peens should be rounded and smooth so that no marks will be left on the work. * Faces should be as polished as possible. |
Step 6. (60 minutes)
Have the teams dress and anneal their
hammers.
Step 7. (5 minutes)
Describe the tempering process for the
hammers.
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Trainer Notes * Explain that the hammers will continue annealing through lunch and early afternoon. By the end of the next session, they will be ready for tempering and time will be provided. * Also mention that participants may wish to make handles and mount their hammers during free time or open shop. |
Step 8. (10 minutes)
When all the groups have finished,
facilitate a brief discussion on the experience of learning to forge a hammer
using drawings as a guide rather than demonstrations.
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Trainer Notes Stimulate response by posing these questions: * Did the participants find out most of the vital information before or during the forging activity. * How were problems resolved? By asking the trainer for help? By observing others in the group? Through trial and error? * Does the group understand the process and feel comfortable with the skills involved in hammer-making? If not, why not? |
Step 9. (5 minutes)
Ask participants to identify and discuss
the forming of other tools which may be made from a hammer blank.
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Trainer Notes * Have the group scan the tools in the forge area for ideas. * Ask them to give examples of other tools they have seen used at their worksites which may be formed from the hammer blank. |
Attachment 16-A
FORGING A CROSS-PEEN HAMMER
Forging a cross-peen hammer
Direction of hammer
Direction of hammer blows should be at 45° angles to the anvil and away from each other for safety.
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