Fayette R. Plumb....

D

Drum4fun

Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Messages
371
I shared this 4 lb. mason hammer in the "followed me home" thread.
Got around to cleaning it up a bit.... handle slid right out. Due to the
"vintage-ness" of this union of hammer and handle I thought I would
ask your opinion if this is salvageable as a pair, or should I just re-hang
with current available handle ? It appears some mason was so fond of
this hammer he saw fit to carve his initials in the head and base of handle.
Research appears to indicate this steel left the foundry circa late 1800's.
(those look like some old nails... so I wonder if the handle is original ? )...
guess I'll never know.

Worts and all, a great piece of steel and history... I'll probably never come
across another out here in the desert southwest. I'm all in at $1.50. Your
suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

Charles
https://imgur.com/a/qUq9k9F
 
That handle has seen better days...a long time ago! I figure if you're going to be giving a 4 lb head a real workout once in awhile (I often resort to wielding a BFH when ordinary persuasion doesn't) you'll want to be able to trust the integrity of the handle. Use the old handle as a template when shaping the new one.
 
300Six said:
That handle has seen better days...a long time ago! I figure if you're going to be giving a 4 lb head a real workout once in awhile (I often resort to wielding a BFH when ordinary persuasion doesn't) you'll want to be able to trust the integrity of the handle. Use the old handle as a template when shaping the new one.
Click to expand...
Exactly.
 
Thank you all.... yep, I was looking at this with my heart , not my head. The "original"
handle has danger + fail written all over it. The search for a suitable new replacement
handle begins today ! thanks for the reality check.

...sure is cool tho' ! Looking forward to hittin' something hard ! :)

Charles
 
You don't want to 'fool around' when it comes to securing the handle of a weighty (magnum?) striking tool. Smartly swung (and accidentally separated) that thing would mess up the glass of an armoured car, nevermind the surprised sucker that was standing next to it.
 
Well, the pictures tell the story. My kingdom for a lathe ! I'm guessing it would have
take about 8.2 seconds to size the haft..... by hand, it took me much longer. Full dis-
closure, I chose poorly attempting to place the metal wedge. So, I cut my losses, as it
started to split above the eye, I stopped, cut the remainder off. Live and learn. The hammer
was in use for many years with a much less stout haft .... this replacement should last
a few years. Next eye fitment I hope to purchase a handle with closer to proper shaping
at the start... (or get some additional tools.. :))

Anyway, a nice piece of steel is back to work. Feels sturdy to swing.

Charles
https://imgur.com/a/laZow5q
 
Right on! The old girl (old fella or old boy might be a better term when it comes to a one hand BFH) is now back on the road and you no longer have to sweat it out about the integrity of the handle nor the security of the previous hang.
 
I agree Hickory n steel.... very slow going trying to get it to penny size... carve a little,
sand, check, carve a little, ...lather,rinse,repeat. Was afraid to over shoot, not much
margin for error. Still, glad I gave it a shot.

Charles
 
Uar5bWo.jpg

I like the penny trick too.:thumbsup:
 
Thank you Sirs.... Agent H, that photo you included is my way of just trying to visualize
what i was shooting for (before starting)...the "penny trick" was just me trying to create
a "landmark" to to assist in carving a round circle from an elongated oval. I'm sure there
are more sophisticated ways to accomplish the same... I just couldn't think of any. ;)
Charles
 
Drum4fun said:
Thank you Sirs.... Agent H, that photo you included is my way of just trying to visualize
what i was shooting for (before starting)...the "penny trick" was just me trying to create
a "landmark" to to assist in carving a round circle from an elongated oval. I'm sure there
are more sophisticated ways to accomplish the same... I just couldn't think of any. ;)
Charles
Click to expand...
I did see it wasn't mounted yet but I really thought it was an awesome shot of your hammer on a nice octagonalized handle. Whether you like octs for use or not, it's that "New and Old" that draws me in to the photo. Also shows you really appreciate the hammer with your choice.
 
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