Carpenters mallet build

Gratuitous finished shot. I’ve wanted to make a mallet for quite a while and I’ve got some scrap from another project so I figured it’s time to give it a shot.

I saw a build on a forum that used slabs instead of having to make a hole through a solid block. This method is much easier with the tools and skills I have.

The initial cuts in the two inner pieces. I tapered the end to make space for the handle and wedge.

Everything has been cleaned up and is ready to be glued.

I’m not overly concerned about how the end product will look. This is more of a proof of concept then a work of art.

I’m starting to do more wood working projects and have never had a good saw. I’m borrowing my buddies Ryoba saw to see if I like it. So far I think it’s pretty great. Cutting pine is a breeze. The hard ash handle cut just as well and very clean. I purchased the Irwin saw for very fine work.

The handle neck has been sawed down fitted.

The edges of the face have been cut. All of this work was done with a hand chisel.

Imgur’s favorite tool. FIRE

I totes didn’t expect the grain to have such a contrast. The burnt and unburnt areas were under the flame for almost the same amount of time.

The wedge. I have no idea what this wood is but it’s pretty dense.

I steamed the neck a little bit to soften it but I don’t think it made much of a difference. I’ve left some extra on top to keep everything tight in the future.

Finished shot again. I used the chisel again to round off the edges of the handle. I didn’t get a good picture of that process. The build itself is about as easy as it gets but I’m new to woodwork so it’s a good skill builder. Yes, messy bench, it’s ok. Low on space and time.