The invention relates to a method for shaping at least one work piece and to a shaping device, especially for use in said method or for carrying out said method. Said shaping device comprises at least one support (3) for a work piece (4), at least one striking tool, at least one drive device (2) for moving said striking tool relative to the support (3) and at least one position sensing device for determining the position of the striking tool. For shaping the work piece (4), an initial position of the striking tool can be adjusted. A control and regulation device controls and regulates the velocity of the striking tool during a striking motion. According to the method of the invention, the striking tool, during a striking motion from a defined or definable initial position, impacts the work piece (4) present on the support (3) with a defined or definable impact velocity. The velocity of the striking tool during the striking motion is controlled or regulated subject to the position of the striking tool and subject to the defined impact velocity.