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Vent: My forge buddy sticks to hand tools while I want more power | Blacksmiths - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals

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the_jesse•6mo ago

Vent: My forge buddy sticks to hand tools while I want more power

He says hammer and anvil work builds real skill and keeps the craft pure. I argue that adding a power hammer saves time and helps with bigger jobs. Yesterday, we butted heads over a rail spike project that took forever by hand. It's starting to feel like we're working against each other. Do you side with tradition or efficiency in your own shop?

4 comments

4 Comments

lily1916mo ago

Does your buddy ever get stuck on the idea that slower means better skill? Reminds me of my uncle who would only use a hand drill for woodworking, even when putting up shelves. He said it gave him more control, but I saw him struggle for hours on something that took me minutes with my cordless. I get wanting to keep things pure, but sometimes you just need to get the job done, you know? It's like there's a time for tradition and a time for saving your energy for the details.

haydenthomas6mo ago

You're right on the money, @lily191. I had a buddy who only used a hand plane for every wood project, claiming it was the real test of skill. Watching him wear himself out on simple tasks was frustrating. What finally got through to him was when I borrowed his shop and used my electric planer for the bulk work, then handed it back for the final touches by hand. He saw he could keep the careful work he loved without the endless grinding. Now he uses power for the big parts and saves his energy for where it counts. It's not about giving up tradition, but about being smart with your time and effort.