When working iron one is always limited by the amount of time until the heat fades away. The longer one ponders how to strike, is time lost, because one must strike while the iron is hot. The hammer and tools are laid out ready to hand while the iron is in the fire. The hammer is usually on the anvil, at an angle that it can be picked up immediately, any punches, the same way. On a big piece, thick iron retains heat longer, one can strike ten times before it cools. Thin pieces 1/4in stuff , 4-5 strikes can probably be gotten in before stopping, because striking cold iron will cause cracks. Also hammer weight, have often seen beginners pick up a five pound hammer to start, the hand and wrist get tired immediately. A five pound can be handled by a striker, with both hands, if someone else is holding the iron. Usually a 2 pound hammer is fine if you intend to work all day. So I have a 2lb. a 3lb. and a small sledge with me most times. Sledge is 5lbs. sometimes a 7lb. Once, a beginner smith brought a pickup load of his grandfathers tools. We reduced a half inch rod quickly, by him holding it with tongs, and I was striking with a SEVENTEEN pound hammer. Huge, unwieldly, actually was not swung, just lifted and dropped, sort of like a trip hammer. Made the anvil jump too. So remember, just strike while the iron is hot.
