I believe the most important tools in the shop are hand-held. These provide the attention to detail that I require, and add a rich subtle character that only comes from hand-work by a craftsman.
 
“Hammer marks are a metal artist's signature. They provide a detailed road map of the artistic process and register the specific style of the maker.”
 
Most of the tools in the studio would be considered antiques anywhere else; even the machinery I prefer to use is largely pre-1960. Over a hundred different types of hammers, top tools, chisels, punches and fullers are utilized. Each one a specific shape to perform a specific function or to achieve a certain effect when shaping the metal.