Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer, manufactured by Grizzly Industrial, is a powerhouse designed for sheet metal shaping and smoothing. With its 27″ throat capacity and 4600 strokes per minute, it promises to be a versatile tool for any metalworking professional. Its cast iron and steel build speaks to durability, and the included radius dies offer a range of shaping options.
I needed a reliable and versatile planishing hammer for my custom fabrication work, specifically for creating smooth curves on custom motorcycle fenders. My older, smaller unit just wasn’t cutting it, lacking the power and throat depth needed for larger projects.
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer arrived securely packaged, and my initial impression was dominated by its sheer size and weight. The cast iron construction felt incredibly solid and robust, immediately inspiring confidence in its ability to handle demanding tasks.
I considered the Baileigh Industrial Air Power Hammer and the Eastwood Air Planishing Hammer, both reputable brands. Ultimately, the Grizzly Industrial unit’s combination of throat capacity, stroke rate, and price point made it the winner.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The machine looked and felt capable, but I was eager to see if it would truly live up to its potential in practical use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer in my metal fabrication shop, working on shaping a custom aluminum fuel tank for a vintage motorcycle project. The shop environment is typically dry, but the air compressor generates a fair amount of dust.
The Grizzly Industrial Planishing Hammer performed admirably, easily forming the 14-gauge aluminum into the desired contours. The foot pedal operation provided excellent control, allowing me to fine-tune the shaping process with precision. I needed a few minutes to get comfortable with the pedal and die selection. Initially, I was surprised by the power of the hammer, requiring a gentler touch than expected to avoid overworking the metal.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer has proven to be a dependable and valuable asset. The machine shows no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use.
The built-in air filter, regulator, and lubricator have kept the unit running smoothly with minimal maintenance. Compared to my previous planishing hammer, the Grizzly Industrial model provides significantly more power, control, and consistency, reducing the time and effort required to achieve desired results.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer
Specifications
- Throat Capacity: 27″ This allows for working on larger pieces of sheet metal, a significant advantage for complex shapes.
- The generous throat capacity accommodates a wider range of projects, from small automotive panels to larger architectural elements.
- Strokes per minute: 4600 Delivers rapid and efficient shaping, reducing overall project time.
- The high stroke rate allows for quick material movement and smoothing, contributing to increased productivity.
- Max aluminum thickness: 14-gauge, Max mild steel thickness: 16-gauge Defines the material limits for optimal performance.
- These thickness ratings ensure the tool is capable of handling common sheet metal gauges used in automotive, aerospace, and artistic applications.
- Air pressure: 90-120 PSI, Air Consumption: 12 CFM Specifies the operating requirements for the air compressor.
- These values are crucial for ensuring proper tool function and should be considered when matching the tool with an appropriate air compressor.
- Overall dimensions: 32″ wide x 61″ high x 33-1/2″ deep Provides a footprint to determine shop space requirements.
- The compact dimensions allow for easy integration into existing workshops.
- Approximate shipping weight: 253 lbs. Gives an idea of its robust build quality and shipping logistics.
- The substantial weight of the machine suggests a heavy-duty construction that is designed to withstand rigorous use.
- 8 Radius dies: 3/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 6″, 8″, and 12″ Offers a wide range of shaping options for different curves and contours.
- The diverse range of die radii provides flexibility in forming various shapes, making the tool versatile for different projects.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer excels at smoothing welds, removing dents, and shaping sheet metal with remarkable precision. The foot pedal offers excellent control over the hammering action.
The primary strength lies in its power and control, enabling efficient and accurate metal forming. A potential weakness is the initial learning curve to master the foot pedal and die selection. The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer largely meets and exceeds expectations, delivering consistent performance and professional-quality results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer’s cast iron and steel construction gives it a robust, industrial feel. The machine weighs a considerable amount, making it stable during operation, though a bit difficult to move around the shop.
The foot pedal operation is intuitive once mastered, providing hands-free control. There is a slight learning curve associated with die selection and pedal modulation, but the design is ultimately user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
With its robust construction, the Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer is built to withstand years of use in a professional shop environment. The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer is expected to provide reliable service for many years with proper maintenance.
The built-in air filter, regulator, and lubricator simplify maintenance. Periodic cleaning and lubrication of moving parts are recommended for optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer comes with eight radius dies, providing a comprehensive starting point for various shaping tasks. The dies are easily interchangeable, allowing for quick transitions between different forming operations.
While no specific customization options are readily available from Grizzly Industrial, the hammer can be used with aftermarket dies. The tool is compatible with standard air fittings.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer
Pros
- Generous 27″ throat capacity allows for working on large pieces of sheet metal.
- High stroke rate (4600 SPM) speeds up the shaping process.
- Foot pedal operation provides excellent control and precision.
- Robust cast iron and steel construction ensures durability.
- Included radius dies offer versatility for different shaping needs.
Cons
- Requires a significant amount of shop space due to its size.
- The $3719.00 price point may be prohibitive for hobbyists.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer?
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer is perfect for professional metal fabricators, automotive restorers, and custom motorcycle builders. This tool is ideal for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile planishing hammer for shaping and smoothing sheet metal.
Hobbyists or those with limited shop space may want to consider a smaller, less expensive option. The tool isn’t suited for delicate or intricate work requiring extremely fine adjustments.
A high-quality air compressor with sufficient CFM is a must-have accessory. Additional radius dies or custom-shaped dies could further enhance the tool’s versatility.
Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer
The Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer is a powerful and well-built machine that delivers exceptional performance for demanding sheet metal forming tasks. The price of $3719.00 is justified by its robust construction, high stroke rate, and generous throat capacity.
I would highly recommend the Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer to any professional metal fabricator seeking a reliable and versatile tool for their shop. If you’re serious about metal shaping, the Grizzly Industrial Professional Planishing Hammer is an investment that will pay dividends in quality, efficiency, and versatility. Upgrade your shop today and experience the difference!