The Square Circle Rounding Hammer
We are thrilled to offer these fine hand-made rounding hammers, crafted in Alberta, Canada by former student of Alec, Ethan Harty. Made from 1045 steel with hardened faces and fitted with a charred and pine-tarred Hickory handle, these hammers are a joy to use.
We use a 3.5lber the most in day-to-day forging operations and find it the most versatile weight for our build and style of forging. Generally, when the work piece gets larger than 3/4", we break out a 4.5lber and for stock below a half inch, we find the 2.5lber can be an admirable companion at the anvil.
To keep your hammer in good condition, occasionally oil the handle with boiled linseed oil and oil the hammer head too. Handles occasionally break and that is sadly the nature of dealing with wood, oiling and caring for the connection between the hammer and handle by not unnecessarily dropping the hammer on the handle will extend its life.
Never strike hard surfaces with the hammer as hard metal shouldn't ever meet hard metal. It will cause denting and can cause extremely dangerous chipping. Over time, if the face of your hammer becomes a little worn, it can be redressed with a Trizact belt and a buffer to keep it looking clean and pretty.
The rounding hammer was popularized by Brian Brazeal through the early 2000's. The geometry of the round face allows for a great deal of versatility in that it can either be used to concentrate the force of your hammer blow and forge metal faster than normal, or be tilted to be used like a cross or straight peen. It's a versatile and very effective tool that we love for forging with.
Alec learned to forge tools from Brian Brazeal at the age of 13. With Brian's mentorship and guidance, toolmaking eventually became Alec's staple product. Back in the days of Barker Street Forge, he would forge hammers for folks and teach them how to do so too. With time and inspiration from other great makers, the Square Circle hammer evolved and became his favourite style.
Forging a pair of flat bit tongs
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WARNING
Please be warned. Using these products can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious bodily harm.
You as the purchaser of the product are acknowledging the risks involved and accepting full responsibility for injury and damages related to its purchase and use. You are therefore releasing our company, employees and representatives from any and all liability related to its use.
Do not under any circumstances use the product without training, eye and ear protection. Do not strike hard surfaces. Striking hard surfaces can cause chipping that can be extremely dangerous. Always wear eye protection, without fail. Have medical equipment on hand in the workshop always and have a plan for when accidents happen as you as the purchaser accept all responsibility.