Stopped guessing on hammer strikes and my pieces got way more uniform

I started keeping a tally of hammer strikes for each forging step. It seemed silly at first. Now I get even thickness without checking all the time. My pieces turn out the same every batch. This simple log cut down on my rework.

3 comments

3 Comments

hugo_robinson251mo ago

Wow, I always just winged it and went by feel. Seeing you write down the exact count makes so much sense though. I tried it last week and my scrollwork is way more even now. How many strikes do you usually log for something like a simple leaf shape?

hayden_lane1mo ago

I totally get winging it, @hugo_robinson25.

stellanelson1mo agoOG Member

Notice you mentioned logging strikes for consistency. Does counting each hit actually build muscle memory faster than just practicing? My freehand stuff always comes out wobbly lol