Which hardwood for mallet

[Ed in Tampa]

I made a mallet out of an old orange tree I cut down. I haven't abused the mallet but it is probably 30 years old now and still works well for a mallet.

[swampgator]

Ed in Tampa, that orange tree idea makes me want to look around locally.

Nuhobbyman2, I really appreciate your posts here. I now have several types of wood to look up. First, I will see what I can find locally. We used to have some ash around and some hickory. Black walnut is rare here. I did notice in someone posts which I can't recall, about Osage Orange. So, I have several choices from which to choose. First, will be to see what is locally available that fits in the posted categories, then if I have to order, I'll try to go with the good stuff.

I have cut down a few mulberry trees here and they are so hard. I've had to sharpen chain saws while cutting up small mulberry trees. I really appreciate all the input. Will also try to remember to post what I do and use. If the rain ever lets up, I'll get the wood and start turning. Right now with all the rain, it seems that every time we have a wet early summer, we have hurricanes. The ground gets saturated and then in comes a hurricane and rips up every tree and line and utility pole. Will keep you posted on that as well. Thanks and again and be well.

[wa2crk]

Flea Market wood is good. Find old baseball bats and turn the fat ends down into a mallet.
Bill V

[swampgator]

Bill, now that's an idea. Thanks.

[dgreen810]

Swampgator

attached are a couple of photos of a mallet I made some time back to use making dovetails. After beating on the chisels as you can see there is nary a dent in the face of the mallet. Osage Orange (Beau d' arc) and Walnut.

Don G

[Dansmith]

Although it is hammer style, I have a maple mallet that I made with my Shopsmith in around 1994. Holding up pretty well after hard use. Some splintering on the edges. Here is a photo.

[Hobbyman2]

20170618_200912.jpg (284.78 KiB) Viewed 19463 times

20170618_202122_001.jpg (179.57 KiB) Viewed 19463 times

20170618_202131.jpg (289.95 KiB) Viewed 19463 times

20170618_202352.jpg (267.11 KiB) Viewed 19463 times

20170618_202355.jpg (247.86 KiB) Viewed 19463 times

,

I was thinking about this and realized I needed a couple small ones,,,I braved the high temps of the garage heat ,,, these are from a oak limb I had in the fire wood pile.

The big one,,,I call it the schwack master ,,,, is from a wormy ash limb that was used and abused fro a long time as you can see.
good for any thing that needs a good walop...after close to 10 years it almost worn out ,, the little walnut one is still under development , was going to use it on the leather table.

[skou]

If I could get my choice of wood,
this would be it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignum_vitae

But, this wood is very difficult to find.

steve

(edit) the picture also shows the type
of mallet I'd make.

[JPG]

If I could get my choice of wood,
this would be it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignum_vitae

But, this wood is very difficult to find.

steve

(edit) the picture also shows the type
of mallet I'd make.

Notice it is a close cousin to acacia?

[Hobbyman2]

Interesting grain pattern , There was a time when exotic woods were like lumber yards ,, they were all over the place.

I remember a fella making batons for the police dpt back in the 60's from rose wood .

Brazilian woods were every where, for me it is tough to find a good wood supply other then the woods it self, locust would probably be good , the stuff is very dense and nearly indestructible,,,especially the root .