Thursday, April 16, 2009

Wooden Mallet

So the other day I wanted a wooden mallet. I could pay the $15-30 for a beech or maple mallet that I would smash up eventually. Or, I could build my own out of some scrap material I had laying in the wood bin. Google "simple wooden mallet" and someone has already done the leg work for me. Thank you Sawdust making. It really is a good simple mallet that I won't mind banging up, why, because "I brought you into this world and I can make another just like ya". Anyways that money saved can go to wood for another project.

Things I did different:

Handle is 12" x 1.5"

Head is 3" tall

I adjusted the interior dimensions to accommodate the changes. I started with a piece of nice red oak 3/4" x 3.5" and tried to expand or contract dimensions to cut as little as possible.

Start of glue up. The 2 interior pieces glued to the handle.





Exterior slabs glued on:


Now time for the spoke shave to smooth the faces and round the handle.










I will drill for dowels through and through so it all stays together longer. I am not sure of the finish I think I might just leave it the way it is. All and all I think it was worth the time, 2 nights and money, FREE.