<html> At 01:36 PM 11/6/2003 -0600, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Has anyone had any success needling hammers from the side (actually pushing the needles into one side of the hammer until it comes out the other side).</blockquote> Yes, lots. Works great. <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>I tried this on a very hard hammer once where the needle kept breaking going in radially.  It certainly is easier to push needles in this way but I'm unsure of the results as compared to radial voicing.  Ari Issac recommends this method of voicing (i.e., needling into the side of the hammer).  Seems to me that you have to be extra careful with this method since there is more sideways force involved and it could loosen the flange pin. Corte Swearingen Chicago </blockquote> Great article in the Journal not too long ago, called ( I believe) "Voicing for the Rest of Us"... or something like that. Lays it out well. I learned it from Ari, also, too many years ago. (wow... it was.... jeez... long time ago) Anyway, learned it well. I almost always sit on the aisle. I, uh.... kinda, uh... overflow, if you know what I mean.  Ari was walking down the aisle, with a single needle tool in his hand, gesticulating while he talked. Voiced my arm nicely. White shirt, too. The stuff you never forget, y'know? Most voicing is accomplished, I think, by a combination of techniques and effort. Best to try them all, no? Luego, Guy </html>