After using a cheap 2-lb cross peen for years, I finally bought a 4-lb Peddinghaus and it's like my arm isn't fighting the steel anymore.

The extra weight does the work for you, so you're not just hammering harder but smarter, and now I'm curious if anyone else has a specific hammer weight they swear by for general forging.

4 comments

4 Comments

jakewhite2mo ago

Ever try a heavier rounding hammer? I moved to a 3.5 lb and it's my sweet spot, lets me shape faster without wearing my shoulder out. That extra mass in the head really does move metal more than just swinging harder.

morgan_king362mo ago

My shoulder still hates me for trying a 4-pounder, but @jakewhite is right about that sweet spot.

ross.lily16d ago

moved up from 2.5 to 3.5 last year and never looked back. that extra weight lets you just let the hammer drop on thick stock instead of muscling it. still keep a 2.5 around for detail work though. swapping between them depending on the job keeps your arm fresh.

hollywhite2mo ago

Yeah, that weight is a game changer. My old 2.5 lb just felt like I was tapping forever on bigger stock. The 3.5 lb head does the work on the downstroke, so you can use a more relaxed swing. It really helps on drawing out a thick bar or setting a deep fuller. Lets you work smarter, not harder.