Hammers & Polishing Lathe

[sam9769]

 Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone uses a polishing lathe and if so what you think of it and would you recommend it?

Also, is it worth investing in more expensive silversmithing hammers or just buying the cheaper ones?
What ones would you recommend?

I don't ask for much

Many thanks,


Sam

[mizgeorge]

Polishing machine, yes. Wouldn't be without it. But it's my full time job, not a hobby... A pack of micromesh will do the job well. Then move onto radial discs on a flexshaft or other rotary tool.

Hammers. Start with a bog standard ball pein - 4oz is fine - and dress it well - no sharp edges and until you can see your face in it! Shouldn't cost you more than a fiver. Don't get a craft version, they have horrible hard edges which are really hard to polish out. Get more as you need them, but unless you're planning on making very large pieces, you won't ever need 'silversmithing' hammers.