Fly Swat: Info Page
Posted 27 October 2017
This is the introduction for a free series. Want to watch the whole thing? It is free to do so, you just need to log into the site, and you can enjoy this series and many other videos we think you will love.
A fly swat is a very handy thing to have around, but you don’t have to have an ugly, cheap piece of plastic around the house. Paul shows his design for an elegant fly swat that is simple to make.
FLY SWAT CUTTING LIST
Imperial (inches)
| Part | Quantity | Material | Thickness | Width | Length |
| Stem | 1 | Oak | 3/8″ | 7/8″ | 20″ |
| Laminate | 1 | Walnut | 1/8″ | 7/8″ | 6″ |
| Laminate | 1 | Oak | 1/2″ | 7/8″ | 6″ |
| Stiffening fabric | 1 | 4 1/2″ | 6″ | ||
| Leather | 1 | 1/32″-3/32″ | 4 1/2″ | 6″ | |
| Leather mould | 2 | MDF, ply or solid wood | 1/2″ | 5″ | 6 1/2″ |
Metric
| Part | Quantity | Material | T | W | L |
| Stem | 1 | Oak | 10 | 22 | 508 |
| Laminate | 1 | Walnut | 3 | 22 | 150 |
| Laminate | 1 | Oak | 12 | 22 | 150 |
| Stiffening fabric | 1 | 114 | 165 | ||
| Leather | 1 | 1-2 | 114 | 165 | |
| Leather mould | 2 | MDF, ply or solid wood | 12 | 127 | 165 |
Adhesives used:
- Contact cement
- PVA Glue
This looks like it will be a fun project. Can’t wait to make this one. 🙂
I’ve been a woodworking hobbyist for decades now, and took up leathercraft a couple of years ago. I’m looking forward to this project. It looks like fun!
I like the cutlist format. This an interesting small project. As much as I am looking forward to the nightstand, it is good to have the small projects.
I can’t be the only one who isn’t enthused by this….I’d have thought something like this may have been a free video on YouTube. I have to say I’m a little disappointed.
Why should this be a free video?? It is a viable project idea that I never thought of, and people can go out make a bunch and sell them. Should it be free simply because it is a small project?? I am curious.
I pay my subscription and have the right to an opinion. If others disagree then that’s their right. It is my opinion that a fly swat isn’t a sufficiently big enough project to charge for in the same way that the burger flipper wasn’t….that was a free video was it not? Depending on how many episodes this fly swat project is I shall now be paying for a subscription and getting nothing in return. I could unsubscribe and the. Re subscribe when the next project starts but then I’d have to pay the new higher subscription rate. I just don’t feel that a fly swat requires a woodworking masterclass. That’s my opinion, feel free to disagree…it’s wont change how I feel.
Your point about paying for the fly swat does not hold up. No one is forcing you to put this project in your library. That is why I really like the new subscription format. If you do not like a particular project you do not have to pay for it. You get a credit that you can use to download an episode from an older project that you like.
This is a free video. It’s available to the free membership too so you’re not paying for this content as part of your subscription anyway. You’re right, you’re entitled to your opinion, and as a paying member your opinion has a right to be at least heard, but try out making sure it’s a valid opinion first.
Please look at the top of the screen. It clearly says paid video info just above the video screen…seems clear to me it’s paid for content.
My apologies, I assumed since I had access to it that it was free. You were right and I guess I should take my own advice.
And of course there is no need to unsubscribe and then subscribe again. There is no obligation to download all the videos. And if you don’t you are not charged, that’s all.
The new credit system that WWMC now operates means that if you chose just to view the video and not download it then you don’t pay for it. And your “saved” credit can be used to download other earlier projects. I accept that if you have downloaded every episode of every project Paul has produced, that argument falls down!
Also, WWMC have credited users with 10 free download credits, so even if you did download this short project (2 videos?), you would still have 8 credits remaining.
Downloading does have its advantages where there is a particularly complicated or intricate piece of joinery and it can be helpful to have the video on a mobile device in the workshop rather than streaming over an iffy internet connection. We will see what is involved, but in this project I can’t imagine there will be a great deal of complicated work that needs repetitive viewing. So, view the video for free – and if you do decide to download then there must have been something more complicated than you anticipated and it is worth the fee.
Happy swatting !
I simply asked you a question. I didn’t challenge your right to an opinion. My opinion is that it is Mr. Sellers right to decide what to charge for.
Michael, I understand from where you’re coming from, but everything costs and these costs must be recuperated and then hopefully have something left to call it a wage.
I’m not a paying subscriber, but from what I’ve just read about receiving credit for those project videos you didn’t want to watch is a great option.
This video is not your cuppa tea and while it wouldn’t be mine either it is the opposite for many. It’s very hard to please everyone, but I think Paul is genuinely trying his best.
Take care.
And that, Salko, is why you should charge for you excellent magazine. Can’t wait for the next edition.
I kinda like it. If only because it is nice to have short project once in a while after the really long ones (not to knock those I enjoy them too). I like having some projects I can knock out in a couple hours.
I have relatives in Florida who might think this is a great Christmas gift.
Finally, we should reserve judgement until we see the actual video. Usually Paul introduces at least one new skill or technique per video series. Sometimes more. The leatherworking intrigues me a bit.
Also, when you have a subscription to something there will inevitably be times that they release something you don’t like.
Definitively agree. Can’t call it woodworking masterclass. The good thing is, now you collect credits not projects with payed membership, so you can use them for something else.
Personally, I am thankful for the less complex projects. I’m still a novice, and the smaller projects help me learn and practice without high materials costs. I also pay for the content.
You are a paying subscriber getting the very best ideas and instruction there is to be had. I look at these small projects as an extra that I wouldn’t have access to if I didn’t subscribe. May I suggest you count your blessings that you are able to subscribe and reap the benefits. Why complain that you are getting more than than you paid for?
I have to say that after over a year of spending time in the free section of Paul’s site, and making his workbench, this particular project is the one that pushed me over the edge. I signed up today as a “Premium” member so I would have access to this and all the other paid projects! I’m personally eagerly anticipating the Wednesday release of the first video.
Though I also am not too enthused about making what seems to amount to a stick as far as the woodworking goes, it isn’t a paid for video unless you choose to use your credits to purchase it.
I look at it as not what it is, but how it’s made. Here you can learn techniques to practice and increase your skill.
Michael, I had the exact opposite reaction. I am really looking forward to this project even if it is a quick project because it is so unusual and looks to be attractive and well designed. Not everyone is going to like the same thing but there are plenty of other projects that make the subscription a great deal in my opinion. Paul and crew, please keep up the great work you are doing. I wish I had known these ideas before I bought so many power tools!
I’ve got to agree with you on this one. For those of us paying a monthly subscription fee, this takes two weeks out of our subscription which could have been used for a more interesting and useful project. I can use a rolled up newspaper for a fly swatter.
I have absolutely no problem with Paul doing smaller projects like this as part of the Masterclasses. The amount of content and instruction that he has given over the years is worth far more than the subscription money I have paid in the year and a half I’ve been a member. I really can’t ever see myself cancelling my subscription because Paul has given so much to the woodworking community throughout the world and I want to continue supporting him in that.
Complaining that this video is too short, or this project is too small is pretty petty in my view.
+1
I’m inclined to agree, Michael.
Why should this be free??
Because, it’s a stick with a piece of leather at one end.
Indeed.. glad I’m not the only one to see that.
C’mon guys… this seems baseless. I feel obliged to say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion (though didn’t Paul himself write a blog article about this very concept being questionable in certain contexts?). Because a person has a keyboard, they think that their opinion matters. Have you attained a position in the craft such that you are now the teacher, and can question Paul’s teaching decisions? Perhaps you see him as a peer, in which case good for you all to have achieved such a thing. If that is so, I doubt that the comments section on one of his projects is the best vehicle for discourse. Otherwise if you’re like me, in this domain Paul is the teacher, and we are the students.
He is leading us places without us even knowing where or how. We are here to develop skills to use on our own future projects. Are we all here to just get Paul’s designs?! Surely not. Haven’t you guys ever seen the Karate Kid? Wax on, wax off, my friend.
I do feel like constructive criticism is a valuable part of life, and our individual viewpoints being heard generally helps develop a better end result for everyone. I don’t feel as if Paul is above reproach, however he’s pretty close. You have to have a strong reason why you could question his knowledge, experience, and teaching decisions. Believing in the value of those is at the heart of why we’d be members in the first place.
I see others in the hand-tool woodworking community as a type of extended family. As such, I am not looking to argue, and wish you all well on your future projects.
I’m excited by this project.. can’t wait!
Good idea I could do with one of these in my workshop flys and 🐜 walking on my bench top.
Thanks. Paul.
I have liked every project until this one. The reason flyswatters are made out of throw-away plastic is because they have fly guts all over them.
This.
Actually this type doesn’t/hasn’t so far in my use of them over the decades. Whereas I agree the hard plastic ones do, I never saw a fly swat as a throwaway piece of equipment because we just used them through the years.
I lived in England for several years and found the British have a more frugal view of things. In America “It’s so old, let’s get rid of it.” In England “It’s so old, it must be worth keeping.” (which is why it has so many lovely old buildings)
I still watch every video because there is ALWAYS something I’ll get out of it.
I made my handle today… Patiently waiting for the second video!
Hi Paul, wondering if you would tell me what material you used for the stiffened, something I could, perhaps, find in the U.S.A.? Thanks, great little project, And ally Cox
Proposed project: Fly-Swat Scraper?
Just my 2 cents (pence). This is not the space for opinions of what should be or not be on this subscribed site. We all pay for Paul’s top rate exposure to woodcraft and to have access to ALL the projects within the site. There really is NOTHING quite like it anywhere else – and at a very very reasonable cost. Amazing, when you think about it. How much do plans for one project cost? $10? $15? More? No video to show technique, either. And most are crap.
If the fly swatter or any other “less advanced” project is beneath our skill sets then we can access the other advanced projects and build that during the two week interim for this one project. I would bet that most of us here have not built EVERY project presented to us on this site or from Paul’s other mediums. Furthermore, I would venture to bet that those who have done all the projects, has not built more than once,nor mastered the process. C’mon folks! Have fun..build a flyswatter, or 2 or 3…kill flies…and clean the guts off.
@Chris Cooper…LOL! Well played!
I like having small projects mixed in with more complex undertakings both for the variety and because they are something easy to do with young children.
I feel the same as you Clifford. This will be a great project that both myself and my children will enjoy making together, although I can’t guarantee my children will use them solely for swatting flies . I can just hear the slap of leather against my father in laws bald head as he dozes in his chair 🙂
Agreed!
Hello I have been from the beginning, several years, and if I give you the reason, I think it is a simple project and that could be free. I would tell Paul to keep the essence and try to teach us something new in each project (new assemblies, new moldings, etc.) to grow and learn, these projects denote a certain relaxation in teaching and more as a fill for the project wait more interesting Mr. Paul, how difficult is success not to reach him. is to stay, be careful with the projects. It is my humble opinion, keep the essence of the beginning.
Since Paul already stated that this type of project, along with many others, earned him and his family a decent bread and butter living, I’d have no qualms about paying for the intellectual property associated with this. What if you bought one of these and then copied it’s construction many times over?
It seems that because Paul and the team produce a lot of high quality content, and make it freely available on the www, people’s willingness to pay for something is inversely proportional to their ever-increasing expectations.
Paul and many other highly skilled craftspeople are fighting a battle against the dumbing down caused by the ubiquity of information on the web and the disregard paid for skilled manual labour that has permeated most cultures over the last 40+ years.
Some people throw away their comments like they probably treat their fly squatters.
Thanks Paul.
I started on this years Christmas gifts but this may work well for next year.
Also, I’m looking for items that I could make and sell at the farmers market or street fair in my town. It helps me to self fund my wood working hobby.
Let us all remember why we are here-to learn from a master craftsmen.Paul does not do a project without a specific intention of teaching.
Very interesting. I personally find this to be a cool project idea. I’ll get to learn laminating a contrasting wood in the design of a handle. Cutting, stitching, and punching leather… and I’ll have a project idea for something to keep me busy for a few hours in a quiet shop…. and hopefully more peaceful once that buzzing sucker is dead!
To me, that is what WWMC is for.
yes definitely some skills we’ve not seen before so I’m all for it!
How about a toilet brush next time?:) because all i’ve ever had were cheap ugly plastic ones
Nice idea. Epoxy the wood for waterproofing. . .
The winter in Montana is cold and long.I Am so looking forward to the fly swatter project.Thanks Paul
All of these project are worth every penny or (pence) I hope that’s correct…lol. I will watch create sell and enjoy everything mr sellers has to offer….( Raise my cup o tea) to you Mr sellers an your crew
I have noticed in my life that some people talk too much and too much of it is about themselves.
They really are just holes in the air… (Hemingway).
All your efforts are appreciated here Paul. Thank you.
if you don’t like the fly swatter, it looks like it would be easy to modify to a riding crop. 🙂 Looks like fun!
–uumikew–
I am really looking forward to this project, and it is just in time for Christmas. I would pay the subscription price if you did nothing more than glue two boards together. The skills that I have learned from you have brought such joy to my life and those close to me.Thanks Paul and team for all that you do.
For what it’s worth, I’m glad to have this project. Lamination plus leatherworking are very useful. Yeah, I might not actually build the flyswatter, but I’ll definitely watch videos and pay attention to the technique. And I have leatherworking projects right now, that I expect will benefit from this.
Thanks Paul for making this video series. What I like about this one (and the cane project you did a while ago) is that you point out that have sold lots of these. What it tells me, if I want to earn a little money (either by Etsy, Ebay, or local craft fair) to support my woodworking hobby, these are some of the items I can make. I could probably do better than just support my hobby but for now, that is all I need to make me happy.
There is an upscale community that is close to where I live, I would bet those fly swatters would sell like hotcakes there. Also, I don’t think there would be many others making them (as there are with spoons, bowls, etc).
This is a great project and can be made with scraps from larger projects. Like someone else suggested, this can be made as a riding crop as well and both would make great gifts or smaller projects for sale. I’m headed to the shop..
Given the time of year, I would have preferred a long shoehorn or a back scratchier to a fly swat. However, at any school I attended, it was the professor(s) who determined how the subject matter was covered. The course of study here is hand tool woodworking, and if the professor thinks there is value in this lesson, I can defer to that.
Like Forest Gump says ” Lifes like A box of chocolates, you never know what you will get “
this could be a lot of things. wider a shoehorn, a strap instead of a flap , a crop, saw cuts in the side a comb or hair pic , a cup and teeth, a spaghetti server or backscratcher the list is endless
I think these are classes designed to stimulate , not stifle the imagination..
I’ve made two handles already (one pine + tassie oak, the other some mystery hardwood + blackwood) and will start on the leatherworking once I get a leather needle and punch. I think its a great idea for a project and will be giving these away as neat Christmas gifts. They have been so quick to put together I might even knock out one for myself!
Shame that a few people here feel it critical to share their negative, entirely subjective, opinions.
Wanted to say, I made several of these for the men in my family for Christmas gifts. They were well received. Thanks for the idea, and introducing me to a bit of leather work.