Hi guys, I made my own mallet, using the same sizes as Paul suggests (roughly) and the same pattern as in Ken’s suggestion (again roughly). Maybe I just got lucky, but it’s a cracker! It fits beautifully in my hand, and the weight and balance are great. I also happen to think it’s handsome, but that may just be because I am its proud dad! I made it from beech, because it’s not easy to get hard maple or Osage orange this side of the Pond. Give it a go; you’ll love the making and the using.