Replies

1. 
   KevinLBS | Jun 19, 2003 05:29pm | #1

   Hey Mr. T-

   A couple years ago I was a project manager for a small aerospace company, and I needed to make some bushings for the F-4 out of B.C.

   The thing was, it was almost impossible to find someone who would machine the stuff, because it was discovered (probably less than 10 years ago) that the dust from machining it was extremely carcinogenic. All the shops I went to immediately no bid it as soon as they saw what the material was on the engineering drawings. Apparently it doesn't machine into chips or ribbons, but fine dust which is then possibly inhaled. The solution was to machine it under a spray of water from all directions. I think in solid form there's no danger at all, but you may have a lot of trouble finding a newly manufactured hammer out of it.

   Kevin

2. 
   Woodcrazy | Jun 19, 2003 11:31pm | #2

   what is special about these hammers?? never heard of one.

1. 
   SawdustSteve | Jun 20, 2003 03:20am | #3

   I own a Berylium ball peen hammer and a pair of slip joint pliers.  The stuff is harder than brass or bronze, it will hold a cutting edge although I don't know if a wrench would really last under heavy workload, but most people who use Berylium tools do so because of one special feature... they are non-sparking.  They are used where ANY spark could blow the whole place to kingdom-come.    SawdustSteve

1. 
   MrPita2 | Jun 20, 2003 06:37am | #5

   Also non magnetic.  Useful for EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal - bomb squad) purposes.  Why you'd want to hammer a bomb is beyond me, though.

   Another feature is they withstand temps to like -250 F, where steel becomes brittle.  That's why space agencies like them.

   Mr. T, Google for "Berylco", it's a TM/name brand.  I think NGK Metals owns it.If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.

1. 
   creekwood | Jun 20, 2003 08:59pm | #7

   It is, or was, also used for certain golf clubs. The theory was it was softer than cast or forged clubs, so the ball would stay on the club longer. This would give the golfer more ability to work the ball left or right, and would also cause more backspin on the ball, enabling it to stop quicker on the green. And it worked for that, but the shot was always shorter than the other clubs.

3. 
   jackiechan | Jun 20, 2003 03:55am | #4

   Mr. T,

   McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com) has a complete line of Beryllium tools, including knives, screwdrivers, and wrenches.  Their customer service is excellent as well.

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

4. 
   JK | Jun 20, 2003 07:35pm | #6

   Mr T

   You're looking for the Cabinetmakers Hammer by Thomas Von Fange.

   There is an ad in FHB #44 for the Von Fange Tool Co. phone # 703.829.2565.

   Don't know if they're still in business or not.

   JK

1. 
   MisterT | Jun 22, 2003 02:03pm | #8

   Thanks John, I knew I wasn't imagining it!!

   Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

1. 
   bobhallsr | Jun 23, 2003 05:41am | #9

   This goes back to my days in occupational health, a lot more than ten years ago.  Berylium prevents the body from healing.  Any cuts or scratches from thes tool results in very long healing time.  If a tiny bit remains under the skin it doesn't heal.  Phosphorescent lights from the early days used berylium phosphors and inhaling the dust from a broken tube could be serious.  It wasn't listed as a carcinagin in those days.  It was just the nastiness of any slight injury while machining it that kept it out of the machine shop.

   As I said, its been a loooong time so I think that I've got it right.

   BJGardening, cooking and woodworking in Southern Maryland