I've been thinking about these for quite a while, just haven't gotten around to finishing them until today. The materials I used to make them are pictured below-some scrap steel from an old farm implement at a scrap yard I got a while back and a BIG Allen wrench.
I always liked the idea of flatter hammers, especially when I first started and was just draw filing. Nothing like trying to get through all those hammer dings I'd left behind. But, flatter hammers seem to be a little hard to find, as well as expensive when you do. The other draw back was I don't have a hold down or another set of hands to help hold stuff to use one. Here's my version of a one person flatter. (Please ignore the painfully bad looking weld job...)
I wanted it to pivot so I could use it on material of different heights as well as swivel to accommodate angles.
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
And here's the other one. I don't have a press yet and like to put together some low layer billets by hand. I'm getting ready to do some tomahawks and was wanting something to help fuller the material out, not just the back end of my hammer. This is based on the same principle-doesn't matter what height material I use, it pivots and will work on shorter or taller stuff.
I rounded over the bottom pretty good, so hopefully will get the job done.
I know this isn't ideal and thought of trying to build a "Godzilla" type tool. I could've made the top jaw of the Godzilla one adjustable to accommodate whatever size stock...for some reason I just didn't feel like it. I'm fairly sure I'm just a bit too lazy to have to undo bolts and move it anytime I had a larger billet. Also, this only fullers one side at a time, but I'm not too lazy to turn my material over and whack it again <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> . Plus, I thought there may be some times where I just wanted to fuller one side.
Anywho, figured I'd share.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Jeremy,
Saw it on the other forum we both are on. I think it's a great idea for us who do not have an assistant. I started designing my version. I will be adding a bottom plate with a 7* angle to try and keep my bevels as forged. At this time I also finalizing a 20 ton tabletop mini press for my pressing needs. A "No Hands Beveler" wins the tool of the month award. IMHO
George
