The question then, is how to optimize the hammer swing to increase hitting power and control.  The starting point is, of course, not to give up the latter 1/3 of the swing.  This can be done one  of two ways, but for those of us unable to find a 3' or 7' tall assistant it means striking from a raised platform.  In this way (Fig 3) the swing integrity is preserved while the geometry of face to face contact is also corrected.  The only problem here is that whenever a tool of significant height (punch, chisel, etc.) is placed on top of the workpiece, it again throws the geometry off just when it is most critical (unless you  enjoy fielding hot punches at around 100 MPH.).  The preferred striking platform consists of two or three "steps" at heights calculated to provide ideal geometry upon impact with the tools and stock sizes commonly used in your shop.  By stepping down and sliding the platform, or just shifting one step to the next, one can execute the needed adjustment.
     This may seem like a lot of fussing around; heck, just walk up and swat it, right?  I would agree that for three strikes in a given day, this is appropriate.  I've watched strikers working way too high for long periods of time and not seem to care, but as my dad used to tell me "the best workmen in the world are lazy:  laziness encourages them to find the best and quickest way to execute the work.  They want to do it quick, but they don’t want to have to do it a second time".
     Will Batman optimize his long hammer swing without squashing Robin's thumb to the size of a dinner plate, slapping his work out in half the time to prevent them both from being dashed to bits (this has nothing to do with a computer) on the jagged rocks below???  Stay tuned as Frank presents SLEDGE Team Striking Part III "How To Get A Handle On It".

Jeffrey D. Knight
Franklyn D. Garland