mallet/hammer query

[Don Dougan <dondougan@xxxxxxxx>]

Ann;

"buy a 2lb lump hammer and dummy mallet but I . . . most people seem
to be using nylon mallets"

The type of stone is more important than your build in determining the
choice of striking tool -- if you are carving marble you need the
striking impact of a hammer, but if you are carving a soft stone (like
limestone, portland stone, soft sandstones) the mallet is much easier to
work with and less tiring to use.  The dummy is for use when the hammer
is too powerful and awkward in working small areas and refining details.
Of course there is a good but of overlap areas in the use due to personal
preference -- but you cannot work hard marble with a mallet.

The type chisels you use are also determined by the striking tool --
mallet headed chisels for soft stone should not be used with a hammer or
they will be ruined.  They are hardened the entire length of the tool,
making them more brittle than a hammer-headed chisel.  Hammer headed
chisels are only hardened at the cutting end of the tool, while the shank
of the chisel is left relatively soft but tough - thus better able to
withstand the more punishing blows of a hammer on hard stone.  Mallet
headed chisels used with a hammer will be likely to chip or fracture,
especially if used on hard stone.  Hammer headed chisels used with a
mallet will do more damage to the mallet than the chisel, but they will
also not be very efficient in carving hard stone because the mallet will
be taking the brunt of the blow rather than transferring it to the
cutting edge of the chisel on the stone.

I have 2lb. steel and iron lump hammers for all my carving students --
anything smaller and your muscles have to work harder and take many more
blows to remove the amount of stone a single blow of the 2lb. hammer.
You need to have the stone workpiece at the proper carving height so the
hammer falls with gravity assist during the swing.  If the work is placed
too high you are again using mostly muscle power rather than the
mechanical advantage of the weight of the hammer.

I use all these types of  tools in my own work, and switch them when the
job requires.

Good carving to you.

Don