Greetings Gents,
I've spent the last hour or so going through about 90% of this 'hammer thread' gleaning whats perceived to be the important technical arguments here regarding hardened tool steel versus titanium along with optimum weights and distribution of same.. In addition, there seems to be some disbelief permeating the discussion regarding the everyday talents of average and better than average carpenters in modern contemporary times as well as yesteryear.. I started as a, commercial building form carpenter in 1976 and then have done pretty much everything from one end of the field to the other utilizing every conceivable type of hand and power tool their is.. Now, not that I have done it all, far from it, but suffice it to say I have been around the block with many types of hammers over the last 36+ years..
The term 'Drop Nailing' (setting and driving home 12-16 penny nails in 2-3 swings) is quite common among season professionals and that is just a fact.. And this is the point I'd like to make, that is, I believe its much more to do with the carpenter that is operating the hammer, than it has to do with the type of tool (hammer) used for the task!. Personally, I am about of average skill on my 32 ounce Estwing framing hammer and can drop nail a 16 penny common nail in 3 total swings. I can get her in 2 swings on occasion, but 3 swings is typical for me when I intend to.. Its all about CONTROL!. This technique is just about manipulating the hammer's weight distribution, while at the same time focusing the force of the hammerhead by utilizing the proper amount of energy in the swing.. After that, its just pretty simple, like my old grandpa used to say, "practice makes perfect, boy, practice makes perfect."