Fretz HMR-4 Large Embossing Hammer

The Fretz HMR-4 Large Embossing Hammer is part of the original Fretz Jewelers Hammer line — the most popular series in the growing Fretz family. Sized between the smaller Precisionsmith and the larger Silversmithing hammers, the Jewelers series is considered by many metalsmiths to be just right for a wide range of studio work.

Fretz hammers are distinguished by two exceptional qualities: their handles and their heads. The handle is crafted from African Padauk, a type of Rosewood, offering a smooth, perfectly balanced feel. Handle color typically ranges from dark brown to lighter shades, depending on the sourcing of recycled Asian Padauk — but regardless of shade, the fit and finish is unmatched. The hammer head is cast in 420 stainless steel, hardened to 50Rc, and polished to a high mirror finish.

The HMR-4 features two round faces — 12mm and 16mm — designed specifically for embossing work. Embossing is the stretching of metal by hammering from the inside. The large embossing hammer is used to dome metal from the inside as it is supported on a sandbag or a depression carved in wood. Doming metal before raising makes it easier to control, as the shape becomes rigid. The embossing hammer also produces an attractive dimpled texture on flat or slightly domed metal when used against a stake on the outside of a form.

As noted by Bill Fretz, the HMR-4 is suited to small and lighter projects, while the larger HMR-104 handles larger-scale embossing work — the technique is the same, and the scale of the project determines which hammer to reach for.

Features

• Original Fretz Jewelers Hammer series — the most popular in the Fretz line
• Hammer head cast in 420 stainless steel, hardened to 50Rc
• Highly polished stainless steel faces for clean, mark-free contact
• Two round faces: 12mm and 16mm for versatile embossing applications
• Handle crafted from African Padauk (Rosewood family) with a special finish
• Handle weight proportioned to head weight for ideal balance
• Ideal for doming metal from the inside on a sandbag or carved wood depression
• Creates attractive dimpled texture when used against a stake on the outside of a form

Specifications