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Tuning A Blue Grass 13oz. Trim Hammer
Recently I noticed that one of the major tool manufacturers spend thousand of dollars testing the way a hammer would shock your arm with a lot of use. And decided that the way to sole this problem was to place a tuning fork embedded the handle of the hammer to take the shock. We did this year ago by setting at lunch with a piece of broken glass and shave the middle of the handle until it felt perfect, with the expect amount of spring to it so it wouldn’t shock your hand or arm. It also had markings at the end of handle so that when your hand was sweatey the hammer would not slit out of it. Also by using a lighter hammer a trademark if you miss the nail would not be quite as big. We also would with a half inch bit, drill a hole in the end of the hammer about two inches in for wax. This works very well with nails and screws for going into oak.
Larry Martin
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By Golly Orlo! I bet your folks never had anything you didn't take apart or modify. Remind me of my brother who built a dune buggy out of a corvair. He added a few gears somehow so the top end was off the charts.
*piffinBelieve it or not, today I was selling tools in Potomac Md and old carpenter who was triming out a custom home was using a hammer like the one I described. Your right, we always would take thing apart or modify. Larry
*I have used an Estwing 12* curved claw vinyl handle hammer for almost 25 years. I would have to file the head flat now and then when the head would slip. I also keep the claws sharp to help to work underneath the trim. I to drilled a hole in the handle for my beewax. I found that by filing one of the claws a little shorter that the hammer would not ring as bad. Would spray lacquer on the head to keep it from marking up the walls. I mainly use air guns now because I work in hardwoods, but I still carry the hammer so that I won't walk around in circles. good luck, [email protected]
*Best old friend of a hammer I ever had was a Blue Grass 16 oz. As fine a tool as there ever was. They still make them?
*The old saying of "hitting the nail square on the head" has a lot to do with this problem. Simply change the angle of the head in relation to the handle so that it corresponds to your natural swing arc. Not only will this get rid of most of the shock but it will also dramatically reduce the trade marks.
*I still use a hammer that I got when I was about 18- that was thirty four years ago. True Temper "Rocket", 20oz. hollow steel shaft with the biggest smooth face I've ever seen. Rubber grip's got some chunks out of it and I've glued it back on a few times- would sure like to find a replacement grip. Stepdad (RIP), who introduced me to carpentry, gave it to me. I really love that old hammer. -Ken
*Blue Grass & True Temper were both made by Vaughan & Bushnell at one time. I have gripped thousands of those tubular hammers before I started swinging one for a living. I may be able to get one of those if you are interested.
*Yes, Richard, that would be awesome.........would be willing to pay you some $$ over and above you costs for your trouble, perhaps you need something from here in Olympia Wash., or a nice surprise(!), or whatever. Let me know more here or by Email...........Looked back at your posts and remembered- you're a Hammermaker!
*Hey, what "tuning" do you use for your blue grass hammer? "C" tuning or "G" tuning?When I tune my blue grass banjo I usually use "G" tuning
*ken - you're in Olympia?
*Jim- That's a 10-4, right here in Olywa.
*I've got a collection of Blue Grass hammers, and some of their other stuff, too. The 13 oz trim hammer is great, til you've gotta pull a nail in tight quarters. Curved claw IMHO is worthless. And waxing nails? I got educated by a painter real early. Ever see what it looks like when one of those guys trys to paint, or even better, trys to stain over a waxed nail? Tryin' to make it better on the next guy in the food chain, BB
*Well hot damn! Finally. I been reading this board for three years and have always wondered when somebody local would start posting. I live in Roy. There used to be a guy over at JLC from Graham, and there's a pretty strong Seattle contingent here, but nobody from Tacoma yet, and you're the first I've met from Oly. Glad to meet ya. Nice weather we've been havin', huh? Just about perfect. I'm gettin' a serious case of spring fever.
*Yo, Crazy Legs- Yeah, the Web is big but it's still a small world just the same. Nice to make your aquaintance. Workin' downtown Oly on 1927 terra cotta and mahogany off. building. I'd gab more here, but these guys prob. want to tune up their hammers............See you're listed in phone book, but wouldn't call uninvited. Email if you like. -Ken
*Ken,Let me look into it and see what I can do. You should see the machine that turns the grips, I believe that it was used to turn shell casings in WWII. Anyhow, I'll see if I can locate a few of those grips and then we can see about getting them out to the great northwest.
*I'm not much for telephone chat, can't think that fast, but call anytime you get out this way, be glad to show you my Kreg jig. Maybe we can meet for coffee, huh? I really like Olympia, as cities go. Where you workin' downtown?
*Jim- Been working downttown at the Security Building, 4th & Washington, across the street from State Theater. It's an awesome old 1927 5 story office building. This was side work till I got laid off from Erwin and Associates GC in October, been here almost full time since, catching up on earthquake repair of plaster, repaints, misc. stuff. Gettin' tired of working alone though, miss working with a crew, the banter and the b.s., so I'll be gearing up for a 'real' job pretty soon esp. with spring on the way........Spring's a comin', you can hear the frogs croakin' at night now........Thanks for the invite. Always interesting to see what work other guys are doing, and to perhaps extend contacts with local builders......Same invite to you, Jim. Show you this builing, cup a joe. I'm listed in Oly directory on Central St. N.E........Hope those ribs get better soon! Cheers, Ken