In my 20 years of collecting framing hammer, I have noted that certain hammers are so alike it could not be my imagination. So for your viewing pleasure I include the following image.
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And then there's this one...
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-oz-california-framing-hammer-67815.html
hmmm.....
That's no surprise, look at the castings on the stationary tools from the region. Their business model is like, well, it's from a whole 'nother country.
Happy to say in 40 odd years of using framing hammers I've yet to buy one not stamped U.S. made.
Correct
My Delta drillpress is just like the Craftsman and Powermatic of the same size!
Justin Fink and I have corresponded at some length on the topic of whether FHB ought to evaluate "cheap import tools." He has taken the position that no real tradesman would ever consider using junk, while I have noted the economy of the imports, as well as the need for a 'baseline" for comparison. We've pretty much agreed to disagree.
Oddly enough, FWW has not had a problem noting when things originate from the same factory, even appear to use the same major parts. "Appear" seems to be the key word.
FWW has found notable differences between (for example) table saws made from the castings that had the same source. Whether the difference is in the secondary machining, or whether the vendor 'grades' the raw castings, we'll never know.
I know from my own industrial experience that a plant may produce very similar looking items, on the same line, to entirely different specifications.
Perhaps this picture will convince Justin that the "cheap" tools need evaluation too.
Chinese Framing Hammer.
Yes you will see hammers that look similar. There are many companies in China and Taiwan that produces hammers that are similar with different brands. There are certain quality that they posses and hence are accepted all over.
1) Head material with high grade carbon steel, hardened and tempered.
2) Milled face preventing flying nails.
3) The head and handle with epoxy resin.
4) Fiberglass handle for easy handling.
These are some qualities of good framing hammers.