Comments on: Mallet Theory: You Can Get Used to Almost Any Tool

By: Bear Limvere

Bear Limvere — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:07:18 +0000

I had ordered the pair (large and small) from LV a day or so before you posted this. Got them and found the large one a bit small in the handle for my big paws. My new handle is built around a 4″ hanger bolt, and about 1.5 inches longer, and a bit bigger at the back. The waited area is about the same. Most comfortable mallet I’ve used.

By: jdp12358

jdp12358 — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:57:25 +0000

I agree. I used a Blue Spruce mallet for years. Then, while watching one of David Charlesworth chisel technique videos, he said never to use a dead blow mallet because it had no feedback. Curious about this and having a deep sense of yankee independence, I decided to try exactly what he said not to do. I found my dead blow mallet to be by far the best chisel mallet I have ever used.

By: beardoeswood

beardoeswood — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 04:16:10 +0000

I find my old ironwood mallet to be just fine. I made it from a piece of tree I cut down for firewood probably 20 years ago – figured if it was hard enough to ruin a saw chain and too hard to split, it would make a good tool. I don’t know if I adjusted to it in use, or if I lucked into a good fit right off, but I haven’t felt a need to tinker with the fit or feel. It is about 8″ long, with a 3″ diameter cylindrical working end (I took off the bark and cambium layer) and 1″ handle, probably a bit over 1 lb. I left the head a bit rough for some friction in use.

One of the simplest tools a woodworker can make for himself. I get a sense of pleasure every time I chisel out a mortise with it.

By: ronwood72

ronwood72 — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:59:06 +0000

In the Anarchist Tool Chest you recommend a 10oz metal mallet now it appears something changed and you are going heavier. Any reason for the change? And if you wouldn’t mind please post 45min earlier. I ordred the lighter mallet just ahead of this post.

By: JWatriss

JWatriss — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 23:55:39 +0000

I have a LV journeyman’s mallet somewhere. I did make a new, longer handle for it. The hanger bolt design resulted in a split handle. I reinforced with a strip of linen and glue, and it was fine after that. The Mary May model won’t have that problem.

I also tried a Calvo brass mallet… Same thru-tenon design as the Mary May, but bigger, I think. Then I added a long handle to that one, too.

Ultimately settled on a Japanese hammer.

By: tsstahl

tsstahl — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:42:34 +0000

Plastic friendly to wood? The reverse case worries me.

Twice I have sent a spray of shot flying from broken dead blow mallets while working with wood.

By: zephyrblevins

zephyrblevins — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:24:44 +0000

In a pinch one day, having left my prized Blue Spruce mallet at home, I was forced to resort to using my $11 big box store dead blow hammer for some chopping of dovetails. I haven’t picked up the Blue Spruce since. All I can say is, try it. The plastic is kind to wooden chisel handles, and the dead blow effect outweighs any aesthetic considerations. Dead blow mallets are available in several different weights, so try a few options.

By: Barquester

Barquester — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:41:24 +0000

Mallets are like old Tee Shirts that are full of holes but give you a warm feeling when you look at them. It’s all you can do to give them up but sooner or later you must.
I have a mallet made from a pear limb I salvaged when I first started “fine” woodworking. I messed up the handle, it’s too small and has band saw marks on it but one side has wane showing and is very lovely and gives the mallet a direction to go. I’ll never part with this mallet even though the weight is probably a little shy. I’m making some more from a bodark tree (ok, bois d’arc, but I’m in Oklahoma) I salvaged and will have better handles.
I think I’ll saw off the handle on the old mallet, I still have some of the old tree left, and make a new one, maybe sink a little lead in it too. But it stays.

By: zdillinger

zdillinger — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:46:58 +0000

You know, you’re right. I’ve always gotten used to my old bosses…

/Bazinga

By: stjones

stjones — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:38:38 +0000

I like theory too. Judging from the photos and your comments, it seems that a slightly narrow waist perhaps 3 or 3-1/2″ from the business end enhances comfortable love taps. Below this narrowocity*, an elongated bulb sized to nestle into the palm is good for fetching a solid whack. Does the abrupt transition from handle to head in the Veritas affect the comfort? It seems that with the Blue Spruce, the entire head rests in the palm, so the even more abrupt transition wouldn’t matter. I’m curious because my traditional lignum vitae mallet is a little big for love taps, so I may investigate alternatives – which might involve ordering something sight-unseen over the Internet. Thanks.

* I really couldn’t write “Below the waist….”