GREAT LOOKING MALLET!!! The color, the length, the look of it! Nice firewood selection! Someone is gonna be very happy to receive that beauty! Great job, James!
Thank you for the videos!! Helpful and motivating!! Woodworking is a passion of mine from a young age. Just never have the free time. When I do...I use a lot of hand tools. That is how my first shop teachers in Jr High and High school taught us. Restoring old tools and antique too, I have that purest personality. Nothing wrong with keeping it original... I do have to learn to sharpen my tools better....Practice and more practice!!
This time of the year is usually pretty rough for me and yesterday was just a terrible day. This video and going back through your other videos is getting me hyped up to get back into the shop and get back to work. I feel so much better after watching your stuff, its really brought things back up for me. Thank you, hope you have a great Christmas
Interesting opinion about the first tool you should make. I think winding sticks was my first hand made tool. I still have not made a mallet but I might try soon. I decided to go the Paul Sellers way and get a plastic and rubber capped mallet.
I used one of those for a while but then found that I much rather use something I made. it is just a pleasure. maybe that is why I am so twisted. but they both work great!
I'm making a mallet right now following your instructions in print and on the video. But in drawing a line on the board that I will cut to make the handle, when I draw a slanted line to taper the handle as you do, I see that the top end of the handle (and the bottom end) will end up not parallel to the mallet head whe it is inserted in the head, because the slanted cut leaves right angles beteween the ends and the (untouched) side of the board, but an acute angle where I will cut down on a slant. So the ends will have to be trimmed in order to make them parallel to the head of the mallet. Do I have that right? Did you do that, but not show it on the video, or am I missing something?
James thanks for the mallet, I love it. I've been needing a new mallet, and love the natural edge knot as well. I have none of the hand tools used to make this, so sub'd and will be adding a block plane to my after Christmas list. Great channel and craftsmanship. God Bless you and your family, Merry Christmas James.
Nuts. You just answered my question from next weekend's Q&A. Here's another one though. How much should a mallet weigh? This hand tool stuff is really interesting, although it's not for me.....yet. Thanks
I've been waiting for this since you hinted to might be coming. One early morning I was thinking about who I was going to build these for, dad and father-in-law, for their birthdays. Thank you for sharing and I'll get right to work. Great video and seeing how you recovered the head with epoxy was helpful.
I see that you used your hand plane extensively. I finally got my number 4 working well after 8 hours over two days of adjustment, tinkering and re sharpening of the edge. It's now working like a dream, I am even cutting endgrain wonderfully. I even resurfaced a butchers block I had several years ago. I don't think I'll ever buy sand paper again. The plane is faster to surface a project than to sand through the grits. I think it will even be cheaper since you buy the plane and sharpening tools once.
Thank you for showing us how you made you mallet, looks something like the one I made. Not sure about yours, my handle goes in one way better then the other. So I marked the handle and head, something you can think about for your next one with your makers make on the head, you could put it on the handle to mark that as the sides that go together
@2:00 everyone who has ever taught me would give me a collective clip around the ear for this haha. I was always told "if you're only going to use half the I'll find you a smaller one and give the proper one to someone else." learnt my lesson quick.
Wood By Wright I know the world is too used to clean lines which has its own aesthetic but there is character to some materials that have their own appeal :)
There are several ideas to consider before you begin your own woodworking company Will you get support from your family? Are you self-motivated? Will you carry out your plan? Do you have the money to start? (I read these and the reasons they work from Enata wood system site )
Could you please make an instructional video for making a mallet but only using the most basic tools, for those of us that are just starting and don't have all of the different planes listed in the tools needed section.
My thing right now is I'm literally starting from ground up on tools..I got some planes and chisels but no table or vice so I gotta get creative with holding the wood to plane it lol
@@Strider1313 Go online, get a 20% Habor Freight coupon. Pick up two of their large wooden clamps. You can do a lot by clamping your work in one and using the second one to clamp the first to a table or saw horse. You can even drill them, or file a notch on one or both faces without really impairing their basic function. Having a triangle notch in one face will allow you to clamp round items securely. I even use one to hold leather I'm stiching. The second one is clamped to the first and holds it upright. The weight of the two clamps is enough to make a nice freestanding work station for stiching.
I am working on one like this, But the wood is maple, from a tree that fell, and the land lord had cut up had some black lines marbled into it, I’m guessing a wood rot fungus, but makes it pretty, just finished blocking the head today, gotta make the handle and starting putting them together.
I use it from time to time. Postly of I ant a deeper finish penitration or if I am working on a compound curve such as a handle. Traditionally, the last thing to touch the wood would be a cardscraper or file.
hey James, I hope you're well. I have a question, along with this, what other tools would be a good beginner set? Or if you could give a list of start up tools for creating your first projects what would they be? For creating anything from a box to a bed frame, beginner wise. Anyways, thanks again for all of your helpful videos. I know this is an older video and I wanted my comment to relate. Thanks!
Yes. I have a couple. The only thing I would say is make sure you get one that's forged not welded. You can get some cheap welded ones but those of a tendency to break off.
Im making my very first thing ever with wood and it is a mallet. A few questions, i didnt notice you putting a wedge in the top, is it unnecessary because the handle was flared at the top to stop it? If so what holds the butt of the mallet on the handle? Just pressure because of the wedging action? I was thinking doing it the same way and putting wire beneath the butt but is it even necessary? (Sorry so long, i have the flu and things dont make as much sense as they should right now haha)
I just took down a maple tree that was growing too close to one of my outbuildings. The trunk at the bottom is about 6 inches around and I was wondering if it would make a decent green wood mallet? Would it work better if I dry the wood first or would the green wood be just as good. Any ideas would be appreciated.
for something that small it would work great green. but if you do want to dry it cut it slightly over sized and stick it in the oven for a few hours then let it sit for a cople days and it should be dry and ready to go.
I actually make them all by eye but it is about 5" across at the bottom and 6" at the top. about 2 3/4" thick 4 1/4" tall. Hope that helps. I usually make them fit whatever piece of wood I am working with rather than a specific size.
Do you think i can make a mallet from freshly cut wood? I have nice piece of Hornbeam, fragment for a mallet would have pretty straight grain. But if I will make one now, will it crack even if the grain is straight?
oh that is some hard stuff. I would cut it to size then leave it for a couple weeks in a paper bag. if you don't see any cracks then go ahead and use it. the cracks will happen in straight grain more then burl or twisted wood.
Out of curiosity, James, did you taper the mortice within the head itself, or did you keep it the same width all the way down? Thanks for a great video. I’ve definitely got to try making my own.
The mortise is tapered to match the handle. I laid the handle on the outside to transfer the taper to the top and bottom of the head so I can cut along those marks.
The saw, the saw, the saw... can you please give more information about the big saw that you used? did u make it? or did u buy it? if you bought, where from?
I have made two videos on making those. here is the first one. ua-cam.com/video/Z1fEYcxM9Ic/v-deo.html and here is the most recent one. ua-cam.com/video/SC_hn3T9AqM/v-deo.html
I have several videos on the subject. If you search for "how to drill straight wood by wright" you'll find a couple. there's several tips and tricks in there on how you can eyeball a perfectly straight hole.
Damnit, Jim. Just discovered your channel and was loving it, 'till I saw the Packer's shirt. As a woodworking flatlander, love your work. But as a Bear's fan, your wardrobe needs work....
Wood By Wright Naperville, though Chicago born and bred. Used to hunt rust with the MWTCA Chicago Artisans & Trades... Ain't you a little far south for a Packer Backer?
+MISANTHROPE1964 not that far. I am thinking of doing a local meet up some time soon. There are far more packet fans in Rockford then bears bit you go any further east and that changes.
HI James, just thought I'd let you know you have the name Erich Keane beside my blog and youtube channel link in the Patreon Supporters section of the video description.
How could anyone not think this is badass?
PS even if I don't get a mallet I will still continue watching your show I enjoyed you guys and the things that you do and how you doing
Excellent video. Looking forward building my first mallet. Go Pack Go!
I just found Your channel, amazing work ! Best regards from Poland
Very cool!
Love watching these older vids on occasion such a difference, not bad not good but wow look at you now
LOL thanks man. it is fun to see where I came from!
Love the Packers Shirts! Go Pack Go!
Great video and project. Thank you!
GREAT LOOKING MALLET!!! The color, the length, the look of it! Nice firewood selection! Someone is gonna be very happy to receive that beauty! Great job, James!
thanks man! I do love a fun mallet. not as nice as your recent ones mind you.
nice Mallet James especially from a piece of firewood.
Thanks Opa! and marry christmas!
fire wood - to mallet - nice job
thanks man!
I half expected a tiny wood mallet that would fit on a ring. 😁
+Brian Prusa lol sounds like a fun video.
This channel is amazing, it covers everything on how to use hand tools to make hand tools which you can use to make more hand tools!
thanks Jonas. that means a lot!
Great job and nice touch leaving the knot/live edge.
Great mallet!
thanks Man!
Thank you for the videos!! Helpful and motivating!! Woodworking is a passion of mine from a young age. Just never have the free time. When I do...I use a lot of hand tools. That is how my first shop teachers in Jr High and High school taught us. Restoring old tools and antique too, I have that purest personality. Nothing wrong with keeping it original... I do have to learn to sharpen my tools better....Practice and more practice!!
I like your personality. Mallet is really nice!
Thanks John
Nice! I just made my first mallet out of Osage Orange. I agree, the chiseling process is enjoyable and satisfying.
Sweet. now that is a good wood for a mallet.
Great project, James. This would be a good one for me to get more comfortable with some more hand tool work.
ya. a lot of different skills in one project. I would love to see what twists you could bring to it.
Loved that you kept the knot in it...add lots to the mallet...Happy New Year...
thanks Robert. I was sad to have to give it away.
Great looking mallet James. If I was a wood peg I'd be plum tickled to be pounded on by that thing. Good video.
God Bless my friend.
LOL thanks Frank! and marry christmas!
Nice to see somebody having enough patience to use handtools only. I always use powertools if possible, just for making the job quicker
yup I use to be all power tools, but I love how it forces me to slow down and enjoy a good wood curl.
This time of the year is usually pretty rough for me and yesterday was just a terrible day. This video and going back through your other videos is getting me hyped up to get back into the shop and get back to work. I feel so much better after watching your stuff, its really brought things back up for me. Thank you, hope you have a great Christmas
well thank you. that means a lot. I am glad I could help. if there is ever anything I can do for you please let me know. and Merry Christmas.
Interesting opinion about the first tool you should make. I think winding sticks was my first hand made tool. I still have not made a mallet but I might try soon. I decided to go the Paul Sellers way and get a plastic and rubber capped mallet.
I used one of those for a while but then found that I much rather use something I made. it is just a pleasure. maybe that is why I am so twisted. but they both work great!
I'm making a mallet right now following your instructions in print and on the video. But in drawing a line on the board that I will cut to make the handle, when I draw a slanted line to taper the handle as you do, I see that the top end of the handle (and the bottom end) will end up not parallel to the mallet head whe it is inserted in the head, because the slanted cut leaves right angles beteween the ends and the (untouched) side of the board, but an acute angle where I will cut down on a slant. So the ends will have to be trimmed in order to make them parallel to the head of the mallet. Do I have that right? Did you do that, but not show it on the video, or am I missing something?
You can trim them if you want. Usually it is too little to see and I don't mess with it
James thanks for the mallet, I love it. I've been needing a new mallet, and love the natural edge knot as well. I have none of the hand tools used to make this, so sub'd and will be adding a block plane to my after Christmas list. Great channel and craftsmanship. God Bless you and your family, Merry Christmas James.
+John Fisher thanks John have you gotten it yet?
It came today, it's lovely and sitting next to me. Thanks again James I appreciate it.
Sweet! I hope it treats you well.
This exchange put a smile on my normally grumpy face.
Nuts. You just answered my question from next weekend's Q&A. Here's another one though. How much should a mallet weigh?
This hand tool stuff is really interesting, although it's not for me.....yet. Thanks
nice I will add it to the list. but the honest answer is there is no god answer. different amounts for different uses.
Good
I've been waiting for this since you hinted to might be coming. One early morning I was thinking about who I was going to build these for, dad and father-in-law, for their birthdays. Thank you for sharing and I'll get right to work. Great video and seeing how you recovered the head with epoxy was helpful.
thanks! glad I could help. if you ever have questions feel free to ask or request videos.
Gorgeous!!!!
thanks man! and marry christmas!
Beautiful work James. I'm sure John will love it. Thanks for joining the Secret Santa event this year.
+Make Crazydays I just realised I saw the wrong day sorry I completely missed that when I reread the email.
No worries, I found it and got it added. Very cool gift.
thanks! LOVE the ax. looking forward to putting it to work.
I see that you used your hand plane extensively. I finally got my number 4 working well after 8 hours over two days of adjustment, tinkering and re sharpening of the edge. It's now working like a dream, I am even cutting endgrain wonderfully. I even resurfaced a butchers block I had several years ago. I don't think I'll ever buy sand paper again. The plane is faster to surface a project than to sand through the grits. I think it will even be cheaper since you buy the plane and sharpening tools once.
Very true it is a joy all around! thanks Jason! and marry Christmas!
Sweet mallet!
thanks Willem and Merry Christmas.
Hola estas son masetas gracias por darnos estas ideas saludos desde chile yo soy artesano en madera
Great video. You do good work
thanks Bill.
Thank you for showing us how you made you mallet, looks something like the one I made. Not sure about yours, my handle goes in one way better then the other. So I marked the handle and head, something you can think about for your next one with your makers make on the head, you could put it on the handle to mark that as the sides that go together
that is a good idea. thanks!
Wood By Wright your welcome
Happy to find your channel, maybe some day I will be half as good as you and then, I can die in peace, good job. Greetings from Egypt
thanks. but do not sell yourself short.video can make someone look a lot better then they are.
Excellent...
Cheers...
@2:00 everyone who has ever taught me would give me a collective clip around the ear for this haha. I was always told "if you're only going to use half the I'll find you a smaller one and give the proper one to someone else." learnt my lesson quick.
Nice work James, I've seen quite a few mallets and this is one of my favorites!
thanks man. it is so much fun to play with!
That's one narly mallet James looks sweet with the knot gives it a real organic look. Wishing a peaceful Christmas to you and yours👍
thanks! I was reluctant to keep it but I am glad I did now.
Wood By Wright I know the world is too used to clean lines which has its own aesthetic but there is character to some materials that have their own appeal :)
تحياتي لك من تطوان المغرب
Thank you.
Thank you! and Marry Christmas!
Well done. Merry Christmas. Appreciate your videos.
thanks and a Merry Christmas to you too
Awesome !!!!
+Carbonite Gamorrean thanks
Hi there from Portugal,
Nice intro, great video / mallet :D
Obrigado(Thanks)
thanks man!
There are several ideas to consider before you begin your own woodworking company
Will you get support from your family?
Are you self-motivated?
Will you carry out your plan?
Do you have the money to start?
(I read these and the reasons they work from Enata wood system site )
Could you please make an instructional video for making a mallet but only using the most basic tools, for those of us that are just starting and don't have all of the different planes listed in the tools needed section.
I have two older videos on that. My first mallet was just made with a #4 a hand saw from the big box store and Harbor Freight chisels.
My thing right now is I'm literally starting from ground up on tools..I got some planes and chisels but no table or vice so I gotta get creative with holding the wood to plane it lol
@@Strider1313 Go online, get a 20% Habor Freight coupon. Pick up two of their large wooden clamps. You can do a lot by clamping your work in one and using the second one to clamp the first to a table or saw horse. You can even drill them, or file a notch on one or both faces without really impairing their basic function. Having a triangle notch in one face will allow you to clamp round items securely.
I even use one to hold leather I'm stiching. The second one is clamped to the first and holds it upright. The weight of the two clamps is enough to make a nice freestanding work station for stiching.
Nice mallet James. Merry Christmas.
Thanks man! and marry christmas!
Beautifull!
thanks!
Really cool James, Merry Christmas!
thanks Fred and Merry Christmas.
This girl would love a nice mallet like that.
tumbs up and almost 12k
Thanks Tamas! and marry christmas!
nice. there is a little supervisor coming and checking the progress of your work each time hihi :)
yup. they are good for that!
hihi :)
beautiful mallet! I love the live edge area! Makes it very original and obviously craftsman made! Well done! Merry Christmas! Subscribed!
Chris
Thanks Chriss and Marry Christmas to you!
very nice mallet james! looks heavy! merry Christmas and happy New year to you and yours
Thank you Joe and Marry Christmas!
Wood By Wright always!🍻
Nice mallet and video. The best wishes, merry Christmas and nice new year!
Thanks man! and Marry Christmas to you too!
I like mallets my brother and that mallet is awesome bro Great job buddy :)
thanks man!
Hey Bro Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your Family and God Bless :)
Is it called fire wood if the wood doesn't make it to a fireplace? Or is it just called wood?
I am working on one like this, But the wood is maple, from a tree that fell, and the land lord had cut up had some black lines marbled into it, I’m guessing a wood rot fungus, but makes it pretty, just finished blocking the head today, gotta make the handle and starting putting them together.
Sweet. I love spalted maple!
Beautiful. Being new to woodworking I wonder if handtool woodworkers rarely use sandpaper. How often do you use sandpaper?
I use it from time to time. Postly of I ant a deeper finish penitration or if I am working on a compound curve such as a handle. Traditionally, the last thing to touch the wood would be a cardscraper or file.
hey James, I hope you're well. I have a question, along with this, what other tools would be a good beginner set? Or if you could give a list of start up tools for creating your first projects what would they be? For creating anything from a box to a bed frame, beginner wise. Anyways, thanks again for all of your helpful videos. I know this is an older video and I wanted my comment to relate. Thanks!
+Oh Lucas you can make anything with a #4 hand plane, a hand saw and a set of chisels. After that let the project lead you to tools to buy.
Beautiful mallet! I just picked up some Ash stumps from a tree someone was removing. Do you think Ash would make a nice mallet?
That would be a great choice.
Sweet mallet! Not so secret Santa ;)
LOL yup! thanks! and marry christmas!
Have some old macrocarpa railway sleepers that have been under house for years, would this be a suitable wood for my first project?!?!
Sounds like a great use. Have fun with it.
Do you have any experience with a froe? And if so any recommendations?
Yes. I have a couple. The only thing I would say is make sure you get one that's forged not welded. You can get some cheap welded ones but those of a tendency to break off.
@@WoodByWright makes sense, thank you.
Im making my very first thing ever with wood and it is a mallet. A few questions, i didnt notice you putting a wedge in the top, is it unnecessary because the handle was flared at the top to stop it? If so what holds the butt of the mallet on the handle? Just pressure because of the wedging action? I was thinking doing it the same way and putting wire beneath the butt but is it even necessary? (Sorry so long, i have the flu and things dont make as much sense as they should right now haha)
thanks. the handle is basically a big wedge so the head will not fly off.
@@WoodByWright awesome! Thanks, sounds easy enough for a noob 😁
I just took down a maple tree that was growing too close to one of my outbuildings. The trunk at the bottom is about 6 inches around and I was wondering if it would make a decent green wood mallet? Would it work better if I dry the wood first or would the green wood be just as good. Any ideas would be appreciated.
for something that small it would work great green. but if you do want to dry it cut it slightly over sized and stick it in the oven for a few hours then let it sit for a cople days and it should be dry and ready to go.
Hi James, Merry Christmas man. Wondered if you could give me dimensions for the mallet head. Big thanks, Johnny
I actually make them all by eye but it is about 5" across at the bottom and 6" at the top. about 2 3/4" thick 4 1/4" tall. Hope that helps. I usually make them fit whatever piece of wood I am working with rather than a specific size.
Love the way it looks like it was made by a cave man with an axe,it looks great.
LOL dont diss the ax. most northwestern woodworking traditions only used axes to build everything.
Thor should be calling you soon for a new Hammer! :)
LOL
also i was wondering if you could make the inward curve that you put on the handle with a drawknife?
Always worth a try. I don't think I would as I like to use both faces. But you may like it.
Hi Matt, awesome video as always. Wondering where your bought your frame saw?
Thanks. I got the kit form Black Burn tool works. here is the video where I made it. www.woodbywright.com/blog/roubo-style-frame-saw
Hi James, could you tell me more about that epoxy you used? I'm working on a walnut mallet that split a little bit after I cut it down from a log.
this is the epoxy I used. amzn.to/2iTnAQB it is good stuff, but most people prefer the west system but it is far more expensive. amzn.to/2i0ptLH
Wood By Wright thanks!
si te entendiese me encantaria , pero es buenisimo igual
Do you think i can make a mallet from freshly cut wood? I have nice piece of Hornbeam, fragment for a mallet would have pretty straight grain. But if I will make one now, will it crack even if the grain is straight?
oh that is some hard stuff. I would cut it to size then leave it for a couple weeks in a paper bag. if you don't see any cracks then go ahead and use it. the cracks will happen in straight grain more then burl or twisted wood.
Wood By Wright thanks! ...why in paper bag? Only thing with drying wood I know is painting end grain so it will dry slower and more 'equal'
the paper bag will just let it dry slower. with that size it would probably be fine in the open air but you never know what it will do.
Out of curiosity, James, did you taper the mortice within the head itself, or did you keep it the same width all the way down? Thanks for a great video. I’ve definitely got to try making my own.
The mortise is tapered to match the handle. I laid the handle on the outside to transfer the taper to the top and bottom of the head so I can cut along those marks.
Wood By Wright. Ah, I see. Thanks for the response.
i got some chunks of live oak fresh off the tree, would it be too green for making a mallet?
Sure that would work well. Just know the shape will change as it dries and the handle may loosen a bit.
Is the handle glued in or just a pressure fit?
Just wedged. The angle is enough to keep it from flying off.
The saw, the saw, the saw... can you please give more information about the big saw that you used? did u make it? or did u buy it? if you bought, where from?
which big saw were you referring to? the one hanging up behind me?
Yes, it is the one you use at minute 1.03 of this video. You said it was your favorite saw to use. Thx.
I have made two videos on making those. here is the first one. ua-cam.com/video/Z1fEYcxM9Ic/v-deo.html and here is the most recent one. ua-cam.com/video/SC_hn3T9AqM/v-deo.html
Thanks a lot.
How do you drill straight?
I have several videos on the subject. If you search for "how to drill straight wood by wright" you'll find a couple. there's several tips and tricks in there on how you can eyeball a perfectly straight hole.
@@WoodByWright okay, thank ya
How did you make a mallet before you made this mallet 🤔
With a stick of wood. No joke.
wow
+Laurent Nahra thanks.
Now to find dry firewood
Sounds like fun!
anyone know how to measure the handle?
What measurement do you want. It's 3/4x3/4 at the bottom and 3/4 by inch and a quarter at the top.
Damnit, Jim. Just discovered your channel and was loving it, 'till I saw the Packer's shirt. As a woodworking flatlander, love your work. But as a Bear's fan, your wardrobe needs work....
LOL I am a Packers owner through and through. where are you at> I live in Rockford IL
Wood By Wright Naperville, though Chicago born and bred. Used to hunt rust with the MWTCA Chicago Artisans & Trades... Ain't you a little far south for a Packer Backer?
+MISANTHROPE1964 not that far. I am thinking of doing a local meet up some time soon. There are far more packet fans in Rockford then bears bit you go any further east and that changes.
I've decided not to challenge you to arm wrestling, you must have arms and muscles like Popeye with all the recent heavy wood dimensioning. :D
LOL. it is not as much a work out as it looks. but it does not hurt!
HI James, just thought I'd let you know you have the name Erich Keane beside my blog and youtube channel link in the Patreon Supporters section of the video description.
LOL thanks. that is what I get for not watching what I copy and paste. thanks for letting me know.
Comment down below
It’s good mallet, but it got a crack there