Thursday, July 7, 2011

Bead Table Wednesday--New Hammer

There isn't much on the bead table today. I do have this new Fretz hammer that I can't wait to use. It's the bigger one on the bottom.  It's exactly what I was looking for and is perfect--except for one thing.  The hammer head is a little loose.  I'm going to call the company I got it from and see if there's something I can do or if I should trade it in.  



hammer


I found out I needed this hammer when I was doing the foldforming. Remember this pod from a previous Bead Table Wednesday?  

fold formed pod


In order to make the curve along the folded edged and thus the pod shape the hammer blows have to move the metal.  This requires a cross pein shaped hammer head.  The little hammer on top was the closest I had, and I have used it quite a bit for texturing the edges of pendants.  It does work for texturing folds, but it will not move the metal enough to form the pod shape. It's just too lightweight. I even tried using a lot of force and hit really hard.  Mostly this hurt my wrist.  I broke out the smaller Fretz hammer in the middle above.  It is a raising hammer and has faces like a cross pein, but several times wider.  It did move the metal.  It tends to smooth the metal at the same time so I didn't get as much texture as I'd hoped for.  I used this hammer to finish out the curve.  


The new Fretz hammer is the Michael Good cross pein and it has a nice weight.  I think it will move the metal without me using any great force.  That's pretty much what I want.  That's what tools are for--they allow us to do work without using a lot of force. 


In addition to Kim St. Jean's excellent DVD on "Metal Fold Forming" I have been studying Charles Lewton-Brain's book "Foldforming."  This is a fantastic book metal workers.  Charles Lewton-Brain is credited with inventing an entirely new form of metal work when he developed foldforming.  Next I want to study the info he has on his site.


I do still have the remaining items in my muffin tin that I didn't get finished for the challenge.  I spent four days at my parents over 4th of July weekend after my Dad had a little health scare (he's okay.) And Friday I'm going to Houston for a weekend business meeting for some volunteer work I do. I probably won't be able to touch the bead table until next week.


Check out the other bead tables at:



11 comments:

My Life Under the Bus said...

So glad your Dad is ok! Good Lord you don't want that head coming loose! = : O < thant's what I would look like if it did!>

Anonymous said...

WOW, Leslie, that is a big *** hammer! That guy's metal forming is just AWESOME! I can see you doing that and being really good at it too. If you make some, bring them to Houston so I can see and admire them!!!???
Marcy

Laura Twiford said...

Hi Leslie, don't you just love new tools? I am just playing catchup, have been out of the loop for a few weeks. A friend of mine, Carol, is taking a workshop for a few days in NY with Charles Lewton Brain, will you be attending that as well? have fun with the new toy!

Charlene said...

The new hammer looks great. I have one Fretz hammer in my tool chest - its a chasing hammer and the feel of it is definitely different than the other hammers. I haven't started with form folding yet, but love how it looks.

Leslie Todd said...

Patty, it would be a bummer if the hammer head flew off and hit me in the foot. Or the forehead. That would be just my luck. WHACK!

Leslie Todd said...

Marcy, I was afraid that the hammer wouldn't be big enough. I didn't realize just how big it would be. I think the size is perfect for most of my work though. I might need a bit smaller one for miniature work later. I'll have to see how it goes when I get to use it. Don't worry, I'll be showing off my jewelry at Adorn Me!

Leslie Todd said...

Thanks, Laura. Your friend Carol is sooooo lucky! I would love to take a class from Charles Lewton-Brain. I hope he gets down to the south somewhere within driveable distance.

Leslie Todd said...

Charlene, don't you love your Fretz? You're right, the feel is definitely different. I think the curve and shape of the hammer adds to the effectiveness of the hammer. They're beautiful tools, as well.

Fresh Garden said...

Wow! Cool! Those hammers reminded me of the movie "Thor"! ;P
The new Fretz hammer is great!

Diane said...

It is a great hammer! And, your gorgeous pod is the proof =)

Miss Val's Creations said...

Hi Leslie,
Thank you for the comments on my blog. I got a kick out of your cat who runs and knocks things over! I have one who has a need to knock things off tables onto the floor. Gravity fascinates him! I bet your buffet would make a great television stand. It always feels good to repurpose furniture and give it new life. ~Val