Prop Making – Foam Hammer
Delays, delays, nothing but delays
I have been making steady progress on my prop making. However, a recent April blizzard blew into my neck of the woods. As a result I have spent more time shoveling goat trails through the snow than spending time in the workshop.
![Prop Making](http://www.millerandmike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_2854.jpg)
April blizzards delay hammer production
Prop Making Progress
Despite the snow and back breaking shoveling I have made some progress. After glueing the two pieces together I was able to draw a basic outline on the foam.
![Prop Making](http://www.millerandmike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_2829.jpg)
Guidelines drawn on the foam.
Once I had the proportions set I was able to begin whittling down the foam. With each slice I carve and shape the head of the hammer.
The foam is rather dense. While it is great for carving, it can pack a punch with a solid bonk. My plan is to be able to bonk people in the head at events, usually kids. In an attempt to avoid any injury I will be adding some softer foam into the hammer faces to cushion any impact.
While doing my research I found all kinds of carnival mallets and other big wooden hammers. Some hammers were multi colored for sideshow work; others bound in metal; and some just big chunks of wood on a stick. I am really going for a comical cartoony look. I don’t want people to be scared of my hammer, I want them to see it and laugh. So I am taking that into consideration in my design and sculpting. Think Daffy Duck. To see Daffy in action check out one of my favorite Merry Melodies “The Ducksters”.
![Prop Making](http://www.millerandmike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DUCK-OR-NOT-TO-DUCK-4.png)
Think Daffy Duck
The next step in the process will be to put that softer foam into the hammer and continue carving. I will also layout some of the tools I use in the process so stay tuned.
Mike