Tool Tips, Please!

[JewelrybyNaLa]

Okay all you seasoned jewelers out there, I'm in need of your expert tips on choosing a hammer and anvil for wire work. Specifically, I'm interested in material, size, finish, price points, tips for using them, etc. Basically, anything you have to share I'd love to hear ...

[trusk4u]

I have a small ball pein hammer and a small anvil that came from Harbor Freight. Really inexpensive. I also bought this thing called "Wire Whacker" made by Beadsmith. It's 2 rectangles of hard plastic (Like cutting boards) that I use to harden wire. It's nice because it won't flatten or mar the wire and doesn't change the diameter. I think I got it from
 http://www.wigjig.com/ It wasn't much either.

[JewelrybyNaLa]

Thanks for sharing, Teresa. That Wire Whacker sounds very interesting--I'm definitely going to check it out.

[LTDBeads]

Hmmm, that Wire Whacker does sound interesting.

For a really, really cheap flat surface, use the (uncoated) sole plate of an old iron. It should unscrew easily.

[JewelrybyNaLa]

I just bought the wire whacker for $6.99 plus $4.69 shipping from Jewelry Supply.com

I can't wait to whack me some wire ...

[trusk4u]

You are gonna have some fun! It's very therapeutic too!

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

I have a small anvil as well, probably from a yard sale, and love to make a bunch of noise when I am having a rough day.

[JewelrybyNaLa]

You guys are gettin' me all pumped up--I can't wait to whack somethin'! 

Actually, I just made my first pair of ear wires, and they need a little hardening. I'm hoping the whacker will handle the job ...

[trusk4u]

Here is what the Wire Whacker looks like. I put the piece(s) in between and then use the hammer. They say you can just use the 2 pieces, but I found that it didn't work all that well by itself. Besides, I LIKE using my hammer!

[JewelrybyNaLa]

... hammers is good ... 

[PearlieGirl]

That wire wacker looks really interesting! I may need to get one too.

I do a lot of cold forging with a metal block and jewelers hammer.  The steel block my husband made me at work. It is stainless steel and weighs a ton but he made it with a large surface area which is ideal. I am really in need of a new hammer so would love to hear of any posted suggestions too.  I have an ongoing love, hate relationship with my current hammer. I purchases it at a local bead/jewelry supply store and was drawn to it becuase it had interchangeable heads. Well, long story short, I have used and abused it and the interchangeable heads no longer stay attached so I have resorted to using duct tape to keep my favorite brass head attached.  Every once in a while I will be hammering away, the tape will give way and the head comes falling off. Hubby keeps bugging me to get a new one but I love the weight of it and the look that it gives to metal. I have a smaller jewelers hammer that I picked up some where but it just doesn't match the results that my old-taped-up- sidkick gives me......

[JewelrybyNaLa]

Wow, Julie, that hammer sounds like a loaded weapon!  I bet your husband steers clear when he hears you hammering ...

The steel block your husband made for you sounds ideal. I'm always a little surprised at the tiny size of most jeweler's anvils. With my aim, I'd probably miss the entire anvil. 

[PearlieGirl]

Wow, Julie, that hammer sounds like a loaded weapon!  I bet your husband steers clear when he hears you hammering ...

The steel block your husband made for you sounds ideal. I'm always a little surprised at the tiny size of most jeweler's anvils. With my aim, I'd probably miss the entire anvil. 

It sometimes is a loaded weapon! Funny thing is, my husband also made me a solid brass hammer at work when he saw the condition of my taped up one. It is a thing of beauty and the entire thing is solid brass, even the handle. But sadly, it just doesn't give the same look that my old taped up thing does.

Yes, the block he made me is maybe 6" x 10" or so and awesome. A bit big for little wire projects but perfect for my bookmarks.  My husband is the quiet type but it is always so nice when he notices I need something and surprises me with something he made. Now, if I can only get him to build me a studio and get my "studio" off of the dining room table...... just dreaming.........

[JewelrybyNaLa]

Your husband sounds wonderfully considerate, Julie. 

[Haffina]

I bought a bench vice with attached anvil for less that $25AUD from the local hardware store..along with a nice new ball pein hammer. I also have a rubber mallet for when I just want to harden and not flatten.