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By considering things like energy-efficient mechanicals, window orientation, and renewable energy sources, homes can be evaluated to meet the energy codes. Here's what the IRC has to say.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
only if it comes with a 3 prong plug
"Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton
if it comes with a 3 prong plug
Couple of years ago in the Christmas exchange got a hammer with a 3 prong plug. Will take a pix if I can find it.
Wow, that's big bucks. I guess I might buy one if I had just signed a contract for a 3-year project to build a mansion and I was going to have so much dough that I could be careless with it. Otherwise, no.
happens all the time...
WTB Pro-Deck has at least one....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Theres a sucka born every minismI have no comment...
I haven't recieved mine yet but it cost $345. with shipping and takes six weeks to get.
I figure not too many guyswill buy them so they won't be in production long thus the price will go way up."Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
seriously...
I had the faith..
how ya been???
missed those pctorials of yours...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Been really busy. Still taking lots of pictures and putting them on a discs for my customers.
Hopfully I'll get a break after my next two 1200 sq. foot decks to do some posting.
Good to hear from you"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
I paid about $90 for each of my titaniums, a framer and finisher and they were worth every cent. I would not shell out $300 for one though. They had them with the replacable heads for around $270, nice but fuhgedddaboutit.
If you don't mind, where did you get them?
Amazon
The have both the 10 oz and 14
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002265Y/sr=1-11/qid=1154537816/ref=sr_1_11/002-0392786-7440820?ie=UTF8&s=hi
What I'm not getting about the titanium heads is... Isn't it the mass of the head that's driving the nail? It seems kinda like a pound of feathers vs. a pound of lead.Phat
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
This one doesn't even have a titanium head, the titanium is in the handle!
In response to the lighter mass, higher speed equals greater force than greater weight
Edited 8/2/2006 4:00 pm ET by Richard1
Which is consistent with what I learned in Physics 101 - so, assuming the same impact speed, any 10 oz chunk of metal will drive the nail just as deep. Phat
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
Does anybody know what Dead On has to do with Hart? I bought a Hart trimmer for one of my guys, and it had a Dead On emblem set into the head, well, at least for a little while<G> I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
Deadon was bought out by Maasdam power tool about two years ago.
Vaughan bought out Dalluge about the same time
Stilletto was an ex emplyoyee of Dalluge(note the exact head style)
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Yes, but does the 10 oz chunk of metal have a face on it big enough to hit the nail, a ten ounce steel hammer has quite a small face, whereas a ten ounce titanium hammer has a face that is large, equal to or larger than a 30 oz steel hammer.
My explanation of the physics involved was quite simplistic, and I believe there are other principles that play into the equation.
Do a search on "physics titanium" on this site and you will get many views identicle to your own. But when you come down to it people who have tried them prefer them. Generally speaking.
Very good points - thank you.Phat
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
actually, i think that the titanium drives the nails is because of the hardness of the metal. since titanium is harder that steel, the energy transferred is greater thus givin more driving power.
I have a 14 oz stiletto and a 24 oz deathstick, the stiletto drives nails great, but the deathstick MOVES wood better.How about a 4 pound titanium sledge hammer ????
I was wondering if that might also be the case. Plus, I think it might drive better 'cause Titanium is sexier than tool-steel. Which seem to be what the website is selling… Phat
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
It has to do with the density of the titanium and its absorption of the impact which is much higher than that of the steel they use for regular hammers. Being lighter, you naturally give it a faster swing bringing the kinetic energy to that of a normal 22 oz framing hammer. It's a hell of a lot easier on the arm and elbow too. When you finally learn how to 'throw' and set the rhythm of the hammer, it really moves along nicely while saving you the jolts to all your hand, arm and other body parts.
As you mentioned though, it doesn't move wood as well as a regular heavier hammer. Been swinging a hammer as a pro for almost 3 decades now and I just got these last year. I don't use them for demolition, but I don't use anything else to drive nails with anymore.
I am not so sure that titanium is harder than steel.
My 14oz Stilletto's face has mushroomed out pretty good after about 2-3 years. I don't have a steel hammer that has done it that bad yet.
My theory with the driving power of the lighter hammer is speed and leverage. The 18" handle that I can grip all the way down on and swing as hard as I need. I see people with the 22oz framers choked up on the grip like they are swinging a rock.
It's just like a golf club, the longer the shaft and the speed at which you swing it makes up for lack of physical strength.What's wrong with me? I could ask you the exact same thing.
It MAY be harder. I worked in a Titainium annodizing shop in HS..boss gave me a Ti bolt and told me to cut an inch off the end.
After I tried for a minute I realized the hacksaw blade had no teeth ,,,thought it was a joke on me. I put in a new blade,,,and after 4 swipes it too had no teeth left. Tough stuff, but then again, tough ain't the same as hard either.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" I am not an Activist, I am, a Catalyst. I lay around and do nothing, until another ingredient is added"
The only evidence I have to support my "theory" is some beat up hammers. :)
I really don't know which is harder.
I know that Titanium seems to have more bouce to it, steel absorbs it.
Confused yet? Cause I am.What's wrong with me? I could ask you the exact same thing.
I dunno..Hardness, toughness, brittleness and malleblity all factor in. If Cobalt or Carbide cut toolsteel, and toolsteel cuts Ti, then it stands to reason that Ti is softer but has something else going on too.
I forget most of it from then, but annodizing Ti and nickle plateting soon lost it's appeal to me.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" I am not an Activist, I am, a Catalyst. I lay around and do nothing, until another ingredient is added"
I paid 150.00 for 16oz. stiletto(sp) and 30.00 more for the smooth face that I can put on instead of waffle head. That is a lot of money for a hammer, I know that, but what is my wrist, elbow, and shoulder worth. I
I don't care about the physics of it. I do care about making my job easier and letting my body last longer.I hope Chuck Norris never potato sacks me!!!!
bstcrpntr --- I hope to grow into this name.
You're both right to some degree. The titanium heads do mushroom over time and that's why many of the manufactuer's have gone to a replaceable steel strinking face on the titanium hammers.
I have an older Stilletto Ruger 14oz titanium that has mushroomed some. The hammer I've been using for a couple years now is the Vaughn Ti-Tech. 16oz titanium head with hickory handle and replaceable steel striking face. I love this thing... nicest hammer I've ever swung. I had a Ti-bone for awhile too, but sold it to FramerT after a year or so.... just never liked how it felt. I don't know what it is about Vaughn hammer handles.... I just never seem to break them. Maybe it's just good luck or something, but I really always seem to get a long life out of their handles.
But 300 bones for that new hammer is too rich for my blood. For 300, it better give me a hummer on the ride to work every morning and then jump out of the truck and pound nails without me. :)View Image
I haven't heard of that hammer the Ti-Tech. Where you get that Willis?
My 14oz is a Ruger one too, the head mushroomed over and when I miss the nail it tears a huge chunk of my finger off, think I would have ground it down by now.
I broke a bunch of Stilletos handles and then bought the Ti-bone, I really like it. I put a vaughn handle in my 14 oz and haven't broke it yet. What's wrong with me? I could ask you the exact same thing.
I think I bought it at Amazon, but I just checked and they only have it with a fiberglass handle now.... NFG. I did, however get my tool store to stock them after whining to them enough, so if I ever need another I'll know where to go. It's an awfully nice hammer for $75 or so. View Image
The Ti tech made by Vaughan is at the bottom of this page. Most real hardware stores will bring one in for you for about $77.00
http://www.vaughanmfg.com/new_products_page.htm"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
The Ti-tech with hickory handle is my favorite hammer. Good bang for the buck.... no pun intended. :)View Image
I like the long handle diesel.
My son took out the cushion washer behind the striker and inserted a stiffer teflon washer.He didn't like the spongy feel when he really wanted to bang on something.
Very nice hammer indeed.
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Hey Bob, good to see you around again...so did Dead On buy out Hart?I bought the hammer from Hart Tool, it was advertised as a Hart trimmer. The head is the same, except for a little Dead On emblem, which fell off after one whack<G>The hickry handle is the same as my old Hart, too, except insted of one of those round wedgies, there's now two...still a damn good hammer! I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
Yes Snort, Dead On bought out Hart and Maasdon tool bought out Dead On. They are having financial difficulty and who knows Vaughan may buy them out too.
Hart is a wonderful hammer .
It just takes tons of capitol to patent the dies,assemble the heads, and market a good quality hammer.
The guys that make the best hammers just don't seem to last.
Maybe Bill Gates could use a write off and get hooked up with a great hammer company that makes great hammers but can't seem to make a profit."Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
BOB!!!
Long time no see!!!
Hope all has been well with you!!!
Gotta do an estimate/proposal on a 24x30 trex deck with rail system...
thought of you...
I'm a "Professional Carpenter" now!!
Kontracktur sounds too smarmy...
I have no comment...
or
Napalm!!!
Good for you Mr "T" Thats about a $20,000. job here.
Be sure and post some pictures, and make lot's of sawdust!"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
20K $ !!!
how much of that is Labor???
I just did a take off on the labor and got about 5 grand...
I know thw trex railings and stuff are pricey but 15K pricey???
well Gordy at my lumper yard is doing the materials takeoff.
we shall see...
24x30
30"above grade
flat lot w/ easy access
78 feet of rail
two three-tread steps
I feel like I'm missing sumptin...
:lI have no comment...
or
Napalm!!!
Don't forget the footings. Every footing I dig usually turns out to be on the site of an ancient burial ground for intricately designed puzzles of interlocking ordinary looking rocks. It usually takes a jack hammer, back hoe, and three locksmiths to get me below the frost line.
BTW... you deserve a raise. Talk to the boss.View Image
awwwwwwwwww gawd don't sat that....
he could easily hit a NA burial ground or left overs from the civil war POW camp or............
and that gray clay he be digging in is on the order of NYC - CC... like about 9500PSI stuff...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I been renting a Bobcat!! for my excavation needs...
So I reckon for 225$ and half a day labor I can auger the posts with hydraulic ease...
or use plan b..I have no comment...
or
Napalm!!!
I think yur about 33 to 3800 low on the labor.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
720 sq.ft. x $25.= $18,000.00
Now about half of that is material and the other half should be your labor, overhead and profit.
78 x $45. per foot for Trex Rail = $3510. The trex rail system cost about $28. per foot but you need to make some money lagging the posts cutting and installing the pieces.
If you're using all stainless steel hardware, vinyl between flashing and lumber,and as mentioned proper footings you really are not making a killing. Just a good living.
Now go and bang out that deck !
Most of all have fun"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
if that be the case I may have to refigger my labor...I have no comment...
or
Napalm!!!
Technically titanium is harder than steel, but it is also brittle so using your Ti hammer to pound a cat's paw under a nail head breaks off the points of the milled face. I diamond is harder than anything else, but it will shatter if struck with a steel hammer.BruceT
My titnium head is not harder than hammer heads that I've used before. The waffle pattern on my titnium is completely smooth now. That has never happened with a steel hammer.
blue
This discussion has been done here before. After near endless debate the concensus seemed to indicate that the rebound characteristics of the titanium are the primary advantage, delivering more effective force to the nail despite lighter weight.
Are myou guys sure about that? I never took any physics classes but it would seem to me that momentum is the force that drives the nail and weight is necessary for momentum.
I could swing like lightning with a styrofoam hammer and drive nothing in but lob a brick and drive a nail.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein
http://www.peteforgovernor.com
If you could find rock hard styrofoam and if you could move it fast enough, then yes, you could drive a nail with it. Here's the impulse-momentum equation:
d(mv)=F dt the "d" is for delta, or difference the force on the nail is F=m dv/dt which gets you to the old F=ma. This says that any mass, if accelerated high enough, can produce a high force. Take a massive hammer and swing it slowly and you can also create a large force.
This is the principle behind and impact driver. Take it apart and you'll find a small mass that moves fast and whacks a small anvil that produces an impressive torque.
After further contemplation, I understand that it is a combination or formula of speed and weight.
The first impression I got was that lighter would drive better but as it turns out, only lighter to a degree as the loss in weight must be compensated by an adequate increase in speed.
So the premise is that the ability to swing a lighter hammer faster makes it more effective. I understand.
For a rock-hard styrofoam hammer to be as effective, it would have to be swung at a speed that is likely in excess of human capability.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein
http://www.peteforgovernor.com
At some point, at least, the mass of the arm becomes so large relative to the mass of the hammer that it cancels the benefits of the lighter hammer.
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
Yeah. You got it.
Everyone is missing the targeted end customer:
The non-professional with every tool and a garage full of gladiator storage including the fridge who has never used any of his tools. He'll show his neighbors how cool his hammer is when their watching footbal in his garage on the 60" flatscreen while sitting in leather recliners.
What Richard said. It really works too! The 10 oz is great
Love that quote, it cracked me up. lol
UBC
You're half right, Phat. Force = mass times velocity. You can swing a 14oz titanium much faster than a 20oz steel and get nearly the same driving force. I got titanium because at my age tendonitis is a problem. I can swing the Ti hammer without pain. The only downside is that it takes 3 hits to sink a 16d instead of two.Incidentally, I don't think I would buy a 16oz hammer of either lead or feathers. :)BruceT
that's a steal!
(hold on to your wallet)
Seems to me that this company is about selling hats and "gear" more than actual tools. Christ, if people are that worried about looking like a bad azz when on a job site they should get a tatoo on the neck or around the eye like Tyson did.
Edited 8/2/2006 10:58 am ET by xosder11
I saw that and choked. I can't imagine who would shell out that much for a hammer, even a nice Ti one.
Come on it's a "must have" pre order, get yours now!! I Don't swing a hammer much anymore to justify that cash, but a nice Ti finish nail gun might be nice. Their site looks more like a motorcycle chopper site.
Anyone going to buy this?
Not me, but did you see the $30 30' tape measure?
It looked cheap to me, but it had skulls instead of diamonds at 19.2 inch marks, guess that makes it worth it.
I've heard from some extremely experienced carpenters who swear that these titanium hammers work better than regular ol steel hammers but it's just bunk. Yes, the head speed is faster etc. etc. but the head is lighter too and the physics behind momentum (p=mv) and the change F = dp/dt still applies. All you're doing is paying more dollars to take more swings at the same nail. Sorry Larry H.
Ever used one? Never mind, we already know the answer. If you had, you'd know you're FOS. I can two swat a 16D sinker with a 16oz titanium or a 25oz steel hammer. Try that with a 16oz steel Plumb.
View Image
I have both, the Ti Tech and the Stilletto. The Ti Tech originally came w/ a fiber handle that I loved, but i think it was only 3 months before that was trashed. I'm back to my stilletto w/ a replacement handle that swings like gold. At 34 I'm getting to beat up to fight my job so I pay a little extra to prolong it. as far as $299 goes, I would need a week to test DRIVE it.
The MAIN advantage of a a Ti Hammer in driving nails is the metals DIR factor.
DIR stands for Disposable Income Redistribution.
No other metal has the ability of Titanium to separate saps from thier 300$.
I have no comment...
Meanwhile.....
This hammer does not have a titanium head!!!!
It's in the handle!!!!
http://www.deadonstore.com/tools.htm
Edited 8/3/2006 4:30 am ET by Richard1
Edited 8/3/2006 4:32 am ET by Richard1
What I thought was that the hammer was titanium like the Ti-bone, but the actual striking head was steel. What is the name for the part of the hammer that has the claw and head? :-)
Not exactly. The energy in the moving hammer head is 1/2 mass x velocity squared. So if you double the speed of the hammer you get 4 times the energy. If you swing a hammer that's half the mass but you swing it at twice the speed that's 1/2 x 4 or twice the energy of the heavy hammer.
This is why baseball players have all gone to lighter bats. The bat speed is greater and therefore more energy is transferred to the ball. It's also why a golfer has to geat the club head moving fast to get any distance on a drive.
"With every mistake we must surely be learning"
Sheesh! Can't believe all the hassle, I've made two documented mistakes in my entire life, only one involving velocity squared, and the entire world comes down around me.However, it is an opportunity to continue on in my unprecedented streak of perfection.
Squares matter.
What was the other documented error?
"With every mistake we must surely be learning"
Woodway,Mike & DeiselPig are correct on this matter. You would benefit from a basic Conceptual Physics course...or some objective experience of your own...or listening to Mike or DP.http://www.treca.org/staff/voss/Pages/energy.htmlScroll down to the stuff on Kinetic Energy.BTW I have a DeadOn 16oz. Ti Framer...drives nails as easily as my 24oz. Estwing, w/o bothering my elbow (and the skull logo is way cool--I think it scares the nails into the wood). The Estwing is now relegated to demo.Class Dismissed.
Edited 8/3/2006 8:10 am ET by basswood
You must not golf at all. Titanium golf club head, twice the size of old steel heads, and with the lighter weight comes faster swing speed and more distance.Because of the larger head you get fewer mis-hits too.
A hammer is no different.
Edited 8/3/2006 9:18 am ET by Westcoast
Edited 8/3/2006 9:19 am ET by Westcoast
Larry, you obviously haven't used one or you wouldn't be talking such nonsense.
I swung a 20oz Rocket for two decades and now I've switched to a 14oz titanium. I use the same amount of whacks to drive a spike. Everyone that has ever tried to drive a spike with it is amazed.
The hammer is not good for moving walls or demoing though.
Occasionally, I'll borrow someone's hammer on the job. I can't believe I swung that kind of slow weight for so many years.
blue
i'm curious about the hardness of titanium. it seams to me that when i beat on my nail puller w/my stilleto the nail puller shows more wear. at any rate i like the titanium better for one additional reason: looks.
my steel hammers lose that nice clean look after a while but that ti hammer always looks polished.i've also heard it's really hard to mill ti because of it hardness and resistance to heat.what we need now is ti nails to make our bags lighter jk
I haven't noticed any difference regarding the nail puller and titanium hammers.
I did lighten my bags though by getting rid of them all. I just slip a couple of components on my regular belt and life is now good.
blue
If TI is so hard, why did all those sinkers turn my waffle-faced Stilletto into a smooth face? I now use it for siding and such where they don't want to see tooth marks in the divots.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Did it smash flat or chip flat?
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
I have to wonder if some of these hammers are truely titanium or a titanium blend.
For instance, most if not all titanium drill bits are plated with it, not made of it.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein
http://www.peteforgovernor.com
It's harder, but more brittle. That is why it's used in engines and aircraft parts.
"Anyone going to buy this?"
Yes, if there's something wrong with their head. If you’re buying it because you like the way it looks and you collect hammers then that's fine. If you’re buying it because you think it will help your elbow and drive a nail in better, then you’re also nuts.
If it was like back in the day when we didn't have nail guns and we used a hammer for every single nail and this hammer smacks the nail in with one soft shot or didn't affect your elbow or some other kind of trick.
You can buy a nail gun for that price. Why would anyone buy this hammer for 300???
View Image
ill stick with my 35 dollar hickory handle hammer thank you very much.
There ain't nuthin wrong with that.
I test drove one of those $300 hammers at JLCLive. It was a nice hammer indeed, however I just didn't get it.I don't use a framing hammer that often that it makes the difference. If I really need to do a ton of pounding, I'll get a laborer, not a new hammer.
You guys are buying $300 hammers and I'm trying to keep my head above water.
Must be new math:
2 + 2 = 7, 4 is propaganda.
You guys are buying $300 hammers and I'm trying to keep my head above water.
Must be new math:
No one's said they would buy this hammer.
They reckon that the handle creates a whip like affect increasing power by 30%
I don't think anyone here has a $300 hammer. Probably quite a few $100 hammers and even a few $200 Stilletto Ti-bones.I would love to get one of these:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JKX6/sr=1-5/qid=1154739466/ref=sr_1_5/104-6344477-4847937?ie=UTF8&s=hiThis is the one I have. I paid $45.00 new (discontinued at Menards). A decent Ti hammer for not too much $:http://cgi.ebay.com/DEATHSTICK-TITANIUM-HAMMER_W0QQitemZ190016096737QQihZ009QQcategoryZ20763QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I wouldn't but, in the past, I remember that some branch of the Armed forces paid big bucks for toilet seats and similar tools.