A compressed-air-powered hammer used to drive chisels rapidly in stone carving, from roughing through controlled finishing.
Martello pneumatico is the Italian term for a pneumatic carving hammer. Compressed air drives a rapid reciprocating piston that strikes the inserted chisel, greatly increasing the speed of stone removal compared with hand percussion.
Le voci del marmo documents its use with gradine, gradinetti, and scalpelli during marble finishing.
Etymology
Italian: martello, “hammer,” + pneumatico, “pneumatic.”
Sculptor Notes
The pneumatic hammer changes rhythm but not judgment. Air pressure, tool size, angle, and hand pressure determine whether the cut is controlled or destructive.
References
https://levocidelmarmo.sns.it/lista_video.php