I was recently challenged on Instagram to build a mallet using nothing but hand tools. I've always enjoyed the use of hand tools in my work, but figured this was a good way to push my skills and get me outside of my comfort zone. I could have done a pretty standard mallet design, but I decided to take it a step further and design something even more challenging (for myself at least). I met Chris Black up in Rolesville and picked up a panel saw to break down my rough lumber as well as got some tips and tricks for sharpening card scrapers (which was a crucial part of this build). The handle is walnut and the head is red oak, it is finished with Walrus Oil and wax. Overall I'm very happy with how it turned out especially since this was my first time doing many of the techniques. First through mortise, sliding dovetail, and use of a spokeshave for shaping. Better yet, I now have a joiners mallet and can quit using my plastic headed hammer. I have a ton more pictures of the build process, but just chose a few to put here. I've dubbed this mallet the "Dovetail Joiners Mallet".
-Bromley
-Bromley