Dead-Blow Mallet

I saw this dead-blow mallet in the Oct 2005 #165 issue of Wood Mag and had to make it. I made two of them one for myself and one for my friend and mentor Don Schmidt (Schmidt Cabinet Works), Glenview, Ill. Don had a way coming into my shop, taking a look at what I was doing and asking “Are you really going to ….. Etc. etc.” That translated into “that’s a stupid thing to do Big Daddy”.

For one mallet I bought the things I needed and the other one I ordered a kit from Heritage Building Specialties (1-800-524-4184, www.heritagewood.com). If you want to make one of these I recommend buying the kit for $16.00. The one I put together myself…..I spent about the same amount and a lot of time trying to find the leather, and opening shotgun shells to get the shot. The leather and the shot come with the kit. I made mine out of ash and morado (I think it’s been a couple of years….look like cherry doesn’t it). Any combination of hardwood would work. The finish is Waterlox.

This is a small mallet and not for giving things the old Wack-O-Mole hit. It is designed for things like taping together dove-tail joints. Haven’t undertaken dove-tails yet but plan to be trained in the art by a true Dovetail expert, master wood craftsman and follow LJ …... ChasHutch.

These were easy to build and look great. I had the most trouble cutting the leather to fit the mallet head. You can’t really be exact with leather fit and I like things to fit perfect.

-- Charlie, Humble Texas