It’s a bit of a running joke in my mechanical family that you can fix anything with a hammer. We laugh, but seriously, could you live without a good hammer? A hammer is an indispensable tool – I use them every day at work and in the shop. In fact I use multiple hammers in a day.
Here is my favorite hammer that I use in the shop while machining:
Its a zinc cast hammer made by Forest City Castings in Canada. I use this hammer pretty much exclusively while doing setups, and I love it. It’s also the first hammer that I’ve ever used that has instructions on the handle.
All kidding aside, the reason I like this hammer so much is because it is made in Canada at a price that you can afford, and is a quality product. Disclaimer: I have ‘off shore’ tools in my shop and I don’t want to come across as being a hypocrite. The ‘off shore’ tools in my shop are there because I couldn’t find tools made here that were reasonably affordable (new) or in reasonable used condition (used). I would have gladly paid more money for my mini mill if I could get a made in North America one. The reality is if you want a mini mill you don’t have much choice.
Some people say we just can’t compete with countries like China. Companies like Apple routinely tell us that they couldn’t function without countries like China (read we need shareholder value on the back of inexpensive labour and lax environmental laws). I beg to differ because every time I’m setting up in my mill or shaper I’m using my affordable, Canadian made, zinc cast hammer – which is arguably a commodity product. It is made by a great company that is helping its community by providing good, honest jobs. I’m reminded that yes we can effectively manufacturing things here, and yes we can compete with countries like China while treating the worker and environment with the respect and dignity they deserve.
So this hammer is inspiration for me to try and make a difference in the manufacturing world I work and live in. It reminds me everyday that a good product at a reasonable price is possible to be sustainably made right where I live.
If you want one of these hammers, (I think they make them in aluminum and zinc) send me an email and I’ll try to get you one as I don’t think you can purchase them online.
justin@thecogwheel.net
thecogwheel 