What to give a ash mallet to drink

[ColeyS1]

I've just finished playing on the lathe. It was my first proper go at trying to make something that looked half respectable. I was given a piece of ash and decided to turn a little mallet.

Mallets i've made in the past were from beech-I immersed them in linseed oil until it stopped soaking up any more. Is this still the best way to go, or is there a better finish that can be used? I cant wait to try it. If i did immerse it in oil, do you think i should just immerse the head, or the whole thing?

Simon

 

[wizer]

There's no need to put a finish on it. It's a mallet!

The ones I made a couple of months ago I just gave a quick swipe with Lemon Oil. But it wasn't necessary, it will get bashed to buggery

Well turned by the way, looks nice.

 

[MikeG.]

I think I wiped mine with Liberon Finishing Oil. Don't let linseed oil anywhere near ash......it turns it the colour of stale pee. I'm with Tom, though....who gives a ---- what a mallet looks like? Its for hitting things with.

Mike

 

[ColeyS1]

Thanks for the advice chaps.
I was under the impression that the linseed oil made it a little more durable? :-k I wanted to put something on it to keep it looking new a little longer. Saw this http://www.albioncanvas.co.uk/p451376/Round-head-mallet.html which hasnt helped me decide. Would a quick wipe of danish oil be totally out of the question then? (got some of that handy)
Its only a mallet but would be nice if i could have it looking decent if only for a short while. Perhaps i should turn it into a goblet instead and sit it on a shelf ...............?:lol:

Simon

 

[wizer]

No oil is going to protect against you whacking it on the end of a chisel!

Ash with Danish oil looks literally like you've urinated on it, don't do it!

 

[ColeyS1]

Would wax make it urine colour aswell Tom? beginning to think just get on and use it now. Least i wont have to bother with waiting for the finish to dry

Simon

 

[Richard S]

I thought the idea behing soaking a mallet in linseed oil was to add weight as well as some protection, am I wrong?

Richard

 

[MikeG.]

Oil doesn't add any protection, except from a bit of moisture. I think this myth stems from putting linseed on cricket bats, where it does nothing other than add weight and protect from rain (not very effectively). Pros don't oil their bats.

Mike

 

[ColeyS1]

I thought the idea behing soaking a mallet in linseed oil was to add weight as well as some protection, am I wrong?

Richard

Thats kind of what i thought. http://www.middlepeg.com/cricketbatcare.htm just confuses me more now.
Should have just bought one from APTC :roll:

 

[wizer]

Mike's an ex-pro cricketer.

I'd suggest not wasting brain space on getting confused about finishing a mallet. Let us know how you get on with it.

 

[Tony Spear]

Mike's an ex-pro cricketer.

Actually he's an ex wicket-keeper and do you know what they say in the game about them?

Exactly the same as they say in footie about goal keepers!

 

[MikeG.]

Mike's an ex-pro cricketer.

Actually he's an ex wicket-keeper and do you know what they say in the game about them?

Exactly the same as they say in footie about goal keepers!

What......that they are the only ones who can string a coherent sentence together, or the only ones with any interests other than sport, beer and women? I did score the odd run or two as well, so know a bit about bats........indeed, I used to adjust a few of my team-mates bats when they got one that was imbalanced or too heavy. Never in 20 years of county cricket did I ever see any bat with linseed oil on it.

Mike

 

[OPJ]

Oil doesn't add any protection, except from a bit of moisture. I think this myth stems from putting linseed on cricket bats, where it does nothing other than add weight and protect from rain (not very effectively). Pros don't oil their bats.

...And that is precisely why I would advise you oil the mallet!!

We soaked our in a 'bath' of linseed oil for a couple of weeks at college and it did add considerable weight. We used beech and, even then, linseed oil turned them orange!

So, if you can literally soak them in an oil for a couple of weeks, I'd highly recommend it. If you do go with linseed, make sure it's boiled and not raw, which can takes weeks to dry at this time of year.

 

[MikeG.]

I don't dispute that Olly, but if you want a heavier mallet why not just make one? You could either use denser wood or make it a bit bigger........and not have to wait a fortnight whilst it soaks up oil.

Mike

 

[wizer]

Or sink some lead shot in the top ?

 

[lurker]

Actually he's an ex wicket-keeper

He was'nt half bad with a bat either (don't bluddy tell him though his head is swollen enough already)

 

[wizer]

Actually he's an ex wicket-keeper

He was'nt half bad with a bat either

He now uses one to make dovetails...

 

[DaveL]

Or sink some lead shot in the top ?

I can see Tom: yes that's right Dear I need a shot gun as the mallet is not heavy enough :lol: :wink:

 

[Qwibble]

Actually he's an ex wicket-keeper

He was'nt half bad with a bat either

He now uses one to make dovetails...

I can't resist a googly, sorry google: 27.49 1st class batting average
Is that our Mike?

 

[woodbloke]

I wouldn't bother with a finish on a mallet either. If you need a heavier one, get hold of a lump of lignum - Rob