Build this amazing traditional mallet

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
  • Build your own copy of a handy and ergonomic historical joiner's mallet.
    More video and exclusive content: / rexkrueger
    Get the Plans: www.rexkrueger...
    My previous mallet videos:
    Make a mallet with 3 tools: • Make a mallet with THR...
    Make 2 mallets from a rolling pin: • Make two solid woodwor...
    Paul Sellers' Mallet: • How to make a Joiners ...
    Tools in this build (affiliate):
    Auto-body Mallet with Nylon faces: amzn.to/2YZeXql
    Narex True Imperial Chisel Set: amzn.to/35ADF2L
    Starret Combination Square: amzn.to/2Z6J671
    (I use a vintage one, but the new ones are excellent, and expensive.)
    Screw Clamp: amzn.to/2Z8jCGw
    Coping Saw: amzn.to/34xnzFL
    (I use a vintage one, but this one is recommended.)
    Marking Knife: amzn.to/2PyhBQz
    Round (Rat-tail) file: amzn.to/2sJEHL1
    Plans, t-shirts, and hoodies: www.rexkrueger....
    Get my woodturning book: www.rexkrueger....
    Follow me on Instagram: @rexkrueger

ความคิดเห็น • 1.4K

  • @drunkenknight
    @drunkenknight 4 ปีที่แล้ว +820

    never in my life did i think the history and re-building of a joiner's mallet would be recommended to me and be this enjoyable, you win this time algorithm.

    • @jashimara
      @jashimara 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Same here.

    • @Schraedeinger
      @Schraedeinger 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same

    • @Vanayr
      @Vanayr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The bots command. The bots must be obeyed. Ok, ok, I liked and subscribed! 😂

    • @bodo4891
      @bodo4891 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      This is my third joiner's mallet crafting video I'm watching today and I have no idea how I got here.

    • @dust9787
      @dust9787 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      where can I pick up my time algorithm award?

  • @gumtreeterry9904
    @gumtreeterry9904 5 ปีที่แล้ว +428

    My wife watched this build with me, well casually glanced over my shoulder as she browsed her phone. Usually, she is not interested in woodwork. I thought it a nice sharing moment. I listened intently to the discussion of ergonomics and the importance of the angled face, mass of the head and so on. She looked at me and in all seriousness said, “You guys need help”. I had the last laugh however: I bought the plans.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +194

      We DO need help. We need help buying more tools and wood, we need help clearing out a good workspace, and we need help with the kids so we can get some damn woodwork done!

    • @ApexHerbivore
      @ApexHerbivore 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      That genuinely made me laugh Terry

    • @aubrey310
      @aubrey310 5 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      I'm a wife watching videos myself, wishing my husband had any interest 😒 Grew up watching This Old House on pbs. My inner woodworker spirit is dying 😭

    • @SapioiT
      @SapioiT 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      @@aubrey310 Then start woodworking yourself. Easy fix for the problem.

    • @charadremur333
      @charadremur333 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SapioiT she might not be able to.

  • @ejd53
    @ejd53 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    My grandfather was born and grew up in Old Kilpatrick, Scotland. He did his apprenticeship as a yacht joiner in the Napier and Miller shipyard there starting in 1912. I have a number of his tools including a mallet that looks very similar to the one you have, including curved head and "reverse wedge". It still works like it did a hundred years ago and the head is rock solid.

  • @danielchervin
    @danielchervin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The original designer had a solid understanding of how momentum is transferred via the impact, every time we swing a mallet we make a circular move with our hand, by curving the mallet he aligned the impacting surface to be perpendicular with the object we are hitting therefore optimizing the momentum transferred to the object without wasting energy on a lateral direction, also getting less tired in the process.

  • @vasilikozhushner7208
    @vasilikozhushner7208 5 ปีที่แล้ว +670

    it almost looks like the original craftsman just used a section of old wagon wheel to make that mallet head. maybe even used the original hole that the spoke would have gone into for the mortise and just squared it off.

    • @clayvansickle1
      @clayvansickle1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +43

      Vasili Kozhushner Huh. You might be right! That is a cool observation!

    • @samuelmellars7855
      @samuelmellars7855 5 ปีที่แล้ว +100

      Yeah, I'd be willing to bet that way back, someone re-purposed an old, broken wheel to make a mallet, then went "...huh, this is pretty good, let's make a few more like it and see what we can improve"
      or
      an apprentice tried to copy the really brilliant mallet the master had "invented" from an old bit of wheel

    • @u1u9
      @u1u9 5 ปีที่แล้ว +58

      I was thinking the same thing. Wagon wheel would also explain why the handle wedges in the “wrong” way.

    • @bs838
      @bs838 5 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      That's exactly it. Sometimes things are as simple as they seem. No need to glamorize or over complicate this tool.

    • @maxwatson4545
      @maxwatson4545 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      It also looks like this guy needs to take his enthusiasm down from 10 to about a 6

  • @zrebbesh
    @zrebbesh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My g'grandfather had several of these in his shop, in different sizes. He made them himself. The reverse mortise, curved head, and curved section at the top of the handle are a natural consequence of their being made from wooden wagon wheels. Your handle used to be a spoke. The heads absolutely never came loose from these because the mortise had been driven into it every time the wheel turned around, for many many years.

  • @fiercephoenix4389
    @fiercephoenix4389 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1591

    "Will you take three bucks?" That is indeed the proper response.

    • @zaggernut5054
      @zaggernut5054 5 ปีที่แล้ว +90

      immediately agree and they get suspicious

    • @H3xx99
      @H3xx99 5 ปีที่แล้ว +64

      Especially if you recognize it as easily a 50$ antique tool...

    • @thatellipsisguy8984
      @thatellipsisguy8984 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I would’ve started at $2...

    • @Ed-lz4jv
      @Ed-lz4jv 5 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@thatellipsisguy8984 I would charge you 7

    • @oddballvolp3
      @oddballvolp3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      he sells the plans for 3 bucks I feel like there's a connection...

  • @anthonychristie7781
    @anthonychristie7781 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    "The design of the tool itself, tells you how to use it." (18:15) This was exactly my sense the first time i picked up a Baroque cello bow and put it to a gut string. There's a ton of academic literature and general chit-chat amongst musicians about historical period practise, and it's useful and fun. But tbh, about 90% of it comes down to just doing what the gear says works. Bravo, Rex! Fantastic insight!

  • @jaredtandle2596
    @jaredtandle2596 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow, that mallet is the arc of the circle with the end of the handle as its center point. Or at least very close. Great engineering.

  • @chriswoods7452
    @chriswoods7452 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tonight I completed my Paul Sellers Mallet. Tomorrow I start my Rex Krueger router plane. Thanks Rex, please keep going.

  • @neilgordonlyndem6143
    @neilgordonlyndem6143 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You and paul are helping me and new Carpenters so much. Thank you 😁😁

  • @sno4439
    @sno4439 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The two different face angles were for a high grip and low grip on the handle.
    The bloke who made that was incredible.

    • @sno4439
      @sno4439 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Higher grip for one side with the higher angled face and the lower grip for the shy angled face

    • @sno4439
      @sno4439 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This would give you a square hitting angle

    • @holben27
      @holben27 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The circular faces on the handle are genius as well. It's such an intuitive way to tell the user the angle their mallet is facing before striking. The guy who made and/or designed this really was incredible.

    • @sno4439
      @sno4439 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@holben27 yes but I've seen the actual video when he didn't understand what the different angles were for

  • @firelasto
    @firelasto 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    i love it when people are genuinly excited and passionate about what they do, you can hear it in their voice. the way they admire the smallest of details, its just so nice to see someone so passionate about something

  • @idiosyncraticRyugu
    @idiosyncraticRyugu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    i have no clue how i got here.. but this dude's enthusiasm is very infectious.. was glued to it the whole video xD.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well, I'm glad you got here! Thanks for leaving a comment!

  • @paavobergmann4920
    @paavobergmann4920 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Idea why the two faces might come in at slightly different angles: When you grip the handle at the end for a power stroke and swing it from the elbow, you have a different radius compared to when you slide up on the handle for the delicate carving grip and move it from the wrist. So if you use the right face for the job, the face wil always hit the tool at right angles, which is safer, more efficient and precise. Whoever designed that mappet really knew geometry and ergonomics.

  • @GaryBrooks007
    @GaryBrooks007 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the Video, bought and downloaded the plans. Kinda wish the head was a little more detailed in the plans, the handle was perfect.

  • @LuisFlores-dn6jt
    @LuisFlores-dn6jt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    These videos are getting more entertaining and more insightful. Thank you Rex.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's nice to hear!

  • @Sionnach1601
    @Sionnach1601 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Well done. Worthy endeavour. I really commend you on identifying the potential of the tool, the recognition of the ancient craftsman, and your own, brand new finished mallet.

  • @theskip1
    @theskip1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    cut the curve with a bow saw...by the way you didn't mention soaking the head in linseed oil for about a month before assembly this not only increases the weight of the head but gives the fibers a certain amount of spring which protects the face of the mallet. believe me it makes your mallet last a lot longer.
    ps. i was a carpenter / joiner all my working life ( now retired )

    • @PR-fk5yb
      @PR-fk5yb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Is it possible the top of the original handle was cut a little bigger then soak and forced press in the head. That would make the joints not only tigther but would not need any glue.?

  • @vaultking9984
    @vaultking9984 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    1 I am modifying this for a Cosplay build, THIS IS MY HAMMER!
    2 I got really happy when you got the cross cut saw. My grandpa had and EXCLUSIVELY used it

  • @GhostfaceRuga
    @GhostfaceRuga 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I just recently dove into my woodworking venture, and didn't want to spend a whole lot to get started on some basic things. (funny right) and then I discovered your channel! Unlike some of these others who boast a starter kit for $1000 🙄 I've made your $30 work bench, and I've made some pretty cool stuff on that bench! So thank you much!

    • @kevinelliott5823
      @kevinelliott5823 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Waylon Gerard that’s my plan for this weekend! Harbor freight for a cpl things

  • @markdesolate
    @markdesolate ปีที่แล้ว

    "There's no reason to be a slave to tradition". I like this saying A LOT! Thanks for the very detailed video. You gained my sub! Greetings from the Netherlands

  • @SnailMan63
    @SnailMan63 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I know nothing about woodworking but Rex’s enthusiasm travels to me

  • @varesh3136
    @varesh3136 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Im not a big fan of these stuff but the way you talk and explain from start to finish makes this video enjoyable yo watch.

  • @samlau7948
    @samlau7948 5 ปีที่แล้ว +675

    Fam: “What have you been up to today?”
    Me: Nothing much, just watched a guy fanboy over a hammer for 16 minutes 😂

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +182

      Seems reasonable to me.

    • @samlau7948
      @samlau7948 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Agreed. 🙂

    • @aubrey310
      @aubrey310 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      I watched a 2 hour bushcraft build that had almost no dialog. Chances of me being able to go to any wilderness and build anything at all are slim.

    • @SapioiT
      @SapioiT 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@aubrey310 It's about relaxation, not about learning handicrafting. There is a documentary about Primitive Technology which goes into more details about that.

    • @drafty0183
      @drafty0183 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Unlike your explanation of the details, and why it has the features it has and to what use you put them. Well done man!

  • @petervelloza4930
    @petervelloza4930 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never thought I would be able to watch the entire video. I haven’t been sleeping the past few days.
    I really thought this would put me to sleep now I want to go make one , no power tools !proper respect,great job .
    And I’m still awake.

  • @JDark89
    @JDark89 5 ปีที่แล้ว +285

    I'd lay money on that being a cartwheel, hence the opposing wedge handle and the extreme curve on the head. See a lot of old shops with similar tools here in England, its just good sense to re-use and recycle old scrap into useful tools. Nice video none-the-less as always

    • @andreypozhogin1336
      @andreypozhogin1336 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Huh it would then make sense why the handle is tapered that way!!!

    • @caitlainmccarren2286
      @caitlainmccarren2286 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      I concur, if the mallet head isn't part of wheel, like perhaps an off cut, then the mallet was fashioned by a wheelwright for sure. Complex joinery otherwise.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +87

      I'm not sure I buy that it's part of a wheel; the head is too thick. But the idea that it's a wheel-wright's mallet deserves SERIOUS consideration. It would explain a lot.

    • @caitlainmccarren2286
      @caitlainmccarren2286 5 ปีที่แล้ว +50

      @@RexKrueger th-cam.com/video/BU6rKIJiwLA/w-d-xo.html at about eight minutes into the video should convince you that the off cut idea is a real possibility. He works on a felloe (wheel section) large enough to suit the theory...and while the technology is ancient the video is modern. I understand he makes wheels of Ash.

    • @elffirrdesign2063
      @elffirrdesign2063 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I concur! Sin Duda!

  • @chrishunter2097
    @chrishunter2097 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I built this mallet out of oak and have been using it…it is fantastic. Thanks for the video.

  • @DCxRecon
    @DCxRecon 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    “I am not coming back covered in dust and wearing a respirator.” Loved it!!!!

    • @leahanna5594
      @leahanna5594 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "I'm gettin' me mallet"

  • @Ericrutledgebetter
    @Ericrutledgebetter 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well I took your advice except for the last part. This was my first project after completing my table. But must say after sweat, blood, and a lot of 4 letter words. I couldn't be happier. Love your videos and sense of humor. Keep up the good work!

  • @priority2
    @priority2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love your channel! I’m a retired 40 year sheet metal worker and a hobby machinist/Knifemaker but I love watching someone who works with his hands and who takes pride in what he is doing ❤️ You have a new subscriber and Patron 😊 Keep up the great work. I can’t believe you don’t have a million subscribers👍

  • @yadoodz
    @yadoodz ปีที่แล้ว

    Rex, not sure if somebody’s already said it, but that little penny sized detail at the top of the mallet is the result of turning the handle on a lathe. I’m a carpenter, and I just finished making this mallet out of some oak firewood I had at home. I decided to turn the handle on our shop lathe and I had the exact same result. It’s just what happens when the round turning gouge contacts the square edges of the tenon!

  • @Exgrmbl
    @Exgrmbl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Nice find, reminds me when i found an 80 year old continental style 24" jointer plane in great condition for 5€. Insane what some people throw out there, but their ignorance is our benefit.

  • @Greyotterstudio
    @Greyotterstudio ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rex and Paul sellers are the reason I felt confident enough to get into woodworking, they always make it seem accessible to us all. No matter our experience or tool collection. I just made a laminated ash and sapele mallet entire with a hand saw and a plane, and I don't think I would of even had the confidence to try without these guys, so thanks for the inspiration!!

  • @_optimal
    @_optimal 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Not gonna lie but when I saw this in my recommended I kinda just pushed it off to the side. I finally caved in to see what this was about and i now have no regrets! I subbed and loved this whole video on this.

  • @incotheghost6243
    @incotheghost6243 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why am I here? I have no knowledge or interest in carpentry or woodworking, or anything of the like. but god damn, the way you shine with excitement and bring out that eagerness and passion in what you clearly love dearly, I love watching these videos!

  • @petercallaghan9851
    @petercallaghan9851 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    3rd video in.....and this has become one of my favorite channels. You are a great communicator and I really like your humor.

  • @joeblow3547
    @joeblow3547 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just discovered Rex. He speaks very well. Quite a professional. Easy to watch.

  • @Mr40tt
    @Mr40tt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    WoW! Some of the old craftsmen certainly knew what they were doing.
    I was a blacksmith for over 60 years, and would learn much "just by pondering the workmanship of what others had crafted."
    I have worked at being an all-around craftsman (wood/metal) for the majority of my life, and have had fine training from some very skilled craftsman,
    and yet I am still learning all of the time.
    I have seen some very clever younger craftsmen do things that I have never seen before, so age is not the divider.
    Thank You for the lesson!

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And thank you for sharing your experience too! I'm also a smith, and I find it a very demanding craft. I've been at it a while, but I've got a long way to go.

  • @RevereShin
    @RevereShin 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ll admit, I’ve passed right by your video a couple times. But, boy was TH-cam right in recommending this to me. From the intro to the explanation to the woodworking, I loved every moment of it!

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's so nice of you to say! Thanks!

  • @HolyPineCone
    @HolyPineCone 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I am a complete beginner but your videos makes me so happy! You give me the feeling that this is something I can make. Even though this specific one seems kind of hard, I will draw inspiration from it. Thank you!

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This one is a bit hard, but I have plenty of easy ones!

  • @theanman777
    @theanman777 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love people who are passionate of their specialties and provide a good source of information and entertainment through that passion.

  • @facundonunez2358
    @facundonunez2358 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    That mallet look like it's was made of a piece of wagon wheels, and repurpose for a nice mallet, could be that it's have different angle in the faces for be crude made or for different stroke, maybe one heavy and another delicate.
    The wagon wheels need a taper like that for the mechanical strength .
    It's a beautiful mallet trought!

    • @Great.Milenko
      @Great.Milenko 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      im not sure, looking at it, if it were a wheel it would be about 3 feet outside diameter..

    • @punishedmeridia
      @punishedmeridia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Great.Milenko Could have been a cannon wheel or a two wheeled buggy wheel

    • @VinlandAlchemist
      @VinlandAlchemist 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd posted something similar here, a couple/few months ago - it's been done often before, that a ship's wheel would be made into carpenter's mallets like this... these especially would have that feature on the handle Rex likes so much. It's my bet that that's just what Rex has here - a mallet from an old ship's wheel ;)

  • @billshaffer9689
    @billshaffer9689 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    not just the geometry but the ergonomics were well thought out. needs showing thru in the design. gotta love someone that knew what was needed

    • @paavobergmann4920
      @paavobergmann4920 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      experience. Being experienced in a job does wonders.

  • @philspaces7213
    @philspaces7213 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    When i made mine, i used a different angle on the two faces Purposely, one was flatter than the other you can get a harder blow with the flater face, the angled face is like you said easier on The body, but sacrifices transfered energy

  • @NoxianSoulHarvester
    @NoxianSoulHarvester 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    If i want to make to most useful and ergonomic mallet there is no reason i shouldn't be buying those plans thanks for all the help rex!

  • @Sephiroth391
    @Sephiroth391 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    "i have plans set up on my website really reasonably priced"
    -yeah reasonably priced, i don't mind spending 5$ on it
    -Huh, i'm sold

  • @COEYRN
    @COEYRN 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You say at the end of your video about patrons looking for old tools.
    I have collected for years, plus I have my dad's tools, he kept from his grandfather. There so aesthetically pleasing, I just love them. To be honest, until I watched this video today, I had no idea how to use some of them. So thank you, and love your voice and the way you present. To me that's what keeps me watching.

  • @masteronone2079
    @masteronone2079 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've got to say this was one of the most information dense I have come across. If I started ticking off the tips an tricks Ilearned here I'd have to pause the video to sharpen my pencil.
    Thanks❗

  • @devoncrooks226
    @devoncrooks226 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just made one of these! Love the design and the plans were very user friendly
    Thanks for all you do on this channel. I’m a big fan

  • @jackfrost1031
    @jackfrost1031 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I just had a dogwood tree fall in my yard and think I will save the lumber for making a mallet now! Thanks

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Excellent choice!

    • @adrianabshire
      @adrianabshire 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh, I could *make* a Dog Wood fall in my yard! Lol. How long would it need to sit outside and dry out?

  • @jamesperrin3762
    @jamesperrin3762 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Despite beating you to the punch line in the intro I think this is your best video so far. I’ve a cheap shop bought mallet but I don’t think there is anything stopping me from applying some of the features of yours to it.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Make your own. It will be better. I promise!

  • @wilsoncalhoun
    @wilsoncalhoun 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Regarding needing a mallet to make a mallet, don't forget the simple cylinder mallet hacked out of a piece of cordwood or a thick limb. They're not necessarily always the best tool for the job, but they're often a quick, easy, and good enough solution to a temporary problem.

  • @mathquir190
    @mathquir190 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    try a slight curve into the handle. The force will be stronger on one side and less on the other. I also made mine with finger grips bye drawing out my hand on it and chiseling it and have a pommel to the end of the handle to punch big on the other side that give more force. I'm like chiseling small taps and then when I need a big stroke I just rotate it.

  • @beerguy1002000
    @beerguy1002000 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Well I watched the video twice and I love the design so much, I finally am supporting you and got the plans and the spokeshave too. Keep em coming, your doing great!!! Thanks

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Welcome to the channel!

  • @buzzmooney2801
    @buzzmooney2801 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    An excellent illustration of one of the great ironies of woodworking: you often end up spending half your shop time making more tools!

  • @johnmcgee7171
    @johnmcgee7171 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Man, you knocked it out of the park. One of the best vids l've ever seen. I gotta try to make one.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!

    • @elementalist1984
      @elementalist1984 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RexKrueger just curious, but would it have been possible to stabilize that first billet with epoxy for this project?

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@elementalist1984 yes, but I don't see why.

    • @elementalist1984
      @elementalist1984 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RexKrueger just a curiosity thing. Like if it was a specific type of wood that you wanted to use or that was all you had. Not really relevant to most situations as it would be easier to get a different piece of wood than it is to stabilize the first piece.

  • @MrRogsmart
    @MrRogsmart ปีที่แล้ว

    It was a good day indeed when I stumbled across Rex Krueger's channel. The mallet is nice too.

  • @allenwc
    @allenwc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It is amusing, because I just watched Paul Sellers mallet a week or so ago, and, now Third Coast craftsman just did one and Wood by Wright as well. I am going to build this one though.

    • @driesvanoosten4417
      @driesvanoosten4417 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's not amusing, it's a sign.

    • @clappercl
      @clappercl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You see this video duplication a lot. A famous maker releases a video and everyone else copies it to ride the wave. Which I love, myself. More ideas and ways to a task are great!

    • @RockyMountainBear
      @RockyMountainBear 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "What does it mean?! OMG! A triple wood carvers mallet in the sky! What. Does. It. Meeeean? 😫😢😟😩🤯"
      Seriously though, that Abraham Lincoln mallet looks pretty cool, and tests your skillz. I would still go with this one. It's more useful, and 3rd coast was just showing off (which I totally would never do... that's a lie. I wood).

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@clappercl For the record, mine has nothing to do with 3rd Coast Craftsman. I've been slowly planning this one for months. and I shoot 2 weeks ahead of release, so his wasn't out when i started.

    • @clappercl
      @clappercl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@RexKrueger Oh, I didn't mean to imply you did, sorry! Should have phrased that better! But you do often see similar videos released in bundles from multiple content providers. Which again, I enjoy!

  • @HickeyTyson
    @HickeyTyson 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    The irony of story and the ticket price for the mallet is not lost on me.
    Wicked video! Keep up the awesome work. I just stumbled upon your videos and I love the commentary and fun that you have in your videos.
    Thx for the knowledge

  • @scottsimpey2965
    @scottsimpey2965 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great looking mallet Rex. I need to make a new one and I think I’ll give this a shot. I made a Paul Sellers style mallet a few years ago but it’s big and bulky so it’s very rare that I ever pick it up for use except to move it. Great job explaining how you went about the overall shaping of that.

  • @marigoldjanies5756
    @marigoldjanies5756 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    ....it's 3 am and I'm completely invested in a video of a guy geeking out over a mallet.....love it

  • @joeobrien196
    @joeobrien196 5 ปีที่แล้ว +124

    The dark patina on old mallets was often not just with time. When the mallet dried out the head would be placed in a bath of linseed oil and left until the two faces(end grain) would not absorb any more. The handle would be removed and one side of the hole blocked with putty and the hole filled until no more linseed oil was absorbed. A coat applied to the rest of the head. Protection and a slight weight gain.

    • @NCharlesworth86
      @NCharlesworth86 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I've heard the same about wood planes, with craftsmen sealing the mouth and filling the void with linseed and leaving it for a day so the entire block gets full of oil which then cures

    • @ukype
      @ukype 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very cool to know

    • @BloodSprite-tan
      @BloodSprite-tan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      i have some very dark knife handles that were basically only finished with applying coats of linseed oil they get wet often and so i have to apply a lot of coats, while it might be true that the mallet was bathed in linseed oil, i'm not really sure that is always the case. it might just be a well used tool, that has many hundreds of coats of linseed oil.

    • @leehaelters6182
      @leehaelters6182 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Joe, sounds like you know what yer talkin about first hand. In a similar vein, Mr. Paul Vogel, a turner past retirement age but still at the lathe when I met him more than fourty years ago, had a bucket full of fish billies soaking in used motor oil in his shop in South Boston. RIP Mr. Vogel, you old craftsman.

    • @Danoliveira3
      @Danoliveira3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@leehaelters6182 excuse me if I sound stupid for asking but english id not my first language, what exactly are fish billies?

  • @glen9864
    @glen9864 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm a plasterer and I enjoyed your piece on thors hammer immensely 👍

  • @Khitiara_
    @Khitiara_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Over in machining land we call that sort of joint a "self-locking taper", its really surprising sometimes how strong they can be

  • @johnkelley9877
    @johnkelley9877 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a great tutorial. Not only do you explain how to make the mallet but you let us know about the Paul Sellers mallet as well. This is just very helpful and thoughtful advice. Thank you for making and sharing this.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Paul's mallet is IDEAL for the beginner.

  • @leiladekwatro3147
    @leiladekwatro3147 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That guy watching this video like "I shouldnt have let it go for 3 bucks"

  • @Baghnal
    @Baghnal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hobbyist woodworker from Germany here! Loved the video, also always wanted to make my own mallet. Might give it a shot!
    I like your style of explaining, it all made a lot of sense to me! =)

  • @MrJlm38
    @MrJlm38 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hello, I built a mallet after seeing your video, thank you for the inspiration

  • @revon0521
    @revon0521 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love this mallet. And I love that you shout out to Paul Sellers. His was my first mallet and yours will be my second. I believe this is the proper sequence. That said, my choice of flamed birch was poor, for a first go because the grain is all over the place and even mortising was a challenge. Can't wait to DL the plan and have a whack at this. Thanks, Rex.

  • @rubenotero7100
    @rubenotero7100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I cant tell if youtube knows I'm losing my mind spiraling deep into a covid woodworking hobby or if this was just randomly recommended.

  • @woodandwandco
    @woodandwandco 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is still my favorite episode! I watch it repeatedly for the $3 punchline!

  • @chrisyu98
    @chrisyu98 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I skipped the square/rectangular tapered hole. Straight round hole. The handle is a damaged double bladed axe handle (hickory). with the length and surface area between the handle and head some glue and a simple wedge in the end will hold it. It will never just fly off, not without you noticing it was loose. Like you the head was ash from a storm damaged tree. Just as a test I made two, one with the grain parallel the other perpendicular to the striking face. See which holds up better.

  • @r.mercado9737
    @r.mercado9737 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I simply cannot believe 21 minutes went by so quickly! Outstanding Mr. Rex! Semper Fi

  •  5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was a car mechanic for several decades. a tool that doesn't fit your hand is a total misery to use. when you brought that mallet out I could see that it was made by a craftsman. I was seeing ergonomic purpose in the details even before you pointed them out. the unknown maker was a master of his craft. I wouldn't be surprised to find that he constructed some of the furniture we've seen appraised (and praised) on the antique road show, English or American version.
    brand new to woodworking but your videos have already taught me how to make my chisels sharper and explained how to set up an old Stanley plane I cosmetically restored but had no clue about how to use. that sellers mallet pattern is my next project.
    I already made a carvers mallet that to be honest is pretty horrible but i'll use it to make my sellers pattern mallet.
    baby steps.

  • @1977TCBElvis
    @1977TCBElvis 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi Rex,
    Great work, as always! Very inspirational. I 'm still wondering how the old masters could build their projects by just using handtools.
    Look at the the wooden vessels of the 15th and 16th century here in Europe. Amazing!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family, have a happy new year and let's hope that our countries won't fight too much over minor issues.
    Greetings from Germany

  • @jaimiemackie8062
    @jaimiemackie8062 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

    one of the first tools I ever made for my carpentry was a very very crude mallet. I´m still amazed that it still works for me.

  • @199NickYT
    @199NickYT 4 ปีที่แล้ว +307

    This guy would be an incredible salesman.
    "Sell me this pen."
    "I'll do you one better." *pulls out mallet*

    • @clockmaister
      @clockmaister 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      "big maaan big maaan, want a Thor's pen?"

  • @twistedtwinx2517
    @twistedtwinx2517 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    my grandfather had a mallet like that. He said his father made a heavy wooden wagon wheel into several of them by cutting the wheel apart evenly between the spokes etc. and gave one to each of his sons.

  • @weezerOU812
    @weezerOU812 3 ปีที่แล้ว +162

    I see your plans are $5.00. Will you take 3 bucks?

    • @marconiandcheese7258
      @marconiandcheese7258 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

      How bout tree fitty

    • @Notforyou201
      @Notforyou201 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      How does FREE fitty sound?

    • @okiwatashi2349
      @okiwatashi2349 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@Notforyou201does that mean that Rex gives you 50 cents to take it away?

    • @oliverdelica2289
      @oliverdelica2289 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

      Dare to use his spells against him? 😂

    • @unclebobsbees4899
      @unclebobsbees4899 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      😂

  • @MW-xv1sj
    @MW-xv1sj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's a piece off of the front wheel of a horse cart. Probably late 1800s early 1900s. (Im estimating based on wheel diameter. Wheel size was much smaller during that time due to the better quality of roads) Spokes were turned on a lathe. Mortise machines were already around (1867). The spoke is the handle. The wedge on the top is so strong because it was super compressed by a steel band. So really the wheelwright is who you can thank for that mallet, and I gotta get me one. A mallet. Not a wheelwright, cus I dont have a cart. Or a horse.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's pretty unlikely. It's made of beech, which is the wrong wood and the radius on the top and bottom are different. Also, there are no historical examples of mallets made that way that I can find. It's not impossible, but I'll believe it when I see some evidence.

  • @louisvictor3473
    @louisvictor3473 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Been thinking on this one. The taper on the tenon is really more like hourglass shaped than "reversed", even if you don't initially build it that way. The moment that wedge goes in, that is the shape the tenon will naturally be shaped. Even if there is no space for it to expand to an actual hourglass shape, you've just increased the friction fit by increasing internal pressure, and with the glue you'd really need to be Thor to make it get loose. On the other hand, I wonder if that is not actually how the mortise is shaped (whether in an actual hourglass shape with the top as broad as the bottom, or with the top just a bit broader than the initial size of the tenon up there, which would be too subtle to guess without cutting the mallet open).

  • @TheFlyJunky
    @TheFlyJunky 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rex you are one of the best woodworking youtubers. subscribed after 50+ vids watched

  • @madebyconnor7763
    @madebyconnor7763 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I’ve been needing to make a mallet. Might try this one!

  • @1inDnile
    @1inDnile 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had one like this bought at a car boot sale in England,traditionally mallets are made out of beech,'fagus sylvatica' in england Shaft and head. Never put your hand planes on their soles always lay on side to protect both sole and blade...Nice job none the less has inspired me to make one.

  • @sageseraph5035
    @sageseraph5035 4 ปีที่แล้ว +117

    “Ah yes, the fine craft of wood working.”
    ~me, who knows nothing about this stuff
    2020

    • @Wertsir
      @Wertsir 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      “Yes that sure is some... wood”

    • @PandorasFolly
      @PandorasFolly 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Wertsir yes. The wood is made of......wood.

    • @matheussanthiago9685
      @matheussanthiago9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      the fine and complex art of reshaping tree corpses, yes outstanding indeed

    • @oliverdelica2289
      @oliverdelica2289 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love you guys 🤣🤣

  • @chrisflanagan7564
    @chrisflanagan7564 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm not doing any woodwork, but I just watched 21 minutes of you making a mallet, subscribed, commented and liked. In that order...

  • @MatthewSherriff85
    @MatthewSherriff85 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I've made 2 mallets so far, the first exploded and the second one is still standing but i need a better, hardwood and heavier one

    • @vbgvbg1133
      @vbgvbg1133 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Imagining it exploding is kinda funny

    • @MatthewSherriff85
      @MatthewSherriff85 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@vbgvbg1133 it was weighted with sand too, wish I had it on slow Mo video

  • @rogerr4220
    @rogerr4220 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video really exemplifies your abilities as a story teller and educator.

  • @alexisjust9269
    @alexisjust9269 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    You're my favorite comedian, er I mean woodworker.

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      I try to make is fun. These woodworking videos can get a bit dry.

    • @ubbeus
      @ubbeus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Woodedian?

    • @brag0001
      @brag0001 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RexKrueger depends on where you store them 😉

  • @TombstoneThe
    @TombstoneThe 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    i love this video so much. i've only done a very little woodworking in my life but there's something about this video... it started off with a funny story about you finding an antique hammer at a garage sale for five bucks, which is decades old and has silently being the best mallet ever made. the analysis of the design and the faithful attention to detail in it's recreation was an entertaining process in and of itself. and, in the end, you even offer the plans for people to create the hammer themselves. in this video i saw a craftsman of an ancient art come across a tool of timeless quality through a pure stroke of serendipity, and save it from being lost to the annals of time. thanks for making this video!

  • @gordonpromish9218
    @gordonpromish9218 5 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    on the curves and face angles: willing to bet that if you extend the planes of the faces until they intersect, you will discover that intersection is the vertex or center of rotation for your hand in a natural-hold strike, and that the curves match arcs drawn from that vertex. keeping the mass and momentum of the head in-line with the arc of the swing helps keep the face aligned perpendicular to the chisel's butt. at a guess, that's why it feels livelier in your hand than does the other mallet

    • @RexKrueger
      @RexKrueger  5 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Now there's a man who understands geometry. I'm an educated man, but I didn't understand half of the very smart stuff you just said.

    • @chrisosh9574
      @chrisosh9574 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Freezing the image and holding a ruler to the screen shows the plane of the faces intersect with the outer surface of the end of the handle, the designer was a master.

    • @HyperactiveNeuron
      @HyperactiveNeuron 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I was thinking exactly the same thing. In fact while he was swinging the mallet I could picture the planes if the faces and the center line of the handle. It's all about the physics.

    • @christophersmith8014
      @christophersmith8014 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Or perhaps parallel to your forearm when your gripped hand is at its maximum forward tilted position. That way it lines up with the motion of your arm and minimizes wrist stress. It would also keep that alignment no matter how far up you gripped the handle.
      I'm not next to my tools to measure the angles, but I would figure that if you rest your hand open and look at your thumb as the handle and the inside line of your index finger as the mallet face the relationship would be nearly the same. Then using the mallet would be as comfortable as tapping your finger on the edge of a table.

    • @WoodInn
      @WoodInn 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@RexKrueger Here is an article with diagrams showing exactly what he is suggesting. www.timberframe-tools.com/tools/mallet-head-angle/#mallet-stringing

  • @mammalion4316
    @mammalion4316 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a BEAUTIFULLY USEFUL TOOL!! I AM SOOOO THANKFUL I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL. I have always appreciated the Wisdom of Old Tools, what a Blessing that you search them out and suss out their uses AND REPLICATE THEM FOR US. THANK YOU, I'm subscribing.

  • @calcium9398
    @calcium9398 4 ปีที่แล้ว +128

    Why am I watching this? I'm not even a carpenter.

    • @glendawynn887
      @glendawynn887 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Saaaaame

    • @ubbeus
      @ubbeus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Not yet - wait 'til you've watched the whole series...;)

    • @kendarr
      @kendarr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Try getting into making stuff, it's awesome

    • @PMVoid
      @PMVoid 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Because
      Making things makes your brain *feel*

    • @richardwiley5933
      @richardwiley5933 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Making stuff is programmed into the male DNA. It's fascinating and grabs our attention whether we need it or not.

  • @royalt6938
    @royalt6938 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey man I have been watching your videos for a while and always hear the plug for your plans, but I never bothered to look.
    I looked today and they look really professional, I wish I had seen a screenshare of your store because its a lot more legit than I expected!

  • @tsarbamba642
    @tsarbamba642 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "will you take three bucks?" this guy knows his stuff.

  • @josephsmith3957
    @josephsmith3957 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been wanting to get into wood working and I have made handles and I used all hand tools I had available and I haven't ever been able to find someone who uses a lot of hand tool you got a subscribe from me awesome hand work!!!

  • @Daddywaah
    @Daddywaah 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    "Will you take 3 bucks?" - lmao, that'll teach me for taking a sip of wine at the same time! :D

  • @timothymagee6643
    @timothymagee6643 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think the round section at the handle where it meets the head is a design for strength. The handle is quite thin and the stress where the handle meets the head is considerable. Any user might hit with this mallet with different forces, some with great force, so the curved section strengthens to avoid handle breakage.

    • @ragnkja
      @ragnkja 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Timothy Magee
      Yet another reason it’s a good design element that the maker should strive to include, or exclude at their own risk.

  • @lestercopeland6885
    @lestercopeland6885 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I just made a wooden mallet this afternoon. Been a long time since I made anything. I'm way out of practice.