What Tools do I Need? Questions about Hammers and Anvils

 Hi all

I need some advice about what tools to use for wire work.  I want to make my own findings and, from what I've read, I'll need a hammer and an anvil.  Can anyone point me in the right direction as to which type to buy?

When it comes to an anvil, is it better to buy a traditional one with a horn, or to go for a bench block?

Regarding hammers, there are so many types my head is spinning! Do I need a ball pein/jobbing hammer, repouse one or even a mallet?  What size head or weight am I looking for?  Should I be buying metal, rawhide or nylon?

I'm not expecting to do any very strenuous work, simply hardening wires, giving texture and a little bit of shaping.  I'll eventually be making rings and bangles, but not for a while as I need to save up for the metal mandrels.

I'd be very grateful if any of you could give me some advice here. I don't want to waste money buying the wrong item, as is so easy to do when you don't know what you're doing. lol

Thanks for any info given.

Angela

x

Angela:

You probably would want a bench block, rather than an anvil, although you can get a small anvil for about $8 US if you need it for certain types of detail work.

Hammers are a whole other story.  If you don't want to deform the shape of the wire, then either a rawhide mallet or a nylon headed hammer will do fine.  For flattening, you'll need either a forming or a chasing hammer - although a ball pein will work, but the results may not be as nice (chasing and forming hammers have slightly rounded faces, so you don't get edge marks).

Weight depends on your personal preference - some people have better control with heavier hammers, others prefer lightweight.  You really need to try a range to see what you're comfortable with.  You definitely don't need to start out with a lovely set of Fretz hammers - although I admit that they are delicious - well made, perfectly balanced and almost works of art themselves.

Hope this helps.

Lita

shedevil50337:

I need some advice about what tools to use for wire work.  I want to make my own findings and, from what I've read, I'll need a hammer and an anvil.  Can anyone point me in the right direction as to which type to buy?

When it comes to an anvil, is it better to buy a traditional one with a horn, or to go for a bench block?

 well i am old school down and broke so i don't use an anvil what i use [ drumroll please

] is a stanley graphite hammer turned on its side. and a walmart hammer that came with a ladies tool kit i bought after everyone complained that they could never find it because i always had it.lol . I have had outstanding results i can totally flatten a peice of copper in two blows or gently tap it round with ease. this is why they have the phrase nessessity is the " mother" of invention. because mom always has the good ideas!

 I got a little bench block.  I think it is plenty adequate unless you are doing large work or more major metalsmithing.  For making your own findings, the small bench block works well and is very storable and portable.  Besides this, I also have a chasing hammer.  The main thing is to be very careful with both of these tools because once they get a nich/dent in them, it will mar anything you are trying to harden or flatten.   A graduated mandril would be nice too.  I don't have any mandrils but could sure use them.  I just usually end up bending my wire over a pen, plier handle, pill bottle, things like that depending on what size I need but I have to admit, they definately don't come out as uniform as if I had an actual mandril.  :)   I think very few of us have ALL the exactly right tools but you can usually figure out a way to get the job done.  Might not be the easiest way but it can work in a pinch.

Also make sure you just tap your wirew with your hammer.  You don't need to give it a full out WHACK!!   A few little taps works just fine.