Tool Talk

Picture Forum => Picture Forum => Topic started by: Stoney on November 25, 2011, 05:36:56 PM

Title: Restoring a small cobblers hammer
Post by: Stoney on November 25, 2011, 05:36:56 PM

I found a small cobbler's hammer head that had the face beat up and covered in rust at a friends antique shop for 5 dollars.  As some of you know I used to be a custom saddler and leather worker, so I'm a sucker for any abused leather tools. 
(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr40/plantshepherdplus/Tool%20Talk%20small%20cobblers%20hammer/DSC_0082-1.jpg)
The face was so beat up that the top of the face was bent back as you can see at the top right and the face was so rough that it would mark the leather.  Cobbler's hammers and not tempered hard as they are used to drive tacks and shape leather etc.

(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr40/plantshepherdplus/Tool%20Talk%20small%20cobblers%20hammer/DSC_0084.jpg)
And it had a big ding at the bottom.

(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr40/plantshepherdplus/Tool%20Talk%20small%20cobblers%20hammer/DSC_0090.jpg)
I reshaped the face with a 10 inch mill bastard file.

(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr40/plantshepherdplus/Tool%20Talk%20small%20cobblers%20hammer/DSC_0122.jpg)
Then dressed the face with a dead smooth file to remove most of the file marks.  I like some tooth to my hammer faces so I didn't give it a mirror finish.

(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr40/plantshepherdplus/Tool%20Talk%20small%20cobblers%20hammer/DSC_0135.jpg)
Installed a new handle and a coat of paint and now she's ready for the workbench.
 

Title: Re: Restoring a small cobblers hammer
Post by: Papaw on November 25, 2011, 05:39:57 PM

Nice job, Stoney!

Title: Re: Restoring a small cobblers hammer
Post by: Stoney on November 25, 2011, 06:47:52 PM

Thanks Papaw, it was sweet to be working on tools again.

Title: Re: Restoring a small cobblers hammer
Post by: scottg on November 25, 2011, 07:38:14 PM

Hey Stony
 Way to Go!!!
I love to see a good tool come back!

Show us the bloodstains?? Fess it up!
 All finely restored tools have a little DNA evidence somewhere.  heehehe
  yours Scott

Title: Re: Restoring a small cobblers hammer
Post by: Stoney on November 25, 2011, 08:03:21 PM

No blood stains all done with a wire brush and files.  I keep a very good selection of files from Rasps to dead smooth.  But thanks.  After seeing your custom handles I'm ashamed to show my cut down bought handle.

Title: Re: Restoring a small cobblers hammer
Post by: Branson on November 26, 2011, 09:19:17 AM

Stoney, if there's anything I like, it's seeing a good old tool "returned to service."  Good job!