Which mallet for my chisels?
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- This topic has 23 replies, 15 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 2 months ago by Brett aka Pheasantww.
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10 February 2014 at 8:37 pm #27613
That looks like a nice mallet George have you got any sizes sorted out for it.I would also like to have a go at making one
[quote quote=27545]Take a look at Richard Maguire using a lump hammer as his primary “mallet”[/quote]
Richard makes some pretty big mortises for his benches. I would want a good whacker for that…
I personally use a Estwing DF-12, made in the USA believe it or not, and have been pretty happy. Not the most traditional looker in my kit, but it has a nicely shaped handle for my large hands.
I also have a well used carver’s mallet, which is very comfortable for more delicate work.
To continue where Greg left off, here’s my arsenal
Left to Right
My homemade chisel mallet – laminated maple with leather glued on faces, its really ugly but I like it
Claw Hammer
Persuader – when things really have to move and plane adjuster (just kidding about adjusting planes with this!) 😉
Finish nail hammer
Assembly mallet (I’m actually looking at replacing this as the black rubber leaves black marks on wood)Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.[quote quote=27635]Persuader – when things really have to move and plane adjuster (just kidding about adjusting planes with this!)[/quote]
Dave-
I have one of those 3 lb “persuaders” as well. Bought it to demolish a brick wall, but it has proven itself useful here and there – makes a perfect “poor man’s anvil” for Paul’s saw re-setting technique!
A bit off topic – but I have yet to find a Warrington pattern hammer (or any cabinetmaking hammer) at a California tool swap. Seem very scarce here. I resorted to buying a vintage Stanley No. 481 riveting hammer, which essentially gets the job done. This weekend I go to another swap…always keeping my eyes open.
Scott, yes that persuader comes in handy for a lot of different tasks.
I used it on my tool chest when gluing up the main box and had to seat the dovetails. Used a thin piece of scrap wood and whacked it with that hammer.Lee Valley sells those warrington hammers for around 10 dollars I think.
11 February 2014 at 2:54 am #27646@permababy …to answer your original question…a shop made wooden mallet will serve you very well. They are good practice as well. Any hard wood will work, but a dense hard wood will last longer. Paul did a blog about making one…http://paulsellers.com/2013/04/making-my-mallet-preparing-the-blockhead/
Hope that helps with your question.11 February 2014 at 1:28 pm #27665For me, it is all about “sweet spot”. If you golf, you know that a large headed driver is much more forgiving then a small headed club.
Same for me with a wooded mallet. Since I am focusing on where the tip of the chisel is located and not watching where I hit, I need a big headed club so I won’t miss-hit.
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