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This mallet was made for LJ buddie PAJA for the 2014 mallet swap. And here is the letter I included with the mallet:

Mallet Swap 2014

Paul - aka PAJA,

Here is the mallet that I made for you. I hope you enjoy it. The mallet is made from some old French White Oak flooring that I had lying around for a few years. It was a rustic grade but I selected the pieces carefully to avoid knots.
The mallet head is laminated from several pieces. I think this makes for a stronger assembly and should not split in use. I did not use a traditional method of wedges for attachment of the head. It is very difficult to describe as I have actually made some dovetail shapes at the top of the handle that keep the head and handle from moving. I had great concern about wood movement as I live in the desert and the moisture content of the wood is below 5%. If the wood expands a little, it should only make the head tighter on the handle, but allows for movement only towards the top of the mallet. I left the protrusion of the handle at the top of the head at approximately 3/16" and any wood movement should not exceed this dimension. I will post pictures of the assembly process after the swap opening so you have a better idea of what is inside the mallet. I also used some brass pins to help keep the laminations together, and for added weight. I used urethane glue for assembly as I think the foaming action of the adhesive provides some cushion for shock absorption and will not de-laminate due to impact.
I faceted the edges to reduce the chance of an off hit damaging any edges. I think that it also adds to the looks of the mallet.
This mallet is a nice size and can be used for heavy chopping of mortises, as well as light tapping. I turned, and then hand shaped the handle. It fits comfortably in my hand, and the weight and balance feels good.
I elected to keep this mallet simple and functional (after all, it's just a mallet). I hope it gives you many years of rugged service

I hope you don't mind that I stamped the bottom of the mallet with HT for HammerThumb. At least you will always be able to remember where it came from.

Good luck and happy wood working.

Paul Williams
HammerThumb

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WOW! Are you taking orders??
 

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Ha Andy ;-) Just another mallet. Decided to keep it basic with one wood species. The handle is kind of cool though. I worry about wood movement with it being so dry here. Though I would try something different. Thanks.
 

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Paul I like how you put that together. Great looking mallet. Obey the head stays put.
 

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That is awesome Hammer… Fairly sure I have not ever seen that method of joinery for head to handle. Looks like it will stay put for sure!!! Thanks for sharing, you have made a very nice, rock solid mallet…
 

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Now I know why it would be hard to explain that joint! That's so cool. I've been on an oak kick lately so this will fit right in. Don't mind the initials at all. I love it when people mark their work!


The brass pins are a great touch too. This is definitely built to last! Thanks again!
 

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Well done, HT! The corners on the mallet head look superb. How much does the finished mallet weigh?
 

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Love it H-Thumb! Super cool joinery, a fine job. Did you cut the tenon-ish joint on your TS?
 

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Nice looking mallet!
 

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Beautiful, and complex looking beat down stick.
 

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Anyone would be proud to have it. Great job.
 

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Thanks everyone!

7 - I cut the shape of the handle with the bandsaw, handsaws, and cleaned it up with chisels. Same with the corresponding head pieces. I drilled the holes in one of the side pieces and used it as a template for the middle and other side to keep the holes for the brass pins aligned. Then it was temporarily assembled for the edge facets using dowels. I used a new LN LAJ for the facets. Then final assembly with the handle and brass pins.

I had made another and Terry asked if I could send it to Gshepard. I hope he received it as I have not seen him post for a while.

Thanks again everyone.
 

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That is a beast Paul. Form and function. Formidable looking whacker.
Very nice work.
 

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I like that mallet
 

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Crazy joinery. I like it. Great job Paul.
 

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Swanky and simple = elegant!
 
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