Round Or Flat?

[cabinetman]

For mallet faces (if you have them and use them) , do you prefer one over the other?

.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Mike,
If by round face you mean this carver's mallet, I really like and use it the most.

If by flat face you mean this carpenter's mallet, I think I use it less, but useful for when you need the flat face.

Also reach for the deadblow mallet every now and then.

[cabinetman]

Mike,
If by round face you mean this carver's mallet, I really like and use it the most.

If by flat face you mean this carpenter's mallet, I think I use it less, but useful for when you need the flat face.

Also reach for the deadblow mallet every now and then.

You got it covered. I should have been more explicit I think. Like maybe saying round or flat striking faces.

.

[phrog]

I turned one like Bill referred to as a Carver's Mallet (round with a slight taper getting smaller toward the handle). (First thing I ever turned) Made it from an old shagbark hickory tree I had to have cut down. I use it all the time.

Edit: The problem I see with a carpenter's mallet is that you have to look at it to make sure you have the face turned correctly and it breaks your concentration on what you're doing.

[cwsmith]

I went through a period a couple of years ago when I was making a few support benches for my little shop. I had decided to make all the joints M & T and was thus doing a lot of chisel work, all using a flat-faced mallet (actually a hard rubber "tire-like" mallet and Marples chisels.

After that lengthy process, I decided I'd buy proper "Mortice" chisels and a carpenter's mallet. Wouldn't you know, that since that purchase all I've done with those is cut a couple of practice mortices! I do like the rectangular head of the mallet and for me it's a terrific to have the right tool for the job (Crown - Sheffield England).

Now if only I'd get back to a few projects that would let me use it.

CWS

[cabinetman]

I went through a period a couple of years ago when I was making a few support benches for my little shop. I had decided to make all the joints M & T and was thus doing a lot of chisel work, all using a flat-faced mallet (actually a hard rubber "tire-like" mallet and Marples chisels.

After that lengthy process, I decided I'd buy proper "Mortice" chisels and a carpenter's mallet. Wouldn't you know, that since that purchase all I've done with those is cut a couple of practice mortices! I do like the rectangular head of the mallet and for me it's a terrific to have the right tool for the job (Crown - Sheffield England).

Now if only I'd get back to a few projects that would let me use it.

CWS

Maybe the best of both types would be one with both profiles. Here's a suggested top view...

[phrog]

Maybe the best of both types would be one with both profiles. Here's a suggested top view...
[ATTACH]18866[/ATTACH]

Maybe you should patent that and call the Capital "D" mallet.

[cabinetman]

Maybe you should patent that and call the Capital "D" mallet.

A capital "D" mallet...brilliant.

.

[gsmittle]

A capital "D" mallet...brilliant.

.

Somebody (can't remember who) markets a small brass mallet with that type of head.

I use a round brass head mallet when I use one, which isn't often.

g.

[LCHIEN]

Somebody (can't remember who) markets a small brass mallet with that type of head.

I use a round brass head mallet when I use one, which isn't often.

g.

Shop fox:


Veritas Leevalley.com


Diefenbacher.com


Peachtree PTreeusa.com


not exactly small here's a 2-lb whopper of a mallet from Highland woodworking



DIYers Lumberjocks.com


I like them, they all look pretty.

[cwsmith]

My rubber mallet was just a pretty cheap alternative to buying the right tool for the job:




It worked good enough with its 16 oz head. About the only other hammers that I had was a homemade oak-headed one that I had made, but it didn't have the weight; and of course, a few steel hammers which I would never use, even on the cheapest of chisels.

This rubber mallet was only something like $3 or $4 I think. Can't remember where I bought it or even how long I've had it.

CWS

[scmhogg]

I prefer the round carvers mallet. The weight allows a short controlled stroke, or tap. I turned mine out of a piece of solid brass and used Compreg as a handle. It is heavy.



Some time ago, I made a bunch of Japanese style long handled mallets. I have rarely used them since I made the round mallet.





Steve

[cabinetman]

I prefer the round carvers mallet. The weight allows a short controlled stroke, or tap. I turned mine out of a piece of solid brass and used Compreg as a handle. It is heavy.



Some time ago, I made a bunch of Japanese style long handled mallets. I have rarely used them since I made the round mallet.





Steve

Nice work Steve...looks great.

.

[cabinetman]

Maybe you should patent that and call the Capital "D" mallet.

I've been thinkin' about what to call it. The "capital" could be left out and just call it a "D" mallet, just like they call "D" rings.

.

[phrog]

I've been thinkin' about what to call it. The "capital" could be left out and just call it a "D" mallet, just like they call "D" rings.

.

Do I get any credit for the name on the patent application ?