We were approached by professional wood carver and teacher Mary May with a request to reproduce a carving mallet. The original mallet we based this design on was made by David Reilly, and features a seamless transition from the brass head into the walnut handle. The taper of the head continues into the handle and then blends into a large, shallow radius that swells out into a generous pommel on the end. This makes the mallet comfortable to hold in any position. For controlled taps, the user grasps the brass head, with the forefinger resting on the top of the head. (See photo above) Sliding your hand down the handle allows for a heavier, swinging strike. While designed with carving in mind, it is also an excellent choice for joinery and other chisel work.
The walnut handle is secured to the head with a white oak wedge, and is finished with birchwood Casey Tru-Oil. The overall weight of the mallet is about 18 ounces, or just over one pound. Balance is excellent.
This mallet is not designed to strike metal tools. Damage to the brass will result. Use only on wooden handled gouges or chisels.
Price is $140.
