Do you have a big mallet that you like?

[lurker]

This post has set me thinking
Has anyone used a proper dead hammer for chiselling


I mean the ones with iron or lead shot in them

 

[Biliphuster]

Looking at the chap making the dai was very impressive, though I do wonder how many chisel handles he gets through when using a 6lb hammer to drive a chisel into ebony.

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Stop mucking about guys ...

The mallet handle is oval in cross section, approximately 1 1/2" x 1" and 10" long. The head is approximately 5" long x 3 " high and 2 3/8" wide.

The overall weight of this mallet came in at a little over 38 oz. How did it manage this in a relatively small head? It is down to the 1/4" thick brass plate that was added (peened) to each side ..

The leather on the heads has since been replaced with uhmw. This is durable and quiet.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Fitzroy]

That's a sexy mallet Derek!

 

[ColeyS1]

My favourite tool I've ever made. I really enjoy using it.

Coley

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

That's a sexy mallet Derek!

Down boy ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[JohnPW]

If the need is for a heavy mallet (tend to be made from heavier and harder wood) that won't damage chisel handles, why not stick softer wood on the striking surface?

One of the first things I made is a pine mallet. It weighs about the same a normal joiner's beech mallet but it's bigger. The striking surface has lots of dents but it doesn't damage chisel handles at all.

Round headed mallets are a different tool and has different uses.

 

[n0legs]

Oh! It's show your mallet time is it? :lol:
Here's mine. UHMW plastic head and a godknowswhatwooditis hardwood handle. All my own work.

 

[D_W]

Well, it's Thanksgiving in the states, and I didn't make a mallet yet, but I did find a stub handled 3 pound metal hammer yesterday at an antique store for the equivalent of 5 quid, which is just what I was looking for in that department. If it works well with a thin piece of leather contact cemented to the face, then I'm set.

If not, I'll still make something.

 

[D_W]

Didn't make the stubby wood mallet yet, but did notice that the 3 pound steel hammer is too heavy for my shoulder with a mortise chisel at bench height. It would probably be a lot more comfortable sitting on a mortise.

the more I mortise at bench height, the more I think it's easier just to swing a 20 ounce mallet harder with the mortise chisels.