Electric Tooling

[Wykoni]

I have looked at the power mallet myself.  I have the power source so my investment would be the 700.00.  That kind of throws me off but not so much the artistry of the craft.  I kind of look at it like this.  The Michael Angelo was a great sculpture.  He did his work with a hammer and chisel..why...no jackhammers at the time.  It's a personal choice but it doesn't eliminate the artist, but enhances his art.  I have talked to some fantastic saddle makers who are great artist and many look at it as a time saver.  They make their living by making beautiful saddles so quicker is better.  I would think if you carve leather poorly, even with a power mallet it would be poor, just a bit better...Isn't art kind of a personal thing anyway? 

[LatigoAmigo]

I just love all of the comments about this being an ancient craft, yet we use the internet instead of carrier pigeons to communicate with each other.

How far back do we need to go in order to honor our tradition? Electricity has been available for 100 years, so why not use a labor / effort saving electric mallet? The only one inconvenienced is the leather worker whose power goes out.

[MY63]

I have some disability in my right hand/arm I have had a standard arbour press adapted with holes to allow pricking irons and stamping tools to be inserted and held with grub screws. Not quite what the op had in mind but it might help others with similar issues. 

[kiwican]

I see both sides of the argument but for me, the hobby worker, I love the fact that I'm leaning something that hasn't changed that much in hundreds of years. It's a zen thing for me.....even tho I swear and rant at the leather some days!

[chrisash]

I have trouble understanding the word "Traditional", What century does it apply to, 1900's, 1800's, 1100's are sewing machines acceptable if so what about the modern pre programed ones, do you use modern methods of making leathers or make your own dye's, use modern information to learn the skills

Life is sure full of conflicting ideas 

[Hatebait55]

Ok I have an idea for a cheap way of getting something similar but it’s with 2AA battery but not as powerful  and more for details. Go to cvs go into the tooth brush section and pick out a power brush. now I know of one that is only one I checked to see. there must be many kinds that do the same hammering in a small way but it is ez to hold and can give a difrent look but still be fun.pick out spin brush by Arm and hammer. no it’s not a joke. Take off brush and turn it on and look at it and you get what I’m getting at once you see it move good luck